The Road - (Concluded!)

[Pelasgia]

Antikyra
Alexandros slept inside his guard post, on the border of the Antikyran and Amarysian territories. Everything seemed peaceful and quiet as usual, allowing him a good night's, or day's in the current case, sleep.

"Sir."

Something seemed to sound near him. A bird singing? An insect passing next to his ear? Maybe a voice?

"Sir."

It was clear now. A voice. But who was it? If it was an inspection he was in deep trouble. He had only gotten off easily the first time cause a freind woke him up right ebfore the inspector came. He still did not escape unifrom violations but it was better than getting caught sleeping. If he got caught this time he would be in trouble. The Antikyran Civil Guard was quite strict. Might as well wake up and see who it is Alexander thought.

"Sir?"

"Oh hello. Sorry for making you say that so many times. I was slightly sleeping on the job, heh heh."

It was an ordinary young man crossing the border, holding his passport. Alexandros took it checked the details and stamped it, real quick, to make up for the awkwardness of getting caught sleeping. He handed the man his passport, before seeing a crowd stretching for miles, behind him. They were hodling blue and red flags.

"What- what are all thsoe people? Is it tourist season already?"

"No sir. They are with the National Unity Front, like me. They have come here to protest peacefully. So they are waiting to get their passports checked.

Alexandros blinked and looked at the crowd dazzled.

"Well... are they unarmed?"

"I think so sir."

"Then they can go through. I will go ahead and open the pole."

Alexandros got out of the little guard post and lifted the pole, allowing the thousands of protesters to pour into Antikyra. He then got on the radio to notify the region's commander.

"Ah sir. We have a small situation. I just let a whole lot of people in from the border."

"We know corporal. We have been getting that a lot today on the Eastern border. Hwo many was it?"

Alexandros turned around to look at the huge line, stretching for miles once more.

"Ten thousand? Fifteen?"

"Thank you Corporal. We will take it from here."

The Commander closed the phone, turning to the other officers in the border control office.

"Gentlemen. This is going to be one long day."

 

[Pelasgia]

Nikaia
A fog had covered the ground with a think grey cutting sunlight. Trees could still be seen along with the grass, with their thick green sticking out. This part of Northeastern Caria was much colder than most of Caria, having a Light Continental Climate like the one you would expect to find in southwest Wendzemia, mainly due to being east of the great Titanian mountain range.

Still a little sunlight managed to reach Lysimachus' eyes, promting him to stick his palm to his forehead and look up, toward the sun. It was probably already time for him and the others to have their break. One of Caria's largest industries was mining gold, silver, diamonds and other minerals and gems. Those who owned it made unimaginable amounts of money, even more so if they owned jewelry companies. Nikaia was the heart of this industry in Caria, both in mining and making jewelry, but the Nikaians were imporverished, working for countless hours for little to no pay. With the recent civil war to the south impacting maritime trade, it was hard for the Nikaians to transport their minerals and jewelry outside the country, having to transport them to Demetrias or Navarino, adding a lot more cost.

The workers grew even more impoverished, as the owners of the companies cut their wages instead of using the huge surplus of money they had to cover the added cost. As could be expected the workers were quite upset. A representative from the Workers' Party of Sounio, which was trying to establish a nationwide Workers' Party, had come to deliver a speech to the miners during their break. Lysimachus moved along with his friends toward the break area, sitting at a table and getting ready to eat while chatting with his friend.

"So is that Sounian coming here today?" asked Stefanos, one of his friends.

"From what I gathered he is." Lysimachus replied and continued opening the package which contanied his sandwich.

"How are the bosses allowing that?"

"They would not, but the Union threatened a strike so somehow they did."

"First time I hear of them giving in to Unions. Myabe it was more than one Union. The Despot is too busy to oppress us right now."

"Speak of the devil." noted Markos, another one of his friends.

The owner of the factory had arrived with his car to the break area. He moved on top of the elevated platform which had been made in case, announcements like the one that was probably about to happen. Beside him stood two officers.

"Good Afternoon gentlemen. I understand the Union had scheduled a little field trip from one of our friends from Sounio. That will sadly have to be postponed. I am here to announce to you that a new damn will be constructed near the town of Argirissos. With it our mining operations will expand greatly. We will be forced to use some new chemicals for our mining operations due to rising costs but we are sure they are compltely safe, despite what other mines' employees might tell you-

Argirissos was the town where Lysimachus' family lived. In fact most of the families of the miners lived in the nearby area. Building a damn was enough on its own as it would cut off or pollute most of their water supply. As if that was not enough the company had decided to use toxic materials like lead and other poisonous substances it also used in its other mines to cut costs, with irrepairable damage to the environment being done. As one would expect everyone's blood was boilling.

"Θέλεις να δηλητηριάσεις τις οικογένειές μας ρε μπάσταρδε;!"
"Do you want to poison our famillies you bastard?!"

"Είσαι τρελός ρε;! Εκεί ζουν οι οικογένειές μας!"
"Are you insane?! Our famillies live there!"

"Από που θα παίρνουμε νερό ρε φωστήρα;!"
"Where will we get our water genius?!"

"Άσε τα σπίτια μας ήσυχα ρε μαλάκα!"
"Leave our homes alone you wanker!"

The miners started throwing food and objects at the mine's owner who seemed quite angry. He made a sign with his hand and riot police started moving toward the miners. The miners picked up their tools along with any object they could find, from spoons to chairs and started moving toward the police who fired tear gas at them. At the same time the mine's owner, moved to his car to leave.

A clash betweeen the police and workers errupted. Outnumbered by the miners the riot police were pushed back but the use of tear gas and their better organization earned them an advantage as they started pushing the miners back. The car sped behind them leaving the mine, but suddenly its tires and its left window were hit by shotgun rounds as the sound of a hunting shotgun behind fired was heard. The riot police turned around to look and so did the miners.

A large crowd of the local people, armed and quite anrgy, was holding signs demanding the company's use of toxic materials stop and the expansion be cancelled. Leading them was a man with a carnation, the emblem of leftists in Caria, in his shirt's chest pocket, holding a light blue flag, with the letters ΕΚΣ in red. They stood for Εργατικό Κόμμα Σουνίου, Ergatiko Komma Souniou, meaning Workers' Party of Sounio.

The Police moved to form a square, but after the protesters promised the let them leave if they drop their weapons, they surrendered. The mine's owner was taken by the miners and locked inside a tool storage shack.

 

[Pelasgia]

Nikaia
The representative of the Workers' Party of Sounio, climbed on the platform. After throwing down the Despotic flags which where there and replacing them with red flags he addressed the crowd of locals, which easily numbered tens of thousands.
"People of Nikaia! I had prepared a long speech to speak to you. To try and convince you into breaking your chains and moving forward with us. But I see no such thing is necessary! Today the capital showed its true face to you itself! And today you, united as one, defeated it! It shall not poison your lands. It shall not damn your rivers. It shall not have you work as slaves. Not as long as you are united!"

The man stopped to allow the crowd to cheer. Lysimachus, who was in teh front row, asked him if he could speak and the man replied yes happily.

"I say we spread the revolution to Nikaia! I say we abandon this Archon who rules pur lands from far away, over in Nikaia! I say we proclaim our own People's Republic! Not one only limited to Nikaia! But one covering all of Chersona! From Nikaia to Pyrgos and Apolloneia! It only served the Sounians well and it shall do the same for us!"

The crowd chanted "Long live the People's Republic of Chersona!" waving red flags which the Sounians had brought along. The new People's Republic begun organizing itself through Popular Assemblies in the towns, ports and villages of the small area of Chersonna they controlled. They uniformed and trained a Revolutionary Guard, which was integrated De Jure into the Democratic Army of Caria, as best as they could and created a State Emblem. For a flag they used the blank Red Flags the Sounians had given them. They also adopted the Greek Internationale as their anthem, just like the Sounians had done.

Soon enough a Nikaian Army approached them with a representative of the Archon leading them. The local leaders met on a raft in the middle of the river seperating their armies, with each army deployed on its own coast of the river.
"Good day gentlemen. I am Colonel Liberopoulos of His Majesty's Nikaian Constabulary. I believe you are the representatives of this 'People's Republic of Chersona everyone has been talking about recently."

"We are indeed. I am Andronichos Grammatikos, the Premier of the People's Republic."

"It is most pleasant to meet you. Now let us get straight to the point. Nobody has a problem with you controlling this area of yours. While its mines are precious I think neither oen of us wants to stop the production there for obvious reasons. But we have a little problem with any desires you might have abotu expanding. We both know Chersona is a term describing an area much larger than your state. It covers three City States' lands in fact. And the insurgents in North Demetrias being connected to the sea trhough your lands would also prove to be problem as it would ignite the whole region."

"Do not worry sir. You keep to your side of the river and we will stay on the border. After all we cannot hope to beat you in a war. And Nikaia will not lose any income from the exports. You do not need to worry about that. We depend on taht income too after all. There has just been a small change in managment of the mines. And their environmental policy."

The Colonel smiled.

"I see. Then we agree. Especially when you put it so... artistically."

The Colonel stood up and wore his cap.

"Oh and one last thing. That fat businessman you have. Petridis? Petrachilis? Something like that. His Highness, the Archon, would very much like to have him transfered to his care."

"Why, if I may ask?"

"Do not worry, we will not save him or anything. He just bribed the Federal Despotic Astynomia to send riot police units into Nikaian lands... without our Archons consent. His Highness is a little angry about that. So he wants to teach that fatty a little... lesson. He will probably by a little 'accident' after he gets told off. The Astynomia chief he bribed has already shared the same tragic fate after he tripped and fell to his death."

"Then we have deal."

The two men shacked hands and both armies cheered.

Then both crossed back to their sides of the river. The colonel took a box with him. Inside it was the mine owner cuffed and blindfolded. On that box a note was stapled. It only had two words written on it: 'Δώρο φιλίας' (Doro filias) meaning 'Gift of friendship'. Below that there was the emblem of the People's Republic of Chersona.

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[Pelasgia]

Nauplio
Attalus was in his office, at the Megaro of Nauplio. He was relaxing, smoking a cigar, looking outside the window that was behind his chair, having turned said chair around. It once used to be the office of the Despot and his Regent. But since the National Unity Front had taken over Nauplio and temporarily installed a Junta all that had changed. As he took a sip from his cigar the phone rang.
"Hello."

"Sir. The Sounian flagship is requesting permission to dock and send a representative to meet with you."

"Is it now? Allow them to do so. Of course prepare a little escort. Discretely. And have a line of honour guards or something. Make them feel a little respected."

"Understood sir. Over."

Attalus started thinking aloud.
"Hehe. How come the Workers' Party is associating itself with us? They do not seem to be in desepration. I guess we will find out when they get here."

At the same time Navarch Diomedes Psaropoulos was at this ship's bridge as it begun the process of docking. A Simaioforos saluted and moved into the room to report.
"Sir. We have docked at Nauplio's port. Your presence is awaited."

"Thank you for the report Simaioforos. I will be on my way. Ploiarch Ydraios will take command of the ship in my absence. at ease and dismissed."

"Sir."

The Simaioforos slauted again. The Navarch returned the gesture before heading outside the ship. As he stpped off the ship he was greeted by a line of Army Honour Guards and led to a car which would drive him to the Megaro. On both sides of the road crowds cheered at the Navarch who happily greeted them while chatting with the Lochagos who was escorting him to the Megaro.

"The people seem quite happy. It seems your Junta is managing its holdings quite well. Quite good for somebody in control of two City States."

"Thank you sir. But they are five."

"Five?"

"Yes sir. Yesterday Naupactus, Navarino and Eliso Island willingly signed their territories to be placed under our Provisional Military Revolutionary Government's administration."

"I see. Since when is the Army skilled at taking advantage of regional disputes between said states and Demetrias? Would Antikyrans not be more suited to that task."

"I guess you could say we have been taking lessons. We have arrived to our destination. The President does not like waiting."

"President? Was the rank of Antistrategos not enough? Oh well. I cannot blame him, I mean 'His Excellency'."

The Ypolochogos did not reply as the car came to a halt. The Navarch went up the stairs of the Megaro heading to the office of the Antistrategos. After being shown in a servant knocked on the door of the Antistrategos.
"Sir, the Navarch is here."

"Let him in... about time."

As the door opened the two men exchanged salutes.

"Navarch."

"Antistrategos."

"Please, take a seat. We have a lot to discuss." said Attalus showing the man to his seat.

"Thank you."

"Would you like a drink?"

"A glass of scotch would saffice. Thank you again."

"It is my pleasure. Please tell me, how come the Sounians want to meet with us?"

"Maybe it is because of your rapid expansion."

"Let me guess. The Ypolochagos could not contain his joy?"

"Hardly. Or maybe it is because of our common interests."

Attalus raised a brow while putting his drink on the table.

"You had my curiosity but now you have my attention. I assume you have a proposal?"

Diomedes stood up heading toward the map of Caria.

"Together." he said.

"Together we have the control of more than half the country. If you allied with us we could have the Despot abdicate in no time."

"What interest would we have in this? We could very well help him and earn his gratitude. He would hand over control to our Junta de facto of course. Militarism is the best -ism would you agree not?"

"I would beg to deffer."

"Then we could very well do away with figureheads and rebels. And realise a stratocracy. You could not hope to help us now could you?"

"We do have the navy."

"A navy with no ports will soon crumble. And the Air Force can help with hunting one even if it is not in port."

"I see. Then waht do you want?"

"Keeping our positions in the Armed Forces after the deposition of the Despot. And mainting control of the Ministry of Defense. We do not want any interference in matters of protecting Mother Caria from... politicians. Or professors who also happen to be Premiers for that matter."

"You are asking for a lot. But you are going to give us what we want in return too. How could I refuse?"

The two men shaked hands.

"Since we have a deal we should call our respective governments and representatives in Antikyra."

"Of course."

"Remember Navarch. Do not sell us out on this deal. You will regret it painfully. But if you keep to our terms you will have unmatched power within Caria through our support."

"We would not dare do such a thing."

 

[Pelasgia]

Antikyra
After a two day pause allowed by the Antikyran Archon, the leaders and delegates of the Carian City States were meeting once more in the Megaro of Antikyra. The Archon had allowed the pause to give time to the delegatiosn to adapt their policy in light of the new developments, mainly the capture of the capital by the Army and the establishment of a temporary Junta there.

As the Nikaian Archon's black luxurious car moved toward ornate building he too though of the recent news concerning Caria. His mind however was also set on other news. The establishment of the small People's Republic of Chersonna, the expansion of the Junta. And more concerningly a certain meeting between the Junta's President in Nauplio and the Admiral of the Western Fleet. He had his intelligence specialists compile a little report on the subject. The Archon looked around the car and found the report on the red velvet seat next to him.

A little reading served only to confirm his suspicions. The two were not 'childhood friends' as they had told the media. They were born in the same city, but only met once when their schools' students had a little exhcange of oranges as a game... or war by kids' standards. Even so they did not know each other's name before rising to the military's higher ranks. There were various reports on what they could have discussed. But certainly the most probable was an alliance to depose the despot.

Not that the Nikaias, or any Northerners for that matter, liked that Southern excuse for a King. He did not know how to run a Realm like his compatriots, thought. If you asked the Nikaian Archon, he would tell you they would be better suited to their banking and business. Nikaia and Nauplio were polar opposites. Nauplio was the centre of power in the South, a city of trade, industry, banking and any other form of free market entrepreneurship imaginable. Its residents were convervatives and capitalists, mainly supporters of Constitutional Monarchies, like the one their city enjoyed and deprived the other cities of.

Nikaia on the other hand was always a Militarist state, favouring Autocracy with a Military Aristocracy headed by an absolute Monarch, a military man since hsi first days himself. The Nikaians knew little of southern intrigues and diplomacy. To them all the diplomacy they needed, was made 'Through iron, fire and blood' which also happened to be their City State's motto. Their industry was a heavy one, started during Eiffellander rule and made to copy Eiffelland's large arms and other heavy industries. Its mines produced fine jewels and metals, whcih earned them loads of cash, but all use they had for them was crowns and trade. The only metal a Nikaian needed was steel. They had ports, but their trade was state controlled just liek their economy. They needed not the 'free economy' that plagued the 'weak southerners'.

For this once though the Archon would need to use this 'petty diplomacy' if his so beloved Monarchy was to survive. Sounio had given the Junta something. But they had nothing compared to the yet untouched Free Territory of Nikaia. As the Archon climbed the stairs there still was a little time before the meeting would start. He turned to his Aide-de-Camp.

"Find the Military Liege of the Junta. I want a little chat with him."

"Understood Your Grace."

The secretary walked through the ball room of the Megaro, where the delegates were waiting before the meeting re-commenced, until she found the man in the Olive Green uniform of the Army and started walking toward him. Seleukos noticed her from a distance, putting on a smile, ready to talk with his usual ironic smirk. A mix of diplomat and soldier he had learned to navigate his way as a 'faithful servant' of both, receiving disconent from both sides, neither considering him one of their own. That smile he put on in difficult situations had allowed him to survive this long.

"Good day madam. From the dark blue uniform with the crimson details I assume I am speaking with a Nikaian, am I not?"

The woman coldly saluted before replying.

"You are, sir. Colonel Alexandros Fournaris I presume?"

The Colonel raised a brow, speaking ironically.

"The fair lady knows my name? I am flattered."

"Please refrain from calling me that again sir. His Grace, the Archon of all the Nikaians requests your presence."

The Colonel put his hands in his pockets and started walking to find the Archon before stopping and turning to the Aide-de-Camp.

"What should I call you Madam?"

"Commodore Despoina Pavlopoulou, sir."

"Pavlopoulou? That's a southern sirname. How come?"

"The discussion is irrelevant, sir."

"Oh yes, i forgot sidetracking alittle might fry a Nikaian's brain. Where would I find 'his Grace'?"

"By the washrooms, near the hall, sir."

"Thank you... Commodore. Please do not call me sir."

The Colonel returned the salute and started walking to the Hall. A King next to a bunch of shitters. How poetic. Fournaris thought upon seeing the man. He went up to him and bowed slightly.

"Your Grace."

"Colonel."

"How could I be of service?"

"Straight down to business are we?"

"As military men I think we both know that 'straight down to business' is the essence of our lives."

"Perhaps. Over were I come from soldiers like to enjoy some of the finer sides of life too."

"With a little fire, iron and blood on the sides?"

"Hahaha. That was a nice one my good man." the Archon's facial expression went from joyful to more serious as he showed the Colonel the way next to a large wndow, overlooking the dark sky of the city, filled with lights here and there, that could be seen clearly from the Acropolis were the Megaro was. The lights reflected into the waters of the bay.

"Beautiful is it not?"

"Surely. Even Nauplio is looks like an average street compared to this view."

"Speaking of Nauplio... I understand President of the Junta had a little meeting with the Sounians there recently, I remember correctly."

"A friendly meeting of course."

"Fournaris my good man, do me the honour of at least being honest."

"We had a little deal. We support their plan to take down the Despot now. For a little price."

"How little?"

"We get to keep our positions after their little game."

"We both know they would betray you on that. And after a legal government is formed you cannot perform a coup without risking international intervention. The barbarians love meddling with others' affairs."

"Barbarians. Funny word. It denotes some kind of superiority, without any proof to back it. In my view we are all bags of meat, painted with different colours and wearing funny hats made of different birds' feathers."

"Perhaps. But we Nikaians have fought them first hand, unlike the bunch living around here. Trust me they have earned that name. Back to business though
the Nikaian governemnt is willing to give you much more than the Sounians."

"How much more?"

"I understand you like the ring of your title of nobility, like most Aristocrats in the Army. And with the Junta it would seem you want a say in political affairs."

"More than just a say. But what you offer is the most anybody has given us. And possibly could ever give us. And what would you like in exchange? Us taking out the Sounians?"

"No. Not unless absolutely necessary at least. They could use a little push to adapt to a Crowned Republic though. With traditional military Aristocracy in charge of its defence. And a Nikaian as its monarch."

"I see. Then we shall have to bring our terms to the Sounians when the meeting commences. We accept your offer Your Grace. It has been good doing business with you."

"The pleasure has been all mine."

As the Colonel walked away the Commodore moved toward the Archon.

"Well done Commodore. I am now confident I can leave this to you."

"But should Your Grace not take care of such a crucial matter?"

"I would. But you now how much I hate these southern intrigues. Plus I have a rebellion to put down. Stay here. The Colonel seems to take kindly to you after all. I trust you will not fail me Commodore Pavlopoulou."

"I would not dare to think of failling you, Your Grace."

"Excellent. Enjoy your stay." said the Archon as he started to walk away.

"Oh and one more thing. As always it is OK with me if you visit your father's family. Do not let the others' insults bother you. You are every bit as Nikaian as the rest of us."

"Thank you, Your Grace. I sure will."

The Archon smiled and continued walking away as a man announced that the meeting was re-commencing.

 

[Pelasgia]

Antikyra
As the meeting commenced the Antikyran Archon waited for everyone to sit at their seats before he stated speaking. Behind him was a large map of Caria with the areas controlled by each faction at the moment.

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"Ladies and Gentlemen. I would like to thank you for attending this most crucial summit today, during a crisis that demands your attention. You must have noticed that behind me is a map of our beloved Caria, with different shades of blue and one of red. After a recent coup by the army in Nauplio a Provisional Military Government has been set up there. The army also controls Pyrgos, while Elios Island, Naupactus and navarino have willingly joined their government."

The words caused some minor tension between the Demetrian representatives and those of the three aformentioned states but they were all too 'civilized' to disrupt the Archon's speech. The movement of guards near them probably also helped. At the same time a man in a suit approached the Archon, wispering something in his ear, before leaving.

"I would also like to note that there is a large crowd of National Unity Front protesters gathered near the city centre in peaceful, silent protest, as I was just informed. Back to our current affairs a small rebellion has occured in a part of southern Nikaia leading to the establishment of a small local socialist state. In nearby Demetrias, on the Titanian mountain range there is an ongoing insurgency. Yesterday the neutral city states presented us with a unanimously signed document accusing His Majesty, the Despot Thrasybulus III of incompetence. It is the first time the neutralites have used such strong words."

The Archon paused for a second and sighed.

"Sadly under these circumstances I think it is evident that we have only one choice, if the bloodshed is to stop and unity and peace are to be restored. I hereby call His Majesty, the Despot Thrasybulus III, to abdicate. The delegates whose states support this move may raise their hands."

As the Archon said these words protest broke out from the side of the Despot and the Most Serene, Free & Holy State of Demetrias. Their cries however were silenced when almost the entirety of the room raised their hands. The Sounian delegates, those of the two islands, the Naupliot Junta's representatives, the enraged neutrals, the Antikyrans hosts who had proposed the abdication, the Pyrgiots, the Nikains, the Apolloneians. Even his very own Amarysians. The Despot had been abandoned by all except the Demetrians. Lowering his head the despot admitted his fate. He had no other choice.

"If it is my people's will... then I shall abdicate." the Despot declared, trying to calm himself.

Antikyran servants brought a set of documents, a pen and ink to the table in front of him, before bowing and leaving. Thrasybulus looked at it with an empty gaze. On top of the paper was written in big letters:

'Παραίτησις της Αυτού Μεγαλειότητος του, του Δεσπότου, Θρασύβουλου Γ' εκ του Θρόνου και όλων των Τίτλων & Αξιομάτων του'
Abdication/Resignation of His Majesty, the Despot, Thrasybulus III from his Throne and all his Titles & Positions of Power.

After looking through them, the Despot signed all the documents. The last one he signed was an empty sheet on which he wrote his last decree. He left all executive power in the hands of the current summit in Antikyra until such a time that they would vote on and adopt a new constitution. Then the deposed monarch put the pen back in its place and put on his military uniform's cap. A microphone connected to the radio broadcast was brought to him.

The honour guards facing him saluted and the delegates bowed while he made one last speech.

"My people. As it seems the vast majority of both you and your City States' delegates deem me nfit to rule I have done the one last good thing I could for this great nation: I have abdicated. It has been an honour to lead you and I truly hope Caria and the Carians shall fare better without me. I assign the administration of this nation to the current Assembly of the Carian City States in Antikyra until a new constitution has been adopted. Worry not. As a great man once said 'The Carians are a nation as old as the world itself. And nobody has yet managed to eradicate them. The Carians shall only perish when the world ends'. Evidently even I was not enough to disprove this saying. People of Caria, continue without me, forward to the future!"

After he was done, Thrasybulus stood up, now a common man. He was given one last salute and bow by everyone in the room as he walked out with Caria now entering a new age.

 

[Pelasgia]

Antikyra
After voting on its first resolution the Executive Assembly had a break to allow the delegates some time to eat and relax. The Sounian delegate and the Naupliot Junta's representative were discussing near the door.
"How did your talk with the Archon go Fournaris?"

"As planned, Cleisthenes my friend. They think we are on their side now and that we will betray the Sounians."

"I trust your forces are marching toward Nikaia?"

"As we speak. And I trust your fleets are docked in the PR Chersonna?"

"They are."

"Great. Now all we need to do is get on the Commodore's good side."

"I trust you will enjoy that."

"Give me a break. She has to contain herself from shooting me. I will be surprised if she allows me to talk to her for more than two minutes."

"Good luck with that. On my side I will have to convince some neutrals to get those sticks out of their asses and join us. See you soon."

Comissar Cleisthenes put on his side cap while Colonel Fournaris put on his peaked cap and both started walking toward their 'targets'. Meanwhile near the door, Commodore Pavlopoulou was getting ready to exit the room and go eat. Bottoning the black and white unifrom of the Nikaian navy sighing. There goes step one of the whole thing she thought. The Colonel move dnext to her, somewhat blocking her way.

"Hello Commodore."

"Good afternoon Colonel."

"Would you be interested in having a little chat?"

"Depends. Is it business?"

"Of course. Well most of it."

"Ι prefer to not concern myself with His Grace's business during lunchtime. Like most normal people."

"Oh come on do you not want to impress him? Even a little? Working overtime would be appreciated for sure."

"From my experience it does not."

"OK then. Would you rather spend the pause alone? Unless you have somebody else to dine with that is."

The Commodore sighed.

"You are not going to leave alone are you?"

"Nope."

"Fine. I suppose it is better than spending time looking out a window or speaking to some jarhead Nikaian. This way."

The two staretd walking outside the room. As they went past the ornate, bright white marble halls with murals and corinthian pillars in between. The halls led them to the dining hall of the Megaro where the delegates were spread out in the distance. The two picked a table near a large window with a view to the Antikyran bay, to have relative peace so they could discuss business. In the distance Fournaris could see the Comissar drinking with the Neutral City States' delegates bringing a faint smile to his face.

"See one of your compatriots?" the Commodore asked while taking a bite of lobster.

"No. Just an acquaintance. Speaking of compatriots how come you are not hanging out with the other Nikaians?"

"How is this related to our business exactly Colonel?"

"Oh come on. Let's get a little friendly before going down to boring stuff. Also do not call me Colonel. I am not your superior or something."

"Indeed. What should I call you though?"

"My name could work."

"Very well then. You can call me by name too."

The Commodore put down her fork and knife and took a sip of water before continuing.

"I am not exactly Nikaian. My mther was Nikaian and I grew up in Nikaia. But my father was from Antikyra."

"Ouch. Worst match possible for the Nikaians. Hence the southern surname?"

"Precisely. The Archon considers me Nikaian. Or at least says so because he was a friend of my mother's. But I am almost certain his feelings are not exactly 'shared' among the others in command. Being a woman and not a pure Nikaian is nto something our Militarist Aristocracy approves of."

"Got to love them monarchies. On the side of the Sounians and even ours there are no such concerns of 'purity'."

"You are lucky people. Most Nikaians are too poor to care about purity. Just the rich ones. It gives a sort of legitimacy to their rule."

"Well you know yo ucould share our luck very easily. It was not very hard for us nor for the Sounians. You would have to overcome the army though."

The Commodore glanced around before lowering her voice.

"Not exactly. Recently there have been riots in Nikaia. The Socialists are gaining popularity and the Archon is putting their protests down. Just recently there was a Prometheist uprising in south Nikaia. Most of the troops share the common folks' feelings. The higher ups are the problem."

"So you are saying that if we were to eliminate the higher ups with say a coup... it would be possible to take over Nikaia?"

The commodore looked away, toward the window and spoke with a blank voice.

"The discussion has sidetrakced beyond-

"Do not give me that Despoina. We both know your people want this. We both know you want this."

"But what will happen? The Archon has entrusted me with-

"The same Archon whose system treats people from different city states like scum? That same Archon who shoots protesters. I know of these protests and the civilian casulties that occur every time they are supressed. And it has to end. Beside see that man over there."

"The Sounian Comissar?"

"Yes. He is my acquaintance. The men around him are the Neutral delegates. Pretty soon all of Caria except for Nikaia and Demetrias will be on our side. If you want what is best for your people and your 'beloved' Archon the you do not want a civil war. Do you?"

"No. But what of Demetrias."

"Demtrias' people are enraged. There is an insurgency in their north growing every day. The rich of the theocracy eat with silver spoons while its farmers starve. It will soon collapse under its own weight, like Sounio's Archon did. We both know that."

"Very well then. I will speak with my people. But your support will be needed."

The Commodore, who had finisehd her food stood up, exetnding her hand for a handshake.

"We already have armies and ships stationed nearby."

"Fournaris. Be honest with me. If I had not accepted would you have attacked?"

"I would not like to. But I have no say in this. And I guess the Junta and Socialists would say they had no 'choice'."

"All of us diplomats are shit in silk clothes it seems."

"Most of us. Let's try to make a difference there."

The two smiled and giggled before shaking hands. A man rang a bell to signal that the meeting was recommencing.

 

[Pelasgia]

Forests near the Titanian Mountain Range, 81km from Apolloneia
Nikomachos looked around him as the II Army Corps, loyal to the Nikaians and Apolloneias, was marching south through the forests between the Eastern coast and the Titanian mountain range. The lush forest's plants seemed more green than usual. The rain did tend to do that.He glanced at soem soldiers that had gotten off their tracks to get a cannon out of the mud. Even the blue uniform of the Nikaian-Apolloneian army was getting a change of colour with that rain. Next to him was another officer, Brigadier General Nikodemos.

Unlike Nikomachos, Nikodemos was not a noble. The Apolloneians were Oligarchs and not Monarchists. In their system commoners like Nikodemos could get up the ranks, instead of being born into positions of of power. The Nikaians did not appreciate their fellow northeners very much. Most of the peopel were communists out of anger for the large class divides caused by the Oligarchy and even their leaders were merchants taht rose and fall based on money and not the blood running through their veins. But they tolareated them. They were needed for their trade abilities. And they were better than Southerners.

Apolloneia itself had been established by ancient colonists from Elena island so in the aspect their ancestry was as southern as it gets. But that was centuries even millenia ago. Now they had mixed so much with northeners and stayed north for so long they had lost most of their southern elements. They still were petty oligarchs though and they had a weird physical complexion between the ionian southern and doric northern tribes though Nikomachos. Nikomachos thoughts were interupted by the calm voice of the man sitting next to him.

"Πόσο ακόμα μέχρι να συναντήσουμε τους Ναυπλιώτες;"
"How much more until we meet those Naupliots?"

"Όχι πολύ."
"Not far."

The Nikaian replied with an equally calm tone as their jeep continued driving. A soldier shouted.

"Εκεί! Εκεί! Να 'τοι οι Νότιοι!"
"There! There! It is the southerners!"

"About damn time." said Nimachos.

"Indeed." noted Nikodemos.

As Nikomachos moved to exit the vehicle Nikodemos pulled out a pistol with a silencer. It was not the standard issue pistol of the Nikaio-Apolloneian Commonwealth. It was a costum made one. Its markings were Naupliot and next to those was the mark of the Carian Intelligence Service. The Apolloneian quickly pointed it at Nikomachos' face.

"Μπάσταρδε!"
"Bastard!"

Nikodemos pulled the trigger.

"Τίποτα προσωπικό, απλά μπίζνα. Ας δούμε αν έχουν ξεχωριστό Άδη για τους γαλαζοαίματους."
"Nothing personnal, just business. Let's see if they have a separate Hades for blue bloods."

Nikodemos then shot the driver. While the driver would not dare to oppose them, no witnesses whose motives were vague. were to be taken. It was far too dangerous. Nikodemos put a red cloth around his arm and walked out. As he walked out he could see the Apolloneian troops and the lower class Nikaian troops killing the Nikaian noble officers. The trucks and jeeps that were only carrying Nikaians loyal to the Nikaian Archon had been marked with a mark of yellow paint. Those vehicles were shot at by Naupliots who had been hidden on the sides of the road. At a couple that did not do it so they had grenades thrown into them to finish the job.

Then the Naupliots moved toward the Army. The Junta's General shaked hands with Nikodemos as the troops of the two armies moved to embrace each other. They begn loading bodies into trucks and getting ready to regroup in Apolloneia were the Sounian Navy and Marines would be expecting them. From then they would soon move to Nikaia itself.

 

[Rheinbund]

Lübeck, Eiffelland

Lübeck was Eiffelland's second largest sea port, but it was also the largest seaport on Eiffelland's west coast. Furthermore, it was the mouth of the largest river running through Eiffelland, the Rhein. It was already a busy seaport, but now it was even busier. The Eiffellandian Navy already started loading food, blankets, tents and medical supplies into transport vessels. Furthermore, the fifth regiment medical troops (consisting of 1800 people) was prepared for mission in Caria. This regiment could set up 24 fully functioning field hospitals in days.
But Lübeck was not the only city in Eiffelland where humanitarian aid for Caria was prepared. The other large harbour on Eiffelland's west coast, Kiel, was as busy as Lübeck. Also here the Navy was busy loading ships with destination Caria. Pending approval from the Carian authorities to let Eiffellandian planes fly over and land in Caria, transport planes were made ready for emergency transports and bombers were made ready for droppings of food and all other items that would be needed.

 

[Pelasgia]

Apolloneia
The sound of glass breaking. Seconds later fire erupts before his feet and he falls on the ground, dropping his shield and batton, trying to put out the fire by hand. Dionysios felt the sweat run down his forehead as all of this happened. It was not the first time and it would certainly not be the last but this time those on the other side were far too many. Finally able to put the fire out he stood up looking forward.

People. Mainly young ones, with their faces covered or not waving at police and throwing rocks, flower pots, molotov cocktails and one even a small fridge at the Police from the rooftops. It was an ambush. Cut off on three directions and in danger of beig encircled the Apolloneian Astynomia's ΥΑΤ units needed to retreat. It was not like this a couple of days ago. Back when the protests had started, in support of thsoe in Demetrias. The ΥΑΤ tried to put them down as well as it could with tear gas, water hoses and even rubber bullets. It worked for a while. Then everyone got pissed. The people came back ready for a fight.

They had seen what had happened in Ivernia and the success of those protests. Tehy had seen what had happened in Sounio and Nauplio. And they finally understood there was only one way to deal with the Archon on an equal footing. Make a whole lot of noise and set shit ablaze. As he picked up his shield and started running Dionysios knew full well that he would have to run for his life. Making haste he spreinted with the shouts of the others fleeing the protesters' ambush all around him. As most turned around Stemmatos street to Archontissas Sofias street he decided to follow suit.

Then as he got close to the turn the shouts disappeared. Maybe the had stopepd to catch their breath? Maybe there were reinforcments that calmed them down? Those thoughts were soon put to rest when he finally took the turn. What seemed like no less than a couple of thousand marines held the Astynomia's ΥAT officers at gunpoint, forcing them to put their equipment down, raise their hands and wait to be handcuffed on the floor.

"Εσύ! Χέρια ψηλά!"
"You! Hands up!"

Dionysios turned around the find the butstock of a gun hitting him in the face, rendering him unconsious. Above him two officers begun discussing.

"Πως εξελίσσεται το σχέδιο;"
"How is the plan unfolding?"

"Το μεγαλύτερο μέρος της πόλης βρίσκεται ύπο τον έλεγχό μας. Οι δυνάμεις μας έχουν ήδη καταλάβει το Μέγαρο. Το μόνο που μένει είναι να καταλάβουμε αυτή τη συνοικία."
"Most of the city is under our control. Our forces have already taken the Megaro. The only thing left is taking over this quarter."

"Όπως το βλέπω θα μας πάρει κανένα εικοσάλεπτο ακόμα. Θα έχουμε τελειώσει πριν καν έρθουν οι ενισχύσεις του στρατού ξυράς."
"The way I see it it will take us about 20 minutes more. We will be done before the land army's reinforcements even arrive."

A wistle was blown and the marines started moving forward, to pacify the crowds that were moing toward them. On the hills near the city Nikomahos could see Apolloneia from afar, confident this would be a victory for the Socialist cause. Behind him the army's forces started moving toward the city, to meet up with their navy counterparts.

 

[Pelasgia]

Nikaia
The rain outside had stopped. The humdity however was still there. Everything in Nikaia was soaked in water. The Archon looked outside the window, looking at drops of water falling on the balcony outside his office. This is it he thought, This is how it feels to be waiting for bad news. He knew. He did not need to be told to know: the Army had arrived to Nikaia. And at its head were an Apolloneian and a Naupliot. The officers he had appointed were gone. Buried in the mud of the Titanian mountains' forests.

A knock on the door sounded.
"Come in."

A servant entered the room and bowed.
"Your Grace. The Army's officers have arrived. They would like to meet with you."

"I assume Commodore Pavlopoulou has already joined them?"

The servant hesitated for a moment.

"Yes sir. She has."

The Archon sighed.

"People have no gratitude at all it seems. Allow them in son."

"At once, Your Grace."

The servant bowed again.

"Servant!" said the Archon, leading the young man to stop walking and turn around.

"What is your name?"

"Aristotle, Your Grace."

The Archon flung a coin at him.

"Have a tip. It will be the last one I ever give as Archon, in this office."

The man bowed and left. Half an hour later the Officers were entering the Archon's office. He did not bother to turn to face them. He simply looked out the window, sitting in his chair, with one hand holding the other.

"So, Commodore. Are you here to sell me? How soon are you receiving your 30 Dynarii?"

"Your Grace, I have no such intent. And I am certainly not getting paid for this."

"Oh cut the crap. An Army with al my officers dead and replaced by lower class ones who want this 'Republic' of yours. What will it bring them that I have not?!"

"Justice."

"Oh I see. The inferiority complex got to us at last, eh? pitty you only confirmed what all those people were sayng all along."

"Pity they are now six feet under." noted the Naupliot Brigadier.

"Because you murdered them!" the Archon snapped back.

"You were sending them to force Nikaian troops to kill innocents. We would not allow that. Your own troops did not allow that. So they killed any officer loyal to you."

"Two hundred men-

"Yes two hundred for the lives of a hundred and fifty thousand. In a perfect world we would not have to make the choice, but our world is far from perfect. So we made the hard, good choice you could not."

"Oh I see. So I am incompetent now, am I not?"

"Extremely." said the Commodore.

Before he could reply Colonel Nikomahos spoke.

"You have two hours to sign your abdication and delcare elections. This conversation is over. Guards, make sure he stays here."

 

[Pelasgia]

Demetrias
Today was just like any other Winter day in Demetrias. Cloudy and rainy, the day went on quite depressingly. But Aeolus and his friends were far too young and full of energey to care about that. Just like any other day they navigated through the Neoclassical, impressive houses built at almost any corner of the city due to its riches until they reached the top of a couple of buildings near the city's centre.

While keeping the four wall, one ceilling box shape of modern buildings Neoclassical style structures had heavy Classical Carian decorations like pillars, carved scenes, small details on their walls, pediments and so on. Even in their materials they were made of marbel and the parts that were not were either bleach white or some colour that bends well with white like light blue, light yellow or shades of red and green. Demetrias in extended down from a hill to the sea and its port so a vantage point gave you a good view of anything toward the port from its position.

Was it mentioned that today was like any other day? Well today was almost like any other day. As the pack of kids looked from the pediment of the building they saw something unexpected. This time instead of strangers to annoy or laugh at or just relaxing on top of the building, at the expense of the nerves of those leaving in its top floors the bunch saw angry protesters from different factions separated by Astynomia officers that looked more like lobsters and less like cops in their riot armour. To them however it made no difference. They casually opened the school backpack one of them was carrying. It was filled with green lemons and bitter oranges they had cut from trees on the way. The kids took them and the aimed at their targets.

Aeolus closed an eye and raised a hand before throwing. He hit a cop in the head. Perfect just like always he thought to himself. The laughter of the kids however was short as the cop returned the jesture by firing a tear gas cannister on top of the building leading to group to retreat away from the square. They climbed down a couple of blocks away, in an alley to decide what to do next, since the prospect of sniping was done for the day.

"Να πάμε στη διαδήλωση! Δεν γουστάρετε να φωνάζουμε ή ό,τι κάνουν τέλως πάντων στις διαδηλώσεις;"
"We should go to the protest! Do you not like shouting or whatever they do in protests?"

"Μπα, έχει παιχνίδι ο Ποσειδώνας Σουνίου με το Λέοντα Ναυπλίου. Πάμε σε κά'να σουβλατζίδικο να το δούμε;"
"Nah, Poseidon of Sonio FC is playing with Lion of Nauplio FC. Should we go to some souvlaki shop and watch it?"

"Αν έχει αγώνα πάμε για στοίχημα πρώτα! Σίγουρο Χ!"
"If there is a game we should place bets first! It is a certain X!"

As the group were debating where to spend the rest of their Saturday the sound of approaching crowds became stronger and stronger. Suddenly something landed between them and disrupted their chat. It was silver and cylindrical. A flashbang grenade. It erupted blinding those who were looking at it temporarily and inhibiting their hearing. A large crowd started running through the alley. As the effects of the grenade faded Aeolus looked at their banners. It was the Anti-Despotist protesters. They were running around in a disorderly fashion. The kids tried to avoid them as they rushed without carring who they run into. Homer, one of Aeolus' friends got hit by a running man and fell down. Aeolus rushed to save him.

Then he saw what the protesters had been running from. What had driven them to reach this alley all the way from the square they were two blocks away in so little time. A line of armed Astynomia officers advanced, holding weapons. Most were shotguns, probably with rubber bullets. Nothing they had not seen before in clashes. But a coule here and there had rifles. Probably to fire and kill some to scare the others into abandoning the protest. As he looked at one of them, he was sure that through the helmet and gas mask one of these armed men was looking at him.

He raised his rifle and took aim. Before Aeolus could say anything the sound of a gunshot rocked the air. Aeolus opened his eys and looked down. His hands were stained in blood. But he was unharmed. The slight relief was succeeded by a feeling of anxiety as he looked down. Homer laid bleeding with an empty gaze. Aeolus' scream could be heard across the block as he screamed at the top of his voice.

 

[Rheinbund]

Militärflugplatz der Königlichen Lufstreitkräfte Weissenfels
Weissenfels, Eiffelland

Eiffelland didn’t have a few large air force bases, but many small air force bases spread all over the country. The disadvantage was that it was logistically more difficult to maintain (i.e. more difficult to plan everything), but the advantage during war time was evident: The enemy would need much more than a few large bombs to disable the Eiffellandian Air Force.
The military air force base in Weissenfels was one of the bases where Eiffellandian bombers, freighter planes and tanker planes were stationed. This air force base was the place where the Eiffellandian humanitary mission would operate from. Freighter planes were taking off, destined for airports and air fields in Caria. Jet bomber planes were taking off for dropping food and blankets in North Demetrias, Caria. Jet fighter planes were taking off from other military air force bases to accompany the freighter and bomber planes.


Sea between Caria and Nichtstein

After the quarantine had been lifted, the cruiser SMS Aachen was operational again. Now it was accompanying the freighter ships traveling from Lübeck to Caria. It would be one of the last missions for Prince Ludwig as Navy-Lieutenant. Per the 1st of February, his military service would end, and then he would complete his society service with 6 months civil service (in his case working in an elderly home). There was no exception for the nobility regarding that, unless the young nobleman would join the armed forces as a professional soldier. And that was not Ludwig’s ambition.
Christmas 1954 was the first Christmas he would not celebrate at home. He would celebrate it at the Aachen. But he had already realised that he would do something compliant with the Christmas Thought. He was accompanying a humanitary mission. Not that he expected that anything would happen, but “better safe than sorry” was an adagium the Eiffellandians had been following for ages. So also Ludwig was alert. Alarmstufe 1 (DEFCON 4) was still in effect.
There would be a Christmas Mass at the ship on Christmas Eve. Ludwig would be one of the singers. He had a very good tenor voice with a wide range. On top of that, he was a very good pianist. He would sing some songs, and would support himself on the piano as well. Furthermore, he would support the choir that had been formed among all the sailors on the ship.

The convoy the Aachen was part of was travelling to several of Caria’s seaports, to take the fifth regiment medical troops on land in Caria. One of the surgeons that traveled to Caria was Alexander Sauerbruch. He was a nephew of a very famous Eiffellandian surgeon: Ferdinand Sauerbruch, the inventor of thoracal surgery, of several traumatological procedures and of several very ingenious limb prostheses. This Ferdinand Sauerbruch was a very good surgeon, and surgery of the 1950s would have been far more primitive without this man. But he was also very arrogant and very ill-mannered, so arrogant and ill-mannered that he even adressed to Kings with their first names, and with “du” instead of the formal “Sie”. Ferdinand’s nephew Alexander Sauerbruch didn’t have invented any new techniques, but was a very good surgeon as well (maybe even better than Ferdinand himself), and he was very good at improving existing techniques. He already had improved some of his uncle’s designs and techniques. And he was as arrogant and ill-mannered as his famous uncle. And he had inherited one other very uneiffellandian habit from his uncle: He refused to talk any other language than German. If someone wanted to talk to the Semi-God Alexander Sauerbruch, he had to use the mother tongue of the Semi-God Alexander Sauerbruch. He was only interested in one thing: Surgery. And this was the reason why he was in Caria: To improve his uncle’s designs for limb prostheses, and maybe even inventing new ones.

 

[Pelasgia]

Demetrias
As Armoured Personnel Carriers of the II and III Regiments of the Carian Gendarmerie moved into the city civilians looked on in awe, some cheering the forces that with them brought the promise of Democracy and some simply stunned at how theit city had, within a night, transformed into a battlefield. The APCs moved through Despotissas Amalias Street to Stemma Square. In the area laid the corspes of both Astynomia officers and Despotist far right militiamen allied with them, as citizens were only now beginning to pick them up. The Gendarmerie had had losses too but their bodies had been picked up the night before, unlike to neglected ones of the defenders, who lacked the sympathy of their own City's people.

The streets had sandbag barricades and barbed wire here and there and near major streets leading to Stemma Square and Megaro Square the neo-classical masterpiece buildings were now filled with bullet-holes on their lower levels. Megaro Square and the Megaro itself had been captured by Assembly's forces the day before as the large square had many roads leading to it and was hard to defend. The Archon and the Despotist government had fled to the Despot's Spring Palace near Stemma Square, one of the Despotic Family's many residences which after the Deposition served as their permanent residence. The entire block had been fortified by whatever loyal troops the Despotists had left.

As the APCs came to a halt near the temporary Field Command Station the Gendarmerie had set up in the Public Insurance Service's Building Aeantas could see the Despotist prisoners being marched to the temporary holding area and held at gunpoint by guards. Climbing down from the APC he moved to receive units for his Company. He walked into the building walking to the reception desk, where a Logistics officer was.

"Name and Unit." said the officer;

"Lochagos Aeantas Manavis of the 8th Company of the III Gendarmerie Regiment."

"Here is your Orders Sheet. Next."

Aeantas took the sheet handed to him and read the orders. He then walked out and spoke to his men.

"Alright people we have our orders. We are going to assault the area between the centre and the right flank here on this map. There is wall with a balcony and multiple windows in the Nursing Home behind it. Between them is a courtyard. Expect at least two snipers, quite a few armed police and militia and at least one machine gun. We need that machine gun taken out, it is one of the eight they have left. The militia will break after our APCs scare them with their guns and we kil a couple of their own or supress them for lng enough. The cops will not all break so easily but they are less experienced than us. They are kind of mercenaries to whatever government is in power so if we kill enough of them they may even switch sides or just quietly surrender. Unlike the militia they will not retreat because if they do their officers will execute them. Any questions?"

"What kind of arms do the cops have?"

"Some bolt action rifles from the 40s and a few semi-auto ones from the late 40s. Both military grade, but not comparable to ours. That MG and the Sniper Rifles as well as a couple of other guns are Military battle rifles, like ours so be careful of those. We need them taken out first. They took them from the Counter Terrorist Unit's Armoury."

"How did they do that?"

"At least a dozen of them are from the unit. These are the guys who will not retreat, I was telling yout about. Anything else? Good. Let's do this."

The troops started moving up toward the front line. Near the battlefield there was no movement. No birds and no animals. Nothing moved. Or at least nothing wanted to be seen move. The dusty road of the small three or two flour buildings that acted as house-store hybrids the company was silently advancing through was like it came out of one of an old thriller movie, completely deserted. On the other side the large Neoclassical 19th Century Nursing Home stood. ne of the Gendarmerie soldiers moved a little more faster than the others, exposing himself. From one of the countless windows a sniper planted a bullet straight into his heart killing him instantly.

The rifle was silenced making almost no sound and wehat sound it made was coevered by the fire of the fight that raged in other parts of the city. The snipers scope had however reflected some light. Another one of Gendarmerie troops raised his rifle afetr seeing it. He aimed at the window and after seeing a dark figure makig a tiny move to chamber another round he pulled the trigger killing him. The two sides started exchanging fire. The defenders machine gun was particularly destructive ripping through the buildings were the Gendarmerie troops were hiding. Suddenly a Gendarmerie APC broke through one of the half collapsed buildings and blew the machien gunner and anybody near him in the balcony with a shot of its main gun. The sight alone was enough to make the militia retreat who suffered mroe losses as they could be seen retreating by the Gendarmerie troops.

Only a couple dozen police officers and a single sniper were left, many running out of ammo due to their already low supplies. The Astynomia was not designed for militay grade combat and it did not have supplies or enough weapons for sustained battles like this one, unlike the Paramilitary Gendarmerie. Another couple of shots from the APC and a sudden wall of fire by the Gendarmerie troops was enough to get the defenders to come out and surrender with their hands up. A secodn force came in to collect bodies and treat the wounded while the attackers moved forward, now without any obstacle to the Despotic Residence in Stemma Square. Other Gendarmerie forces had also broken through their assigned areas.

With no way to resist without the fight turning into a bloodbath for them the Archon, the Demetrian Government and the Despotic Family surrendered to the Gendarmerie who arrested them and put them into APCs to transport them to Nauplio for their tribunal. In Demetrias a Provisional Military Government was appointed by the Executive Assembly.

 

[Pelasgia]

Titanian Mountains
Artillery shots shook the ground as they lighted the dark sky of the Carian winter's nights. Cassander looked down at his feet with an empty gaze thinking to himself. In his one hand he held a lighter, whose lid he repeatedly and almost mechanically open and closed with his hand. In his other hand laid the last tiny bit of a Carian Tyropita cheese pie. The weather was cold. Extremely cold. While in the rest of Caria the mild Carian winter rarely brought very cold or snowy weather, just like most the Long Sea nations over here, on the high Mountains of the Titans the snow was abandant.

Had he been a child this would have been a dream come true, holidays in the snow! But now it onyl caused problems for those fighting. These mountains were so rocky, so high, so inhospitabel the Ancient Carians thought the Gods lived there and the Titans had made them. Even the modern Exatheon, official teachings thought the mountains to be a domain of the Gods. Yet he had seen no Minerva or Sol Invictus over here. Only Vanguardist guerillas and government soldiers butchering eachother. Cassander sighed. His sigh ended just as his friend Antinochus enterred the tent.

Both were in full winter uniform with trenchcoats even inside the tents. He held in his hand two bard of chocolate.
"Θες μία; Είναι Νικολαΐδη, οι αγαπημένες σου!"
"Want one? It is a Nikolaidi, your favourite [brand]!"

"Φυσικά. Σ' ευχαριστώ ρε."
"Of course. Thank you."

"Στο χρωστάω. Με 'σωσες στην Αναβραχιά."
"I owe you. You saved me at Anavrachia."

The shelling started getting more intense outside the tent as the two soldiers enjoyed their first fix of sugar in months. Cassander noticed the spike in cannon shots and commneted on it, reffering to the Major General by his 'nickname' among the soldiers. He earned it due to his love for the soldiers and his old age making them see him like a grandfather of shorts. The type of grandfather that makes one do push ups and shoot rifles.
"Ο γερo-Δήμος τρελάθηκε ή μου φαίνεται;"
"Did old Demos go mad or is it just me?"

"Μπα, προσπαθούν να μαλακώσουν τις θέσεις των ανταρτών. Αύριο θα μας βάλουν πάλι να ορμούμε με ξιφολόγχες σαν τους μαλάκες."
"Bah, they are trying to soften up the guerillas' positions. Tomorrow they will have us charging with bayonets like a bunch of wankers."

On the corner of the tent there was a bell attached in case the commanders needed to reach the soldiers. Normally it would be in case of emergency but thi night its rining meant it was time to meet up with the others so the officers could explain the plan for tomorrow's assault to the soldiers. It rung and the two got up, heading to the Officers' Staff of their Brigade which was in a small agricultural house that was now abandoned. There the Brigadier waited for his men to come. After everyone was there he pointed at the map and started explaining the plan that he had been told himself earlier by the General in the Officers' Staff.

"Good evening genltemen. As all of you must have noticed there is a large scale bombardment from our side to the mountains where the guerillas are. In all that commotion we probably destroyed a lot of their own artillery but we will do better once the sun shines. Apart from that their defenses and their manpower should have surely suffered some damage. Now to this map. Tomorrow we will assault the enemy positions.
The IV Regiment will attack their left flank first here, because there our guys have a slightly higher ground, while in most other palces there is a large gap between our positions and we will have a lower ground. After the IV breaks through they will attack the defenders from the flank so they will be forced to focus away from us and on the IV's assault. If that happens the trap is springed. They will have less men on the frontlines so we will start a large assault, covered by air, to take their positions. Since vehicles cannot move through the rocks we will be climbing we will attack here and take the road that leads from the bridge to the village of Petrokastro.
After we take the road we will entrench ourselves and let the vehicles pass. We must make sure we have taken enough space so that they do not have a direct lien of fire at the bridge or the vehicles. Then the III and I will take care of their sectors and the village should surrounded from all sides. The V will come and fortify around us so we can besiege without fear of a relief force coming through. Air patrols will help us know where their positions are. However from this point on the airplanes cannot attack as we could hurt civilians in the houses of the village. With he cover of the vehicles we will move into Petrokastro. As the name says it is rocky and steep with many different levels of houses.
It has fortifications on every level as in the Dark Ages it was fortress-town. Trust me this will be a hell of a fight and I want everyone to be careful cause urban combat for every inch will happen. We will surely lose people but I need eveyone at their best. Level by level we will clear the defenders from the city's medieval fortifications, any defenses they may have set up and the various buildings. Expect some IEDs too. After this is done we will move to the top level where the Medieval Castle's Keep is. That is the HQ of the Guerillas force in the area. If we take this fort they will be pushed far into Demetrias where their remaining mountain strongholds are. At the same time the other forces should have cleared the encircled pockets left all over the place behind our advance. If this succeeds then we are only a couple more battles away from victory. Unless their men do not surrender first that is."

 

[Pelasgia]

Petrokastro, Titanian Mountains
As the day dawned a massive new barrage of artillery fire started hammering the area near Petrokastro. Large bodies of sand, rocks and dust lifted as each shell pounded the earth and the rocky surface of the mountain like a hammer smashes into an anvil. After the smoke had begun to clear and the defenses of the guerillas were still as thin and as full of holes as Swiss cheese the IV Regiment begun pouring into the defenders' left flank from the higher ground. As expected the guerillas rushed to the left flank leaving their front and right weakened and in some areas completely empty.

The Captain fired a flare into the air and the troops started moving forward, climbing the rocks that would lead them to the road outside Petrokastro so they could capture the bridge and move vehciles and reinforcements in, while cutting the mountainous castle town off. Cassander and Antinochus too were there climbing. Cassander, all sweaty from having to climb in full, heavy winter gear hatched on to rock after rock until he finally reached the edge of the ridge, where the road's surface begun. He waited there, hidden, until the Captain whistled. Then he thrusted forward and upward getting himself on the road, pulled his rifle from his back and took aim. A sentry turnde toward him and instinctively he pulled the trigger. The sentry stayed up for a second looking with a blank, cold stare of death to Cassander, who had frzoen still, before falling to his knees and then on the floor, lifeless with a pool of blood on the road around him.

Another sentry moved to aim at Cassander but Antinochus took him out after he too climbed. The whole Regiment made similar moves before they took the ridge and the road. With the sentries dead, except for one who was caught sleeping in the guard post and detained, the Regiment de-barricaded the bridge, moving the barricades on the road's right side, in case insurgent reinforcements from Petrokastro came. The Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Armoured Personnel Carriers and Tanks of the regiment started moving through to the road. Soon enough the reinforcements of the other regiments radiod in taht they had taken their objectives, while the IV broke completely silenced the dfenders it came across and then met up with Cassander's Regiment for the assault on Petrokastro.

Then the attack commnced. Planes flew over the road leading to Petrokastro attacking the defenses on the road. Soon enough the armoured government vehciles started breaking through line after line of the guerillas. It changed however when they reached the new market. The was in lower ground, with little space to manouveur. The tall, rock medieval buildings of the fortress town of Petrokastro were perfect places for an ambush and many times before they had been the site of successful defenses against invaders. When the middle of the line reached the low point in the market's roadgrenades came flying out of the windows along with molotov cocktails, a couple of rocket launcher shells and a barrage of fire. The tanks and vehciles in the middle exploded and the line was cut in half. Cassander and Antionochus took cover and tried to return fire in the blazing chaos among the others while taking fire from all sides. After seeing a faint shine Cassander screamed at Antinochus to take cover.

"There! On the left flank! Sniper-

Blood gashed as a shot hit him in the neck, stopping him from finishing his sentence. It would be his last words as his blood expanded the pool of blood that had covered the crater shaped square, with the bruning vehicles and mountains of bodies from the ambush. Antinochus turned to the Brigadier.

"Get us some air support!"

"We cannot risk mombing a town! There-

"We have no choice, sir!"

Indeed left without any choice the Brigadier notified the air force on the radio that they needed air support in the old market. The planes came in in a clean sweep soon after bombing the buildings around the sqaure to bits. The smoke from Petrokastro and the mountain it was on could now be seen from miles. While still recovering the troops searched the buildings executing any survivors they found, while they tried to save any of their own left alive in the square and the frontal part of the line that had been separated. The smell of bodies and burned materials, both organic and lifeless, had filled the air. But the battle was far from over.

Following the ambush the soldiers regrouped. While the IV and I regiments had taken many losses from the ambush the others had used it as a distraction tobreak through, surrounding the defenders of the lower level of the city. Many that had no way to get to the higher walls were surrounded and forced to surrender or smoked out once and for all. With nightfall the positions of the troops stabilized.

Antinochus stoof on the balcony of a captured building looking as artillery was brought in to bombard the higher walls and the citadel where the guerillas where. The battle had turned into an all out siege. With the blood covered dog tags and letters of a dozen fallen friends he moved toward the field graves putting the tags above each man's grave, as after they were covered. He took the letters with him to the tent, to deliver them in person when the war was over. The men were from so many different city states it would be like a tour of Caria.

Once morning dawned the third day of the battle came. The bloody push continued on the disfigured walls of the hammered town and the mountain. After many losses on both sides the defenders were contained to the citadel. There the commanders of the guerillas asked their central command for orders. They got a simple one back.

ΠΑΡΑΔΩΘΕΙΤΕ

"Surrender". So in the morning the guerillas announced their surrender and started coming out with their hands up, discarding their equipment and weapons at a designated area for the government to take it. All across the front similar scenes took place. The Revolutionary War was now, both officially and in effect, over.

 

[Pelasgia]

Sounio
Snow had covered the roads of Sounio. The city was already fairly white, built of Sounian marble, rock from the neary quaries and white painted cement, but now the snow added the finishing touch making the city completely white, as if it had come from a painting of the afterlife, making the winter felt. All around the city repairs were advancing. The centre had been mostly repaired in the three months that had passed and repairs were now focused around the suburbs, industrial areas and the port. The authorities, under the new Prometheanist rule, were doing the their best to keep everyone who was having a hard timesafe and provide them with the basic necessities, something small yet something that Sounio had never seen in the decades under the Archon's rule.

Antinochus looked around at the city amased, never having been there before. He had already allowed himself a tour of the sites from various time periods, yet he had not managed to see enough, understandable for one of the world's oldest cities. Tourims however was not the reason of his travel. Walking across a street flanked by the Neoclassical buildings whose many details and small architectural decorations were covered in snow it would seem he was alone were it not for the light coming out of their windows, though he could not distinguish between it and that of the street lamps easily.

His breath could be 'seen' when he breathed in the cold air, due to the difference in temeprature between his body and that of the environment. The weather here was not nearly as cold as that which he had felt on the Titanian Mountains, since Sounio and most of South Caria lacked cold winters. The snowy Winter holidays was a miracle for them, one they had thrice at best every decade. It was so unusual schools closed when it snowed, out of fear for the safety of the students when they were coming to schools. Unfounded fears of course, but municipal authorities always have the tendency of being overprotective.

His walk was suddenly interrupted when he finally reached the house bearing No. 24 of the road. He looked at it. Nothing out of the ordinary. As tall as the others on the street, about seven floors, Southeast Carian Neoclassical in style but much less ornate than government buildings, details and marble elements in white, while the large surfaces were painted in a light shade of blue. Just an average building in Sounio's center. Antinochus down looked at his hand. Of the dog tags and letters he had picked up from fallen comrades all were gone, all returned to their families. All save for one. The one that belonged to his closest friend. Gripping it hardly he walked forward, determined to keep his last promise to his friend, and he rung on the door bell of the respective apartment.

A bzz sound meant the door was open and he walked up the stairs and down the hallway to apartment 21. He knocked on the door and a woman opened the door. She was in her fifties, probably the mother of the family, flanked by two women who were no doubt Cassander's younger and older sisters. The family picture Cassander had shown Antinochus fit the bunch perfectly. A mix of anxiety and anger overcame Antinochus, who tried to cover his emotions while speaking, taking his feelings out by clenching his fist discretely.

«Είστε η μητέρα του Δεκανέα Κάσσανδρου Αλεξανδρόπουλου;»
"Are you the mother of Private Cassander Alexandropoulos?"

«Μάλιστα. Είστε από το Στρατό; Έχετε νέα;»
"Certainly. Are you from the Army? Do you have news?"

Antinochus could see the anxiety in the faces of those he was speaking to. He took a breath and looked at Ms. Alexandropoulou again.

«Με μεγάλη μου λύπη πρέπει να σας πληροφορήσω ότι ο Δεκανέας Αλεξανδρόπουλος έπεσε στην υπηρεσία της πατρίδος.»
"It is with great sadness that I must inform you that Private Alexandropoulos fell in service of the Fatherland."

 

[Rheinbund]

After the fifth regiment medical had been put on land in Caria, it started working. Meanwhile, it had set up 24 field hospitals (even equipped with radiological devices) in all regions of Caria where they were needed, and all these hospitals were up and running. Additional to that, food packages and blankets were transported all over the country. Sometimes field hospitals were combined with refugee camps, built up with the tents sent from Eiffelland to Caria as well. Droppings still took place above North Demetrias.

Dr. Alexander Sauerbruch had installed himself in a field hospital as well. It was in this field hospital where one of the former archons was admitted to because of a complicated bone fracture. And it was Dr. Alexander Sauerbruch who treated the former archon. As could be expected, he wasn’t impressed at all. The first thing he said when he saw the archon was: “Aaalso, du bist einer von dieser Clicque Idioten die den Scheiss hier eingebrockt hat, stimmt’s?” Sooo, you are one of this clicque that started the mess here, right?

Then he physically examined the archon and checked the bone fracture. At the end of the physical exam, he asked when the archon had eaten for the last time. When it appeared that the archon could not be considered to have an empty stomach, he snapped to a male nurse: “Auspumpen.” Pump his stomach empty.

 

[Pelasgia]

The Archon would have surely been offended at the manner he was being spoken to.... if he knew Eiffellander. One of his servants who did, translated the Eiffellander into Carian, and he made sure to make the Doctor's words more respectful.

«Ο Ιατρός λέει πως πρέπει να αδιάσουν το στομάχι σας.»
"The doctor says the need to empty your stomach."

«Εντάξει. Ότι χρειάζεται. Πες του ότι τον ευχαριστώ.»
"Alright. Whatever is needed. Tell him he has my thanks."

The servant turned to Doctor Alexander, trying to put on a happy face, to prevent his Archon from understanding he had altered the Doctor's words.

"Er sagt, Sie haben seinen Dank. Und ja Seine Gnade ist eine der Archonten."
"He says you have his thanks. And yes Sir, His Grace is one of the Archons." (Google translate is the real MVP)

A guard moved in interrupting the chat. He adressed the Doctor in Carian, not knowing he only spoke in German.

«Με συχωρείτε, Κύριε Ιατρέ. Μπορείτε να κάνετε λίγο πιο γρήγορα; Έχουμε να τον πάμε και σε δίκη τον Άρχοντα της αποτυχίας. Συγνώμη για την διακοπή.»
"Exuse me, Sir Doctor. Could you please be a tiny little faster? We have to take the Archon of failure to a trial. Sorry for the interruption."

Antikyra
As negotiations progressed Nikolaos Zorbas was confident a common solution could be found for all Carian States in the Constitutional Assembly. Caria could finally be united. The representatives had all approved the Financial Reconstruction Plan, put forth by the Executive Assembly, as well as various clauses to make life for exporters in order to boost the economy. Every day the Assembly was the shining light of progress and unity in Caria. Men and women who would have once been forced to shoot each other in trenches or ruined cities now stood as brothers and made life in Caria better for everyone, taking all opinions into account, through negotiation and diplomacy. Of course the more sensitive subjects had not been touched yet.

But Dr. Zorbas was confident they would show the same exemplary unity until the Assembly completed its work. He had faith in the new generation of Carians. A strong faith they would undo the mistakes of their ancestors and finally find peace. It was this very faith that drove him back to Sounio. The Assembly would not meet again in some time. And the Professor and now Chief Representative of Sounio in the Constitutional Assembly, wanted to give a speech in Sounio, to reinforce the new Prometheanist leadership and gather the people around them like a single fist so they could go forward and rebuild their lives. It would not be easy. But it would be much easier than the war was.

As the ship he had boarded moved into the port of Sounio he saw the snow covered bright white city of marble with the Acropolis sticking out on top of the city's highest and most rocky hill. Zorbas always took the ship liners of the state ship company just like most of his less fortunate compatriots, but this time his personnal security had insisted he at least have a private cabin of his own. His life was now not only important to him but to all of Caria, as he spearheaded the efforts of unification. He had come to both give that one speech and also check on how the new administration of Sounio was doing. It was surrounded by fellow Prometheanist governments in the nearby City States so the rebuilding efforts should have progressed greatly with heir cooperation.

As the ship honked he knew it was time to disembark. He took his laggage, mostly books, documents and clothes, and moved off the ship, followed by the security officers the Assembly had demanded he take with him. The people on the boat greeted him and shaked his hand, a wave of love toward a man who was the very personification of Sounio's free spirit and age old wisdom. As he moved to the port he was happy to see countless menc and women working on repairs as well as unloading or loading the cargo of trade ships or tankers, with the Sounian port as vibrant and prosperous as ever, something greatly needed to fuel the reconstruction efforts. The workers, in blue working uniforms, with red, blue and white helmets on, no doubt once bellonging to the Iraklis Group's Arms Industry branch in Sounio, worked tirelessly, many with red cloths rapped around one of their arms. Some of the workers too were quick to greet him.

After embracing the workers he walked into a government car that would take him to a room of the former Archontic Megaro's, now the city's Governmental Megaro's, personnal rooms section, once used by the Nobles and their guests, were he would stay during his visit. The car had been waiting there for him, along with some Honour Guards from the city's Astynomia. He was greeted by a representative of the government.

«Καλώς ορίσατε πίσω στο Σούνιο, Κύριε Ζορμπά. Ο Πρωθυπουργός σας περιμένει με αγωνία, όπως και όλοι μας!»
"Welcome back to Sounio, Mr. Zorbas. The Premier awaits your arrival with suspense, as do all of us!"

 

[Rheinbund]

“You can count on it that I will do everything I can to cure the Archon,” Dr. Alexander Sauerbruch said, in German. Then he realised that he had forgotten to tell why the Archon’s stomach had to be emptied. So he continued: “To treat the Archon’s fracture properly, I need to operate. To let the narcosis work properly, the Archon’s stomach needs to be emptied, so that’s why I ordered to do so.”

Then he noticed someone else talking to him in Carian. It was the guard asking him to hurry so that the Archon could be taken to his trial. Sauerbruch’s reaction to that question was short and snappy: “Wie bitte?”What do you say?

Sauerbruch listened to the translation of the guard’s question into German, and grew angry afterwards. What was that guard thinking? His answer was in German: “You are telling me what to do? What in Heaven’s name do you think you are? I’ll explain the relations here to you. You are a simple guard. I am the doctor. I have the knowledge to determine what this patient has, what needs to be done and when he is fit for trial again, not a simple guard. Is that clear? This man has a complicated bone fracture, so he needs to be operated. Urgently. So that’s what I’m gonna do. And after that, I am the one who decides when he is ready for his trial. I am the boss here in this hospital, so I decide what happens here. Tell the judge to wait, even if it is God himself who wants to judge. Understood?”

Sauerbruch’s outburst could be heard over the complete emergency department. One of the internists walked over to check what was happening. As soon as he entered the room, he said jovially, in Carian with a heavy accent: “Gentlemen, please meet Dr. Sauerbruch, the best surgeon of Eiffelland, and maybe even of the world.”
Then he saw that one of the people in the room was a police officer, or a soldier, or something comparable. He immediately realised that problems could arise if that was the person who just had undergone Sauerbruch’s anger, so he said: “Herr Doktor Sauerbruch, bitte lassen Sie mich mit den Leuten reden, damit Sie Ihren Patienten behandeln können.” Dr. Sauerbruch, please let me talk to the people, so that you can treat your patient.

Sauerbruch agreed. The internist started to talk (in German): “Sorry, but the Carian you just heard from me is the only Carian I know, so I have to continue in German. Or French or English, if that suits you better. Anyway, it may be good to mention that Dr. Sauerbruch is very passionate about his work and does everything he can for his patients. That explains why he sometimes uses some emphasis to make his point. In any case, he is right about the Archon’s fitness for trial. If he has to undergo an operation immediately, he is not fit for trial. He simply cannot follow the trial because his physical suffering takes up all his attention. If you would take the Archon to the court room in his current condition, you would go against the principles you were fighting for, with all due respect. So unfortunately, the trial has to be postponed. Apologies for that.”

As soon as the Archon had been taken to the operation room and Sauerbruch had gone there as well, the internist continued: “I have to say that Dr. Sauerbruch’s outburst went too far. Please accept my apologies for that. We Eiffellandians are generally not like that at all. What I told about Dr. Sauerbruch’s surgical competences is true, by the way. He is the best surgeon of Eiffelland, and at least one of the best of the world. Unfortunately, he is also by far the most ill-mannered surgeon of Eiffelland. Surgeons in general are a bit blunt, but Dr. Sauerbruch’s ill manners are over the top. Maybe that is the reason why he hasn’t been offered a professor’s job yet, despite an excellent Habilitation, and despite the fact that he is number one in the row.”

OOC: Sorry for the late reply.