A Battle Unseen

[MrFacts]

Artur Muradyan gives an update to the King and the Bazmuyut.
8 september 5564

A(rtur Muradyan) is invited in the royal palace by his royal majesty the king for an update of the presentation given by Beiteynuse expert Marit.

He walks in the meeting room and see king (Aris Arevyan) seated next to Ar(ham Arevyan) minister of foreign affairs and Are(g Pntekyan), minister of defense.


The king welcomes Artur and gestures he should sit: Welcome friend, what have you to tell me about the presentation?

A: That we need to move with cautious as we do not want to antagonize the empire of canrille. Also need an open communication towards the unholy empire of Luthori and Mordusia as they patrol the area. We also have to talk to Kafuristan as they are part of MSCO too.

The king knodds approval and ask: What someone representing the Jelbic Empire and how did they respond?

A: he did not say much towards us, but also didnt disapprove any future events, he only confirmed the cautioness towards the empire of Canrille.

King: thats good. We will move with caution. Aram, you will contact Luthori and ask for a open communication with them and arrange a state visit with Mordusia, it is about time we improve our relations with them, it could give us new trade possibilities and may be we could ask for docking rights to dock and refuel there, wich is needed for any future possible event. 

Areg, you make sure you communicate well with Aram and make sure our troops are ready. They need to be ready whenever we would decide anything. 

Areg and Aram knodd both to agree with the king. 

Artur says thank you, sire. and walks out.

[Flip]

7th of September 5565, Northern Dirakio, close to the Jelbic Border


Leo had done this before. Several times. But never before had it been this much. He was sweating. "It's just the weather" he told himself 
"The weather and maybe these damn GMO-tobacco cigarettes. Theres no reason to be nervous"

Leo's car was closing in on the border post. A grey Urso Vagisto, typical lower to middle class family car in Zardugal. "Nothing out of the ordinary." Leo thought "Except for the backseats filled to the brim with sewn in Diatusin of course" He couldn't supress a pained smile. Only five more cars. The Vanukean guards waved the people through for the most part, sometimes looking at the drivers with a grim facial expression, arms crossed sitting on their horses. Four more cars, three- one of the horses started defacating while it's rider tried his best to look intimidating "An image for the gods" Leo whispered to himself slightly relieved. Two cars- the border guards now actually stopped the driver, and started talking to each other. Leo had seen this before. They were going to change the guard. A new patrol approached the border post. Four slightly annoyed looking uniformed men on horseback and "Dogs?!" Leo gasped with his eyes wide open. This was new. They must have smelt a rat since his last visit to Vanuku. The border controls proceeded. Dog's did not react. Only one more car in front of him, a million behind him, concrete barricades to his left and right. The car in front of him drove away. Leo froze, not being able to react to the guards order to move forward. They approached him with the dogs, already barking -"The fucking window" he thought. He had left it open since he smoked his last cigarette. 


"Eliru el la aŭto. Tuj!" he heard one of the guards screaming in broken Zardic. What happened next felt like a fast forwarded movie to him. Next thing he remembered was him standing outside the car in handcuffs. One of the guards drew his sabre. A swift cut, white powder drizzling out of the back bench. The guard turned around and screamed what Leo thought to be orders.

[Louis]

Palace of Oisy, Bertrand Royal Hall, 20:09 PM.
A meeting of individuals.

"Ah thank you again for your great hospitality. Your nation certainly has elegance at the front of everything."

"Indeed minister. His Royal Majesty's Royal Government is always here for Xsampa's needs. To my point: I understand your nation is currently seeking...uhm.. different military avenues no?

"What do you mean, Royal Minister?"

"I have a large sum of francs. 600 million--prepared for Xsampa to use for whatever is needed."

"I--I mean Royal Minister, if you will that is a large sum for--"

"Oh do not fret about the sum nor of its details. The finances do not come from the Royal Government itself. I have a large set of donors who would.... like to see Xsampa be successful--as we always have.

"How will we receive this?"

"A large sum will be deposited into several accounts just for Xsampa... or would you prefer this sum to be made in deterrence materials?"

"No, no, we will take the sum as is..... it is late I must depart."

"Very Well. Thank you for your visit sir. Our meeting was productive. I hope to see you too."

"Thank you, Royal Minister. But I must know. Who is the donor responsible for gathering these sums? The suspense will kill me."

"Indeed, Minister. Farewell.-- Oh, and send your thanks to Antoine Vivaldi-Vandam"

[Elena1012]

Operation; Northern Winds
November 3rd, 5566
Metz-Leonid, Ladakh District

Tsering sat at his desk. Another day, another file to read. This time, it was about the proposed Operation Northern Winds. Trigunia was ablaze. Formerly an imperialist state, the Proletariat was fighting to be free. Or at least, some of it. Tsering didn't fully understand what was happening up there, something which ashamed him. It didn't matter. Operation Northern Winds would see support to the Trigunian rebels, particularly the Lesnovian Soviet Socialist Republic, and the Trigunian Red Army. Gaining an ally in Keris would be invaluable. They would receive funding, training and what arms could be spared. 

Tsering signed off on the operation. The CSS would begin operations in Trigunia. Naturally, the CSS would also have the goal of establishing a network in Trigunia and ensuring an optimal outcome irregardless of who wins, but the focus for now would be on supporting the LSSR. They will receive a blank check from Xsampa. A victory for the LSSR would ensure that SocIntern can establish itself in Keris, and ensure a Xsampan presence in the Great North. In the event a failure occurs with the LSSR, the CSS will need to be ready to extract any and all available leaders out of the country. Tsering was sure that the LSSR would prevail. But it was better to be safe than sorry.

In any case, Tsering for ready to deliver the signed file to the Central Committee. Comrade Wangchen would especially be pleased to see operations expanded. A new revolutionary state is only beneficial to Xsampa. Whether or not the LSSR won or not, they had the full backing of Xsampa.

[Louis]

Palace of Oisy, IRSA Liaison Bureau, 0400 Hrs


"The knight moves across the board"

"I understand that... but she's in Luthori right now! I simply cannot act unless it comes from her approval"

"We have the intel, we can visibly see them on the way, Gerrard! We must get a direct line to her immediately!"

"Get me de la Bedoyere, quickly."

---------------------
"Alo?"

"Royal Minister, this is Director Gerrard, IRSA. We must talk sir."

"Ah, Gerrard. What is wrong? It is early."

"Sir, the goddess has detected movement in Majatra. Based on intelligence we have gathered. The Mordusians have allowed Pontesi temporary access to its ports. We believe they may be heading to Istalia."

"Gya-- and the High Chancellor is she informed?

"We are trying to get ahold of her. She is in Fort William. A slap in the face if you will."

"Right, I want the Royal Strategic Command ready in 15 minutes. Send word to Saint Michel Vigile and to Atyr, this is a Canrillaise issue."

"Sir?"

"I NEED THE IMPERIAL COMMAND AS WELL, GERRARD!"

"Indeed, I will ensure the goddess remains vigilant. As for our fleets, which should we mobilize? The fifth in Alduria? The second in Keymon?"

"All of them Gerrard. All of them."

---------------------

"Alo?"

"Madame Chancellier, we have a problem."

"What's wrong commander?"

"We need a decision on your part"

..........


..........


..........

"You have my plan, commander. Go forth and set in motion the will of Canrille."

[Mbites]

Stumpf & Summers I

February 5568
Nihaton, 3rd Point Executive Coffee-House
Bernhard Stumpf and Geert Summers, SaSA intelligence officers.

Stumpf and Summers enter the executive coffee-house in the 3rd Point base.
They meet a different individual, speaking neither Narik nor Darnussian. No Beiteynese and also no Pontesian.

Summers and Stumpf wrinkle the nose.

"It smells like horse."

"Doesnt matter, as long as it looks like disappearance."

[Mbites]

Stumpf & Summers II

March 5568
Bannerhafen Airport, Government Hangar
Bernhard Stumpf and Geert Summers, SaSA intelligence officers.

Summers scrams through his bag.
"Where the hell did you put the Key Geert?" asked an annoyed Stumpf.

"God damnit. Fuck. We have to reschedule the manipulation."

"You are such a moron."

[hyraemous]

Somewhere near the Dorvish coast...
insert date here

A transcript follows.

(K)ris Bergmon: Kunoilorg has received a communication from the Dorvish government to leave our oil platforms.

(A)leksandr Bolovenyk: Why?

K: Because we're in their EEZ? Obviously?

A: No, no, why did it take so long? It's been a century and they finally want us gone?

K: Apparently. Kunoilorg wants us gone and the oil platforms destroyed.

A: Alright. I'll tell the crew. You are bringing ships, right?

K: Of course. They're on their way. The Kirlawans will be on the same ships and we're making stops in Kirlawan ports to bring them home before we go back home ourselves.

A: Alright.

[The crew of Aleksandr's oil platform are informed that they will have to cease operations. Kris would inform the other oil platform managers and they would share the news. In a few days the helicopters and ships would begin to arrive to bring the crews home, leaving a skeleton crew to destroy the oil platforms.]

[Doc]

IBSI Listening post, somewhere in the Nevaran Mountains, Duchy of Nevaras

A radio operator, Cpl Machado, was in the middle of playing an app on her phone.  She normally monitored the wired secure radio during the night shift at this particular listening post, and most nights passed with nominal reports from Kalistan's stations across northern Seleya.  A monotonous weather report over the Mad Dog Ocean had just begun, when all of a sudden, a loud buzz that noted an alert flashed over the speakers, and the Corporal nearly dropped her phone while just barely preventing herself from falling backward.  She snapped to attention and began to record the message.  She listened again for a little bit, realized it was repeating

"Captain.  Listen to this..."

The short captain in a tucked in short sleeved button down shirt moved to the radio.  In it he heard a mechanical teletype voice, similar to voice IBSI weather radio uses.  The Message repeated "major naval deployment detected in Keymon, significant increase in naval traffic detected in Northern Anantonese Ocean Detected.  Ack requested in OTH StatLik, OTH StatGre... Continuing to monitor...  CQCQ This is OTHAC, calling COMIMPINT WireStat.  ALERT Major naval deployment detected in..."

The captain took off his head set and sighed.  "Alright...  I have to make some calls.  This is going to really ruin my evening..."

The captain took the hand written message from the Corporal, disappeared into another room and closed the door.  The Corporal continued to listen to the message repeat wondering what it could mean.  As she listened to it repeat, it didn't change, but it became more ominous.

In a minute, the Captain returned and handed the Corporal a paper.  "Send this AllStat."

The corporal read the message, looked up at the Captain, who nodded, and then looked back at her console.  She flipped a switch which sent out a systemwide alert code, dialed in a specific number, and turned on her microphone.  "CQCQ This is COMIMPINT, calling ALLSTAT, Oscar Tango Hotel STATLIK, Oscar Tango Hotel StatGre, Acknowledge.  Continue Monitoring, MINREP Emergency.  MILINT 4th Fleet Initiate Protocol Kilo, HOURREP Standard.  MILINT 1st Fleet Initiate Protocol Bravo, HOURREP Emergency.  MILINT 2nd Fleet Initiate Protocol Bravo, HOURREP Standard.  Standby for further instructions from COMNAV.  This is COMIMPINT."

The Corporal didn't know what the protocols meant, but she knew gears were now moving.  The message from the Commander of the Regular Navy, likely coming within the next hour, would be very telling.  It would be unclear for a while whether this means that Kalistan would be preparing for some sort of conflict in either the Mad Dog or the Anantonese Ocean.  The captain was right though.  This had just become a very long night.

"Spencer better get on the ball..." he said, pushing his hair out of his eyes.  "I need a smoke.  Let me know if you hear anything."

"Aye Sir." said the Corporal and she went back to listening to her radio.  The repeating alert was soon replaced by various field units and different branches of the IBSI and military intelligence reporting message received.  The Corporal checked off each listening post on her ALLSTAT sheet until she had manually marked confirmation from all 85 field stations.  The confirmation process was completed in less than 2 minutes, and then the station went back to repeating weather reports from different segments of the Mad Dog and the Anantonese Oceans.

[Autokrator]

Royal Port Castle
Port Alexander
Commonwealth of Mordusia
5567, during the state visit of Zardugal to Mordusia

As the guest for the State Banquet are entering the Palace and being offered drinks whilst they converse with each other before diner, a welcome cocktail was given, the Rimly Sunset Spritz it was called. A blend of native finger lime, Voisain sparkling wine and a splash of plum syrup.
 
Meanwhile three men meet each other in the servants area.
 
‘’Is everything ready, is everything prepared?’’ said the well-dressed man to the butler of Royal Port Palace in Port Alexander.
 
‘’It is, sir. After the diner, when everyone goes through for drinks the two gentlemen will be asked to follow these two footmen to a separate room’’.
 
‘’Good, we need this to be discreet and to be a success, you hear me’’.
 
‘’Of course sir’’ said the butler while nodding his head, ‘’now if you would excuse me, sir, we have lots to do’’ said the butler after which he immediately left, not awaiting the response. If he had time to be honest with himself he would have said it all was a big hassle, but diner had to be perfect and James, the newest footmen needed some instructions, no time to be cross with the higher ups and their plans.
 
The state banquet was going lovely as course after course was slowly served, Mordusia’s finest had to be shown to the delegation of Zardugal. The Chef had made a special menu, outdoing himself and putting his cooks through living hell to get it all perfect and to royal standards, the Governor-General expected nothing less:
 
First Course – Amuse-Bouche:
- Bush Tomato Tartlet: A bite-sized tart filled with a bush tomato compote and topped with goat cheese and micro herbs.
 
Second Course – Appetizer:
- Seared Coral Trout with Lemon Myrtle Infusion: Accompanied by a micro-herb salad, pickled sea asparagus, and a drizzle of wattleseed vinaigrette.
 
Third Course – Soup:
- Kangaroo Tail Consommé: A deeply flavored broth infused with native herbs and served with damper croutons and a touch of wild garlic oil.
 
Fourth Course – Main Dish:
- Barra & Roo Duo: A pairing of pan-seared barramundi with a quandong glaze and herb-crusted kangaroo loin with pepperberry jus. Served with sides of roasted sweet potato puree, charred native spinach, and finger lime pearls.
 
Fifth Course – Palette Cleanser:
- Kakadu Plum and Riberry Sorbet: Served with a hint of lemon myrtle for a refreshing, palate-cleansing experience.
 
Sixth Course – Dessert:
- Golden Wattle Pavlova: Light meringue topped with tropical fruits, including passionfruit, mango, and lychee, drizzled with native bush honey and garnished with edible flowers.
 
Seventh Course – Petit Fours:
- A selection of native-inspired treats, including wattleseed truffles, macadamia shortbread, and finger lime macarons.
 
Beverage Selection:
- Wine Pairings: A curated selection of Mordusian wines.
- Non-Alcoholic: Bush lemon and wild ginger-infused sparkling water.
- Digestif: A glass of aged Rimly whisky or Lemon Myrtle liqueur.
 
After the diner was over the well-dressed men, obviously working for the Foreign Ministry nodded at the butler, who got the signal and awaited the moment. Then the Governor-General, Jeremy Wilson, stood up: ‘’My dear guests, I so hoped you enjoyed our lovely diner. I wish to invite you all to follow me to the next room for some drinks and good conversation’’. At that moment His Excellency pointed towards the butler who nodded and made sure that the footmen opened the doors to the next room, where more footmen stood ready with drinks.
 
At the very moment where guest were moving towards the next room, especially the Director of the Republic of Zardugal and the Governor-General, two footmen approached approached the Commissar of Foreign Affairs. ‘’Pardon sir, the Foreign Minister would like your Excellency to meet the future Ambassador to Zardugal, if you would be so kind to follow me?’’ as he was doing so he gave a card with a white rose on it.  Mario Gropo, the Commissar of Foreign Affairs stood up and followed the man to another room.
 
Another footman had at the same time approached the High Commissioner of the Empire to Mordusia, Sir Patrick Gordon. ‘’Sir, I was informed you wanted to retreat for a moment, if you would follow me?’’. To which Sir Gordon responded positively and excusing the guest which who’m he was speaking and followed the good man to the hall and into the other room.
 
In the other room sat the high diplomat, who would soon become the new Ambassador to the Republic of Zardugal, upon the gentlemen entering the room he nodded the footmen to leave the room. ‘’Now that they are gone, gentlemen. I must ask you to excuse me. Refreshments for the healthy conversation in my absence are upon the table’’. Before leaving he nodded to knighted fellow and promptly left the room. ‘’Well done chaps, please inform the butler of my gratitude and both of you, don’t disturb this room’’ said the well-dressed gentlemen as he left. ‘’God save the Empress’’.