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The Benasque Summit
Topic Started: May 31 2009, 12:23 AM (850 Views)
Union
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Pyrenees Republic
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Benasque, Ribagorza, Huesca

Nestled in the Benasque valley, high and deep within the Pyranees, the village of Benasque, home to no more than 2,000 souls, became the center of Europe that day. The town was located in the heart of the mountain range, its tallest peaks providing a nurturing home. In normal times, it was a tourist hotspot, home to dozens of ski resorts, and hiking trails.

Alas, these were no normal times. Access to the town was limited, and a military curfew in place. A helicopter shuttle from the capital allowed for relative speed of transport as dozens of foreign dignitaries arrived. There was no easy way to reach the small town by ground, as the only road that existed twisted and winded its way through the mountain range, over several bridges and through as many tunnels carved into God's rock.

Despite its relatively peaceful appearance, the mountain range surrounding it hid from common view one of the most elaborate defensive structures in existence. Entire regiments were already stationed there, manning dozens of anti-aircraft turrets. There was no more secure place in Europe, it was said, than the Huescan Pyrenees on full alert. The perfect location for a summit to discuss what Alcalá-Galiano hoped would be the basis for a military alliance to excise the World Military Dominion from Europe.

Kasnyian officials had arrived first, days before anyone else. It was to be expected. No European power had greater interest in destroying Gassel than the imperials he had deposed. In the end, he knew they were the only power he could truly and totally trust.

But they were alone no longer. Not many had answered the invitation, not as many as he had hoped, but they had begun to arrive. Where possible they arrived by land, through the anarchic Iberian plains, to Huesca, where they were shuttled into helicopters at the capital. Those who could not flew in furtively, hoping to escape the paranoid eyes of the Dominion.

Finally, however, the last ones had arrived, and the time had come for the conference to begin. They suffered no delusions as to the potential risks. The conference took place in a bunker, built beneath the local church. The bunker was a nuclear fall-out shelter for the town, and could resist anything but a direct hit by a nuclear device. The concrete lounge was sparse, only a long wooden table and wooden chairs adorning it. It was not a stately room, but it was here that the future may very well be decided.

Antonio gazed across the room. The Russians and Romans had come. He had not forgotten their interference in the Hispanic civil war, but knew very well to swallow his pride. The Kasnyians stared back at him. The only true ally. The Menhadians looked angry, as if all this was too little too late. Perhaps it was. The empty chairs, however, were the true sign of the dire times. The Germans had not come, a powerful ally lost. The French remained isolationist. The Quoanians and Yshurakans remained in their fortresses, unwilling to answer the call. It would have to do.

"Welcome, gentlemen, to Benasque. All pleasantries aside, we are here for one thing, and one thing only - to discuss how to remove the Dominion from Europe.

This is a golden opportunity. They suffer internal dissent and rebellion. Their attention is focused elsewhere. The Genesians suffer still from anarchy, and are not yet in control of their own nation. We cannot let them be, if we are to succeed.

There is no question that war is imminent. The only question is what can we each give to the effort, and where to begin.

Well?"



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Kasnyia
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OOC- Its assumed that CE is not actually in anarchy and is in fact under the rule of the Caesar allied to Gassel. It was them who took over the Romans.

IC-

Prime Minister Karschburg spoke up,

"To attack them head on, as has been proven in the earlier campaign in Poland, would be futile and wasteful of what little resources we have left. If we are to be successful in throwing the Dominion barbarians out of the continent, we will have to starve them first. Thanks to our information from the Peacock, we have a general idea of how they supply their forces in Europe. So that is where Kasnyia believes would make a viable first strike option."
Edited by Kasnyia, May 31 2009, 01:22 AM.
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Menhad
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The Menhadien delegate sat there, his mind furiously thinking, trying to locate all available resources. As the world knew, any Middle Eastern Asset was destroyed, and anyone who was paying attention realized that nothing but soldiers remained in Africa. But between Scotland and Denmark, about half of the Menhadien military remained.

But when you looked into it, The Menhadien Air force was suffering the most. Pilots with combat experience where rare, and fresh recruits with just enough flight hours where being sent into combat, right from school.

The Navy was better off, a lot of the ships where patched up, but they would still do.

The Army was in the best shape, tanks and other war equipment where being quickly replaced, and since Scotland and Denmark where free of aerial bombardment, this could go on and on.
__________

He turned to the Kasnyian, and for a second, felt rage, it was their failure to contain Gassel, and all the Menhadien deaths where their fault. But of course this kind of thinking would get no where.

Menhadien agents reported that this "Peacock" was very trustworthy, but his identity was still hidden. A few agents where working on the European supply issue, but most efforts where focused on the African theater. Of course Menhadien agents where low on the totem compared to the fabled "Peacock", but they efforts had yielded some results, several Dominion thrust in Africa had been turned into Menhadien victories, but the scale of combat stayed small, and so did the importance.

"The problem would be keeping the Dominion from rejoining with Europe, how do we maintain this starvation tactic while avoiding direct combat?"
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Kasnyia
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"That is the detail that has currently prevented us from moving ahead with a strike already. At this point, if we made a move against the Dominion supply lines, they would realize what is going on soon enough to launch a full scale invasion of what is left of Europe," Karschburg replied, bring out one of his cigars, "But we have no choice. The recent meetings in Scandanavia between Porcu and high-level Dominion officials suggests that Gassel may be planning his own move. While we know whats going on from the Dominion's end, I'm afraid Kasnyian Intelligence doesn't have too much on the Porcuian government. Whatever they might be planning might be the key to the Dominion over all strategy."

With that he produced a situation map with a general layout of the Dominion primary supply lines.

Posted Image

OOC-

Its a shitty job, I know, did this on the quick.
Edited by Kasnyia, May 31 2009, 08:40 PM.
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Union
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"It is ultimately a gamble, but the odds may favor us. The revolt of the Americans will certainly preoccupy Dominion forces. The biggest threat, then, is Catholic Europe.

Perhaps a two-pronged effort? A simultaneous attack on Dominion supply lines with attacks on their more loosely held territories here in Iberia? A liberated Roman Empire would then be able to assist us in any land assaults elsewhere.

We must also make it a priority to expel the Dominion from Catholic Europe. Attacking the Asian supply lines will do nothing if that power is not contained as well."
Edited by Union, May 31 2009, 10:37 PM.
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Kasnyia
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OOC- The Assassins aren't, out of OOC considerations, a factor for the Dominion. Won't get into it here though.

IC-

"The Dominion supply lines coming in from the Trans-Eurasian Line are far too secure and deep into enemy territory for us to have any hope of striking them and succeeding without it becoming a pyrrhic victory on our part. However, that is only where half of their logistics come from. The other half goes through Catholic Europe, via the Mediterranean shipping lanes," Karschburg explained, "They are just as well defended as the rail line, but far more accessible. Grand Admiral Kiel has created a plan to make a blitz on the Mediterranean sea defenses to break these lines using our superbattleships. The only drawbacks to this plan are that the Dominion's European forces would have to be occupied before the operation begins, since while the superbattleships can break through, they are simply too few in number to hold control of the sea to withstand a rebuff from Gassel."
Edited by Kasnyia, May 31 2009, 09:04 PM.
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Union
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OOC: That is definitely pertinent information. Are you saying the Assassins are not ICly a problem at all? That they are not even revolting?
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Tristan da Cunha
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OOC: Couldn't we Europeans make our own Leningrad?

IC:

The monk Michael Paracelsus, veteran of many imperial eras, was present at Benasque as part of the Greek delegation. He was 86 years old and in poor health, suffering from painful arthritis in his limbs. However his mind was healthy and he knew he needed to be present at this meeting where the very fate of the world balanced on the scales of statecraft. In his mind he silently reviewed the fate of his Empire. Its chief aim was nothing less than the conquest and reconquest of Constantinople. Paracelsus knew the path would be difficult and drenched in the blood of warriors and martyrs. The Greek empire would only go as far as to work with the Genesian empire to drive out the Dominion from the soil of Anatolia. But Paracelsus could envision no other outcome than a final and epochal confrontation between two primeval forces over the Mother City of the Christian Religion, and of the ancient Universe.
Edited by Tristan da Cunha, May 31 2009, 09:58 PM.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

OOC:Do the Assassins count, well yes they do and it is absurd to argue otherwise. Do they threaten the integrity of the Dominion, alone I can't see how since even at their best they'd be horridly outnumbered and are very well isolated in a sea of Dominion red. Is the Dominion worried over their revolt, perhaps irritated is more the word as they now prove to be just another land in need of conquering. At best the Assassin revolt will allow the Assassins the chance to reclaim their island, but it will take more than themselves to spell doom for the Dominion.

However, if you take the Assassin effort into account, the Confederacy' soon victory, as well as the multitude of other administrative and geographical problems now facing an Empire that stretches the entire global; you fine that if anything this is the best time to strike. If Europe goes on the offensive and gets the upper hand, Gassel has to move troops from elsewhere to compensate but does so with the risk of weakening his hold in another region, say Africa. Africa goes on the offensive and now Gassel is in a two front war and now has only Asia and the Middle East to call troops from and again runs the risk of weakening another front. A Domino effect occurs and before you know it the world is knocking on Gassel's door. The Assassins and anyone else operating in the Asia rebellion would surely see that they alone will not be enough to worry the Dominion, but if anything they're mere act of openly rebellion (even if only to secure their own island) I would argue constitutes for the same symbolism you're searching for H. An the Dominion's refusal to act is simply because logistically they can't without running the risk of coming up short handed. This is why we must act now why there are still enough free states to bother Gassel in a certain region, therefore forcing him to move troops and well everything happen as I explained it above.

An sorry gentlemen but I've learned to never let a good RP go to waste, even if people drop out. The community needs this and I'll see it through.

IC:

Prince Boris Ribbenzoph IV stood from his seat near the Roman delegation.

"Gentlemen let us not forget that simply planning guerrilla tactics against Dominion supply lines is not enough. We must also think long term in our planning. If and when full war begins between ourselves, other free states globally, and the Dominion, supplies will be desperately needed. The Dominion will have several countries under its wing, all well coordinated with each state given specifics on how it will help the whole. I think a similar tactic will be need by the Free world if we are going to have any chance in a long term sense."

"What Russia would like to see is that the industrial powers, especially the smallest states who could not possibly be asked to supply vast amounts of man power instead devote their resources to the development and manufacturing of the machines of war. The richest states among us be the beneficiaries of this effort, and the largest bare the burden of fielding the military with soldiers. Now understandable some states will fill multiple roles and all will have to supplies some minimal amount of man power but I think a strategy such as this will be key and it is something we must come to agreement to before any action is taken if we hope to achieve long term goals."
Edited by NRE, May 31 2009, 10:15 PM.
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Kasnyia
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OOC- Split, please.

IC-

Though Karschburg had a habit of not trusting the Russians, he had long decided to forget about old differences. It was a new world now, and the old family feud between his liege and the Orthodoxy had almost been forgotten, at least on their end. And so with that in mind, he nodded in agreement,

"Agreed, we will have to organize. I pledge on behalf of my Emperor that Kasnyia will oversee marine construction and repair. Our shipyards in the Netherlands are among the largest in the world," Karschburg stated, "We will also continue to provide intelligence briefs to the rest of this..."

He had to pause. What would they call themselves?

"...the rest of our friends? allies? Treaty of Konigsberg?"
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Union
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"We can house government functions and communications between allies. It would be the definition of a phyrric victory for Dominion forces to attack us in the Pyrenees, making us a perfect headquarters, with minimal need for forces to be relocated from any potential military offensives for the purposes of defense."
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Kasnyia
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Karschburg nodded,

"I agree with this as well," he replied, "Though we should all keep some semblance of importance on our own capitals as well. With a madman like Gassel, he very well might attempt to attack this place if he knew all our eggs were in one basket, well protected or not."
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NRE
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"The Russian Empire can pledge their industrial sector to the construction of tanks, artillery, and other ground force necessities" said Prince Ribbenzoph who was for the sake of the necessity, playing nice with his Kasnyian counterpart. They needed them for the war but he had personal reasons for hating them which not even a war could help him forget so easily.

"His majesty the Tsar also wishes to make ready the Russian treasury for financial needs." said the Prince, "because he recognizes that this war will be expensive and will take treasuries like Russia to fund the massive armies that will be needed. As for our host's offer, Russian has no objection with making this area a command center for our operations in this endeavor. However, as the Kasnyians put out, perhaps one commander center is not enough. Perhaps more prudent, we should create a Command post for each section of Europe, North, South, East and West."

"Each would be connect together with the Benasque hub. However, should Benasque fall in an attempt to disrupt communications and coordination, each command center will be prepared to work autonomously and have a secondary hub which would come online. In regards to Grand Admiral Kiel's plan, Russia will sign on to it if the rest of the delegation agrees. Although Russia is currently working on another project against the Dominion, his majesty wished me to assure this conference that we can still promise at least one our Cores to the ground assault."
Edited by NRE, Jun 1 2009, 09:43 AM.
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Menhad
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"Menhadien industrial capabilities are all ready at full war time production, and every man between 18 and 30 years has been drafted. Every Menhadien is aiding the war effort, and will we continue to do so until the Dominion is destroyed, or until the last Menhadien is killed."

Wallace pause, and sighed. "We undertook this grim vow when so few nations decided to stand against the rising tide, we undertook this vow when the Dominion pushed and pushed, and so few pushed back."

Anger welled up like an spring, until its cold rage poured forth."You are, all of you, vermin. Cowering in the dirt, wondering what? That you might escape the coming fire?!? You lands will burn until the surface is but ash!" His words, just above a harsh whisper, lashed the room like arctic gale. "You words are hollow. You must fight now, or you will fall. They is no better time for action than the present."

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Kasnyia
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Prince Karschburg was not one to take insults, and the tensions of the war had put his nerves on edge. The Menhadien had jus provided for him an outlet,

"If you wish to whine like some spoilt child, you will not be needed at this conference any longer," he snapped, "No one here has time for your false sense of highground. Your nation is not the only one to have suffered, nor is it the only one to take up arms against Gassel."

Turning toward his host and the others at the table, he continued,

"I feel that air capabilities should be shared by all, as per the nature of the thing, and for our part, Kasnyia can take care of advanced fighter jet research. We're making promising gains in the field."
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Menhad
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OOC: It was more of a shot against The Russians, Germans, and anyone else who hasn't taken earnest actions against Gassel.

Also it was show what needed to be done, people thus have have pledged industrial support, but for man power, nothing has been said. Whats the point of having hundreds of tanks, with no crews.

Also.... He was suggesting that all this "Well we should have our command center here and here" wasn't going to win the war. "You must fight now, or you will fall"
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NRE
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"We apologize that we could not influence the Usurpers attention towards the Dominion" said the Prince Ribbenzoph, "and that it took a civil war to finally bring Russia towards the table but that just the nature of these things." The Prince did not care much for the Menhadiens words. The Tsar was not even in power when the Dominion came to Europe the first time, Russia herself was in the middle of an internal crisis. Still this was not the place to bicker nor the time, the Menhadiens had said there peace and the Russians would leave it at that.

"If we can return to Admiral Kiel's plan" said the Prince, "as I said before Russia has the capacity to dedicate land forces to whatever assault can be agreed upon by this conference. However, if I understand the Admiral's plan as describe thus far it is more a plan to take control of the Mediterranean is it not? Russia had a Mediterranean fleet however she was based in Barcelona, which current occupied. We have had no word from them and can only image that either the fleet was destroyed or is current under lock-down by the Dominion. If Russia and/or allies can free out port there then Russia can dedicate her fleet to the Admiral's plan. Otherwise we have only land forces to offer."
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Kasnyia
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OOC- I realized, Menhad, but Karschburg is a no-nonsense guy who has never had what one would call "charm". He would have yelled at anyone else if they too had gone off point.

IC-

"Judging from past experience and Dominion patterns, if they found your fleet, they will have likely absorbed it into their own navy," Karschburg replied thoughtfully, "However, if they are at least still in the same port, I could have Kiel liberate the port for you and give you back control."

"Does anyone have any bead on what the Porcuians are thinking? Kasnyian Intelligence has no assets there, I'm afraid," Karschburg added, "I can only wonder why the Dominion is allying with such a small state."
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Menhad
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OOC: Menhadiens aren't supposed to be loved. Just feared.

IC:

"Porcu, we can only assume, will be a stepping stone for a Dominion Baltic, or Scandinavian campaign. Porcu has the infrastructure to support Dominion forces, unlike Marslava. But the Dominion and Porcu lack the Naval capabilities to control the Baltic, so they will use ground forces to control the area. I doubt they will attempt to invade Yshurak, instead we believe that they will try and push south from Porcu." During the pause Iain Wallace looked at Prince Karschburg and seemed to whisper 'Until its surface is but ash'. "We have yet to see large scale troop movement though."
Edited by Menhad, Jun 2 2009, 02:32 PM.
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Kasnyia
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Karschburg had to fight to roll his eyes.

"I would not be sure about their lack of naval capability. Just a few weeks ago, there was word of a Dominion fleet posing as one of our allies. They have had control of the Polish coast for some years now," said Karschburg, "So it isn't unlikely that they have built a few ships in the meantime."
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NRE
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"Though Russia has been out of the loop for sometime in regards to European diplomacy and Politics, I thin if Fascist control Porcu it is safe to bet they're simply buying their own survival from the Dominion. I think, however the Menhadiens certainly have a point, that the recent activity between the two parties can suggest that Zapht is putting a renewed interest in Europe. If anything they may very well be planning a final solution against what free states remain. If we are going to act, Russia feels as the Menhadiens have suggests, that the time is now."

The Prince looked around the room and then began again.

"I think attempt to control the Mediterranean, thereby a good deal of Dominion trade routes, is a worth-wild venture that the Russian Empire is ready to devote itself too. I say we begin naval movements immediately, with those nations willing to devote vessel to this engagement stating so now. Russia for its part will devout land troops to aid in a campaign against the port of Barcelona, to liberate whats left of our fleet and join in the overall operation."

The Prince paused again.

"If we can capture and maintain a defense of the Mediterranean we will not only be cutting supply lines but we will be forcing Zapht into a land battle. It will be difficult, that much is certain however we represent some of the oldest military in the world. We have fought countless wars, gain unquestionable experience. With determination and God's will, in whatever form you wish to believe it in, I believe this European Coalition can and will succeed in both the defense of what remains of Free Europe as well as a long term goal of offensive actions against the Dominion."
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Kasnyia
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Karschburg shook his head,

"While I agree with you, there is still far too much to plan yet, before we make our move. We have only sorted out the opening salvo. If we are to defeat the Dominion for good, we must have a concrete idea of how to remove them from Europe. Taking out the Mediterranean supply lines is merely the first step."

"The Mediterranean operation will also be tricky, I should make clear, since it is the Caesar's forces protecting this sector rather than the Dominion armies. Field Marshal Volehr and the rest of those thugs will not stand idle if they hear their supply lines are under attack. We need a plan to distract them before we can move."
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NRE
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"Then you are suggesting a land campaign to compliment the campaign on the Mediterranean are you not?" said Prince Ribbenzoph. "Well then if your map of the supply lines is correct, than strategically speaking, it seems that the best location for a land attack that would cause concern to the land commanders would be an attack on the supply junction in the Southern lands of the Amish."

"Russia knows for certain that the Germans under the Kaiser are ready for a fight. Though we have had our difference, Russia also believes that the new French government can also be convinced to fight. Perhaps even the Hungarians of the Holy Roman Empire can also be contacted. Couple these forces with both Russian, Menhadien, Kasnyian, Spanish, and Roman land forces, and we have a sizable army to throw at the Dominion. If we could liberate that area, hold Dominion lines there, then we open up the possibility of liberating Eastern Europe to that point."

"This is like a plausible plan given that the forces eastern to that point are occupational. There is no government support for those troops there and the people will be much for prone to rebellion. We can fly convoys to drop troops and supplies in these areas as well as utilize bombardments of key factory bot by air and by sea. I think the scope alone of what we could achieve if successful will prompt Dominion response a occupy them allowing a naval campaign room to move."

OOC: A terrible map of what I'm basically suggesting as outlandish as it seems.

Spoiler: click to toggle
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New Harumf
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A man sitting with the Karschburg delegation gasped when he saw the rough map, ands realizd the focal point of the proposed conflict. He regained his composure quickly, and resumed his passive, yet interested role.
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Kasnyia
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Karschburg's eyebrows rose,

"The Hungarians won't move. They lost the last war they fought against the Dominion and paid for it with their Wuttemburg territories," Karschburg explained, "They're enjoying a state of neutrality that I do not believe they will be convinced to get out of until we can change the fact that they are utterly surrounded on all sides."

He then pointed to Occupied Swiss Nag Ehgoeg,

"Also, this area, according to our sources, is a veritable fortress," he stated, "The Dominion is using the natural defenses of this area in collusion with other resources to prevent exactly what you are suggesting. The French would have to move through the neutral zone, and the Germans through the Amishland. That significantly bottlenecks the effort in taking the junction in Sohndorf."

Then he sighed,

"Still, even with that in mind, the plan could work if one can work in the element of surprise."
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