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Decay & Resurgence
Topic Started: Sep 22 2011, 10:07 AM (1,794 Views)
Union
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Pyrenees Republic
OOC: And go where from there? :lol:
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Union
Oct 13 2011, 04:57 PM
OOC: And go where from there? :lol:
OOC: Anywhere they want unless the Union's willing to stop them both :P After all, we're only acting for Porcuian protection although yes I realize, technically you have me surrounded.
Edited by NRE, Oct 13 2011, 05:04 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Union
Oct 13 2011, 04:43 PM
Official Communique

The Union government condemns the rash behavior of the EU Commission to enter into a potential conflict zone, putting themselves and Union soldiers at risk by their presence. For matters of safety, the Union government must, at the very least, demand that any observer in the region make their position known at all times through GPS, and maintain radio contact at all times with a to-be-designated frequency that will serve as emergency broadcasting in the area. Failure to consent to these safety measures will result in the activation of Union naval and aerial units to ensure that no foreign entity is permitted into ungoverned Iberia at this time. Approaching aircraft and naval vessels from designated states will be turned away, or forcibly docked/landed.

By refusing to cooperate with local regulations on fundamental issues of security, the Porcuian government proves itself to be an immature and rash entity. Should failure to comply with our most fundamental terms for their access to the region be heeded, the resulting escalation in our efforts to enforce containment and security for both our boys and that of local civilian populations should not be considered belligerent in the eyes of the international community, but only the basic necessity to counter irrational and dangerous acts.
The Parliament and People of Porcu cannot in good conscious support recent actions undertaken by the Union government and military, and furthermore will not recognize the expansion of the Union's borders, unless it is made clear that local governments and populaces desire for integration with the Union. Additionally, the orders given to Porcuian and EU officials, advisers, and observers will not be rescinded.

Through private channels of communication, the Republic has come to an agreement with local officials in the Free Spanish city of Salamanca. This city lies far outside of the Union's current zone of occupation and the aerial transportation of Porcuian and EU officials into Free Spain will not occur in airspace above territory under Union occupation. Porcuian and EU officials will be provided with the means of traveling freely through Free Spain and, again, hope that we may gain the trust and cooperation of the Union government. Observers shall provide their location to Union officials through radio communication every two hours and will maintain radio contact on an emergency broadcasting frequency.

The Republic of Porcu wishes to thank our Russian friends for their kind offer and, if possible, would like to keep this offer open, though we would, with great respect, like to decline for the moment. Stockholm sincerely appreciates Moscow's efforts for cooperation and international oversight.
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Union
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"What airstrips exist near Salamanca?"

"SLM will be their likely target. It is a former military airport that does some civilian travel, much like the one outside Zaragoza we've been using."

"Anywhere else?"

"Sure, there are plenty of places to land military aircraft around, certainly, but these are not soldiers. They're observers. Officials. They likely want to travel in basic comfort."

"Even so."

"Well, Vallodid's airport is relatively nearby, as is Leon's. They could easily redirect there."

"Could any of the freeways be used as landing strips?"

"In theory, yes, though when one considers the fashion for concrete barriers running down the center, and all manners of lights and signs on either side, you'd have be an expert to land that plane, and I can guarantee you won't be taking off again."

"Leave them, then, it will speed our eventual advance."

"Sir, you threaten our international goodwill."

"What goodwill? Can they land in any fields?"

"Modern planes are complex machines. They could, in theory, though given that the harvest is in, the likeliness of the fields being in condition... all it takes is one branch, or shovel in the wrong place to keep that baby grounded. This is why modern military forces build their own airstrips first, sir."

"If they bring troops into this, I should have no problem convincing the Chairman of the need to speed the occupation."

"He doesn't want any dead civilians. About half of the people want to join us anyway - nostalgia for the old days. Higher still in the Basque Country, and in the regions that were formally Hispania."

"Can we do this, and make the airport unusable?"

"Certainly. All one really has to do is shoot up the tarmac - make it impossible to land safely. Bunker busters are frequently used for that sort of thing, and, for good measure, we can drop in teams if need be to mine the place up."

"Do both. An initial blast with missiles. Do it tonight, while the airports are shut down. After ten minutes of shelling, have paratroopers ready to drop at both locations."

"Yes sir. Where do we want to organize a pickup?"

"Tell them to secure transportation, and drive to the lines. It is only a few hours away."

"Sir, if I may ask, why not simply advance and take those regions now? Our military could accomplish it in a day or two."

"Orders from the top. The advance will be slow, to study international response and all for proper political integration. I disagree, and if this fails, perhaps we will do just that."

Edited by Union, Oct 14 2011, 05:18 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Despite his best efforts at getting any amount of sleep for himself, Cassius Devonae Atios simply could not let himself drift off to sleep. There was also the fact that the window blind to his immediate left simply would not budge and close, allowing the sun's rays to keep him awake, which only irritated him further.

He turned to his right and saw one of his coworkers fast asleep, jaw dropped and head leaned slightly back, and felt his irritation grow by bounds and leaps. Taking a moment to peer through the rest of small cabin, Atios tried to go through the names of the others settled nicely on the jet aircraft bound for Iberia. Much like his efforts at sleep, results were minimal.

Turning his focus back outside, my, how that sun irritated him so, Atios could not make anything out through the layer of clouds upon which the aircraft drifted towards Free Spain. He shifted in his seat and took a newspaper he had brought with him out of the back pocket of the seat in front of him. He adjusted his reading glasses onto his well-defined, but rapidly aging face, and proceeded to read the entire newspaper all over again, even chuckling again at the series of political cartoons he had already seen and chuckled at before.

After a period of time, the aircraft adjusted its course ever so slightly and managed to hide Atios from the sun, bathing him in shade and relieving him. As much as he would have liked to laugh at his nemesis and temporarily depart into the realm of fantasy, Atios no longer held any desire for sleep.

"Excuse me...Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?"

Atios slowly turned his head to see the only attendant standing near the front of the plane.

"The captain recently received reports from the Abwehr that indicate that the airfields we are scheduled to land at are no longer operable..."

"Excuse me?" said one woman.

"It's gotta be those Spaniards from the Union." said another.

"...and therefore the captain is in the process of requesting permission to land."

"Where will we be landing?" a gentleman asked, focusing the attendant on him by raising his hand.

"Where exactly are we now?" asked another man closer to the back of the aircraft.

"We're approximately 32 kilometers from the coast, heading due west."

...

Open Radio Frequency

"...Venetian air traffic control, this is government aircraft No. 733 of the Republic of Porcu. Currently en route to SLM, however, Porcuian intelligence reports airfields are out of service - I repeat, airfields at Salamanca are not capable of taking traffic. Due to fuel concerns and necessity of safely transporting government officials and observers, it is requested that clearance is granted to land in Venetian territory. Current position is 31.6 kilometers from Iberian coast, resting 68 degrees north-north west of Venetian territory. Over."
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Telosan
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After a quick call to higher ups, the air traffic controller of Altet Airport in Alicante reopened the line to the inbound aircraft.

"PR-733, you have permission to land. Repeat, you have permission to land. Terminal 2 will be cleared for service."

Within thirty minutes, the aircraft set down on the tarmac and its passengers disembarked. The Porcuians were rounded up by airport security and brought to conference room where they were told to wait; the Valencian Signorian was enroute.

"Pardón, I had the security detain you so as to speak with you all; I apologize for any difficulties you may have encountered.

Now, as I understand it, your task is to tour the Spanish countryside and poll the populace to form a referendum as to their thoughts on the expansion of the Union. Despite past issues between the Union and Venice, we're hoping to put on a show of good faith in this most recent development. If you would permit, I have been authorized by the Doge to send along our own representatives, not to number more than your own, as well as sufficient protection and supplies."
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

There were 28 of them gathered inside of that conference room just inside the Altet Airport. A mixture of 22 Porcuians and 6 individuals from various EU memberstates that is. The way in which the Venetian Signorian carried himself seemed to indicate that he was a confident and important figure, though from what Atios knew of Venice's attitudes towards Valenciana (Venetian Spain) - which is to say very little in the way of caring about the territory - he gathered that this gentleman was merely projecting his insecurity.

Officially, the Porcuians and EU observers were split into four teams, each with its own 'commanding officer'; however, due to his age and years of experience within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Atios essentially became the default leader for the entire group of representatives, officials, and observers.

"First, we would like to thank you for allowing us to make an unscheduled visit to Valenciana." Atios began, suddenly tired once more. "Yes, indeed, our orders are essentially to gather information from the peoples of Free Spain with regard to actions by the Union. We hope to do this unobstructed and without pressure from regional influences, including your own. I believe that a separate plane, a transport plane in fact, is supposed to follow that has vehicles to allow us to travel on our own. I'm not sure that it has landed yet though..."

Noticing a slight hesitation from the Venetians, Atios continued.

"In any case, while the Venetian offer to join our mission is an unmistakable sign of cooperation and trust between our countries, the decision is not mine to make. I must be able to make contact with Stockholm."

...

"Speak Mr. Atios, this is Director Semannus."

"Good day, sir. As you are no doubt aware, we were forced to divert from Salamanca and are kindly being hosted by the Venetians."

"Yes, I was informed by the Abwehr. It appears the Union is willing to go to some lengths to keep you out of there. The President is working with Parliamentary leaders to draft an official response."

"Quite. Now, it appears that we are prepared to leave and enter unoccupied Free Spain, but a request has been made by the Venetians."

"And what would that be?"

"They wish to join, providing a number of observers equal to our own as well as providing protection, though it's uncertain exactly what they mean by that."

"Hmmm..." mused Semannus. "My initial reaction is to say 'no', but rejecting the Venetians outright may not sit well with them. I'm afraid I'll have to call you back."

"Sir, I would very much like to get started. The longer we wait, the less we are able to do the job we were sent here to do."

"I realize that, Mr. Atios."

"Sir, if I may...I would suggest that we be allowed to leave Venetian territory and begin to gather information from locals close to the Venetian border. Should the need arise to take shelter, we could cross back over into Venetian territory. If approval of the Venetian proposal is given, Stockholm may contact Venetian authorities directly and then we may proceed together."

"I'll leave it to you then. See what they'll allow and I hope to have this matter settled quickly."

"Many thanks, sir."

...

Returning to the conference room, where his fellow observers and government officials were busy eating, Atios superficially explained his conversation to the Venetian Signorian and asked for permission to leave Valenciana, though with the possibly of reentering the territory freely.

...

Official Communiqué

It has come to the attention of Porcuian military intelligence, the Abwehr, that the local airfields within the jurisdiction of the Free Spanish city of Salamanca have been sabotaged and rendered unfit for use. The Parliament and People of Porcu has ample evidence to state that this operation was carried out by Union military units, with the direct implication being the negation of efforts made to gather information from local populations relating to the recent expansion of the Union.

The Republic has repeatedly asked for cooperation from Union officials, even submitting to procedures allowing the Union to monitor the progress of Porcuian and EU observers and officials. This action on the airfields belonging to the sovereign government of the city of Salamanca is cause for concern. Stockholm is now beginning to question the intentions of the Union government through this event, and their territorial expansion in general.
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Union
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Official Communique

In many cases, the rashness of a man's actions are evident to all but himself. Any attempt at reason or discussion falls on deaf ears. The Porcuian government has refused our most fundamental security arrangements to ensure that their people are not placed in harm's way. There are literally thousands of potential ways in which gallivanting into a declared combat zone can put people at risk - not just themselves, but those around them. We have repeatedly stated that we have absolutely no issue with the mission, provided they meet our basic security demands.

They have refused to do so, and much like a heroin addict beyond all rational thought, a third party - ourselves - had to act in such a way so as to secure their safety. Had the Porcuian government been willing to make even basic concessions, and work with the Union government, rather than assume such a hardline position and demanding their observers be permitted into a country which, rightly, has absolutely no ties with the Porcuian people or is in no way within their acknowledged sphere of influence, a solution may have yet been worked out. It may yet be, if the Porcuian government wills it.

It is our understanding that the observer mission is currently in Valencia. We will gladly allow for transport from that city to Huesca. Once there, they will be guided to Zaragoza where, upon the surrender of the city, will be permitted free reign within. Unfortunately, the Porcuian government has exhausted all goodwill it may have had, and this is the only offer we will make.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

It is curious that the Union has declared the entirety of Free Spain a combat zone when current occupational forces reside to the North, near the Sperrian and Russian borders. As far as Stockholm is concerned, the claims of the Union government to the independent collection of cities and populaces of Free Spain are illegitimate until approval is granted by those same local populaces through free and fair referendums.

Stockholm's mission in Free Spain reflects the Republic's basic desire to uphold liberty and self-determination for all peoples. The people of Free Spain, it is true, reside far from Porcuian borders, but our interests unite. Our mission is not antagonistic to the objectives of the Union, nor to its protocols regarding security. Stockholm will accept the Union proposal for access to Zaragoza and, furthermore, will comply with all Union security demands, on the condition that once finished gathering information within the city Porcuian and EU observers be allowed unrestricted access to the rest of Free Spain, especially those territories and cities currently residing outside the borders of the Union occupational zone.
Edited by Porcu, Oct 15 2011, 11:19 PM.
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Union
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To: General Sebastian Alvarez, Fourth Cavalry Operations Command, Second Force; Chief Iker Estevao, First Group Operations Command, Second Force
From: Chairman Miguel Trouillefou; Secretary General Pablo Esteban; First General Alfonso Ruben, Central Operations Command

The Fourth Cavalry division is to meet the Porcuian mission at the Valencian border, while securing central Castellon for a broader advance behind you, by the Second and Third Infantry Divisions. All will rest under your direct command, amounting to manpower of just over 88,000 troops.

Your primary objective is to meet the Porcuian mission at the border, while properly securing the AP-7 highway, and capturing the city of Alicante on the southern coast. You will have the cooperation of aerial forces, including an airborne division, from Chief Estevao. This will also include helicopter patrols of the city of Castellon, to prevent any potential for enemy activity manifesting itself in that city. A second airborne division, under the direct command of a division infantry leader of your choosing should also land in the city itself, ready for urban warfare. You are under strict orders at all times to not fire unless first fired upon at any juncture of this mission, and to avoid collateral damage to the highest extent feasible.

Estevao will conduct low-sky bomber and fighter squadron support for this operation, eliminating logistical targets near the coast, to disable effective naval retreat or amphibious assault by an enemy. Tensions internationally are beginning to rise.

Your rear will be secured by the capture of Tarragona, completing our objectives with the First Force and the Ebro mission. We will move in quickly, without a similar blockade effort as seen in Zaragoza. A component of the First Force will also lead two mechanized infantry divisions to quickly capture Teruel, securing your flank.

Your entry into Castellon will be secure, meaning that the accomplishment of the capture of the AP-7 and Almenara will be vital to allowing a swift occupation of this zone, which should be delegated to the two infantry divisions under your command.

You will, upon entry into Alminora, send a regiment further south to meet with the Porcuian mission. The mission will go around Alicante, on the AP-7, so it is paramount that your entry into Alminora is not completed without properly securing the AP-7 zone. You may delay occupation of peripheral targets to this end.

Upon reaching the C-12, a regiment of the First Force will meet your men, and the Porcuian mission will continue with them, completing your primary objective.

The city of Alminora is also a target vital to our security needs for the region, and should be completed in a timely manner.

Your men must be in motion in no less than twenty-four hours.
Edited by Union, Oct 16 2011, 09:42 PM.
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Telosan
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It had only been a couple hours since the Porcuian officials had left for the border and, already, the situation was rapidly changing. Signorian Brais hastily skimmed the reports of Union activity along the Mediterranean coast of Iberia. Union control of Spain was one thing; a Union presence and possible threat in the greatest European sea, indeed a Venetian lake, was another thing entirely. This was beyond him, though, and he simply passed the word up the chain of command.

In Venice, the Doge was pulled out of a meeting with the Benvenuto Signorian by the urgent update on Union activities. Despite the severity of the situation, Contarini was quite thankful for it. It was his opinion that this particular Signorian was excruciatingly dull with all the wit and creativity of a farmer, which is to say quite boring. The Union developments snapped him out of his drowsiness, however. It was something new, interesting, and important.

Quote:
 
While we have been complacent thus far and not challenged any movements of the Unionist forces in Iberia, we are concerned that the Union has stepped too far. I have received reports indicating activity along the Castellon coastline, near potentially important ports on the Mediterranean Sea. If an attempt is made to bring these ports under Union control, I will have no other option but to see it as the very real threat that it is to Venetian spheres of influence.

~ Doge Contarini ~

Though the threat was potentially great, the Doge had an edge for the time being. Establishing a force on the Mediterranean coast would take the Union time. They would have to move their fleets through Gibraltar, while Venice had the advantage of an entire navy in the Mediterranean. If he acted quickly, Contarini could have the entire Castellon coast blockaded and ports seized before the Union's own ships could arrive.

Hopefully, though, it would not come to that.
Edited by Telosan, Oct 16 2011, 10:28 PM.
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NRE
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"It seems the military exercises have done little to detour the Spaniards General" said General Yermolov top aide as the two men walked down the hall of the main Russian military installation just outside the city limits of Barcelona.

"Your assessment of the situation could not be more accurate if, a bit out of line" said the General would did not feel at the time to scold his aide further. "We're waiting on official word from Moscow as to how we are to act further however, now that it seems we are surrounded I find it logical to show a greater force of hand. The Union must be made to realize any step towards Russian territory will be met with complete and utter force on our part."

"Orders then sir?"

"We're going to move our compliment of BM-30 Smerchs and TOS-1s along the border as well as to move troops into survey units that will constantly patrol the border on a new 24-house basis. I have already marked locations for the deployment of our compliment of Iskander-Es, they will be place as I have designated them so that they can strike quickly in the event that an attack is imminent. His majesty may not wish for us to be the first to attack, but we certainly will be prepared to answer an attack at a moment's notice."

"Of course General..."
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Union
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To: All Infantry Officers
From: Chairman Miguel Trouillefou; Secretary General Pablo Esteban

This is a reminder to yourselves that the occupation forces are operating under a clear policy of not allowing any fire except when fired upon. The incident outside of Teruel resulting in the loss of life of twenty-two civilians shall not be repeated. Lt. Louis Escobar is currently awaiting court-martial, with possibility of life imprisonment, and a similar fate awaits those officers who breach these orders in a similar way.

Remind those under your command that indiscretions will not be tolerated from the High Command. This is a media war, gentlemen, and our international standing remaining at acceptable levels is imperative to our potential for success in this operation. More than that, these people are our family, our cousins. We want to build a strong nation under a solid foundation, and collateral damage rots at that foundation.

You are also hereby reminded that under no circumstances are you permitted on firing upon or across any national borders, unless fired upon. There is a growing military presence along the Mediterranean coast, and the Valencian and Russian borders. We cannot risk an international incident.

As we prepare to enter formerly Andorran territory, where support for our initiative is not as strong as in the core regions, adherence to these rules is more important. We're here to win the hearts and minds of these people, and let's not forget that.

Good day, gentlemen.
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NRE
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Encrypted Communication
 
To: General Yermolov

The High command has given the order to prepare at least two of our reconnaissance aircraft in Barcelona. Still waiting for official word, until then put them on stand-by.
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Union
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Plans with the Porcurian delegation having been made, Corporal Peio Karastorre found himself being deployed there, barely half-an-hour out of basic training. Born in Bilbao, Peio had, along with his family, moved east during the collapse of the Srolonkan state, to reside with family in Biarritz, the largest city in the Pau Republic. When his cousin there told him that the Union was planning to expand, and among the first things, finish uniting the Basque people, he signed up immediately. It was hard saying goodbye to his mother, and he hated having made her sad, but if it would make it possible to return home, he argued, he had to do it. She ultimately understood, but Peio nevertheless felt a little guilty about causing her such obvious anguish.

The official language of the Armed Forces was Spanish, but the Basque people accounted for just over half of the Union's population prior to the expansion, a ratio that had not yet changed despite the occupation of many territories, because the Union government had not moved into center Spain, where the vast majority of ethnic Spaniard lived. The Armed Forces had found that unit cohesiveness and an esperit de corps, was best established among like populations. There was an informal separation of Basque and Spanish speakers, and it was because of this that he now found himself a member of a small infantry platoon, composed entirely of Basque individuals, and led by Basque lieutenant. To Peio, it truly felt as if the Basque people had established themselves a country within a federation, and he was happy to defend it.

Yet, he was sad when his deployment orders read, not Bilbao, but Aragon, and he found himself just outside Zaragoza, joining the blockade. The city of Zaragoza had served as the Srolonkan capital, and had large segments of the population who had been directly involved in the government of that regime - a segment of the population now noted for its opposition to the Union forces, but it was ultimately the Ebro that divided them.

The northern neighborhoods did not have the river to defend themselves from the initial occupation, and the Union military was based in the Parque del Tio Jorge. Santa Isabel was a large population center on this side of the Ebro which remained flying the Zaragozan municipal flag, but elsewhere, it was the new Union flag that flew. Supplies in these regions were plentiful, and the population, according to very informal polling by soldiers on leave, was largely tolerant of the new state of affairs.

Nevertheless, the heart and soul of the city lay across the Ebro, and without its occupation, Zaragoza was still a free city. The blockade had hurt it. Food reserves in the area were drying up, despite rationing, and malcontent was growing. This was directed, of course, against the Union primarily, but even now a growing portion of the population, fond of the days on Falangist Spain, and less than fond of the current hardship, were advocating for surrender. Perhaps 3 in 10, private Union intelligence sources revealed, favored surrender - down from the pre-war rate of 38%, but above from what informal polling had revealed immediately after the Chairman's declaration of the Union's intent.

Water reserves had certainly run out, and soldiers along the bank of the Ebro could see the denizens of the city take water from the river. While it was not safe to drink as it was, there were plenty of cafes and restaurants working with the local government to purify water brought to them by civilians. Many in the Zaragozan Command admired the tenacity of the local government, and applauded their efforts to maintain their independence in the face of impossible odds, but they could no longer afford to wait them out. They must make the futility of resistance clear.

Peio's company was among those who would play a vital role in doing so. About an hour after touching down in Zaragoza airport, he was briefed within the terminal as to the situation in Zaragoza, and the role they would play. His company would join three others, and travel south, to the municipality of Osera de Ebro, where they would be divided into five person squads (eight squads per platoon, four platoons per company). For twenty-four hours a day, on three hour shifts, squads would patrol the Ebro with several gunboats, and do their best to prevent the use of the Ebro water resource by the other side. Concurrent with this, infantry units on land would secure the bridges, and establish a presence on the far side of the Ebro. At these checkpoints, they would begin distributing supplies to the people of Zaragoza, though registering individuals as citizens of the Union in the process. Finally, a delegation from the Union government would be arriving in Zaragoza to negotiate with the local leaders as to acceptable terms for surrender.

This had all been explained to him yesterday, and Peio awoke that morning for his first shift on the small gunboats. They were modified civilian yachts, to best describe them. Three machine guns and a mortar provided the main armaments. A group of officers on loan from the Navy piloted the boats themselves, and the fifth squad member, served as a munitions runner and spotter, as well as squad leader. As the ranking individual in his little squad, Peio found himself in that position. It was where he wanted to be, he thought to himself, when told. At least he wouldn't coincidentally shoot someone's mother this way.

It was a difficult job. The civilians who took water from the Ebro were of all ages and all genders. Children were common, he was told.

The sun was beginning to rise, as the fourth squad, Peio's squad, left for Zaragoza from Osera. Their boat was called Ignatius of Loyola. Peio had smiled when he saw that. The noble Basque warrior-saint. A name to live up to.

About half and hour later, the city of Zaragoza came into view, a dim orange glow from the rising sun washing the city in warmth. It was a cloudless day, and warm for an October morning. A beautiful day, by any accounts. Peio noted the irony. He had always imagined war to be gray. As the boat passed under the Z-40 highway overpass, the boat's radio crackled to life. Peio noted the Union flag flying over the bridge, and the large gray tents just off shore.

"Welcome to Zaragoza, Ingatius de Loyola. Good luck up there, gentlemen. Please switch your radio to your assigned frequency, Corporal."

Peio switched his radio's frequency, and announced his arrival. Almost immediately, an unknown man responded back.

"Squadron Four, you will join Squadron's Three and Five at the Puente de Pierda."

Peio knew what that meant. This bridge was close to the city administrative building. It had been described, in the briefing, as the likely focal point of conflict, should the situation escalate. He would be tested, then. So be it. He was also close to the Cathedral, a famous historic monument. The rules concerning collateral damage would add to the challenge.

"Squadron Five ETA four minutes. Please take your position under the bridge, alongside the southern embankment. Be warned that Squadron's Two and Three have reported sniper fire from the direction of the Cathedral tower. Union snipers have been deployed to cover you, but be careful. Take cover behind one of the bridge pillars, for now.

A general cavalry advance will occur across the bridge shortly. Your mission will be primarily to support the advance. You are to avoid collateral damage as best you can.

Your secondary mission shall be to ensure that the water resources of the Ebro river remain under our control. You are to scare off any individuals who attempt to approach the waters, as best you can, while avoiding loss of life."

A new voice crackled over the radio.

"Cavalry in ready position, command."

"Squadron Five arriving now." Peio could see them from his position, passing under the Pilar bridge. Suddenly, a burst of gunfire from the south erupted around him. He could hear the bullets hit the boat around him, and he threw himself to the ground quickly. Squadron Five quickly opened fire at a position, and the gunfire from the south stopped. He doubted they had hit anything, but their spotter must have been good enough to scare them into cover. At least he was supported by quality men.

An eerie silence took over after the small exchange, broken ultimately by the sound of tank movement on the bridge. The advance had begun.

The sounds of the armor advance was quickly drowned out by the pouring of gunfire from the southern coast. While it was a valiant defense, Peio suddenly realized just how futile it was. Without effective anti-armor armaments, most of which had been captured in taking the local arsenal by the initial advance, there as little the Zaragozans could do to resist their advance.

A deafening explosion soon taught him how wrong he was. The shockwave pushed him and his men onto the floor, and shook the boat terribly. The navy lieutenant began screaming in pain. A large piece of iron rebar had been wedged into his right shoulder, and he was bleeding profusely. Peio rushed to Private Albi Baskaran, a machine gunner, and grabbed him. The two of them rushed toward the lieutenant, but there was little they could do.

"We can't remove it, Albi. The bleeding would be too much! Give him some morphine, and try resting him on his side!"

Peio rushed to the controls, and began steering the ship further away from the bridge. A large chunk of it was missing, but something, he now realized, hadn't gone perfectly according to plan for the Zaragozans. While most of the bridge was missing, and they had lost a tank in the process, explosives which he presumed existed on the far side had failed to detonate properly, leaving half the lanes open. The tank advance slowed significantly, as they could now pass only one at a time, but continued for now.

Peio grabbed his radio, and yelled into it, "We have an injured man!"

"Take care of it best you can, soldier." Peio looked at Albi, who had lay the screaming lieutenant on his side. Albi removed morphine from his pouch and gave it to the man, but there was little else he could do. The bar made dressing the wound impossible, and there was significant bleeding.

The other three men on the ship, Privates Iban, Felipe, and Silban had returned to their positions. The machine guns had begun to roar toward the rivercoast, where Zaragozan infantry had begun to appear. A large mobile artillery piece could now be seen emerging from behind the cathedral.

"Command, I see an anti-tank missile system!"

"Corporal, I have an idea!" Albi yelled at Peio. Albi had been a nurse, in his previous life, and as such, Peio was willing to defer to him. He yelled to Albi, telling him to handle the situation as best he could, before returning his focus to the coast.

The Zaragozans had been slow in deploying the anti-tank system, but now it was ready. If they could get a good shot, they could clog the small bridge pass, and prevent an armored advance here. Peio turned the boat to face the coast, before quickly running over to Private Silban, manning the mortar. One of the other gunboats had had a similar idea, it seems, as a mortar round landed close to the anti-tank artillery piece.

"Silban! Hit the missile system! Iban, Felipe! Focus fire in that direction!"

He ran back to the boat controls, which he still only barely understood properly, and began inching the ship forward slightly, to get away from the bridge. It was a risky move, going out into the open, but the mortar needed a clear angle to support the ground advance. Almost immediately, a chorus of gunfire descended on the ship from above.

Behind him, Albi had removed the iron bar, and using a flare, heated the bayonet of his rifle until it was redhot. The cauterization of the exit wound was accompanied by a new surge of screams from the lieutenant, who had been quiet since the morphine injection. Cauterization increased the chances for infection, but at least he wouldn't bleed to death. Albi then applied pressure to the entry wound, with antibacterial dressing. "Peio, come here! Hold down the bandage while I secure it!"

Peio dropped to his knees and crawled over the lieutenant. He did as he was asked, and Albi quickly dressed the wound. He had done the best he could.

The torrent of gunfire had not ceased, though, and the boat was beginning to show the signs of wear. It was a shitty position, an absolutely shitty position, Peio thought to himself. They had no real overhead cover to speak of, the makeshift gunner stands excepted, and the enemy was above them.

Silban fired the mortar. The shell landed less than a meter from the artillery piece. A second shell, from another gunship, landed a bit farther, almost immediately after. Suddenly, the artillery piece burst to life, and a torrent of missiles launched toward the bridge. They had missed the lead tank, but it was soon clear they were aiming elsewhere. The bridge was hit, and a section of it now completely missing. Three Union tanks had passed through, but they were now isolated. The artillery now exploded, and a chorus of cheers erupted on the radio. Squad Three had managed to land a direct hit, and destroy it, but the damage was done. The armor advance here had been disrupted. Peio stole a glance at the Pilar bridge, only a few hundred meters away. It was still intact. He could see no anti-tank artillery, and a cavalry regiment there had almost completely crossed. The flank was secure, then.

"Squadrons Three, Four, Five, the bridge has been taken out. Air Cavalry will support you in your positions, while armor will redirect along the Pilar bridge. Maintain your positions."

Peio rolled his eyes. Easy for them to say. But he knew he had to stay. There were three tank crews inside those machines who were trapped, now, behind enemy lines.

Peio looked up to see RPG fire from the plaza. The RPG hit one of the tanks, but the damage appeared to be minimal. Peio's suspicions were confirmed with the tank lurched forward after the hit. However, the vulnerability of his position was made clear when a second RPG was fired, not at the tanks, but the boats themselves.

Squadron Five, on the Santiago had stayed still for too long, and reminded the others of the perils in doing so. The RPG hit the ship's port hull, and the gunboat began to sink. Peio immediately turned toward the wreckage, commanding his gunners to maintain a focus on the plaza. The gunboat was sinking, but there may yet be individual survivors. Indeed, as Peio looked into the wreckage he saw three men swimming toward his position. He clumsily turned the boat toward them, and drifted forward, reaching them in a few minutes.

Albi ran over the side, and began helping men climb up. Two got on, including, according to his uniform, a replacement navigator. However, in attempting to rescue the last of them, a sniper had discovered the operation. Albi was spared, perhaps due to love from God himself. The round went through his hand, and the chest of the man. Albi got him up, but it was too late.

Albi's hand was bleeding, but one of the men he had rescued began to help him. Peio ran over to the navy officer, who now stood crouched on the deck. When he noticed Peio approaching him, he began to speak, "Petty Officer Ruben Franco! Thank you!"

No time for civilities. "Can you drive this thing?!"

"Yeah!"

"Get to it!"

Peio, meanwhile, ran below deck, into what had once been a very luxurious bedroom on the yacht. He retrieved two belts of ammunition, and a case of mortar shells. He ran back to to the deck, and toward the gunners, bullets whizzing around him.

"Ammo!"

Franco, meanwhile, had begun to move the ship closer toward the southern coast. In retrospect, it was the perfect move. The city itself was several meters above the water line, and they could effectively hide in that position, while they organized themselves. Looking around, Peio noticed that Squadron Three had already done the same thing. No wonder they were under such heavy fire - they had become the only available target!

Peio began feeding the first munition belt into Iban's gun, sliding the box of shells toward Silban's position nearby. Albi ran up to him, and took a belt of ammo, and began feeding ammunition to Felipe. Meanwhile, the new guy started to take Albi's former position on the machine gun. They now had three guns firing into the opposition.

The hail of bullets began to subside, as Franco reached the relative safety of the coast. In fact, unless Peio was mistaken, gunfire all around was starting to slow. He looked up at the three tanks on the bridge, who had begun to move forward toward the plaza.

Peio reached for his radio, and began to yell into it, "Can I get an update on ground activity on the southern access to bridge?!"

The radio remained silent. Above him, however, the roar of helicopter rotors provided him with what would suffice as an answer. The loud whir that defined minigun fire filled in him a sense of pride, a pride confirmed by the crackle of the radio.

"Update: Ground cavalry support from the Pilar Bridge has reached your position, Squadron Four. Air support in the area has begun to attack enemy ground positions. Early reports indicate enemy withdrawal into the city."

He was relieved. The worst was over. Almost as if to confirm it, the radio crackled again, and a new voice spoke.

"Ignacio de Loyola, please return home. Your relief has arrived." It was an hour early, but command must have recognized that the short battle had ended, at least here. Peio smiled, and walked up to Ruben Franco.

"Petty Officer Franco - take us home."

The battle for the Seo Plaza had ended, with Union victory. The heart and soul of Zaragoza had been captured. Zaragoza as a whole would soon follow, but for now, a six hour reprieve awaited him before his next shift. He had done his duty, done it with honor, and unlike some of his fellow soldiers, lived to talk about it.
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From UNN.com

October 24, 2011: Jaca, Union of Free Falangist Republics

Amendment X, integrating the occupied territories of Vizcaya and Alava as two separate republics was met with controversy in the National Congress, but ultimately passed with written support by Chairman Trouillefou, and 12/22 votes in the Congress, having already failed to gain majority support among the heads of state of the Republics.

The passing of Amendment X establishes a precedent for the admittance process for the new republics joining the Union of Free Falangist Republics. It's main opponent was Navarrese Congressman Fidel Errazti-Inurrutegi, whom advocated a policy known as the "Consolidation Plan", in which the UFFR will consolidate newly acquired territories into larger groups, adding only seven seats for the two republics rather than the ten they are now going to receive.

The "Consolidation Plan" would reorganize Huesca into a republic called Aragon, including Zaragoza and Teruel, integrate the Quiberon & Island Territory entirely into the Pau Republic, create a single Basque Republic out of Vizcaya and Alava, and make Lleida, Tarragona, and Castellon into a single Catalan Republic. This National Congress would have 32 seats, rather than the 52 the current plan will lead in - 17 of which would be controlled by ethnically Basque regions, as opposed to the 21 Trouillefou's plan will give them. The former case would give them a slim majority over other states in terms of representation, giving the Basque people a stronger voice in the UFFR - already recognized as a core territory and people of the country.

The vote was conducted almost strictly along ethnic lines, with representatives of Huesca (5), Lleida (5), and Qubieron (1) voting against, alongside a single representative from Pau, giving them a slim majority. This vote was conducted in the National Congress after it failed to pass a majority vote among the heads of state of the republic (with Quiberon, Pau, and Navarra rejecting it and Huesca and Lleida supporting it).

Chairman Trouillefou has applauded the passage of Amendment X, and has said that in the coming days he will introduce amendments to allow Zaragoza, Teruel, Tarragona, and Castellon to each join the Union as sovereign republics, though new representatives from Alava and Bilbao may breathe new life into the "Consolidation Plan". Amendment X, however, names the current Chairman of the Union as the interim heads of state for these republics, and it is considered likely that Trouillefou will not appoint Basques to the positions of representative, in order to secure integration along lines he approves of.

Chairman Miguel Trouillefou has also announced his intentions to leave his post following the successful end of hostilities and proper integration of Spain into the Union, and candidates are already popping up to replace him. Alban D'Espivant, head of state of Pau, and General Alfonso Ruben, a Joint Chief and major coordinator of the integration, are early favorites according to polls, though whether this will turn into legislative support remains to be seen. It seems likely that a Basque candidate will emerge with the support of the Basque republics.


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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

The son was warm on her skin as she walked around the aircraft. There was a light breeze in the air and the sky was completely clear, indeed it was a perfect day for flying. The aircraft was an Aviat Husky and the Spanish couple readying the craft for flight had had the plane for at least three years now. Toledo's international airport was always the most busy in the Iberian peninsula, indeed perhaps the world. Toledo had gone from a Spanish center to an international city almost over night, the epicenter of globalization and international affairs in the post-dominion world.

Posted Image

"Anna my dear, did they fuel us up as I asked?" Antonio asked as he checked the wing before moving towards the cabin of the aircraft.

"Yes my dear, we're completely full and I'm ready to get to the sky!"

"Yes, yes" said Antonio, "I just want to make sure everything is good to go."

"My husband the safety warden" said Anna as she stuck her tongue out at Antonio in a playful manner.

"Ok...ok I'm ready, lets go"

Antonio jumped into the cockpit of the aircraft and closed the door. Putting on their headsets, Antonio started the engine and began pulling the aircraft out of the hangar and out onto the tarmac of the airport. "Control this is Husky 485, can we be cleared to take off?" said Antonio into this radio. The couple waited a few moments and then got a response over the radio Husky 485, you're cleared for take off....have a nice flight. With that Antonio slowly hit the throttled of the aircraft and got it racing down the runway. Before long the aircraft was off the ground and climbing higher and higher into the air until before long buildings, people, cars, all the other objects on the ground seemed so much smaller. Anna smiled and Antonio could just feel the smile even though he did not turn to look at her. Antonio always loved to make his wife happy.

Before long the couple was outside of the International Commonwealth of Nations zone and were flying over the villages and farmlands of free Spain. The countryside was so beautiful and from this altitude, Anna thought there was nothing more beautiful. Moving northward the couple took their time enjoying the scenery, the beautiful landscape below, the unspoiled spender of Spain. Then, before long, the couple was coming towards the "annexation" zone of Spain. While the tone in the cabin of the aircraft and been happy-go-lucky, it soon turned serious for both Anna and Antonio. Lowering the craft and bit, he slowed the aircraft's speed so the two were more or less cruising over the countryside.

"Is the camera ready?" Antonio asked Anna.

"Yes, it is online and we're ready" she responded.

The aircraft cruised over the landscape, moving a bit lower almost along the treeline of the country. It was a deliberate move to help keep the aircraft from radar although Antonio wasn't entirely sure it would be low enough. Moving a bit fast, the couple began taking pictures of villages, movement along the highways, and whatever military they could come across as they changed course and began moving west. With each picture the camera took Anna had it downloaded and then sent it, via a secure and encrypted signal, from the aircraft to a satellite to a secure location. Antonio stayed alert at the wheel and keep the radio as open as possible for he wasn't sure how long they would be able to keep up their flight before being detected and contacted.
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East Anarx
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It turned out that in España Libre, at least where people were aware of the growing state just to their north, rifles, ammunition, and explosives seemed to be in rather high demand, and after only a few weeks of operation, La Rosa Sumergida, a micro-manufacturing enterprise running out of the old Rodriguez place, had managed to recoup their start-up costs and discover a growing market for their goods. Their products swiftly found their way into the hands of a highly decentralized, rapidly expanding network of individuals committed to defending their tiny sovereign communities from external governance.
Edited by East Anarx, Oct 25 2011, 09:59 PM.
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Peio gripped the warm soup bowl gently, passing toward one of the refugees that had assembled at the Cathedral plaza. Gunshots could be heard in the distance, from the direction of Saint Isabela, the last neighborhood fighting, where the former Police Chief was suspected of hiding and coordinating the last of the insurgency. The bulk of these refugees, he gathered from their excited discussions, was from that general area as they exchanged rumors of the fighting.

A young lieutenant passed out water bottles to families nearby, but he approached Peio. "The Porcuian delegation is coming here in about an hour, so maybe four hours until they get here. Can you assist me in showing them around the camp as a guide, for the delegation officers and Trouillefou's staff?"

"The Chairman will be here?"

"No, Secretary Marcos [Interior Department] will be here with Ruben [Joint Chief]."

Peio served another bowl.

"Yes, sir."

The lieutenant walked away, toward a group of twelve children who had just wandered into the camp carrying four small improvised weapons. The Union forces had promised amnesty and compensation to any local who turned in weapons to the military, and children were often sent by families to collect relatively anonymously. A large stash of pipe rifles and other assorted home-built armaments had already developed early in the program, far from most of them but a significant number nonetheless.

As the fighting died down, the Union had begun integrating the region into the federation, beginning with formal annexation and the implementation of martial law, temporarily until a new government could be established. The blockade had ended, and the occupying forces found themselves in the role of humanitarian aid, distributing supplies freely to those who had suffered under the country's occupation.

Edited by Union, Dec 13 2011, 02:50 AM.
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Avala Republic, Union of Free Falangist Republics

"It just crossed the border."

"Can you see it cleanly?"

"Yes. It's a civilian plane."

"Irrelevant. Shoot it down."

"SAM-342, ready to receive target... Engage target."

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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

"Atios...Atios..."

"The countryside is stunning, is it not?"

The elderly Porcuian took off his ball cap and ran his hand through the few hairs left on head. His dry fingers passed over a wet scalp and he sighed heavily while the occasional breeze flowed past his face. Though traveling through a beautiful October day, the sun was its usual self and beat down upon Atios.

Beyond having to travel north to Zaragoza with Union escorts, the Porcuian and EU delegation continued on as they would have otherwise. Knowing full well that the Abwehr was keeping an eye on them from the sky, the observers and election officials were hopeful that no further bumps were ahead in their journey and that they would be able to complete their assigned tasks.

The city of Zaragoza began to rise in the distance and Atios radioed the other vehicles carrying the Porcuian and EU observers, ordering them to prepare their identification papers and documentations.
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The minute the small red light began flashing on his front instrument panel, Antonio knew that they'd been spotted. It was an early warning that they were now being targeted and tracked by an enemy missile although if it was flashing, it was assumed by Antonio that they were now already dead. Turning around to Anna his look said everything to her, she wouldn't have left Toledo if she wasn't prepared to pay the price. Smile at him, she sent the last of the pictures through the computer and then reached out to his hand. Antonio reached back and the couple clasped hands for the last time.

The explosion was loud as well as extensive, as the aircraft was never designed to take such a punishment. Indeed, little was left of it as it came crashing down like a fiery meteor into the barn of an unsuspecting farm. The barn, which had apparently stood there for generations was so old that it went up in flames without a fight. By the time the family got control of the fire and indeed, defeated it an hour later there was nothing left of it or the plane that could be distinguishable beyond perhaps the very charred remains of Anna and Antonio, their hands still clasped between them.
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Moscow, Russia

The Tsar was seated behind his desk within his personal office at the Grand Kremlin Palace, overlooking the latest numbers from Russia's campaign in Africa. They'd lost many soldiers in their battle against the Sutekhite Pharaoh but Alexei felt the ends in the affair would justify the means. After all their defeat opened Russia to their entire biological weapons research, research that lead to the development of the plague they had unleashed on Africa. The plague had been devastating to Africa and while Russia was at the moment more interested in creating enough of the cure to help those still inflicted, it was also interested in the manner in which the weapon was developed. Alexei needed something to give Russia a tactic edge against its enemies and a superior biological weapon could certainly do that.

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Busy at his desk, his personal aid entered the room and momentarily disrupted him. "Your majesty" she said quietly, "Prince Meshchersky is here to see you." Alexei looked away from the reports only long enough to tell his secretary to show the Prince into his office. Konstantine Meshchersky, of the Princely Meshchersky, was Alexei's Minister of Imperial Security. Head of the The Okhranka or Department for Defense of Public Security and Order, he was the man that was supposed to know everything. Indeed, he was Alexei's eyes and ears not only inside of Russia but also outside of it. Much of the new Okhranka in the Russian Empire had been established and built on the foundation set by the Communist KGB, a one time world finest intelligence and espionage agency. The Okhranka, while still somewhat in his infancy, was indeed living up to its predecessor's past.

Coming up to the Tsar's desk, the Prince bowed before his monarch. Alexei rose from his chair and offered his minister a seat opposite his own. The Prince graciously accepted the chair and then laid a folder on the Tsar's desk, a folder Alexei quickly picked up and began reading.

"Your Majesty as those reports suggest, our Spanish bird has been shot down" said Meshchersky. "However, I am happy to report that we received some very interesting photographs from the aircraft before we lost contact."

"Could they have survived?" said Alexei.

"Doubtful your majesty as the aircraft was civilian in design. We did nothing to increase its ability to withstand military assault. We're almost assured it was shot down via a SAM system. The aircraft could not have survived such an attack and if it did, the agents would have destroyed what remained and then of course taken the pills provided."

"An the photographs we were able to procure before the aircraft was shot down?"

"It was as we suspected your majesty" said the prince. "They were able to capture a few military convoys while in movement. We're still analyzing the pictures of course, but even at first glance it is apparent that the amount of military being used is excessive. It is my opinion that this expansion is not as voluntary and as free as the Spaniards would like us to believe. I believe they're planning on a complete military conquest."

"Then it is as I fear" said Alexei with a sigh. "Russia cannot deter long on this issue or we run the risk of being completely out matched by the Union in Iberia. Already Catalonia is surrounded by military forces. Our forces in Africa are returning, thus strengthening our position on the Peninsula. It may be time that we take proactive steps in stopping the Spaniards from expanding so quickly. You are sure that the aircraft can't be traced back to us?"

"I would be willing to stake my career on it your majesty."

"That is all then, you may go Prince Meshchersky...."
-------------------------------------------------------------

Official Statement
Russian Empire
It has come to the attention of the Russian Empire that civilian aircraft are being targeted by Unionist forces within the current contested zone of Spanish expansion. While we continue to question the nature and intent of these expansions, the Russian Empire calls for an explanation by Union officials for a concrete reason why it would use military force against civilian aircraft.
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Trouillefou touched the charred lump on his desk, leaving a small coating of soot on his finger.

"This is a... camera?"

The general leaned forward, and picked it up.

"Of course it is."

"It looks like a hunk of metal."

"Look, I know it looks like nothing. It was hit by a missile. It crashed into the ground. You won't believe how long it took them to find it among the wreckage. But it has been looked at, closely, by some very smart people. It is a camera."

"What do they know?"

"We shot it down over La Rioja. This means they saw the convoys heading to Burgos and Soria."

"So they know we're attacking."

"Yeah, but the lands are sparsely populated. Soria alone is the least densely populated region on the continent - 91,000 people in total on flat, flat, lands. We can take it in a day. Burgos is more difficult, or rather the city is."

"Proceed, with speed."

"Of course!"

"What should my statement say?"

"Doesn't matter. They don't care and would have done the same. They are looking for an excuse."

"You underestimate the power of the people, the internet, journalists..."

"Maybe I do, but, Chairman, I don't think it matters. I'm the wrong man to ask anyway."

"Thank you, General."
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Official Statement of the Council of Moffs

We concur with the concern shown by the Russian Empire regarding the recent sequence of events in Iberia.

This "Union" is cautioned that the actions being undertaken by those associated with this Entity in Iberia are viewed unsympathetically.
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The Arsenal, Moscow....

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The Arsenal, a building within the Kremlin, was always a building of activity. It housed the ministry of defense and more importantly, within its underground levels it housed the Tsar's war rooms. The main chamber of the war room levels was filled with monitors and a wide variety of assorted equipment which monitored the movement of Russia's army, navy, and air force. Using the Empire's satellite systems the maps displayed on many of the largest screens in the room were constantly updated. A variety of technicians and other military analysts worked the room and kept a close eye on the various screens and instruments. It was indeed, within this vary room and the others that the war effort during the Dominion Wars in Europe was planned as far as the Russian involvement was concerned. More recently, the War Room was used to monitor the progress of Russia's efforts in North Africa and was now keeping its attention of the Iberian Peninsula.

Posted Image

Due to the increased activity in Iberia, the Tsar called a meeting of his general staff. They met within a separate, more private room under the Arsenal. It was where most of the general staff's meetings were held. Alexei, sat in the middle and was flanked, on either side, by his top military officials. Behind them was a large monitor that could be used in various ways either by showing one large picture or divided into small screens and show a variety of information and read-outs. The Tsar could also use the monitor for face-to-face communications but much of the time the screen simply showed the flag of the Empire.

"Gentlemen" said Alexei as he started the meeting, "we all know why we are here. The Spaniards are expanding their influence and control over Iberia and are threatening our own sphere of influence. Recent photos and other data suggestions that what they've so far annexed isn't the extent of their desires. Our reconnaissance suggest that they will be moving quickly and with great force against the continent. The recent destruction of our own spy plane may have even pushed their time-tables forward. I want to hear options."

"Surely your majesty does not wish war" stated the Minister of Defense, Prince Anton Leiven.

"No" said Alexei, "if it can be avoided that is most preferred. War with the Union will be messy as well as costly. Furthermore it would push our own time-tables back for operations we have else where in the world."

"Then his majesty is looking for some other tactic that will give us a shock and aw value" said Mikhail Lebedev, Chief of the General Staff. "Perhaps we can indeed slow the Union's advance while also keeping ourselves out of direct war. All reports indicate the area that will next be hit by Union forces, an area still currently considered international territory. I suggest we use aircraft from our carrier in the Mediterranean to "patrol" the area. We can use the aircraft to hit bridges and other necessary roadways in an effort to slow the Spanish while also sending the clear message that we know what is going on and are willing to attempt to stop it."

"Surely they will know it was us" said Prince Leiven. "They call us out for it and we'll be responsible to the international community for such actions, that could lead us straight to war."

"Not entirely true, with all due respect Prince." said Lebedev. "The Spanish have already claimed their current annexed zones, areas of conflict. In fact an airport was suspiciously hit hours before Porcu inspectors were going to land. Officially, it was terrorists or some such excuse although I think otherwise. Regardless, we can claim terrorists hit the bridges, saying that our aircraft were simply there for reconnaissance given that the peninsula has already been stirred by this nonsense. It would be the perfect way to setup the foreign ministry for its usually diplomatic warfare. Naturally being no diplomat, I'll that those particulars to the Minister of Foreign Affairs."

Alexei too in what had been suggested and then agreed. "We will hit the bridges and major intersections" he said with confidence. "We'll also try and drop weapons deep within Iberia, giving the free Spanish the chance to fight the Union if they so choose. If the Union cries fowl against us, we'll push back with what diplomatic might we can. At all costs however, I wish to avoid war at this time..."
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