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The Eradication of Arrakan; The former capital of Draxis is nuked
Topic Started: Mar 15 2014, 02:47 PM (805 Views)
Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Arrakan, Russian-Administered Draxis
5:09pm


Arrakan in the evening always gave an air of mystery. In this part of the world, day led to twilight before it led to night, and the twilight had a strange effect on the city's Drax architecture. The buidlings twinkled as though covered in night sky instead of steel and stone, mixing and merging with the last vestiges of sunset and creating a rainbow-on-oil effect. At the height of Drax power, this ethereal aura had underlined the exoticness of Draxis to outsiders, while to the inhabitants it became a source of pride as the "beautiful capital".

These days however, the ethereal beauty had become haunted doom, reflecting the collapse of the Drax state. The city itself wasn't dead of course, indeed it was teeming with life as newly arrived Russians interacted with the former Drax subjects. Indeed, the city was booming in the economic sense thanks to Moscow. But it's identity did not match the reality.

Nearby the city was a massive nuclear reactor complex, built between Kasnyia and Draxis many years before the war. The Jupiter Energy Complex had been built to give energy to all of Eastern Europe, and did so for a time until the war, when the distrubution grid was destroyed. As Draxis had gone into terminal decline after the war, having suffered a brutal occupation, the reactor was never reconnected, and now only served Arrakan and the surrounding area, allowing it to prosper even as the rest of Draxis failed. But what can help can also hurt, as the inhabitants were about to find out.

There was an airburst miles above the skyline, and soon three contrails were seen moving away from the blast: One straight down into Arrakan, one sputtered and embedded itself in a nearby river, a dud. But the third struck the central control station of the eight reactor Jupiter Energy Complex. What the first nuclear blast in Arrakan didn't destroy, the massive nuclear shockwave that came after from the Complex finished off. It would later be determined that the nuclear reactor's destruction was the largest on record, wiping out absolutely everything for tens of miles, and irradiating hundreds more.

The TCG had struck again.
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Comrade Queen
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Comrade Bitchqueen
These continued attacks across the world are an affront to God and His creation. The Transcontinental Contingent Group will be made to suffer for their sins in the fiery pits of Hell for all eternity. Now the world realizes that nuclear weapons are the vile tools of the Devil and should be disposed of immediately.

- Pope Castillo,
Sovereign and Bishop of Rome
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Ivan walked down the halls, the light from the windows blinding. He couldn't see outside but then again he wasn't interested in the outside. Walking further down the marble-floored hallway, with its crisp red tapestries and brightly colored paintings he soon came to the doorway. The sun was brighter through the doorway as he crossed the threshold onto the balcony. Various plants lined the balcony and the table centered int he middle awaited, they awaited him.

"We thought you might be late" the woman said, her radiant face sparkled in the sunlight. Her soft dark hair fluttered a bit in the breeze. Her one was light and hear accent familiar.

"Yes, we feared the tea would get cold" said the man to her left, his skin was darker than hers and his feature more rugged. His tone was deeper, his accent harsher.

Ivan take and after having his cup poured he took a sip. Looking around he soon noticed a bed of flowers near the edge of the balcony. Someone was laying in it and though he could not see who he was certain he knew who it was. The woman noticed and smiled,

"He's at peace now" she said softly, "we cannot wake him though I think we all know we did what we could." the man to her left simply nodded.

Footsteps could be hear in the distance and Ivan turned back to see several people in white cloaks and hoods, walking through the halls.

"Seems there are still more to be invited" the woman said, "they must want us all."

"There were many of us" said the man, "many of us indeed. I imagine we are not the only three to be punished...."

The aid shook Ivan a bit violently before the Emperor finally woke, having gone to bed early from fatigue. Still a bit daze and confused about his surroundings it took the aid a few times to finally explain to the Emperor what had happened in Arrakan......



--------------------------------------------------------------------
Russia is prepare....Russia is eternal....

The Russians had been working for months now to understand where these nuclear attacks were coming from, who was truly behind them, and how to stop them. Since the time of the Dominion Wars the Empire had worked on an early warning system designed to prevent attacks. Since the bombing of Rzhev after the Dominion Wars, the Russians knew there system was faulty. All efforts to make Russian impenetrable were quickly escalated and in the years to follow that deadly attack the Russian people felt at ease for truly Russia had a system matched only by a few the world over.

They never suspected the attack coming for Arrakan....

The attack came on their detection grid too late to do anything for the people of the city, those souls that they, the great Russian Empire, had taken under their custodial wing. Almost as soon as the bomb dropped, sirens across Russian proper went off. Millions took either to shelters in their homes and apartment complexes or to the subway systems below the city.

Posted Image

The massive and opulent subways of Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and beyond were of great national pride to the government in Moscow. They spoke of the elegance and riches of the Empire but more over, they were for the people. Built not only to serve as means of transit, the subways were also shelters for the thousands who could have need of them. When the sirens went off, many on the streets flooded their doors and came rushing down their staircases. Many new they had only little time before the emergency systems went online and the massive blast doors closed. Most made it in while others were forced to find alternate paces to take shelter. While an attack would never come to Moscow, or any other proper Russian city, the attack on Arrakan was an awakening for many.

In Moscow, when the sirens went off and the emergency systems activated, the Imperial Court was quickly gathered and Russians to the royal bunker in Moscow. With staff pouring in their own monitoring systems and other facilities soon went to life, connecting the bunker to military installations in Russia and across the world.

Posted Image

In Saint Petersburg the Emperor, his wife, as well as their new born son, were all asleep by the time word reached them and they were awaken. The Emperor and his family rushed to the Winter Palace's own underground Bunker and Ivan was soon put in contact with Moscow and was updated on the situation. A teleconference between himself as his court ensued.

"Your majesty an attack on Arrakan was never suspected" Prince Anton Leiven, Minister of Defense, stated to the Ivan as he sat, somewhat disconnected from the conversation. "Our detection grids were focused on Russia and it is more by chance we picked up the attack at all before it hit, though it was still too late by that time to stop the bombs."

"Your majesty our early reports are already estimating over a million are dead thus far" Count Peter Shuvalov, the internal minister, stated. "The fallout will undoubtedly effect many more, I've already put the borders on high alert and will be assigning crews to the crossing to test everyone before they came enter Russia proper. We also are working with the Defense Ministry to put together crews to go into Arrakan within the hour to do what we can with whatever may still be alive down there."

"Your majesty we also believe we've better pinpointed the source of the attack" Director of the KSB, Konstantine Beria, commented. "We've been trying to pinpoint it for weeks now following the last attack and while unfortunate as this attack was, we believe it may have been the key to finally having a idea of the location of these terrorists."

The room soon fell silence, each minister and other officer of the court now realizing how mute the Emperor was during the course of the conversation. His face was blank, completely devoid of any expression. It was as if the Emperor himself wasn't there, his body perhaps, but the rest of him wasn't. Where he was and what he was seeing no one could know and each man in the room simply sat silence. Each was fearful to make a comment to the Emperor, awaiting some outburst of anger but nothing came.

"I believe I know who is behind this" Ivan said finally, his voice piercing the very air and sending shivers down the spin of everyone who heard him. "I believe I know exactly where this attack has come from. We must first secure Arrakan, what is left of it at least, as well as the whole of Eastern Draxis from danger. Then, after such, the Empire will act and we will expose these devils for who they really are. We will show Russia's resolve and either the international community will act accordingly or Russia itself, as God as our witness, will bring justice to the world alone."

The ministers, highly puzzled by the Emperor's own words could do little more than shake their head in agreement and act on the Emperor's wishes. No one knew exactly what the Emperor was talking about, what he could know and how he knew it. Ivan himself left the rest of them in the dark and was only going to act when and where he believed was the best place and time to do so.
________________________________________________________________

Within 24-hours of the attack, troop deployment in Eastern Draxis increased as Russian troops entered the regions for relief purposes. People within the effect zones were to be safely escorted away to camps that would be set up for the now displaced. Medical teams would do what they could to treat those who still survived. Basic food and water would be the more dire needs of the people for the Russians to get to them. Russian's own representative to H.E.A.R.T. would put in their request for immediate aid though it was questionable how much they would get. After all, the organization was already stretched far beyond its design given the first two attacks.

Still beyond Trebizond and Savannah, Arrakan would prove to be a tipping point perhaps not even the Transcontinental Contingent could have foreseen.....
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
OOC- Moar crumbs.

IC-

Crimea, Russian Occupied Draxis
11:09 am


It had been a few weeks since the destruction of Arrakan. Unlike in Trebizond and Savannah, the local TCG were ordered to keep their head down instead of starting an immediate attack. They didn't know why, but they didn't disobey, hoping they would one day be unmuzzled and allowed to hurt one of the architects of the Dominion's destruction.

Their hope was not in vain. They were given the order to attack.

Unlike in Trebizond and Savannah however, they weren't going to raid (as in Savannah) or terrorize (as in Trebizond). They were going to seize and hold. They were going to pull Crimea offline and turn it into a Dominion state.

They had bought their (extensive) weapons caches from former military republic soldiers in Transcaucasia, using funds provided to an account held by a sympathetic military republican living in Tblisi. Before Arrakan, they had slowly smuggled in the weapons into Crimea. The commander of the Crimea operation, Enui Mazdakan, had also been given secret orders to hide their tracks by having the men wear and hold Porcuian paraphenalia. Also, unlike in previous nuclear attacks, the TCG would not take responsbility for the post-nuclear campaign this time. Instead, the South African had other ideas. It included something called the D-437 Vituperation....

It made no difference to most of the men there. They were going to seize Crimea and make the Russians bleed for every inch they wanted to take back.

They began by seizing Sevastapol and Kerch and Perekop. And thus the Dominion Republic of Crimea's War of Independence began.
Edited by Kasnyia, Mar 26 2014, 05:57 PM.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

The Parliament and People of Porcu extend their deepest condolences to the Drax people, the inhabitants of Arrakan, and all those who are affected by this most hideous crime. The Republic is prepared to send any and all assistance Russian and local Drax authorities deem necessary. The Republic stands in solidarity with the Drax people and the Russian Empire during this sad time.
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NRE
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The Kremlin, Moscow....

In less than 24 hours life in the city began returning to normal. People began leaving the shelters and government officials were released from their own bunker. Ivan, as soon as it was deemed safe, was given an express flight back to Moscow on board a military helicopter dispatched to transport the Emperor. Upon returning mere hour or so later, the Emperor called a meeting of his cabinet to discuss the situation in Drax and elsewhere.

Posted Image

"Your majesty the situation in Arrakan has improved to a degree" Prince Boris Ribbenzoph V, the Prime Minister, stated plainly. "Emergency crews have entered the city and have begun the process of removing the bodies, those that are left. However, your majesty, there is a growing reports from the south that an independence movement has begun and that local insurgents are openly fought with Russian patrols int he area."

"What do you mean an independence movement" Ivan inquired, his tone suggesting a disbelief of the situation.

"It is true your majesty" the Internal Minister, Count Peter Shuvalov, stated. "The KSB has intercepted several reporters as well as communiques from the Crimean region. Furthermore, the East Draxis Government has lost contact with several cities in that region. They have sent security forces to investigate but none have reported back. The East Draxis leadership believe they've found evidence to suggest that....Porcu are to blame...."

"The what" Ivan stated as an eerie silence fell on the room. "They believe its the Porcu!?!?!...." His fist crashed against the table with all of the force of a great roll of thunder. "HAVE THEY TAKEN NOTHING WE'VE TOLD THEM TO HEART? To what end would the Porcu have to gain from inspiring nationalism in East Draxis? Besides this, what support would the Poru have in Draxis besides a few small pockets of resistance. No, they aren't any more republican that the Austrians, those pockets are nothing more that the residual stains of those separatist scum that started the Drax Civil War in the first place. No, I won't believe the Porcu have anything to do with this, anymore than I'll believe the lies over the TCG. For the TCG doesn't exist and I will have no more of it. This was an act of Catholic terrorism, plan and simple. The East Drax government is simply playing into the Catholics hands. They want us to believe that there is a problem in the Crimea, put our focus there while they steal Panama from us. Its so clear, why any of your cannot see the writing of the what makes me question the effectiveness of this council!"

The room remained silence as the Emperor continued to rant. Though his ministers were willing to go along with suggesting the Catholics had something to do with the attack, swaying international opinion was one thing. However, these reports that the KSB were gathering were highly incriminating against the Porcu. Perhaps the Republic was behind the bombings, after all the Turks were a problem for them and Russia was no sympathizer to democracy. Many of the Ministers were now growing worried that the Emperor's new found zealousness and hatred towards the Catholics were clouding his judgement and that a true crime may be unfolding beneath his very noise.

"I see now that the East Drax government is no longer equipped to deal with this situation" he said finally. "I am decreeing that Eastern Draxis be put under a state of emergency. The East Drax government is hereby suspended until further notice and Russia will administer the state under marshal law. I am sure if there are dissidents in Crimea, its the same dissident factions of Drax society that have been protesting of late. No doubt remnants of the separatist still attempting to plunge the country back into the same anarchy for which we've pulled them out of. Increasing our patrols, flush them out, and arrest them for treason against the state."

"An the Drax political officials" Prince Boris questioned, "If they do not wish to step aside quietly?"

"Put them under house arrest then" Ivan stated coldly. "I will not have some half-republican bureaucrat standing between us and stability. Also, it is time we send our ultimatum to El Dejarbo in concerns to Panama. If the Catholics think this bombing will detour us from taking what is rightfully ours then they will find themselves very mistaken. Make it so, you are dismissed...."
____________________________________________________________________________

Kursk, East Draxis.....

The Destruction of Arrakan had been the single great tragedy befalling the Drax people. Its destruction not only wiped from the face of the Earth generations of Drax cultural history, but also instantly killed most of the Drax government setup by the Russians. Only a few fortunate officials had been out of the city for the day when the bomb fell. Of the East Drax Senate, which the Russians restored, that held some 80 seats, about twenty of those officials have survived. Also among the dead was the acting chairman of the executive council and most of his cabinet, save for the education minister and transportation minister. This meant, through executive succession, save for the Grand Duke whose position still remained at large, Education Minister Alexander Doroshenko was now the senior most minister of government and de facto Chairman of East Drax. Minister Kuznets was never one who'd ever wanted the responsibility. A former history teacher, he was an extreme patriot of Drax and strongly believe that if the Drax were to join Russia, they deserved a voice in the Russian court. In truth this opinion was shared by many in the Cabinet and the Senate, when they existed. So much so that for some time since Russia's help in ending the civil war, the government was divided on the issues. Their defiance frustrated the pro-Russian factions of the government, including former Chairman Olexandro Tetelbaum, who believe the Drax would make good Russians and saw the Emperor himself as a good successor to the Grand Duke's throne given the blood ties between the Romanovs and House Drax.

Now however, Chairman Tetelbaum was dead and the Russians had to deal with Chariman Doroshenko who, while appreciative of the aid and support, had been difficult to work with almost immediately as he intended to curtail the way in which Russian troops were allowed to roll through East Draxis. Seated in his temporary office in Kursk, he was reviewing the latest reports from his security forces over the growing trouble in the south when his door was abruptly opened without so much as a knock. Entering the room was a man in full Russian military dress, his breast covered in various metals. He strolled in the room without as much as a hello as he came straight to the desk.

"Chairman Doroshenko I presume" the man said in his thick Russian accent, much stronger than the more subtle accent of the Drax. "I am General Yakov Staviski of Russia's 8th Army, by order of his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Ivan, I am here to administer East Drax as per his majesty's decree."

"Decree?" Alexander exclaimed in confusion, "What is the meaning of this?"

"Oh my" the General said as he removed his gloves, "did word not reach you yet. Please, I have it right here." Snapping his fingers his military aid, which was just outside the doorway rush in. Opening his briefcase for the General, Staviski procured the decree and handed it to the Chairman who quickly began reading over it."

"State of Emergency......suspension of the government....What is this?" the Chairman stated in irritation. "His majesty cannot suspend our government, we have our right to operate. The situation in East Draxis is delicate and we Drax are the ones most responsible to handle this. There are government procedures and his majesty's cannot simply overlook them."

"What government chairman?" the General stated plainly. "Besides yourself, a transportation minister, and a handful of Senators, your government was incinerated. Now don't get me wrong Chairman, I feel for the Drax people and their losses. This Catholic act of aggression against you and Russia as a whole is immoral and completely unforgivable. However, we cannot allow our anger to cloud our judgement. The East Drax people need results and they need it quickly before the situation deteriorates any further. Now the order is effective immediately, your government is relieved of its responsibilities and I am to act as military administrator of East Draxis."

"This is absurd!"

"Please Chairman, this situation is only temporary. His majesty has stated that this state of emergency will only last until such time as stability has been restore. At which time marshal law will end and I will personally hand over administrative powers back to yourself and the other local authorities. Surely you have family you could be attending to, please take this time to ensure they are all well."

"The people of East Draxis are my family General and if you think I am simply going to sit by and allow Russia to administrate over my people..."

"Yes Chairman" the General said, interrupting Doroshenko. "That is exactly what I believe you are going to do. Because, whether you do so voluntarily or I order your house arrest, it is going to happen." At that the General again snapped his fingers, two Russian soldiers then entered the room. Doroshenko looked back at them and then back at the General.

"Many feared you Russians would take us by force" he stated plainly. "I did not wish to believe, I believed the Emperor was a rational man. I believe we could change his opinion and that he would give us a voice, that we could coexist as one and in peace." Doroshenko shook his head, "I see now that this is how democracy shall die in Draxis, under the guise of humanitarian aid..." Lowering his head and turned to the soldiers behind him. "I imagine you will escort me home, I do not intend to fight but mark my words, I may be the only Drax willing to go quietly." At that the Chairman was escorted out.

"See to it that the Chairman is given anything and everything he requests while on his leave" the General stated to his aid. "Also, have a contingent of our forces move south at once. I want to know exactly what is going on in the Crimea."
________________________________________________________________

Belgorod, East Draxis....

While Alexander Doroshenko had always been the practical one of his family, always believe there was a system for which things could be worked out peacefully and orderly, his younger brother was far more impetuous. Both brothers had fought in the civil war, what Drax didn't? They fought on the side of the loyalists, not out of national pride for the royalty as much for the democratic values the loyalists held. A more extreme republican than his brother, Marko Doroshenko often criticized his brother for the government's capitulation with Moscow. "They'll take us, you'll see. They will have us by the throat before we see either hand move" Marko often stated, though Alexander was quick to dismiss it. With his house arrest however, Alexander sent word to his brother, knowing well that his younger brother kept a more rough and ready company of friends.

"They've put our chairman under house arrest" Marko stated to a crowd of his friends all seated in his small downtown apartment. "They're instituting marshal law for the good of the people."

"Not our good" one of Marko's friends stated.

"Exactly" Marko said, "I told Alexander this would happen. The Russians have so far ignored us for too long. Maybe now the people will wake up, join us."

"You know, I hear there are freedom fighters in the south. Marko, maybe we should fight too. We could show the Emperor we mean business, that we won't go without having our demands met."

"If we fight we risk dragging ourselves into another war" Marko stated. For all his ambitions, he was a pacifist most. He hated war, the things he saw while fighting in the last one. He didn't want it to come to that again. "No, we simply need a larger protest and maybe now more people will join us. Come on, we need to get the word out that we're gathering in the city square. If the crowd is big enough, Russia won't be able to ignore us."

Though some of his friends weren't as convince that another protest was the answer, they did at least agree the time to act was now. Though he would have argued against it, even a few of them planned to bring what weapons they could get their hands on to the rally if only for protection. With a plan in hand Marko and his friends scattered throughout the city, spreading the word. A few stayed at the apartment, taking to social media as well.
Edited by NRE, Apr 15 2014, 03:39 PM.
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NRE
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Belgorod, East Draxis....

Posted Image

Marko Doroshenko looked out upon the crowd and couldn't believe the numbers he was seeing. Never before had a rallying cry for protest brought so many to the city square of Belgorod. There had to be hundreds upon hundreds out in the streets, holding signs and chanting for peace. A fountain near the center was to be there stage and Marko himself had been chosen to do the talking. While he was honored, he was also nervous. He'd spoken in front of crowds before but perhaps the doubt that it did any good due to the minimal size of their listeners had always given him the courage. Now, with so many coming out to hear what he had to say, perhaps change could indeed come.

"You'll be find my comrade" Olexandro said with a smile. Olexandro Kostomariv was perhaps one of Marko's oldest friends. Always with an encouraging word for him, he was probably the one friend Marko knew he could always count on. Perhaps the only impasse between them was their beliefs in how change came in society. Where as Marko was a pacifist that believe change had to come through peaceful processes, Olexandro was a man of action. He believed everything in life worth having, could only be obtained through fighting. Despite this difference, one that often caused an argument between the two, they always had a voice of reason to calm them.

"Yes Marko, you'll do fine...this is your protest" said the sweet and soothing voice of Milla Zdrok. Marko had met her at a party Olexandro had held once and have instantly fallen in love with her. Her beauty was apparent to anyone who laid eyes on her and it was only matched by the brilliance of her mind and her passion for knowledge. She was as physically captivating as she was intellectually and Marko enjoyed every conversation they ever had. The only thing that kept him from professing his love for her was Olexandro who also loved Milla with the same passion. Though he'd long ago resigned himself to allowing Olexandro to have her, he never took the opportunity. In truth both men had unofficially agree never to allow their love for Milla get in the way of their friendship, either between themselves or Milla. Thus the three were simply friends, the closest of friends in truth.

"Very well my friends, wish me luck" Marko said as he took the horn and climbed the fountain's statuary to be above the crowd. After being able to see as far as he believed his eyes could, he put the horn to his mouth. "PEOPLE OF BELGOROD, A GREAT INJUSTICE IS AFOOT!" The crowd cheered and Marko continued. "THE RUSSIANS HAVE DEPOSED OUR CHAIRMAN AND DECLARED MARSHAL LAW. THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO USURP THE LAST VESTIGES OF THE PEOPLE'S VOICE FOR THEIR AUTOCRATIC WAYS. WE CANNOT...NAY....WE WILL NOT ALLOW THIS!" The cheers of the crowd only continued. In the distance as Marko looked out he could see security forces, for now only Drax, lining the parameter of the crowd. He knew he had to keep things peaceful.

"NOW DO NOT MISTAKE MY WORDS FRIENDS WHEN I SAY THAT WE MUST ACT. LET US NOT FORGET RUSSIA HAS ALWAYS STOOD AS AN ALLY TO OUR PEOPLE. THEY HELPED TO END OUR WAR AND WITHOUT THEM, WE WOULD NOT BE FREE TO ASSEMBLE HERE TODAY WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING SHOT BY PARTISANS FIGHTING FOR IDEALS LONG DEAD. HOWEVER, WHILE WE MAY OWE THE EMPEROR OUR PEACE, WE CANNOT AND WILL NOT ALLOW THIS TO BE FREE TERMS TO DESTROY OUR TRADITIONS. WE MUST MAKE EMPEROR IVAN UNDERSTAND THAT IF DRAXIS IS TO BE RUSSIAN, THEN WE DESERVE...WE DEMAND...A VOICE IN MOSCOW. HE MUST OPEN A PARLIAMENT FOR THE PEOPLE TO BE GIVEN A VOICE. WITHOUT IT, DRAXIS CAN NEVER BE RUSSIA!"

The crowd cheered once more and Marko was somewhat realized. Olexandro was always skeptical that the people would stand for peaceful protest but their cheers seemed to indicate otherwise. Surely if they could get other cities to gather and strike as Belgorod was doing then the Emperor would have choice but to respond and change. YEs Marko thought to himself, A peaceful revolution is our only course forward...
___________________________________________________________-

Offshore of Crimea, sea of Azov....

Reports that the Crimea was being taken by unknown assailants was for General Staviski, a more pressing matter than a people's protest. For him, the local security forces of the Drax (which were still being operated abet, under Russia supervision) could handle such things. Thus, most of the 8th Army was being diverted by transport to Crimea which, for the Russians, could only be approached by the sea. Though they could request assistance from the Quaon, Emperor Ivan was against it as he did not wish to involve other nations in this personal matter.

With transports full of soldiers ready to land in the Crimea, the Russians first needed to better understand the situation. While the Emperor was in disbelief that an actual revolt and seizure of power was taking place, the General was more practical. He'd seen the reports and satellite photos showing armed groups moving throughout the area. He knew that simply landing his troops wouldn't due as they would most likely be caught by beach resistance and it would be as blood as a D-day landing site before long. Instead, the General requested air support and order several Mil Mi-24's into the area. They were to scout the area as well as offer whatever resistance to enemy troops as they were capable of, hoping to soften the enemy for a Russian landing.
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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
A Communique to the Russian Administration in East Draxis, from Mikhail Puchkov, Quaon's Special Envoy to the Duke of Draxis, de facto Governor of West Draxis:

We have noted with alarm the recent developments in East Draxis. While we understand the necessity for emergency measures in the wake of the tragedy in Arrakan, we find the dissolution of the East Drax government inappropriate. While it is the position of President Yanosky and our government not to interfere in Russia's internal affairs, the unrest in the East threatens the West as well. The joint Russian-Quaonian intervention was meant as a humanitarian measure, to restore order and stability to our southern neighbor. Your actions threaten the good will we have cultivated with the Drax; we urge your government to reconsider its actions before this conflict escalates.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
A transmission originating from Crimea blast onto the public airwaves in a sudden assault on the region's broadcasts.

"The people of Taurica declare their independence from the Russian tyranny and the corpse of Draxis with which Russia uses as it's puppet. The people have come together to form a new government of democracy and equality. In the interest of maintaining our values, we beg the protection of Porcu, the beacon of freedom in this stench of authoritarianism."

"But, in the meantime I, Argus Maxentius Solomon, President of Taurica by the power vested onto me by the nation's assembly of it's peers, shall defend the freedom of our lands. I insist to Russia and any other power in the region to not test the mettle of my people. They would rue the day they did. As Arrakan has."
Edited by Kasnyia, May 27 2014, 03:35 AM.
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NRE
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Moscow, Russia...

The mood in Moscow, particularly the mood of the Emperor was deteriorating by the hour. Having sent troops into East Draxis, most city were remaining relatively peaceful despite having live through such a tragedy as the attack on Arrakan. However, word had reach Moscow of the public display in Belgorod as well as the communique sent from the Quaon out of West Draxis. To further complicate the matter, only hours prior the broadcast out of Crimea was intercepted. Needless to say every minister and military chief in his majesty's court made their way to the Kremlin without need of being sent for my his Imperial Majesty. When Ivan himself finally entered the room there was little doubt in anyone's mind the time of mood their Emperor was in.

"Who in the hell is to blame for this mess?" Ivan stated, his voice raised and aggravated as he sat himself at the head of the table. "Not only am I receiving word from the Quaon, but I have seen protests on the television and now this broadcast from Crimea?!?!? Will someone please remind me why I keep any of you?"

The room remained silent, many of the ministers felt it highly unfortunate that Prince Ribbenzoph had been sent to Prague. A relative to the Emperor, he was always the welcome voice of reason that always seemed to calm him when in fits of rage. Even Tolstoy was missing from the meeting, still in talks with the Marslavan Ambassador. Count Shuvalov, the internal minister seemed that now the burden of speaking up fell to him.

"Your Majesty the situation in Draxis is dire I will agree, but it is not all lost. Perhaps marshal law was not the best plan of action in this situation...."

"An what should I have done instead, allow the Genesisian terrorist to take Kursk itslef?!?!?! No, it is because of the incompetence of this council that Draxis is in the situation that it is. You have all fail in your duties to this Empire. I am surrounded by incompetence! However, while I am inclined to dismiss you all this would not solve the situation you have put me in. So if you value your positions within this court I suggest that a plan of action be made and be made now!"

The various ministers and chiefs of staff looked around at one another and then at Shuvalov, the obvious scapegoat. Shuvalov then looked at Prince Leiven the defense minister who was less than eager to speak up himself but gave a nod of assurance that he would at least follow in Shuvalov's lead.

"Well your majesty I believe we should reverse our previous action and reinstate the Drax Chairman" Shuvalov said finally, the Emperor's eyes grew narrow but Shuvalov pressed on. "The people need a reliable face and Chairman Doroshenko provides this. Furthermore, I believe intelligence suggests that the protest in Belgorod has been instigated by his brother. If anyone can talk down these protestors I believe it would be Chairman Doroshenko."

"An what if he's been persuaded by these terrorists" Ivan interject, "How can I know I can trust him."

"In truth you can't your majesty" Leiven said, finally speaking up. "However, I suggest we continue to instigate marshal law and have General Staviski remain as both military adviser as well as your own personal eyes and ear on Doroshenko. Doing this, does not only present a way of calming the people but should also appease the Quaon, at least momentarily. These leaves only the Crimea to content with."

"Indeed" Ivan said, "this so called independent republic must not be allow to last. It is no doubt the work of these terrorists. We must take back the Crimea, by force if necessary."

"An the Porcu your majesty?" Shuvalov questioned.

"What of them" Ivan replied. "The Republic would not dare interfere in this affair, it is none of their concern."

"While I agree it is none of their concern your majesty, I don't believe they will simply stand by and do nothing. These terrorists have played on the weakness of the Porcu, and that is their public image. To do nothing would be in direct violation of their very creed and would force their government to admit hypocrisy. Let us not forget they have refused to legitimize the Austrian government because it's democratic government was overthrown. Now that a so-called democratic government is attempting to formalize itself here, they will have to answer in some form."

"Then we must prove at all cost that this Taurica Republic is not the will of the people, but of terrorist" Ivan stated, his mood though no less fowl had improved since first interesting the room, a relief to his ministers. "We shall go with this plan Shuvalov, but should it fail I will expect your resignation and that of everyone in this room by the next morning....."
___________________________________________________________-

Official Commique
TO: West Draxis Government
To the esteemed Mikhail Puchkov, Special Envoy to the Duke of Draxis, I would like to personally assure you, the West Drax people, Prince Yanosky, and the government of Quaon that the situation in East Draxis is a temporary one. We would also like to clarify our actions as your perception of the situation seems fogged. The government of East Draxis has not been dissolved, as indeed that would be highly inappropriate and more so, in violation to our agreement. What Russia has done, however, as declared emergency powers and has, for the good of the East Draxis people, appointed a military adviser to the East Drax government as it is not equipped to handle the situation as it is at this time. I again, however, assure you that this is an extremely temporary situation and that this adviser is working in conjunction with, the East Drax Government, no usurping it.

We would, however, like to temporarily amend our agreement in so much as to close the border between the two Draxis states at this time. The Russian government fully believes that terrorists of the Catholic nature are behind the attack on Arrakan and we wish to apprehend them at all cost. Given the currently fluidity of the border, we are fearful they may try to cross into Western Draxis either to spread further terror or as a means of escape back to Rome. I am hopeful that Prince Yanosky can see the necessity of this action and grant it on a temporary basis.

Ivan VIII
Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias


_____________________________________________________________

Kursk, East Draxis.....

Alexander had been in his garden when the military vehicle pulled up just outside his home. He'd seen the Broadcast out of Crimea and was surprised that such events had taken as long as they had. After being given a few minutes to change, he was then taken from his private home to the government center where only days before he'd been working. Following his military escort he was shown once again into his office. He was somewhat surprised that he did not find General Staviski seated at his desk but he did not, instead the General was standing just before it.

"I imagine you are the one who is to tell me what's going on General?" Doroshenko finally asked.

"Opinion in Moscow has changed Chairman" the General said bluntly. "His majesty's court admits its mistake in putting you in house arrest and the Emperor has seen fit to rectify their mistake. I have been given expressed orders to return you here. My capacity is to work with you and the rest of the East Drax's government, what remains, to restore order."

"I see" Doroshenko stated with a raised eyebrow. "So the protests have shaken Moscow's resolve, or what is this new independent republic? Nevermind, I don't need to know nor expect you to answer. I will say this General, Moscow has made a grave mistake in Draxis and will ultimately have to pay in one form or another. For the sake of my people and yours, let us pray the price is not higher than any of us wish to see."

The General said nothing else, simply gave a nod.

"Well then, looks like we need to do some damage control then before the whole of East Draxis rips itself apart....."

_____________________________________________________________________

Crimea....

The Russian fleet remained at the ready as the Russian scout helicopters came flying back to the carrier. Not a one had been fired upon and for their pilot's resolve, they remained neutral to the threat on the ground as well. No doubt the terrorist in the region withstood from firing on the hopes the Russians would fire first, further legitimizing their claims. Luckily, the local commander was not ready to add more fuel to the flames and recalled the scouts before and incident occurred.

Though they had covered the whole of the territory, what they did see and had photographs of was enough to alert the Russians that the situations was growing grim. Pockets of troops were now beached upon the shores of the Crimean, no doubt awaiting for the Russian invasion. Other areas looked as if they were being primed for artillery. Russia knew that the old Drax army had some hardware in the region, no doubt now under the terrorist's control. Taking the Crimea by force, at least at present, appeared it would be a bloody affair.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Protests were breaking out all through former Draxis. Some as a result of the nuclear blast in Arrakan, others due to the heavy-handed Russian response. Still others because of misplaced nationalism or other grudges. All in all, a boon for the TCG operatives.

However, fuel needed to be added to these small sparks to make it the inferno the South African so desperately desired. To that end, operatives were sent to Belgorod, the largest and most public of the protests.

As had been reported, the crowds there were huge. Giant posters of Doroshenko were among the crowds along side banners of "Free Doroshenko, Draxis" with the 'D' being shared by the two words. Most of the operatives joined in the protest to be particularly loud and, while also cheering Doroshenko, also added in anti-Russian sentiment and pro-democracy platitudes. A small group however, went to the opposite end of the square from Doroshenko to where a hotel stood, easily the tallest building at the square. One was carrying a violin case...
Edited by Kasnyia, May 29 2014, 02:29 PM.
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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
Your Majesty,

My government notes with increasing concern the situation in East Draxis, particularly the situation in Crimea. While my envoy to the Duke, Mikhail Puchkov, in conjunction with General Vladimir Fanin, the Commander of the Occupation Authority, has done an admirable job in maintaining order in the West, he has been forced to make concessions that are undesirable for my government. We have moved forward the scheduled West Drax legislative elections, and will be forced to grant that legislative body a greater degree of autonomy than we intended. And yet protests, thankfully still tepid but nonetheless extant, have begun to spring up, particularly near the border region. We have not closed the border; rather, the Occupation Authority has increased its presence in the frontier. We are also conducting thorough searches of all vehicles crossing the border.

Make no mistake: the Occupation Authority is more than capable of suppressing a Drax rebellion. But Quaon is not in the tyranny business. My government desires cooperation with the disparate peoples of Eastern Europe; it is not our desire to impose our will on them by force, and we will only do so with extreme reluctance. Yet I will not tolerate an anarchic East Draxis, and require Your Majesty's utmost assurance that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent that eventuality.

In addition, I must bring up the issue of the rebellion in Crimea. I will be frank; I pray that Your Majesty will not take such frankness as a mark of disrespect, but rather as a sign of trust and brotherly concern on the part of a fellow Christian prince. It is simply unconscionable to me that the Russian government so easily lost control of the peninsula. In my negotiations with Baron Stroganov, I was given the impression that one of the primary reasons for the intervention in Draxis was control of Crimea and the port of Sevastopol. It concerns me that Russia would take on new territorial obligations without the means to defend and hold them. Those concerns notwithstanding, Quaon is willing to help Russia resecure the region. Admiral Iosef Babanin, Commander of the Unified Black Sea Command, is at your disposal. All I ask in return is a personal conference with Your Majesty, to discuss the crisis.

Yours in Christ,
Andrei Yanosky
Prince of Kiev
President of Quaon

***

As Yanosky finished dictating the letter, he cast a glare at Grigori Pashtukov, his Foreign Minister. "To think, I was to announce my retirement next week..." he muttered.
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

A brief and undetailed report awaited President Canae Ardea Gularis upon her return from Prague. The friendly diplomatic mission to celebrate the Grand Duke's wedding had been a welcome side attraction. Now, however, the business of the Republic beckoned.

Ardea Gularis walked with several parliamentarians, including the Praetors Quintus Caecilius Metellus Indusicus and Marcus Holo Benedictus and the junior Consul Marcus Aurelius Cotta, and a whole team of assistants in tow through the Parliamentary Complex. Information was limited regarding the recent outbreak of protests in Drax, generally, and was essentially missing entirely regarding Argus Maxentius Solomon, the self-proclaimed President of Taurica, specifically.

"I've already consulted with the other leaders of my party, Madam President, and we are prepared to support the administration's decision." Holo Benedictus said after the discussion had turned to parliamentary maneuvering.

"Caecilius Metellus?" Ardea Gularis asked while leafing through a new set of papers handed to her without breaking stride.

"I and most of the conservative block hope that this administration will push for recognition of an independent Taurica and that you will make clear that Russian transgressions against the Drax people will not go unnoticed or without comment."

"Marcus Aurelius?" the President asked as the group was approaching the parliamentary chamber.

"Yes, Madam President?"

"What are your thoughts and where do you and your colleagues stand?"

"I am extremely skeptical, as are many others, but we have to consider the possibility that this revolt is a truly popular one. It may be worthwhile to establish contact."

"What of the lack of intelligence? We have no clear idea who this Maxentius Solomon is or what he truly represents."

"Absolutely, but a lack of evidence is not damning in itself."

Ardea Gularis sighed lightly. "Well, I'll see where everyone stands and then call a meeting of the Consilium. Thank you, Marcus Aurelius."
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
At the hotel penthouse, the protestor with the violin opened the case. In it was a sniper rifle. His orders were clear.

He kept the lights off, he unloaded the case.

As he built the sniper rifle, he listened to the speech of the man of the moment. He had to be quick before Doroshenko finished....

Rifle ready, he set up at the window overlooking the square.

He took aim...and fired at a balloon near Doroshenko's head. The round itself was weak, but it made a loud noise.

The effect was panic. Protestors fled the square. Doroshenko and his allies left as well.

The square became, at least for the moment, abandoned.

The operative smirked.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

"Damn it" Ivan yelled, throwing his liquor glass against the wall as the latest communique from Quaon crumpled in his clutch. Constantine, who had not yet left for America, had come to see his brother in regards to his trip. However, having only entered the room seconds after the glass shattered against the wall, he could tell there were other issues at hand.

"That was a good glass" Constantine stated, his face serious as he looked at the stain on the wall.

"I have no time for this brother." Ivan stated in annoyance. He moved towards his desk and took a seat, deep contemplation was the look on his face. "Why is it that the more and more I look around me, all I can see are my enemies."

"Brother, paranoia will not help you now" Constantine replied. "We all know you took father's murder worst of all, but his killers were found and dealt with."

"Were they truly?" Ivan stated with serious doubt. "I thought that shortly after their execution but now....now i am not so sure. The attack on Arrakan, these declaration of a free Crimea...and now...now this" Ivan tossed the communique across his desk. Constantine by this time was just on the other side and slide it closer so he could read.

"Its not all bad brother"

"He's all by calling me incompetent...inept. I am the Emperor of Russia and by God's divine decision, I am ruler of all Russias. Yet, where does that truly put me in this world? To whom does my name and title put fear in their heart. To whom would not dare to speak to me in such a way? Not the Quaon, not the Porcu. Am I be the laughing stock of all Europe...of all the world? Not even the Drax, once so loyal to us, now defy us and wish ill things against us."

"Brother the Drax do not wish ill against us" Constantine stated rationally. "They are simply a people not unlike the Marslavans find themselves today. Draxis was a Grand Duchy not just ruled by crown, but by the will of the people and the great families that steered the course of their history. You cannot expect them to wish to be apart of our Russia without some concession."

"Concession...."Ivan stated coldly, "you mean parliament."

"Would it be so bad" Constantine stated in a serious tone. "Your absolute system was easy to convince the people of after father's death for they feared the alternative, anarchy. However, Russia truly has no great threat on its door step and there are talks among the most educated that believe the Drax have some ideas right. Whether you like it or not, the ideas are out there, on the streets even now. I say why not give it to the people, but under your terms before the decision is no longer yours to make."

Constantine could tell that Ivan saw some rationale to what he was saying. Yet still, there was a bitterness inside of Ivan for parliament and the ideas of democracy that could not be so easily washed away. Perhaps with time....but time wasn't something Constantine could guarantee any of them truly had. Ivan then looked down at his watch.

"You have a flight to catch" he finally stated. "You should not be late nor should you worry about these affairs any longer. I will tend to everything but my brother....I do value your counsel."

Constantine smiled softly before bowing gently and taking his leave. Just as Constantine left, an aide entered the room to brief the Emperor on the latest events....
__________________________________________________________________

Official Communique
Russia
Dear Brother in Christ,
The Concerns you have put forth carry great merit and I do not take them in arrogant ill-will. The situation in East Draxis is as equally disturbing to me as it is to you and a solution therein, is of the utmost importance to my person. I can assure you with all the authority of my rank and title that a swift and decisive end to this situation is being worked out by myself and my advisers as we speak. One that will not only quell the people and bring them reassurance that Russia is, as it has wlays been, a friend and ally of the people; but also bring the terrorists response for this anarchy to justice. In truth, I hope to see the fruits of my labor within the coming days and see the protests end and true progress in Draxis be made.

As to the question of the Crimea in particular, the situation is well under control. It seems that I was lied to when I was personally given assurances that those in places of administrative authority there were loyal to the government it Kursk and thus, by default, loyal to my government. That they would so easily allow their region to fall pray to terrorists and allow for a terrorist-orchestrated government to declare independence only now confirms their true intentions against the false intentions I was led to believe in. I take this as a personal attack upon the honesty I believed I was given and I make great assurances to you and yours that this dishonor will not go unpunished. The terrorist junta will be stopped, Crimea will be freed, and those traitors to the Drax people and to Russia will be arrest and perpetrated to the highest extent.

While Russia appreciates Quaon's concern and offers, the latter is unnecessary. Russia will deal with this situation in earnest and will bring this crisis to an abrupt end before any lives or lost and before true panic and chaos threaten not only Russia but West Draxis and Quaon.

Yours in Christ,
Ivan VIII
Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias

______________________________________________________________

Belgorod, East Draxis....

Marko, Olexandro, and Milla wasted no time rushing back to Marko's apartment in downtown Belgorod. Marko had said nothing the entire time the trio raced towards his apartment. Once safely inside, Mila took Marko by the hand and sat him down on one of his kitchen table chairs. She ran her hands through his hair, searching for any signs of a gunshot.

"Are you ok" she kept repeating, "yes, yes I don't think you got shot."

"No" Marko stated finally, "I am fine." It wasn't the first time anyone had ever shot at Marko before. After all, like most Drax men he'd served in the civil war. Still, one never truly gets use the idea of another human being wanting you dead.

"Those fucking Russians" Olexandro stated finally. "It had to be the Russians, who else would want you dead."

"But there weren't any Russians there" Marko stated calmly.

"No military forces no" Olexandro replied, his voice still tense. "But whose to say they didn't have a sharpshooter somewhere just look for an opportunity to..." Olexandro lift his hand at Marko as if it were a gun then motioned it firing.

"STOP IT" Mila exclaimed, tears welling up in her eyes. Olexandro put his hand down sheepishly. He still hand anger in his eyes but one couldn't be sure if it were because someone had try to kill his friend or that he'd offended Mila.

"I'm fine Mila, really I am" Marko stated, hoping to reassure her. "An I still don't think its the Russians, why should it have been. Sure, we were protesting against them but what would they gain from a public execution like that?"

Olexandro said nothing, the look on his face said he was still not entirely convinced. A period of relative silence fell between them as not one of them really knew what to say to the other two. Then, almost simultaneously, the three of them jumped when a knock came at the door. Olexandro motioned for everyone to be quite while he looked around the room for something he could use as a weapon when a second knock came at the door followed by a familiar voice asking for Marko. Marko got up almost immediately and opened the door.

Alexander Doroshenko greeted his brother with a warm hug as he entered the apartment, an unknown man followed him in.

"I was informed about the incident in the square when I got into town a few moments ago" Alexander stated, "Are you alright."

"Yes, yes" Marko stated, "I am fine. If they were aiming for me they were a lousy shot."

"Yes well that might be so little brother but I think this protest of yours has already gotten out of hand."

"Or we've struck at the nerve of the Russians" Olexandro commented, "bastards must be scared."

"It wasn't a Russian" the other man stated, "they wouldn't have missed."

"An who the hell do you think you are!" Olexandro stated, rising to his feet almost ready to fight."

"Calm yourself man" Marko exclaimed

"THIS" Alexander stated firmly, "this is General Yakov Staviski of Russia's 8th Army. We've had our differences initially but he's here to provide added security to the state. Russia is a lot of things, but stupid they are not. Assassinating my brother would not bring Draxis closer, quite the opposite I imagine. "

"You couldn't have come to check up on me Alexander" said Marko, trying to change the subject.

"Quite right my brother" Alexander stated. "Look I appreciate the protests, I really do. However, Russia and I have come to an understanding and while we have some finer points to work out, we agree the stability of East Draxis comes first. Moscow believes terrorists are holding the Crimea hostage and that this declared Republic is a rouse. I myself am of the same mindset given that I've known many of the mayors of that region personally for some time now and none of them would simply break away like this."

"To deal with them though, we need the people calm and cooperative" Alexander continued. "So I need you to call another rally but I need you to this time tell people that the Kursk government is fine that they should put their faith in us. I intend to address the people myself by noon tomorrow so it needs to be done by then. I ask this because you've become the unofficial face of these demonstrations and I feel that coming from you, the people will listen. Can you do this for me?"

"Brother I only want what's best for our people" Marko stated, "I will do this."

"Good, now I need to return to Kursk to prepare for the speech. I want you on a bus to Kursk after the rally you understand, your friends can come too if they like."

"Of course brother."

"Good, then I"ll see you then."

Marko and Alexander hugged once more before Alexander and General Staviski showed themselves out. Once they left, Olexandro showed his disapproval of the plan. "Your brother is putting too much faith in Russia. He's letting them walk all over us, does he have no spine?" Marko turned quickly to his friend, almost ready to punch him before Mila intervened.

"NO please, no more" she pleaded. "We are all tired, please let us just get some rest please."

Marko nor Olexandro moved immediately but when they did, they did so silently and say nothing to one another.

Down on the street Alexander and General Staviski entered their car and with escort, began the drive back to Kursk.

"You're putting a lot of faith in your brother's ability to move the people" General Staviski stated. "I was curious though, you opted not to tell them about the troops."

"Well while I have never met his friend before, I have heard he could be opinionated" Alexander stated. "I didn't want to further excite the situation but I have your guarantee that they will only be providing further security, in concert with Drax security forces."

"That is my word Chairman" the General replied.

"Then there should be no problem General. My brother will pacify the people until I can make my own speech. Once the people hear and see that I am ok and that their government is still in control, they will accept Russia's assistance more easily. The countryside will be at ease and we can focus on the trouble in the Crimea."

"Very well Chairman" the General said, "Let us just hope all goes as you have planned."

"Don't under estimate my brother" said Alexander, "he's a better politician than I could ever hope to be...."

With the Chairman out of town the stage was now being set. Before retiring for the night, word was sent out among all the people they knew, mostly using social media, that Marko would be meeting again in the town square. He made it clear that there was important news the people needed to know. Little was Marko aware, or anyone in Belgorod, that while they slept Russian forces were moving into the city to provided added support to local Drax security forces. It was a gamble by the Chairman and the General, given the slowly rising anti-Russian sentiment. Alexander was hopeful though, that his brother's message would set the stage for him to clear all doubts and bring the people back into the fold of cooperating with Russia for the sake of their country. After all, they were the only ones at this point who could help deal with the Crimean situation.
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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
A conference call between President Andrei Yanosky, Special Envoy to the Duke of Draxis Mikhail Puchkov, Commander of the Unified Black Sea Command Iosef Babanin, Premier Alina Sarmoza, Chairman of the High Command General Konstantin Leonov, Foreign Minister Grigori Pashtukov, and Defence Minister Dmitri Kasyanov, and Commander of the Occupation Authority Vladimir Fanin.

Prem. Sarmoza: ...Andrei, I understand your frustration, but you must understand that intervention would have been humiliating to the Tsar. You took a rather abrasive tone, which, while I don't wish to chide you, shows...not a misunderstanding, but a willful ignorance of protocol, of the respect that an Orthodox monarch, in seniority second only to the Emperor of the Romans, in point of fact the leader of the Orthodox world, expects, demands, and deserves.

Min. Pashtukov: While I wouldn't express myself in such stark terms, Andrei, I think we have to remember that Russia is wholly in its right, as a sovereign state, to deal with the Crimea matter on its terms, and -

Pres. Yanosky: Grigori, I have been president of this country for more than three decades. Do you think I need a refresher in elementary international theory?

Min. Pashtukov: Sir, I apologize, I didn't mean to imply -

Pres. Yanosky: No, Grigori, I do think you meant to imply. I think frankly that I have been rather foolish in allowing you to sit upon my shoulder and whisper sweet nothings.

Gen. Leonov: A rather interesting admixture of metaphors, Makarovitch.

Prem. Sarmoza: Sir, again, with all due respect, Minister Pashtukov is merely pointing out that one ought to take a more measured turn with our oldest and most steadfast ally.

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: Frankly, this whole affair is the Minister's doing. Pashtukov's policy of brown-nosing the barbaric Orthodox monarchy has pushed, as I predicted it inevitably would, the Drax people to the point of open revolt. And of course, Ms. Sarmoza and her theocratic, Tsarist flunkies, the "White Movement," which borrows as much from Alekan Duleska's National Russian Fascist Party as from the PFRI -

Prem. Sarmoza: Of course Mikhail cannot suppress his infantile need to offend...to link the White Movement to the schizophrenic genocidal policies of Alekan Duleska...who was, as any student of history will recall, an enemy of the rightful Russian Tsar, an usurper, a pretender...it's absurd, simply unconscionable. Certainly entirely unproductive.

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: - and beyond that, the whole idea of the Principate, this whole ridiculous monarchial facade, is that the President as Prince is the equal to any monarch, be he Roman or Russian. The Prince of Kiev is the greatest monarch on Earth! Andrei, you fought the Russian Bear in the Civil War, you fought him when he wanted to make Quaon a vassal of Moscow. Fight him now! Forget the Whites, forget the Russophiles. For once we'll have the socialists on our side. It's time for desperate measures - we invade, throw Ivan to the wolves, declare the end of that backwards regime. If we move now, before they're ready, we can be in Moscow in a matter of days!

Min. Pashtukov: Mikhail, are you out of your mind? We invade Russia over a slight?

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: Not a slight! We invade because somebody is setting afire half the cities of the world and because we cannot tolerate the madness of a Tsar getting in the way of fighting that crematoria fire.

Gen. Leonov: More interesting metaphors.

Min. Pashtukov: It would be suicide.

Min. Kasyanov: Not necessarily.

Gen. Leonov: Dmitri, really?

Min. Kasyanov: All the options should be on the table. Even out of mere academic interest.

Gen. Leonov: Well, the High Command's contingency plan for war in Russia is quite detailed. In the first phase, heavy bombardment of Kronstadt, a naval invasion, the goal being to trap as much of the Russian fleet in the Gulf of Finland as possible. An invasion of Crimea...which would not even be necessary, given the current scenario. An evacuation of certain border regions, coupled with a rapid lightning march to Moscow, where we begin to besiege the city. Phase two: we advance more troops to Moscow, enter the city; attack at our leisure the trapped Russian navy, preparing an invasion of Petersburg. And of course, we attack their troops in East Draxis, which will prove even easier given the impending uprising. We think that Russia would capitulate within a month, if we struck first. Under ideal conditions.

Prem. Sarmoza: Absurd, truly absurd. Treasonous even.

Gen. Leonov: It's merely of academic interest.

Gen. Fanin: I can't support an invasion of Russia, but their Genesian theory is obviously ridiculous. The Catholics, not one of their states ever had a nuclear development program.

Adm. Babanin: Velorya.

Gen. Fanin: Whose nuclear arsenal was captured by Gassel. If anything, it must be some sort of Neo-Dominionist group...their arsenal was massive, and largely unaccounted for.

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: Andrei, listen to Leonov. They've tried to assassinate Doroshenko, for God's sake. It's time to act, decisively, to prove the readiness of the Quaonian republic to fight for civilization. Imagine the face of Europe; a Baltic governed solely by Porcu and Quaon, an east united in a confederation of free republics; even eventually the aristocratic tyranny of the Estonians overthrown, and with them the Teutons...a better world to live in, to die in.

Pres. Yanosky: I've had enough of the theatrics, Puchkov. You're an able administrator, but a failure of a dramatist. The idea of invading Russia at this juncture, it's a notion of fantasy. Are there elves dancing at the edge of your vision, Mikhail? If we were to move on Russia and be greeted with anything less than completely open arms and total victory, we would be in ruins. The Whites - and justifiably so - would be in mutiny. And no matter how dearly the left wants a new regime in Moscow, it wants all the more dearly a new regime in Kiev. It would not miss the opportunity. You are too young to truly remember the war, the wars really, that decade and more when Quaon could not catch its breath. God help me, but there is nothing we can do at the moment but prepare ourselves.

Prem. Sarmoza: A very wise course of action, Andrei. Very wise.

Pres. Yanosky: I've had enough of this.

***

A few hours later.

Gen. Fanin: You know what you're doing.

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: Am I a man who has ever not known what he is doing?

Gen. Fanin: You know I may very well be forced - and will not hesitate in my duty - to have you put against a wall for this?

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: I'm aware.

Gen. Fanin: Don't think Yanosky won't order that. Don't think you'll even get the courtesy of a trial, if the situation is dire enough. Yanosky might like you, but remember who the man is. Remember the Dominion collaborators.

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: That was a rumor.

Gen. Fanin: It was a rumor based very deeply in fact, Mikhail. My uncle served with a man who saw it happen firsthand. He shot each of the traitors dead, personally. He'll have you shot just as easily, and sleep well that night.

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: If all goes as planned, he won't be able to risk the embarrassment.

Gen. Fanin: I won't stop you unless I'm forced to, Mikhail, but you're signing your own death warrant.

Spec. Envoy Puchkov: Perhaps. There is a thin line between folly and genius, Vladimir. We'll see which side I end up on.

Gen. Fanin: Good luck, you crazy bastard.
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NRE
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Belgorod, East Draxis....


Marko looked out across the crowd in the square of Belgorod, a crowd that had doubled since the day before. He was so surprised at the number of people who'd turned out to hear him speak. He himself was a bit surprised he had the desire to stand in a place where, only a day before, he almost had his life cut short. Marko could never refuse Alexander and understanding the importance of speaking to the people, Marko knew that the Drax needed to know their Chairman was well. More so, they needed to know that their Chairman was still in power and that Russia had not usurped power from them yet. The Drax still had a hand in their destiny but only if they continued to remain a until people. The situation in the Crimea was dangerous and Marko understood that if the Crimea broke away it wouldn't be under the will of the people.

"You know Marko I respect your brother but what if we have it wrong" Olexander commented. "What if the Crimea hasn't been taken but liberated. We should be following in their example, not uniting to squash their freedom."

"We don't know what's going on there" Marko retorted. "We cannot assume that what's going on there is truly the will of the people. Not one elected official has spoken to the public since the declaration"

"We don't know who gave the declaration" Olexander replied.

"Please" Milla stated, "let us simply calm the people and move forward from here cautiously."

The two men looked at one another, then at Milla. Marko smiled and then turned to move towards the make-shift stage that was setup on his behalf. He looked out upon the people as he began ascending the few steps towards the podium. There were so many people, how they all fit in the square was anyone's guess. Though they were barely visible, Marko could see just on the horizon of the sea of people the line the Russians were making. Russian troops had come into the city over night and now, mixed in between Drax peacekeepers, were forming the parameter around the protesters. Marko could understand why they were necessary, after all someone tried to kill him less than 24-hours before. Still, given the mix views from the Drax to the Russians and knowing there were others that thought more like Olexander than himself out in the crowd, he worried for the worst. Growing more and more nervous as he grew near the microphone, he could only pray now that his words were enough to stave off danger until his brother could speak to the people at large.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
The Belgorod team was happy. The fire had been lit. Belgorod would be consumed sooner or later, they were sure of it. But now, they had to spread the flames. All of Draxis must burn.

Some of the operatives dressed like Russian conscripts. Others mingled in the crowd. Still others stayed outside the cordon, hiding in the upper floors, ready for the signal.

The speech began. The crowd was listening intently. Eventually the speaker became more passionate and so did the crowds. The square never seemed so small as it did now. The operatives among them began to chant Free Draxis, Free Doroshenko, others yelled "Draxis must follow Taurica!" and "Turn Away From the Russian overlords!" At the last one, the Russian cordon started getting restless, though they held still, their Drax allies keeping them calm.

Then people started throwing rotten vegetables at the Russians from the crowd. Still they kept their cool, though now even the Drax among the guards were getting spooked.

The speech continued on, though those on the stage were starting to realize how restless the crowd was getting.

An operative among the guards waited for the next rotten tomato, manuvered himself to take the full hit of the vegetable for effect, and then stabbed the nearest protestor with the full length of his bayonette right through his stomach. Taking the signal, one of the operatives in the crowd stopped throwing vegetables and proceeded to throw a petrol bomb right at a hapless Drax soldier, dousing him and nearby Russians in flame.

Chaos broke out. The local Russian guard commander panicked and ordered the protest broken up. They charged the stage without waiting for the crowd to disperse, horses and all.

Operatives in the windows began firing on everyone with machine guns. Outside the square, blocks away, fires were being started all over the city.

The tinder of Belgorod had been set aflame.

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

As everyone focused on the chaos of Belgorod, a few hours later, Crimea gave another transmission, this time a video of the Taurica flag flying against the Crimean shore.

"The People's Republic of Taurica stands by the people of Draxis! We lived amongst you in peace for so long, but our Russian overlords continue to enslave! Taurica fights for freedom! Taurica fights on the side of Drax independence! We beg ICON to take heed! We beg the democratic powers to take heed! We beg the world to take heed!!" wailed a young woman's voice, "Long live Draxis! Long live Doroshenko! Long live Taurica! Long Live Solomon!! Solomon and Doroshenko!!!!"
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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
Nikolai Tsarnaev (the irony of his surname had never ceased to amuse him) spat paint at a canvass. He was rather drunk, as was his Tuesday habit (and his Wednesday habit, his Thursday habit; not his Friday habit – Fridays were his stimulant night; but still his Saturday habit; he abstained Sunday and Mondays, out of some nascent, gasping-for-air respect for God, or perhaps his liver). The paint-spitting was new, and probably not to be repeated; the taste was poisonous in the manner of cheap-vodka. Worse, nothing was coming of that spittle. It arranged itself without subtlety on the canvas. He thought to himself, Maybe it’s Arrakan. But no, he knew that wasn’t it: Arrakan hadn’t been this war of drip drops; it had been, and then it had not been. Arrakan was un-becoming. It didn’t kill, it erased. So, first idea rejected. What then? Well, maybe it was Crimea. But the fighting in Crimea wasn’t like this; it hadn’t started in earnest; there was still order, still demarcation, not this.

No, Nikolai realized. It’s prophecy, and bad prophecy at that. What will happen – tomorrow, next week, next month. Some total national explosion. Gassel’s apolalyspe hadn’t been enough; the devil hadn’t claimed enough souls. Now he had to shit anew; he had to shit, and spit, and sneeze and leave everything in disarray, leave all of Draxis like some giant heavenly latrine.

A knock came sudden on his door. A knock, and then another knock, this time harder, the menacing rapid clunk of a gangster collecting tribute. Nikolai went to the sink and tried to rinse the paint (was this toxic? would it kill him? quite possibly) from his mouth. The knocking kept coming, and some sort of vibration wound its way through his spine. He’d ducked so much before – the police had never taken all too kindly to him or his ilk, what with their public displays of contempt for the Duke – but now, now it seemed like it was all coming to an end. He stumbled to retrieve a pistol from his bedroom – he’d never used it, but had always imagined the day when the people’s uprising came, when he’d put it into the mouth of some noble-blooded prim pig and pull its trigger.

He scrambled back to the door. “Who is it?” he said. The world was moving up and down; he realized that if a shoot-out were to transpire, he’d be as likely to shoot himself in the foot as shoot the monarchists in the face.

“Agents Kalperin and Yanon of the Civilian Provisional Authority. We’re here to speak to Mr. Tsarnaev.” The voice boomed, not so much with authority but with overeagerness.

Nikolai slowly opened the door, keeping his gun out of view. Kalperin and Yanon were both unusually short men, almost comically so. From their accents, they were obviously Quaonian. “What is this regarding?” Nikolai asked.

“Mr. Tsarnaev, we are here to extend an invitation to an extraordinary congress of Drax leaders and intellectuals, being held tomorrow in Dnipropetrosk,” said the one on the right; evidently not the one who had been speaking earlier; his voice squeaked like a dog’s toy.

“Oh, I get it,” Nikolai said, his hand tightening on his pistol. “You’re rounding us all up. Anyone with half a thought in their mind. I suppose if I don’t go quietly, you’ll carry me?”

“Sir, you aren’t under arrest,” said the other. “We don’t mean to give you that impression. You’re perfectly welcome to refuse the invitation. But, if you are to accept it, time is of the essence. Now, the CPA will cover lodging and incidentals in Dnipropetrosk. We require your answer. The future of your nation, I am told, is at stake.”

“I’m sorry sir, is that blood on your lip?” said the squeaky voiced one.

“Oh, no, it’s nothing. Uh….” He glanced back into his apartment, looked at the miserable canvass. “But a leader? How did you guys decide I was some sort of Drax leader?”

“Frankly, sir, I have no idea,” the heavy-voiced one. “You were on a list. Now, will you come?

“Um. Well. Yes. I suppose I will.”

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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

Official Communiqué

The Parliament and People of Porcu have noticed with increasing worry the eruption of violence and public outcry in the Russian controlled sector of Draxis, generally, and in Taurica, specifically. While the Republic is pleased to see that Moscow has lifted martial law, further steps should be taken to assure the Drax of their liberties and freedoms, especially the freedoms of the press and of assembly.

The Republic will not extend its recognition of the newly proclaimed Republic of Taurica at this time, but strongly urges Russian officials to provide the Drax their right of self-determination. The Republic calls for a free and fair referendum on the future of Taurica and greater Draxis, but realizes that such a display of the will of the Drax can only be legitimate when peace and stability have returned. The Republic hopes that Russia and Quaon sees in it a partner for the stability, future prosperity, and cooperation of Draxis and the Drax.
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NRE
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman

Belgorod Square, East Draxis....

For Marko it was almost entirely like a dream. One moment he was before a podium, speaking to an eager crowd of listeners. He spoke critical of Russia, it is true, but his main message was one of peaceful protest, tranquility, and moving forward under the direction of his brother. Yet almost immediately, it seemed his voice was drowned out by the growing chanting from the crowd. The louder he attempted to speaker, the louder the crowd grew. For Marko the crowd was already out of control the minute he believe he could control it, then came the one sound he'd hoped not to hear again.

The gunshots were quick and precise, the crowd quickly going into survivor mode as everyone rushed in every direction to get clear of the gunfire. The guards posted to protect them began firing into the crowd, not realizing the enemy fire was coming from elsewhere. On instinct Marko hit the floor, crawling off the stage towards the back. He called out for Olexander and Milla but could fine neither. Where could they have gone he thought, they had never left him before. Then turning quickly to one side he thought he saw the briefest view of Milla running into the crowd. Marko got to his feet and dove in, rushing as fast as he could into the current of people. With everyone moving in all directions, it was like trying to navigate through rapids. The harder he struggled to catch up the further it seemed he was pushed back. All the while more and more gunshots could he heard, himself ducking once and while though in truth he cared little over his own safety at this point. Then the stream of gunfire from a machine gun came down upon the area he was in, he hit the ground with many others.

For a moment the ringing from the screams around him was all Marko could hear. All at once he found himself back in the civil war, finding in the ditches of the countryside hoping to stay out of sight from an enemy patrol. We will be fine Marko, just stay down. Those were the words his brother had told him so often during the war. Going against that sage advice he raised his held and looked out. Many of the people around him, those alive, had already gotten back to their feet and moved away. Marko finally decided to do the same, stumbling somewhat as he moved closer to the sidewalk. Doing so he heard a voice, a voice so familiar. He looked towards one of the trees that lined the sidewalk. There, to his horror, was Milla with her body propped against the tree's base. Clutching her stomach Marko realize the moment he came to her that she'd been shot.

"Milla" Marko cried, "we must get you out of here."

"I can't" Milla stated, coughing as she spoke. "I can't move. Hold me Marko"

Marko could do nothing else but obey her command, holding her close to his person. Her breathing was shallow and slow, he could almost feel the life draining from her.

"No"

Marko heard the voice and turned only to find Olexander now with them, the three once again united.

"No, Milla, no" Olexander exclaimed again. "No, I won't let them get away with this, they won't...." Marko could see the fear and anger in his friend's eyes but before he could say anything to Olexander he was gone, rushing off to somewhere.

"Marko" said Milla, "Marko don't let him get hurt."

Marko looked down at Milla "I can't leave you, I....I..."

"I know" Milla replied, a gentle smile on her face. "I have always known, the both of you are terrible lairs. I have as well.....in my own way....for the both of you really." Milla's voice grew even weaker as she continued. "You must promise me.....promise me you won't let him do anything stupid...you won't let him....get...hurt. Promise me."

By now tears began to run down Marko's cheeks. So much was running through his head and yet, nothing around him seemed to matter. At first he couldn't find the voice to reply, how could he. At last he force out "I promise" and simply held Milla tight. Though he'd never known exactly when, Milla died in his arms that day. When at last he found the strength he stood, gathering her body and leaving the square. He'd take her to his apartment as he knew no where else to take her. Outside the streets of Belgorod grew red with fires into the night. Gangs of citizens took to the streets and anarchy ensued. Thinking of what Milla had ask of him he wondered where out there Olexander was and what he was doing.
____________________________________________________________

Moscow, Russia...

Ivan sat unusually quite in his seat at the head of the long conference table. The room itself was a buzz with discussion between his various Ministers. Some offering criticism against their fellow colleagues while others defending their stance. A few tried to interrupt the arguments with actual suggestions but with little reason result. The very few who even noticed the Emperor's disconnection from the conversation wondered where his mind was.

Posted Image

The past few weeks for Ivan had been simply terrible. On the wheel of emotions, the Emperor of Russia had felt them all. Most were rooted in his hated for the enemies of the state as well as the fear that was now rampant throughout East Draxis and now growing even at home. Its all going so wrong... he kept thinking to himself. Despite the mood of the Drax, the plight of the country was not something that did not hurt Ivan. His mother was Drax and by birthright, he himself was as much a song of Draxis as he was an Emperor of Russia. Where did it go wrong.... it was the next most logical thought. He realized the situation was dire, he had the Porcu courting the democrats, the Quaon...well who really knew what the Quaon were up to or what they truly wanted, and the Catholics...those damn Catholics.

It was all slipping out of his grip and he couldn't understand why. Russia was a great power, always a friendly face to the Drax people. Those damn Catholics.....Ivan was sure that all the woes and wrong doing were their plot. They were the ones to attacked Arrakan and it was their agents that was igniting Crimea for independence and driving the rest of East Draxis mad. I have to stop the Catholics. Ivan's thoughts were always on the Catholics these days. It'd been Catholic conspirators that killed his father Alexei. Alexei's death had always been hardest on Ivan and since that time he always saw Catholics, perhaps even where there were none. For him, he was convinced they were still everywhere, working in the shadows against him. I should have stayed the course..., Ivan had been adamant so earlier on with bring order to Draxis. Yet, in some weak moment he'd allowed others to influence him. But why, why did he need to appease other powers?

Ivan at last held up a hand, the room almost in an instant fell quite.

"The failures of this council are astounding" Ivan said, his tone low but solid, a certain chill could be felt as he spoke. "The situation in East Draxis is far beyond the situation the country was in just days prior. That you failed to see these events as possibilities shows the growing incompetence that is had by each and every one of you. Were time a luxury that I had, I would dismiss each and every one of you from your posts, replacing you with more eager individuals who wished to provide solutions instead of excuses. Perhaps most unfortunate for me is the fact that time is not a luxury and that to dismiss you now would cause more problem than solution, though I cannot conceive a more complicated situation that the one you have put me under now."

"Consider this however, your final chance as I am no longer of the will to tolerate another failure from this court." Ivan paused to let his words take weight before he continued. "I can see now that I was mistaken to deviate from the course I set forth when this crisis began. To relax our stance in Draxis has only gone to allow terrorist to continue to agitate the people. This will not continue as we cannot afford to allow the Drax to fall into civil war again. It is our duty to the people to end this crisis without further incident. However, I believe that the original plan was ill advised and miscalculated. Russia has been attempting to kill the sake within our garden by chopping at the body when in fact, we must go for the head itself. Crimea is the head, it is where the Catholic terrorist must be centered and why they are claiming the territory as an independent Republic."

"The Army will advance on Crimea at once, eliminate the terrorists at all cost save the conspirators that have orchestrated this mess. I want them alive so that we may interrogate them and get the confession we need to solidify to the world, what we already know. That these events are of Catholic design, a means of making us pay for our participation in Cologne. As for the main country, I am all communication and television blocked, save for what we put through. I want messages of reassurances that Russia is here to help. I want more aid brought in, over feed the Drax if we must but none are to go without. Russian troops will facilitate aide to Drax Security Forces and cooperate with their measures to stem the tide of violence."

"At all costs gentlemen, this crisis will end and it will end now....."
______________________________________________________________________

Kursk, East Draxis....

Alexander had read the reports with great horror when news of the outbreak in Belgorod occurred. It took him several tries to finally get his brother who informed him of his friend's death but his own safety. Alexander apologies and gave sympathy to Marko for his friend's death and told his brother he needed to get the Kursk immediately. Marko gave great hesitation, saying he couldn't leave the body of his dead friend. Alexander then told Marko he would send for the cornier of Belgorod to come get the body and that he should get on the next train out of town without delay. Though Alexander could still apprehension in his voice, Marko finally consented and the two hung up. No sooner had he put down the phone that it began to ring, picking it up he heard the distinct voice of the Russian Interior Minister.

Alexander and the Minister had a lengthy conversation over Russia's new direction over the crisis, or at least what parts they believed the Chairman needed to know. He was informed that Russia would be liberating the Crimean and that the troops that would remain elsewhere would be instructed to follow Drax lead on peacekeeping operations. Alexander argued against using force in Crimea but was then met with firm opposition. The excuses used were that time was of the essence and that all his attempts at contact the former leaders of the region had failed. The last part was indeed true, as Alexander still could not get in touch with any of his former contact in Crimea. Whether they were ignoring him, being held against their will, or dead, he did not not. He was sure they weren't ignoring him as some of them he'd known for quite a while and believed them to be men who had the decency to least give him the courtesy of a phone call.

When at least he conceded that his protests were futile, he simply agreed and then hung up the phone. By this time a knock came at the door and upon calling the person in, General Staviski entered the room.

"I imagine you've been informed" the General asked.

"Just now, yes" Alexander stated plainly. "I must protest that this liberation will be costly in Drax lives. I still believe other solutions are viable."

"That may be so Mr. Chairman" the General replied, "in truth I would love to instead be leading in a strike team to quietly eradicate the agitators. However, as it stands, time is no longer on our side. The longer we have waited, the more the situation has deteriorated. Your efforts have failed, our efforts at softer resolutions have failed. We have no other choice."

"What if we fail again" Alexander inquired. "Do you think the international community won't condemn Russia for unnecessary violence. I will, if at the end of the day all that remains is a blood soaked Crimea."

"His majesty will deal with that as it arises I imagine" the General said matter-of-fact like. "It is not for me to say really. I did come to say that I will be ordering the campaign's start shortly and as leader of the provisional government, you are welcome to the Command center to see the events for yourself."

"I will remember that offer General" Alexander said while leaning back in his chair. "I will remain here for now."

"Of course...."
__________________________________________

The Crimean Peninsula.....

Ships of the Russian navy had been situated outside of Crimea for days now since the crisis began. While their initial appearance certainly prompted many to believe Russia was ready to strike, they did nothing more than simply sit. Soldiers on the transports grew weary that they'd ever get off their damn 'tug boats.' Finally, however, orders came in and both the cheering delight of the soldiers as well as their captains. Of course what lied on land in wait for them was anyone's guess. No doubt whatever preparations could be made had been, given the time Russia gave the enemy. Still, the Emperor's orders were to take the Crimean at all costs and that victory was the only option in the campaign. Operation Crimean Liberty, was a go.

Russians Mikoyan MiG-40's soon roared off the deck of the Russian aircraft carrier in the black sea. The Russians had used what satellite images they could gather and intelligence they had to highlight points of interest. There enemy had made some obvious defensive points, though the true extent of their preparation was unknowable at the time. So for the Mikoyan MiG-40's, they struck at what they could find, hitting artillery nests and anything that resembled troop convoys. They concentrated along the coast, to soften up three specific areas with which the Russians could land. They would only be landing in one location, the other two being decoys to force the enemy into stretching themselves to defend the area. The landing was only an hour away....
____________________________________________________________________________

Moscow, Russia...

Though physically quite tired, Ivan stood firm against the back drop of Russia's flag and that of Draxis. Calling a new conference, he decided to make his intentions clear to the regional community. The cameras were now all on him....

"Good evening citizens of the Russian Empire, of East Draxis, and those tuning in from abroad. As of the last hour I, Emperor Ivan VIII, have order the liberation of the Crimean Peninsula. After much talk with my court and after failed attempts at discovering the true nature of this independent republic, it has been determined that the Crimean is being held hostage. While I have my own personal suspicions, I will allow an investigation to take its course. Russian troops are ordered to take Crimea at all cost, liberating its people from under the heel of this terrorist threat and restoring administration to hose Drax elected to such positions. It is my firm believe that in doing so, those responsible for agitating the situation throughout East Draxis will be dealt with. While I am hopeful some of these agitators made in fact be captured, to stand trial for their crimes, my major concern lies with simply putting Crimea back in the hands of the Drax people."

"I ask again, as I have in the beginning, for the cooperation of the Drax people. I have ordered more aid to East Draxis and hope that we can at least unite to fight this common enemy. We cannot now nor ever, allow fear to dictate our actions. We are one people despite our many differences and we must rely on the stead-fast and solid friendship that has been built between the people of Russia and of Draxis to see us through. Let us not forget that this is a friendship as old as our countries, a friendship that united our great nations for decades. Let us not fall prey to propaganda and smear campaigns. Let us see the truth for what it is and know that no matter what, Russia wishes only for the best when it comes to the Drax people. To the international community I say this, that a swift and decisive resolution to this crisis is at hand and, God willing, Russia will have the perpetrators in hand. Russia also reminds the community that it will not tolerate any interference that place's East Draxis and its future in jeopardy. East Draxis will be free, the Drax future will be secure, and together, both our nations will move forward both in peace and in prosperity. God Bless us, God Bless Russia, and God Bless the state of East Draxis."
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Comrade Queen
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Meanwhile, in the Vatican, Pope Castillo led a mass praying for the lives of the East Draxis people, begging God to spare them from evil. While the Russian Tsar liked to imagine that the Pope was leading some kind of international conspiracy against him, nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, before the mass was done, even Emperor Ivan VIII was prayed for.
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Kasnyia
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Chairman of the Bank
Another broadcast came from Crimea:

We urge the Russian government to rethink their intention to use violence against us! We have ways to defend ourselves. We beg the world to save us! We do not wish to be violent! But we will if necessary! Freedom shall get it's blood price if necessary! And it will not all be our own!
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Porcu
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

The Republic of Porcu takes issue with Moscow's description of the international community's 'interference' as jeopardizing the future of the Drax state. Russia has not shared any evidence with the international community that suggests the Crimea is overrun by insidious forces. Russian authorities are encouraged to share their intelligence - the goal of combating extremism, remnant elements of the Dominion, and terrorism are shared by all members of the international community who act in good faith and conscious. Short of that, Russian military operations seem only to be aggressive maneuvers in order to reclaim Russian hegemony over Eastern Draxis.

Russia has continued to act on unproven assumptions and has moved to suppress the rights and freedoms of the Drax and the Republic strongly urges a reconsideration of action.


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Quaon
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A Prince Amoung Men-Shoot First and Ask Questions Later
THE DECLARATION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESS OF THE DRAX PEOPLE, ASSEMBLED IN THE CITY OF DNIPROPETROSK, ESTABLISHING A SOVEREIGN, POPULAR, AND REPUBLICAN STATE FOR THE DRAX NATION

We, this Extraordinary Congress of the Drax People, given the failed efforts to locate Grand Duke Anton Drax, recognize with the deepest sadness the death of our gracious Sovereign. We declare Grand Duke Anton Drax a Hero and Martyr of the Nation, and institute a period of national mourning.

Given the death of the Grand Duke and the confused question of succession, we recognize that full and undivided sovereignty, once held in trust by the House of Drax, reverts to the whole of the Drax people. The office of Grand Duke is thus abolished, and with it the Grand Duchy.

In the name and interest of the Drax people, and in the spirit of international fraternity, peace, and progress, we establish the UNITED REPUBLIC OF DRAXIS, subject to confirmation by universal plebiscite at the earliest opportunity.

We declare this body the transitional government of the United Republic of Draxis, replacing the Civilian Provisional Authority. The transitional government shall operate under the Constitution of the United Republic of Draxis. This constitution will also be subject to confirmation by universal plebiscite.

The transitional government shall be headed by Yelena Charkov and Nikolai Tsarnaev, who will assume the titles President of the United Republic and Prime Minister of the United Republic, respectively. This Congress shall act as the legislature of the United Republic until such a time as elections can be held.

We declare the principles of territorial integrity and self-determination inviolable. We thank the people of Russia and Quaon for their stewardship, and we understand the temporary necessity to divide our nation into zones of administration. However, the Drax people cannot abide by permanent partition. No nation may be divided and no territorial concessions can be made without the consent by plebiscite of all citizens involved. As such, we assert the fundamental unity of the Drax nation.

We invite East Draxis and Crimea to send delegates to this Congress, and urge the backers of the proclaimed Republic of Taurica to lay down their arms and become proud citizens of the United Republic of Draxis.

We humbly ask for the recognition and support of Russia and Quaon, whom we regard as our brothers and neighbors in the Eastern European family and community.

We commit fully to bringing the Arrakan criminals to justice.
Edited by Quaon, Jun 12 2014, 07:48 PM.
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