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Anercian Democratic Party Gains New Prominence
Magnolia Independent Journal
After their win to repeal the Compromise and Emergency Reconstruction Act celebration spread across Anercia. Jubilation filled the streets of Metaxas and Magnolia, even some of our writers took the day off to enjoy it. The repeal had radically changed the constitution, making certain powers of the president defunct, thus giving the General Assembly more power. A new poll indicated that President Ashton’s approval rating went down by 7%, and projections give the ADP 23 new seats in the upcoming elections. Things are looking good for the ADP but however their Leader, Antov Sutherland, was declared missing and is still searching for his body. It’s grim but officials say that he’s most likely dead. The ADP may have won but at what cost? We have lost a great man and an even greater politician, the Ashton Administration extends their condolences. A statue will be built in Prolucia square in his home city of Metaxas in his honor.
A special election was held to fill in the vacant seat and to elect the new chairman of the ADP, Mr Charles Dawning, a charismatic organizer and former leader of the Ronte General Militia during the Civil War. Another hero of the war to stand on the shoulder of giants.
Bloody War Against the RFC
Valesord Post
It has been months since the official campaign against the Rosa Freedom Coalition has started by the General Staff and Ministry of Defense. A joint operation between the Armed Forces and the Internal Bureau of National Security to root out RFC positions in Barcona, where most of the active network of cells reside and operate. The terrorist militias have skirted justice many times due to local sympathizers sheltering them from the Army, these sympathizers have been swiftly dealt with. Still the threat they pose still haunts the southern countryside of Barcona, planting explosives in public places, and using hit and run tactics on our soldiers. The damage however has been minimal thanks to new efforts by the IBNS to locate RFC camps and arresting groups that fund the terrorists.
The Minister of Defense, Isof Kruger, has come out and said, “We’re doing good work on destroying the RFC, their numbers dwindle and funds dry up, It’ll only be a matter of time they’ll surrender.” He said confidently in a press conference. Hopefully he is right and they will be brought to justice for their crimes against Anercia.
Outraged by this sudden reversal with no warning, Middle Predor immediately demands to be repaid the full costs on constructing the cradles in Anercia, and immediately halts all trade with the nation, as well as imposing stiff tariffs on any goods imported either from Anercia, or from any nation that trades with the offending state, and states it will not lift those tariffs until it is suitably recompensed for the insult and waste of its time. The Predorian warships, upon departure, unceremoniously dumped their rubbish and other assorted waste straight into the cradle upon takeoff and headed home, ignoring any and all orders from any Anercian personnel.
Cry "Havoc!"...
A few days after Anercia had ejected all Predorians from her border, a serious- and weighty- meeting occurred in the War Office in Esterden, between the High Commander of the Silver, his High Commanders, and the rest of the General Staff making the command lead of the Predorian Armed Forces. Also in attendance was the Minister of War, Lord Haumann, representing the King, who was currently busy.
A pair of aides rolled out a huge map of the region across the large table dominating the center of the room, and the General Staff bent their heads to observe it -with particular attention to the huge sprawl of land that contained the savage alliance that called itself the Internationale.
The High Commander of the Silver, Lord Aiken, was the first to break the silence.
"The situation in Anercia leaves us in a very weak position, in terms of power control." He reached out, and dragged the model of the Princess Sophie and her task force back towards Middle Predor.
"We have no bases available outside the kingdom, at a time when our outspoken opponents enjoy a number of bases worryingly close to the kingdom."
His pointer tapped Anercia.
"What's more worrying, and I'm sure the War Minister can agree with me here," He shot a look at Lord Haumann, who nodded, "is the reason Anercia has decided our presence is not welcome."
Haumann spoke up. "With the rise of the Internationale, Anercia no longer needs the economic support or protection of the Kingdom, and indeed finds itself opposing us as the Internationale continues to push its agenda in the East."
"So it's decided to batten the hatches and cut us off before the storm." One of the High Commanders muttered. Aiken nodded.
"Exactly. Which is worrying. We haven't indicated that we intend to cause a storm, yet Anercia- and indeed the rest of the Internationale- is acting like one's on the way. Which can only mean they're planning something... drastic. We've been opposing them for quite some time, and recent events in Kromkarie have proved the Internationale is fully willing to use violence to get rid of its opponents."
"With Anercia battening down the hatches, and the pirates on the Broken Coast more active than ever, we believe the Internationale is preparing for war with the Kingdom."
All eyes fell on the three fleets of battleships occupying the territories of the Internationale.
"Exactly. We are outnumbered, and most likely outgunned, against an opponent that clearly has little qualms about causing bloodshed to achieve their aims."
"I am aware that this is tolling a bell that could very well be sounding the doom of the kingdom. We've been safe behind our mountain walls for almost a century, save for the Grey Empire.
But at this moment, we are facing a foe worse than the Grey Empire- a foe unwilling to stop at mere words and threats, armed with a large airfleet and with bloodlust in its eyes. This is a threat to our very existance, an extirminator not seen since the Iron King of Angor.
Our mountain walls cannot keep us safe forever, hiding in anonymity and diminutiveness.
The sleeping giant that crushed Angor and achieved the Victory of the Sky must be reawoken, and soon."
The War Minister nodded. "The King has already authorised me to do whatever nescessary to defend Middle Predor in case of war."
"Is anyone here in doubt that the Internationale is preparing for war?" Aiken asked the General Staff.
As one, they shook their heads.
"Then it is decided. We must begin immediate plans to defend the Kingdom from potential war with the Internationale."
One of the High Commanders spoke up. "What are our plans if the Internationale decides to let the Broken Coast interfere with our trade? What do we do with them?"
The High Commander of the Silver shrugged.
"What we do with any other pirate who crosses us.
Destroy them all on sight. Leave no survivors."
Jesruriz
Blaiche
Frosturne
Laiakia
Keeping your friends close...
The largely isolated sentiment pervading in Columbian society has left it open to the dangers of foreign interference, and President DeWitt had foreseen issues in the security and defense of the nation. The three-part defense and security acts, with the NSRA, NDA, and SIA, the Columbian military foundation was largely reorganized and regrouped, while the Federal Government presided the expansion of the Confederate States Intelligence Community. The Central Intelligence Administration, or CIA, was a beast with three masters: the President, who, from his position under a mountain of local, state, and War Department reports quickly saw the need for a centralized outlet to organize the information that would reach his desk; ODIN, under the DoW, who wanted CI to both know everything about military adversaries, perform military sabotage, and foment partisans that would fight with the Confederacy if war came; and the State Department, that wanted CI to bring global political change positive to the ends of the Confederate States. Organizationally, this gave CI two areas of responsibility; Covert Action, and Covert Intelligence.
Still an start-up agency, the Office of Defense Intelligence (ODIN) has taken the fledgling administration under its wing to begin a series of initial clandestine operations throughout Skyreach, before functioning in a manner of independent jurisdiction. Several countries and states of interest were selected for these first few infiltrations, namely, the Confederacy’s neighbors to the South and its immediate friends in the regional theater.
Operation ROSE THORN initiated the infiltration of major Anercian cities southwards; to begin surveillance and observation of the Anercian civilian administration; and to enable the further availability of opportunities for action. These agents were thus attached as expatriates into the neighboring Republic, with cobblers emphasizing the accuracy and legitimacy of covers as laborers, clerks, and sometimes businessmen alongside overseas Columbian economic activities.
The International Railroad and CAFTA has opened the Confederacy, and though it was not without merit and a great boon for a steady entrance into the outside world, it has left holes along the border, literally and figuratively. Already, ODIN has placed an Anercian expatriate league under a watchlist, pending its nature as a lobbyist organization. Experts in ODIN has also advised the Administration on the potential of foreign infiltration, however discreet, especially from neighboring nations. But the Railway was a double-edged sword—just as it is a severe security issue, it was also an open door for opportunity. With the passage of both trains across borders, as well as easier travel through airships and aeronefs, infiltration was a done deal.
ROSE THORN presided over a network encompassing the cities of Ronte, Vladigon, and Magnolia, with a concentration of handlers and assets to be allocated in the central location of Valesord. The Columbian Embassy would become a jumping point of this reach, and utilized as a fallback point for burned agents. With all said and done, ODIN oversaw the first ever covert operation by the Confederacy in nearly six decades of Splendid Isolation, as the previous iteration of the Columbian nation was not so estranged from clandestine and lucrative dealings. Time will tell the successes of the Central Intelligence Administration in the wider world.
The Third Bretheren Court
Asmodeus
In the governor's palace, Pirate Lord Silverstry, Barbarossa and Weatherby Lock sat by a long table in a meeting room. They were joined the 10 most famous or infamous pirates, raiders and ravagers that captained a ship. The most ontable of these horrid men and women had to be the mysterious captain Sabertooth. Little was known about his past, nor about how he joined the Coast and climbed up the hierarchy. He dressed in the common apparel of a buccaneer captain, though the brown leather had been replaced by a black coat with a rim of yellow, seemingly to mimic gold. This design stuck to his hat too, which had a yellow skull and crossbones emblazoned onto its front. Alongside this, the hat also had raven feathers stitched to the top and running down, seemlessly blending into the captain's long, curly, black hair. His face was the most recognizable, known to any well-versed sailor that stood at risk of encountering a ship of the Broken Coast. In an effort to become more intimidating, Sabertooth had taken to covering his face in white make-up, often making his black mustache stand out against the chalk-white face.
The pirate's all seemed taken away by conversation with their fellows, though eventually Lord Barbarossa rose from his seat at the head of the table, grabbing a chainshot from the floor and banging it on the table, siezing all conversation and giving himself the attention of all present.
"Under the juristiction granted to me by my fellow Pirate Lords, i officially state this as the Third Bretheren Court. Welcome, my fellow captains. This be, ofcourse, the third time such a Court's been decleared. The first under the liberation of our lands from the Grey Empire, and the second during the formation and decleration of the Broken Coast."
His greeting caused a murmur of thanks and ayes.
"To make sure of yer identity during further meetings, please take one piece 'o eight from this box each." As he finished, he grabbed a box from the floor and opened it, revealing 13 of the gold medallions that Barborassa had taken off the Grey Empire convoy days earlier. He took one for himself before sliding it to man next Lord Silverstry who took one too. This continued until every man and woman at the table had taken one of the medallions.
"Now then, to discuss the reasonin' for yer summons." Barbarossa nodded the Weatherby. The stoic woman pulled forth a crude map of Skyreach, stained by rum and what appeared to be some blood.
"A storm be comin'", the woman spoke. "I've felt it in the air, seen it in the wa'er, and tasted it in the fruit. The war-mongering, disgusting, monarchistic, inbred, landlubbers of Middle Predor has been antagonizing, villanizing and unjustly murdering our pirate-y kin for too long! They think themselves as morally just, but they instead oppress and kill the free man, whomst only seeks to make his way in this cruel world."
The pirates all nodded along as they listened intently.
"If our friends in the Internationale would seek the utter annihalation of the Predorian dictatorship, then we shall seek to act as swiftly, as fervently, and as one, to strike against potential targets to weaken thoes perfidious hords of inbred coo-coos."
"As always, we seek the liberation and freedom of all Predorian peoples, and as such there is but one prize we can accept for their freedom. The Predorian monarch's head on a plate! Though, i don't think that the people would mind if we kept any goods we raid as 'compensation' for our efforts, right laddies?"
Laughter filled the room as the Lord finished speaking. "Now, before we continue, I believe it's time for the hourly rum!"
Frimas/November 6, 1890
Confederate States Elections 1890
With the conclusion of first two-year session coinciding with the DeWitt Presidency, the House of Representatives is officially declared dissolved by the Speaker of the House, Martyn Reed, in anticipation of the 1890 Midterm Elections, and the First Congressional Session to be formally concluded on the 3rd of Pluvius/January 3 next year. In addition, Class I of the Congressional Senate is also dissolved to make way for elections, as announced by Vice President and President of the Senate Jojen Kilroy. The election results are as follows:
SENATE ELECTIONS (CLASS I)
States of: Delmarva, Elizabeth, Gadsden, Raleigh, Victoria, and West Elizabeth (24 senators in total)
—Social Populist Party (SPP): 18
—Federal Centrist Party (FCP): 0
—National Patriotic Party (NPP): 0
—Republican-Democratic Party (R-D): 4/0
—Columbian Progressive Party (CPP): 2
—Other political parties: 0
HOUSE ELECTIONS (NATIONAL)
—Social Populist Party (SPP): 69
—Federal Centrist Party (FCP): 44
—National Patriotic Party (NPP): 37
—Republican-Democratic Party (R-D): 55/12
—Columbian Progressive Party (CPP): 33
—Other political parties: 5
In the Senate, the SPP retains a relative majority, but far from a 2/3 majority. The SPP also retains a larger representative count, but has decreased from its previous numbers, though similarly on achieved plurality. President DeWitt heralded talks between the SPP, the CPP, and the liberal wings of the FCP and R-D to form a coalition Congress, encompassing the Senate and the House of Representatives, to ascertain control over both chambers. The coalition would bring up SPP numbers (primary representatives and coalition representatives) in the House to 136 against 119 representatives in total, and the Senate with 38 against 30 senators in total.
THE SENATE IS CONTROLLED BY: THE SOCIAL POPULIST PARTY
THE HOUSE IS CONTROLLED BY:
THE SOCIAL POPULIST PARTY
Security Council Meeting: The Predorian Threat
Blaiche
Frosturne
Laiakia
Southron columbia (observer)
The Anercian delegate to the Internationale Security Council has been contacted by the President to call a meeting with the other members. The agenda of the meeting will concern the matter of the nation Middle Predor, and their recent militarization efforts seemingly towards the Internationale and its members. It will be held in a consulate in Valesord, a nearly constructed building large and spacious, enough to accommodate each representative there.
Major Airship Purchases
Valesord Post
The Republican Aeronavy has recently purchased 40 Zapalino-Class Airships, ones mainly used for trade in the open skies. These airships are reliable trading vessels for many air crews around the world. However, what would the aeronavy do with them? Air Chief Hugitz have commented, “None of your d*mn business, and get out of my house.” He said yesterday, yelling at reporters from his house in Valesord. An odd purchase to be sure but some experts say they will be used to logistically support our allies abroad. Whatever it is, hopefully it will be a good decision.
Doma Joint Aeronavy Base
Forty new airships have been purchased from trading companies in the democratic world and shipped to the largest air base in the country, the Doma Joint Aeronavy Base. Located adjacent to the city of Doma, a large coastal city that's the heart and shipping center of the state. These airships not fitted for battle, shall be rechristened into formidable tools for the army. Their inner frame work of a single balloon and thin materials, replaced by a steam-core to power several new propellers lifting and pushing it. Its rigid exterior now steel, instead of aluminum, touched by the magical properties of Airium. Two versions were made, 25 into variant-A, which was stripped down with an expanded cargo hold to hold more bombs. 15 into variant-B which is to accommodate hundreds of soldiers, and a specialized bottom door to drop them.
Steady As She Goes
The first half of the DeWitt Administration was considered, more or less, a rather hectic affair. While the President brought much of its promises to the table in the First Hundred Days, with the passage of various Acts of Congress and Executive Orders that cover the corporate and private sector, establishing a new military budget for the year of 1890, as well as reorganizing the Confederate States Armed Forces, War Departments, and revitalizing the importance of national security and defense, it could not be considered a complete success. DeWitt also presided over the opening of the Confederacy with the signing of CAFTA with the Anercian Republic, as well as expanding the railroad apparatus towards this first “friend” in the outside world into an International Railway for ease of transportation of goods, people, services across open borders. But it was not without its fair share of disasters: the incident with Kromkarie has significantly hampered the President’s ability to pursue any further diplomatic action beyond trade agreements and pacts of non-aggression, as well as general Diplomatic Missions into the Internationale. The failure of the Resolution to join the alliance was met with cheers from reactionary factions, while progressives silently grumbled their disappointment. Much to the President’s chagrin, the hardliners against foreign interference were there to stay.
With only two years left in his term, and in this course having endangered a high-ranking government official, DeWitt’s re-election was highly in doubt, but his adherents kept faith that he would succeed in acquiring a second term.
Though the SPP was significantly weakened due to the Midterm Elections, the coalition government retained its majority in the Senate and House. Time will tell if this fragile hold will remain. The party was just as likely to go against DeWitt’s wishes as much as the NPP or the FCP hated his guts with a passion. With this in mind, the Administration had to be careful in its next steps, especially pertaining to the party’s principles and platform.
We Will Let Them Know
DeWitt wasted no time in expanding the diplomatic reach of the Confederate States. With the nearing conflict between the Internationale and the Predorian Kingdom, though it wasn’t clear whether it was through blood or silver, the Confederacy has made moves nonetheless to keep its friends close. Diplomatic Missions has been sent to Blaiche, Frosturne, and Laiakia to establish embassies and general consulates. These diplomats has also brought along drafts similar to the CAFTA agreement to open trade relations and routes to culminate into the regional Infernal Sea Exchange. In the meantime, an Columbian official was also delegated to represent the Confederacy in the upcoming Internationale Security Council Meeting in Valesord (Jesruriz), though as a recognized observer nation.
The Valesord Call
Ashton had just received a list of names and locations, a secret list only for his eyes of new potential targets. An IBNS officer saluted him “New list Mr President,” every week just like clockwork his men would round up dissidents and properly dispose of them. It was the usual: Journalists, Organizers, and Politicians. Though he didn’t choose all at once, he had the limit in mind that killing too many would endanger his reputation even more, “Just the journalists this time, they annoy m-” He spotted a few names on there, Columbian names. “Huh, what's this?” He asked the officer. “Our agents have infiltrated our northern neighbor quite successfully, and within operation capability to carry out some duties.” The Officer explained. “Huh, well kill the journalists, i’ll have to call dewitt and send him an offer.” Ashton dismissed him. Calling directly to President Dewitt's office he waits patiently for him to pick up.
A House Fit For Comrades
In response to the Columbian diplomatic mission, the Broken Coast has taken to clearing out and renovating an old brothel in the center of Asmodeus and gifting it to Southron Columbia in order for it to act as an official embassy. In addition to this, the Coast gave the diplomatic emissaries 8 barrels of rum as a gift.
3rd/3 June: The Return Of The King
Norvath
Princess Sophie stood, surrounded by the gold cloaks of the Royal Guards, as the shadows of the foreign battleship and the Princess of Predor passed over her, the two battleships slowly passing overhead and turning to hover, like hard-edged angels of destruction, in the fading light of sunset.
Slowly they descended, flags drooping as they entered the shade of the cold northern wind. With the groan of one that has long been away, they settled gently, sadly, back to the gentle embrace of the cradles, their engines dying to a low rumble before they died away completely.
As the party of officials alighted from the huge northern ship, the last man stopped at the top of the gangplank and turned to look at the Princess as the last shaft of sunlight settled upon her, the gold cloaks of the guards flaring into brilliant golden bars of light around her. He smiled, descending the gangplank and wrapping her in a hug. She buried her face in her father's shoulder as he held her, crying with relief.
Then he was turning away, towards the men that now came towards him, the foreigners. She once again stared down at the ground.
His heavy hand laid on her shoulder.
"King Harlan, it is my pleasure to introduce you to my daughter, Sophie. Sophie, this is King Harlan, king of Norvath and the man who helped rescue me."
She continued to look at her feet, unwilling -or unable- to look at the foreign men who disturbed her peace.
"She's, ah, rather shy, I'm afraid."
One of the Guardsmen kneeled to put a hand on her shoulder. "Sophie? It's alright, he's a friend."
With this reassurance, she looked up at the foreign king, and dipped her head in a short bow. "A- pleasure to meet you- King Harlan."
President DeWitt poured over ODIN assessments of clandestine assets overseas, and updates on the progress of Operation ROSE THORN. The infiltrations were largely a success, with ODIN establishing a new foothold over its networks in their Anercian neighbor. And speaking of...
The telephone bell rung to alert him, and he took the call briefly. “Sir, we have President Ashton on the line. He requests to speak with you, Mr. President,” a woman’s voice had said.
“Have him connect to me,” he quickly answered. “Hello, Mr. President! How do you do? To what do I owe the pleasure of speaking to you this fine morning?”
While rough, if not too boorish, the Diplomatic Mission took the premises to start a new embassy, while accepting the Coast’s gifts. Now, with an open channel to communicate with the pirate republic, Columbia has achieved in another diplomatic success. Subsequently, the diplomats from the Confederacy begun offers on a CAFTA-like trade agreement for their host nation, designed specifically in consideration for the loose confederation of pirate lords.
Death of Emilo Carola
On a visit to his extended family in Reinsbank, a young Emillo Carola was found washed up on the bank of the Volgs River. His body was badly beaten, examiners say within an inch of his life, and his neck tied to a tire so he could sink in the river. As the process of death sets in, his corpse begins to bloat with noxious gases, his flesh beginning to rot away. Police reports indicated that his family’s home was broken into and was kidnapped, chained to a truck and dragged for miles to the site of the river. Suspects were two valish men bragging around the town and went in for questioning. When they were asked why did it, they responded, “That red-skinned boy? Cus he pissed me off thats why. Talking all big and loud like, they needs to learn they lesson or else they get uppity.” One Gran Turner said to the detectives, his accomplice, Ren Turner, also confirmed that he helped with the crime. They will await trial in a few weeks.
A funeral was held and the Reinsbank Red Church was packed with reporters and attendants. His mother allowed the press to take photos of the bloated beaten body, “They need to know what they did to my son!” She said sobbing in front of his open casket. It was the talk of the nation for weeks, sparking a new conversation on Scarlettan rights, the media looked favorably to the SRP and its aims. But conservative newspapers and leaders dismissed the death claiming that it, “Didn’t really matter, who cares if some snot nosed brat is dead? We need to look at more important issues, like the Predorian threat on the horizon.” Conservative Chairman of the UAP Winster Magnus commented. The other parties gave their condolences and even the President came to the church to pay respects.
A week after, protests and demonstrations began to amp up gradually, first a few hundred activists, then thousands, then tens of thousands. Organizations such as the NASR (National Association for Scarlettan Rights) have been rounding up people to join the protests. A prominent member and former War Hero, Harven Lutherburg, gave speeches throughout the nation and organized marches. “We fought and bled, together not as valish or scarlettan, but as brothers and sisters against the tide of tyranny! I ask Mr Ashton and Mr Winster of the UAP, are we not men? Are we not brothers? Did we not take arms in common struggle to free our chains? Please, we ask for your support because we all here are Anercian, and we all deserve our freedoms. And live in a nation where we are not judged by the color of our skin, or our birthplace, but by content of our Characters.” He spoke on a podium in Valesord Central Park, with Tens of thousands of people cheering
on.
State Changes
+Civil Rights Protests
“Hey Dewitt, i'm fine, I figure that I'd call you about some opportunities, to help your economy and reelection chances.” He explained. “Your opponents, well they’re standing in our way, in the way of peace and democracy. Do you see where i'm going with this?”
Wiski-Collins Agreement
The ministry of finances has brought matters of the economy to the president in a debriefing that takes place every few weeks or so. This week, George brought attention to the decreasing prices of Anercian crop exports due to international agreements and increased crop production. If nothing is done, the agricultural market might collapse and a famine might occur. To make up for this shortcoming, the Ashton Administration introduced a crop buy-back program to take crop surpluses and pay them back at 15% the market price, while giving the grains and food stuffs to charities and food welfare programs. However exports still need to be handled and so Columbian diplomats were called to a meeting in Ronte, preferably the diplomat Barnabas, who will meet the minister of foreign affairs Talon Wiski. They were to meet in the Azure Mansion, a state house designated for diplomatic meetings with Columbia, residing near the Gulf of Anercia.
Crackdown on Protests
Across Anercia, hundreds of thousands take to the streets to peacefully protest and march for the cause of Scarlettan Rights. To some a noble deed to promote the liberties that should be granted to all men and women, to others a violent mob waiting to happen, actively destroying the traditional way of life that remained unchanged for centuries. To the conservatives in the UAP, all this change was a mixed bag, sure their military is stronger than ever, but now the culture they presume to conserve was under attack. The Minister of the Interior, a proud supporter of the Red Lions, has in secret meetings with Winster Magnus discussed the implications of these changes and especially these protests. They concluded that, in order for the Anercian way of life to survive, they must get their hands dirty.
Dubbed Operation Iron-Nest, the IBNS was called in to fulfill their goals to eliminate opposition to tradition, a fitting role for them. It was slow but surely organizers and local civil rights leaders disposed of. A wave of assassinations followed after Isof’s secret decree, along with unfair imprisonments, and blackmail to suppress the marcher’s ability to organize. They also funded right-wing paramilitary organizations with money and guns in exchange for the harassment, intimidation, and murders of pro-civil rights protesters. Harven Lutherburg, after his passionate speeches, became a huge target for the Operation. IBNS agents conducted intelligence operations on him, wiretapping his phonelines, and arresting him on false charges to gain more information. These groups were consolidated into one, the Knights of Anercia, a group of thousands of members armed with rifles and revolvers, wearing grey hoods and blue crosses.
For a few weeks they were let loose on the Scarlettan population, they proclaimed the “Day of the Rope” for all Scarlettans that don’t respect their place, Valish who support them, and Communists. Those weeks were a series of public lynchings, beatings, and outright raids on the homes of their victims. It had gotten so bad, the army was called in by the President to stop them from burning down whole neighborhoods.
The result of the three month operation was instead of the protests calming down, they turned into full on riots. Thousands in cities took to the streets with the intention of burning, looting, and causing mayhem. The riots started in Carnolia, a lone man with a molotov set a policeman on fire and called for people to attack the police station nearby. Anercia is burning, violence is escalating as riots engulf the cities. Police and IBNS forces could barely handle the situation. The army was called to Carnolia, Metaxas, Magnolia, Narba, and Ronte as they were the most affected.
State Changes
+Nationwide Riots
The Struggle of Power
It was unbelievable, the reports of the IBNS fighting amongst themselves litter across his desk, an agent looking at him, his face filled with dread and fear. “Sir, the Minister has gone mad.” He said. Further debriefing informed the President about his worst nightmare, a potential coup from his own Ministry. IBNS garrisons across the country have refused the President’s lists and instead are using Isof’s lists for their operations. The Minister himself has disappeared along with his belongings and staff. “We have to reign in this b*astard, we can’t let him dictate our agents!” Ashton ordered. For now it was calm, strangely so, radio silence crippled the intelligence gathering capability of loyal forces. The agent states that, “At least half of our agents are loyal, the others traitors to some nefarious cause.” Ashton looks in contemplation. “We need to mobilize quickly, this is a war of speed. Call in the Army, teach them a lesson.” He said. In a swift stroke of a pen and a few phone calls, 12 army divisions moved to secure the cities, while 4 divisions entered the capital. Earlier reports indicated that some of the officers were suspicious enough to warrant investigation, with investigations on hold these commanders were reshuffled and sent to unimportant and distant border duties.
The next day he called the assembly to gather for a vote to call a state of emergency. The hall was packed, army soldiers protected the interior and the outside doors, Ashton even had to be escorted under heavy security detail to enter the Assembly Hall under fear of assassination. Entering he walked to the podium, where he faced the entirety of the General Assembly.
“Members of this assembly, hear me for I bring a plan to end this crisis swiftly. With my powers gone I am unable to protect Anercia alone, and I must ask for the help of this noble gathering. Our country is burning and internal division and strife plague our security, i call for you to vote to secure the nation and call in a state of emergency!” He spoke. His speech was met with a mixed response, even his own party couldn't agree fully with this decision, but the ADP was murmuring in strange agreement. The voting took place, the invocation of the state of emergency required a 2/3rds super majority. When the counts were tallied, the speaker announced it, "The proposal to call a state of emergency has passed 192 ayes to 108 nays, succeeding to pass the required super majority vote." He banged his gavel. Cheers and boos filled the hall, Ashton relieved and thanked the ADP members on his way out. For now, Ashton has secured his power over the country and avoiding a momentary coup, but they stand idle, fighting was about to start.
State Changes:
+Splintered Secret Police
+State of Emergency
Bishop to E2
The move to secure power through the military was a smart one, preventing Isof from controlling any major population centers. Declaring a state of emergency gave Ashton temporary powers to control the country as he saw fit to protect it from internal threats. To further gather his resources, he recalled divisions fighting the RFC to fight against the rebel IBNS forces. All was not well however, political strife that plagued the UAP for years boiled over as the conservatives threatened to break off from the party. Unless certain stipulations were met, Winster Magnus, the leader of the Red Lions, called a meeting with President Ashton.
He waited anxiously for his arrival to his office, taking a small sip of whisky to relax his nerves. “Are you ok sir?” Finn asked him. “Yes, Finn, just nervous is all.” It felt like planning the officers coup all over again, infinitely moving pieces on the chess board, and any wrong move means a spot on the firing line. He wonders if that's how Antov felt, eerily waiting for his judgement from men in all black. His aide opened the door to allow Winster to come in. He was an older man, a veteran much like him, but he fought in a much different war. Magnus, a former officer of the Royal Army fought and killed to subjugate the Scarlet Kingdoms in the Rose Campaign. A brutal and bitter man that conducted routine massacres on Scarlettan towns and cities. Now he’s before Ashton Mercer, the conductor of a masterful coup against the crown this man was enlisted under. A stark look of stubbornness in his aged face met Mercer. It was the face of a man who would commit murder and throw away his life for a rephensable cause. His beige suit is dull and drab seemingly to focus his strong jaw and menacing appearance on any impression. “Mercer,” He said in a disrespectful tone. “Magnus,” Ashton returned.
“You know why im here, i want you stop with all this foolishness, to ‘Progress’ Anercia.” He explained, emphasizing on the word progress. “Now you found yourself against a rock and hard place, shame, but its the right time to give my demands.” He crossed his arms. “I’ve seen your demands, ridiculous, you want the reversal of all progressive legislature? Get out of my d*mn office you snake.” Ashton yelled. “Sir please hear what he has to say before you dismiss him.” Finn spoke reason. “Yes, you don’t wish to hear what happens if you don’t? It’ll cost you your seat.” Ashton was shook when he said that. “I know all about your operations, my good friend Isof told me so, and tomorrow everyone will also know too. Unless you help take these degenerate bills off the books of course.” Ashton really was now in a hard place. But not for long, Valesord is still his, the army and half of the IBNS still under his control. “Of course, ill get with my cabinet to discuss how to, i bid you farewell Mr. Magnus.” He seemed pleased. “Thank you for being so understanding Mr. President.” Winster got up and left his office. “I really do hope you’re not going to go through with this, it’ll ruin your declining approval rating!” Finn worried. “Not to worry, I got it under control.” Not too long afterwards a muffled panic can be heard in the hallway, a small scuffle, then the sound of feet dragging.
He was taken to god knows where in Valesord, a dimly lit underground space with heavy metal doors bolted and locked, and in them an untold number of people. Between the screams and cries of pain the sound of a pistol being fired. He was tied to a chair, a single dim light bulb hangs above him, across him were two agents. They pulled out scalpels, knifes, a towel and water bucket, and a miriad of torture instruments. They went to work on him, inflicting waves of pain to his body until his mind was shattered from the pain. After extracting information out of him, Magnus was to bleed out and die after he watches his life slowly drained out of him.
“Sir,” an Agent saluted Ashton, he gestured for him to debrief him. “He’s disposed of now, but we did get information. Some bad news as always.” He sighed. “It seems like for years the conservatives have been building up connections in the military and regular police. It confirmed our suspicions that the purge didn’t truly solve our loyalty problem after all.” Ashton looked down and took a deep breath. “But in good news he told us that they might be hiding in Crimsrad, but the local army division stationed there is quite loyal to the conservatives.” He explained further. It was a delicate situation he knew it, if he let the General Staff know what he knew, the whole powder keg will explode. But he had to move quickly, “Surround Camp Strong and arrest the General Staff, have the Aeronavy hover above them. And send some agents to arrest conservative leadership, the MP’s, organizers, the works. We will come out on top.” He ordered. “This approach is correct but i wonder what will happen if we fail.” Finn asked. “If it does, you won’t have to worry about making me look good anymore.” Ashton replied.
DeWitt stilled. “I... I do not follow, Mr. President.” The economy was steady in its growth, but it wasn’t an issue of concern at the moment. Though, imports on agricultural products might be needed in the long run, and a hundred or so more things on the topic of the expanding global exchange. As for re-election... it was problem for another time. Not until campaign season will he have to worry. If Ashton was alluding to something... drastic—he could not accept.
"Well i'd like to support your future campaign, news spreads fast that you're becoming somewhat, unpopular, i'm having the same problem." He said. "Some more funding for you and ill have media pump out good things about ya."
The Columbian diplomats arrived in Ronte, as requested. Mr. Collins, along with the rest of the Confederate delegation, were none but please with Anercian hospitality, and were eager to move forward with offers at the behest of the President, though a discussion at length of propositions must be accomplished at first, followed by a communique, and whether a deal is brokered, will be signed into effect. The CS diplomats thus awaited as soon as they came.
They came into the luxurious mansion, like he did months prior, perhaps this might be his next second home. He met with Talon Wiski, a senior diplomat on the verge of retirement, and they sat across from each other at the round table. “Pleasure to have you Mr Barnabas, sorry we couldn’t have the President with us, we’re dealing with a few issues currently.” It was an understatement. Marshal law had been in effect for a few weeks and the city under lockdown with soldiers roaming the streets. “But let's forget that, we’re here in the interest of our two fine and lovely nations. Our export prices have been staggering lately, we figure that if we negotiate a deal we can both benefit from this.” He slides him a contract. It outlines that should the agreement be signed, the Columbian Crop market will have to import Anercian crops at a 20% higher price. “Our experts deem that in order for this to go down smoothly, we’d have to offer you something in return no? Well we also have this.” He pulled out another contract. If signed, the Columbian Economy will receive 75 Million roses in investments. “However where the money goes, will be up to your government. The mining sector could deal with some extra capital yes?”
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