" The matter of Africa will need to be handled with care. Provocation, or any sudden deployment of troops would surely raise suspesion, and let us not forget that Ethiopia is a member of the UND that would surely be backed in the event of conflict. Not to mention the newly formed Socialist 'New Africa', if I recall correctly. Although I don't see them as any sort of threat to us, they are Ethiopian supporters nontheless. Assuming your plan doesn't involve direct military action, I'd suggest Ivory Coast as a springboard into Ethiopia for the Spanish, and Madagascar for the French. "
" I am, of course, assuming you didn't just suggest assassination. " Fitzroy added.
" As for the situation in Russia; You can expect French support. And, although the situation there is just as fragile as Africa's, I'd be willing to take more direct action. I would even suggest putting the pressure on Radek immediately. Radek itself is no real threat, and if we can keep the Chinese and Siberians from interfering, it'd be an easy target. "
"What exactly are you proposing? If you are suggesting some kind of invasion for the sake of liberation, that would be rather counter to the UND's philosophy of non-interference. However, South America would be willing to contribute several special forces teams to help in the process, if Sweden and Denmark were to act. What exactly are these crimes that the Norwegian government has committed?"
UND
The Swedish representative responded, "Non-interference can wait this time, these our our neighbours that are being oppressed. As for the crimes we can prove several hundred counts of murder, torture, and we believe that there was possible espionage into Sweden, that however is unconfirmed. For the crimes we expect but cannot verify we believe terrible conditions in prisons leading to prisoners deaths, suppression of all rights of speech and simply brain washing people into the beliefs of the nation. Furthermore we believe that Norway is in threat of civil war, riots and assassination attempts are rampant, without immediate action millions will suffer, thousands will die."
Baltic Conference
The Swedish representative responded, "Are you seriously considering denying an offer of help and many times the aid you are receiving to simply keep Danish gunboats and supplies in your harbour? We are merely proposing aid for a promise of not seeking militarization."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
It has been since time immemorial that man has looked to the stars in wonder, so I ask you, how can going to them be anything but an extension of a will older than any of us? It is our very nature to discover, and to lust for knowledge, you accept this but doubt the nobility of working to the stars?
"I am saying I would much prefer Chinese aid," Radek said, "But as that has its issues I can not relay on it certainly. And I'd much rather the presence of fellow northerners and not, say, the Republicans.
"If you will extend this offer, and finally recognize our independence. Then how can I deny this gift?"
The Dariyapur Darwaja
UFI forces passed under the ancient still-standing gate. Hauling carts of the wounded and supplies out of the combat zone on the other-side. Inside, the conditions were unreliable as UFI foot-soldiers darted from empty building to empty building tearing at the occupiers within.
Barriers had been erected on the secondary roads leading into the fort that long ago stood here. A barrier of abandoned trucks set up to contain. Without proper gear it would be unlikely these toppled trucks and mines would disappear at any point. The hallowed sounds of gun-fire echoed in the afternoon.
"I need a report from Jaipur." a field officer said, "What are the cables saying?"
"They've dispatched a handful of combat helicopters to harass the court-house." a local loyalist said, "They'll be here early in the morning."
"Excellent." the officer said, "Just continue starving them out."
Kankaria Lake
Being somewhat on the fringe of the combat, the UFI detachment at the Kankaria Lake was largely centered on keeping watch of the south of the city, and keeping a check on people coming in and answering questions. When inquired on if they seek the destruction of India an officer responded: "If we did, we would have set all of it on fire. We are Hindus, much as you. Our only wish of destruction is on the elimination of those factions that destroyed the government, those abusive officials and military persons who shot themselves in the foot after carrying us to Najd to die."
The Swedish representative responded, "Well that is indeed the offer Sweden is offering, recognition of independence and unhindered aid align with trade in exchange for not seeking weapons and allowing inspections to insure no weapons that are not Chinese as they are certified under the Moscow Treaty enter the ports of the Western Communes. However other nations here may have different views, this is open to change.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
It has been since time immemorial that man has looked to the stars in wonder, so I ask you, how can going to them be anything but an extension of a will older than any of us? It is our very nature to discover, and to lust for knowledge, you accept this but doubt the nobility of working to the stars?
"Apart from our farming of wheat and other cereal crops I'm afraid we are lacking at the moment in proper trade goods." Radek said, "So unless all of Russia is under us, or something changes than I would be at a certain debt. Thus far I am concerned more with the provisions of my people. Come spring harvest I will need to return to you on return supplies.
"We will also need to be doing some research on northern Volgda. Since our claim of Severodvinsk and Arkhalengisk I would consider all of that norther shore from there to the northern Ural my own. Those fools have no other way to get north, it's wilderness."
The representative waited while the others spoke, but he decided it was time to speak. "The simple fact of the matter is, Denmark will aid Radek as we please. No one has the authority to stop us, so we shall continue to act however we want, and send food and other supplies to the Western Communes." He spoke, waiting for a reaction.
Radek nodded and ran his fingers through his long beard, waiting.
"As a second thought to trade," he added, seeming to remember something, "Saint Petersburg itself does have the facilities to produce a few things for you. Electronics, hospital gear, ships. Provided you supply the resources, and maybe pay a bit for it I can see to it we can supply a few manufacturing goods.
"So long as it's recognized your corporations are merely renting them out. I am the land-lord here.
"Everything else we need to be given a few months to get settled out. Timber production and anything you may or may not need."
China
"To the Imperial Government of Ethiopia, Yaqob Yohannes and Taytu Yohannes (OOC: Taytu is the one running foreign affairs, right?)
Our office will be honored to re-open trading operations with Ethiopia again. A representative will be dispatched as quickly as possible to being the process of re-opening the previous relationship we have enjoyed since your father. It will be an honor.
"As you could imagine, we have reservations about this action" Ambassador Sisi stated, responding to the Swedish proposal. "Should it be this councils wish, Ethiopia will be willing to dedicate a regiment to UND actions in Scandinavia, but I strongly recommend an investigation into the matter before any actions are taken."
"It would be a shame, after all, if this committee began to aid in the very thing in was committed to stop."
Walinzi Headquarters, Addis Ababa
The evidence that Agent Tau had managed to gather from the wreckage of the Spirit of Zanzibar had made it safely to the headquarters of the Ethiopian Walinzi, where Agent Kelile had presented it. The office had taken enough interest in it to call a meeting of the Walinzi division heads, who would discuss what they would be willing to offer to the further investigation of the ship. Agent Kelile now found himself on the hot seat, with a conference table lined with his superiors paying attention to him intently. Men in suits continued to pour into the room as the discussion about what secrets the Spirit of Zanzibar still held continued through whispers and personal conversation. As the clock struck nine the Deputy Director of the Domestic Security division, Joost Betserai, called the meeting to order.
"If all parties will just settle down, we will get this meeting started. I'm sure we're all interested in getting this squared away before lunch" Betserai grinned, inspiring a few chuckles. "As most of us are already aware, the French invited us to investigate an incident that involved the sinking of an Ethiopian freighter in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. This incident also came to us through the Spanish press, which reported it to be an arrest gone wrong. Agents Tau Zola and Munyiga Kelile, who were assigned to the case, have since found disturbing information that could suggest foul play. Agent Zola is still in the Mediterranean doing field work, but Agent Kelile is here and wishes to present evidence that could warrant a larger investigation. Agent Kelile, you have the floor"
"Thank your Deputy Director" Kelile answered, standing up and flipping on a projector, "Can someone get the lights?"
As the room darkened, light shown from the projector and lit a large square on the wall. "Agent Zola and myself started this investigation by looking into information regarding the Spirit of Zanzibar. Though we found little of interest from this initial investigation, looking further into the matter we found a surviving crew member by the name of Robert Letsha. Mr. Letsha had been the first mate on the Spirit of Zanzibar until he got a shore side job several months before the incident. According to Mr. Letsha, the captain of the Spirit had a tendency toward taking money on the side to transport fugitives. This fit the Spanish story and I wasn't too concerned about it, but Mr. Letsha was convinced that the Spanish story was a lie based on his opinions regarding the physics of explosions."
"None the same" Kelile continued, "This was evidence of nothing. Agent Zola went to France in order to continue the investigation, where we reached the first twist in the case. A French survivor of the incident was found and told a story about the Spanish attacking and killing the crew members and French authorities on the ship. Agent Zola responded by getting a hold of a French dive crew and exploring the wreck, where he found this..."
Agent Kelile pressed a button on the Projector, causing an image of the mangled body Zola had pulled from the sea to appear on the wall. "Further study of the body showed that this man died of bullet wounds." Kelile flipped through several similar pictures of the body until they got to a picture of a bullet fragment. "This was extracted by Agent Zola at the scene and later confirmed to be of Spanish production. Our autopsy found more bullet fragments, also Spanish. From this evidence, we can piece together that this man was indeed killed by a Spanish military weapon of some sort, and that he was afterwards exposed to fire before being submerged." Kelile turned the projector off and someone turned the lights back on.
"Are there any theories as to why this attack and cover up would have taken place?" asked Njau Obasi, the Deputy Director of Intelligence.
"We have many unsubstantiated hypotheses" Kelile answered, "Right now we are working with the assumption that this is a misunderstanding that the Spanish are attempting to cover up."
"I was under the impression that there were concerns about how France figured into all of this." asked Sefu Osahar, the Deputy Director of the Walinzi Guard.
"There is some." Kelile replied, "There is concern about the sincerity of their actions since they are in bed with the Spanish"
"I move we conduct our own investigation." Betserai interjected, "Domestic Security should be able to contribute several agents and several salvage ships"
"I have fairly strict orders to support you." Obasi replied, "I will be able to invest several Intel agents and use of our knowledge for the purpose of this investigation."
"If the Spanish catch wind of this investigation..." Osahar stated, "They could very well act aggressively. I will assign twenty guard to the salvage crews in order to defend these operations."
"Excellent" Betserai replied, "So it is agreed that this investigation is going to go forward. It will need a leader. Since you know about it, we are putting you in charge of this, Agent Kelile."
Bern, Switzerland
In the early morning, the personal aircraft of Emperor Yaqob was loaded and prepared for it's next destination. As the engine of the craft began to whine and the wheels began to move, the tired Yaqob started to take a nap. Azima was not so comfortable with the situation, however. Bern had been a well guarded city owned by a founded nation. Now they were heading for a new nation who had not completely organized themselves. It seemed dangerous, to visit an unstable nation after Ethiopia had butted heads with a superpower. As the craft took to the air, the sun became visible over the horizon to the east. If only they could be flying toward the rising sun, to the lands owned by Yaqobs powerful friends in China. There would be no safer place, and it would certainly be better then Pretoria. Out the other window, the dark night sky still dominated the west, embodying the darkness that the Spanish and French lands in that distance meant for Yaqobs government.
As the Mountains of Switzerland began to disappear and the expanses of the Mediterranean approached, the small aircraft straddled in the sky the very same darkness that it's inhabitants did. The bright future of the east and the dark threat of the west continued to follow the craft as it approached the destination of all three realities.
(And here I'mma take control of Kennedy for a bit. This has all been pre-approved.)
There was a light round of applause as the members of the ASB welcomes in their newest member. Or, well. Two. "I think that this now concludes our business." Hou said with a smile, "As always, keep in touch and we'll meet again should something new arise."
The small congregation shuffled up and walked to the door, bracing for the cold. Walking over to Kennedy Cheng Chou Mihn extended a hand. "I look forward to see you and someone from Mexico." he said with a smile, "It'll be an honor. An adjustment from the norm. But an honor."
Kennedy just took his hand and shook it. "You're welcome." he added and the Vietnemese president went for the door.
The stenographer in the corner was packing up her type-writer in a leather bag. She took took a tight grip of her coat as she bundled up. The remaining security personnel made a few remarks about having to, "dig up two more chairs and a longer table."
The Luzonian president - Enrillo Jejomar - stood with Hou at the far end. Obviously discussing something in hush tones. Their conversation, un-listened to by the departing personnel went as followed:
"I think we can take Mindanao." Enrillo said, "I've spoken with my generals and they agree. The intelligence reports are positive on the matter. The nationalists are weak and too busy feuding with anyone. The island's too cut off from the world for anyone to know. At least, not immediately. If we rush in with the Philippine flag waving we'd have in a month. Two at the most."
"I understand." Hou nodded, "But has the situation been examined to the full extent? I don't want us rushing in too prematurely, or we'd potentially scramble our position there."
"I'm aware." Jejomar sighed, "General Shaoqiang feels pretty confident. If you allowed him to go in the Philippine army wouldn't need to do much but fill an auxiliary role. They could even fly the Philippine flag, and not China's for the campaign, if you fear identification."
"I don't think identification is the issue." Hou said, "It's just the speediness of this. I thought we'd at least make a move after ten-years?"
"And wait for one to become the superior? Or for the island to run dry?" Enrillo nearly gasped.
"I'll meditate on the matter." Hou said, "Speak to my commanders on it. I'll send along word when I made my decision on Shaoqiang."
"Thank you." Enrillo said.
"It's no matter."
Enrillo made for the door. Turning to Kennedy Hou said: "Best it's time to get you to sign the treaty."
In his office Hou passed along the original copy of the Treaty of Beijing. Tucked in a leather bound folder scribbles in the margins noted when, where, and the pages tacked to the back amendments had been made. In a way, it looked like something out of a college student's notebook, and less a formal document like the Constitution of the US or the Magna Carta. "It's quite clearly a document whose original form his intended to change." Hou said as he passed it along to Kennedy to add his name too. The front page was becoming the home to maybe half a dozen stamps and names in several languages.
"Under the Treaty of Beijing," Hou said as Kennedy put down his name, "You're admitted to a political union with the nation's of Asia for the pursuit of national protection and benefit. From the matter of economics to armed defense in the face of conflict and the protection of our noble endeavors abroad.
"Under this protection, all nations within the ASB will unlock their doors to your trade and passage of people. Come this April we'll hold one of two annual economic summits to go over our economic figures and adjust our inter-national trade accordingly. Exports and imports and generally set to a member state's above-needed productivity to curb excess supplies while keeping emergency stores well stocked and feeding our people. This 'trade excess' his in turn sold to member states for materials that they too are producing an excess of that you'll be in need of.
"You're permitted mercantile relations with outsiders. Although it seems to be common paranoia among us we don't openly pursue trade with non-ASB states. Comes from the belief we're in it for the benefit of all of us as a collective and not individual power."
He stopped speaking as Kennedy finished signing and passed the leather booklet over. Hou tucked it away in his desk and produced a newer-looking version of the treaty: a printed version of it in its current form (with several empty pages to spare should someone wish to copy note-sized versions of future amendments).
"We don't openly seek to out-compete with each other, and our financial and material resources are kept well inside the bloc. If Mang Zhu is right in his ravings, we'd be leaving a large hole in everyone's economics.
"Additionally, as of 1971 media outlets of all member states are permitted access to one another and may broadcast and print within those states. Again, like the economic theory they're not there to compete and are merely present to fill holes in the local news, or fill their own holes for re-distribution back home. I have a feeling the NPN and Khmer Post will be sending someone out to begin fullfilling their role in the US and Mexico, as they'll be permitted to do here.
"Per armed conflict, I only ask to conduct it with wisdom. We will grant some kind of support, but if practiced with no meditation or council sought from the rest of us we may or may not be capable of giving the best aid possible. Unless you're of the belief you can practice it yourself. Our "unreachable" zones are generally off Europe and Africa way, we've no viable launching pad into either of those regions. Europe we may if we could reach the Western Communes with any skill. But then Europe's only saved by my dis-interest in their politics. My mission is complete, I don't need to go any further than that. Leave it to another Grand Secretary.
"And as said earlier, travel between our nations is permissible under this. And our own passports will be amended to list the inclusion of travel into the US and its territories and Canada. Good luck comrade."
"Oh, but I did, Mr. Fitzroy. I hate to use such ugly, blunt wording, but yes... I am suggesting an assassination of Yaqob. After all, what is the life of some backwards African king in the grand scheme of the world? I will entrust my own forces to the realization of this goal. I only expect French support of Sahle's reinstallation once the time comes."
"As for the Russian situation, I am pleased we could come to such a simple agreement. Spanish forces will arrive in the Russian Republic by mid-January, regardless of whether or not they are welcome in the country. From there, French and Spanish forces within Russian territories will coordinate surgical strikes against Siberian, North Finnish, and or the forces of the Western Communes depending on the situation at that time."
"Well, Mr. Fitzroy, I believe I have nothing left to bring to the table. If you have nothing left to mention or clarify, I believe we can adjourn this meeting."
Niger Delta, Ivory Coast
Adrian Collaer's small fishbowl helicopter circled a few thousand feet over a small flotilla of Compania Petrolera Espanola freighters anchored beyond the silty spits and muddy fluvial deposits of the mighty Niger River. The Belgian national's eyes scanned the mouth of the river as its surface scintillated in the late morning sun. It wasn't long before he found exactly what he was looking for.
"There!" Collaer yelled to the pilot over the roaring propellers above him. "That's what we're here for! You see that faint sheen on the water reflecting in the sunlight!? That's an oil seep from upstream!
"Do you want me to fly in for a closer look?!"
"No! We'll just mark it on the map! We need to keep an eye out for more of them! Trust me, they're more of them around!"
The southern outpost had gone strangely silent over the last several hours. Since the rising of the sun the flow of volunteers had stopped, as did the refugees funneling through to get a bite before heading out. Captain Rajd stood on the island in the middle of the garden staring up into the sky. A radio operator sat on the grass talking into a radio.
"The helicopters Jaipur sent are just passing through the northern part of the city." he said, "I've told him our situation and they're detaching ten to our position to check out things."
Captain Rajd nodded. "You think it's the Persians?" he said, "I heard there were some Persians coming north. I thought they'd be a day out by now."
"I suspect so." the radio operator said, putting down the mic, "Orders for us?"
"Buckle down." the captain said, "We've got a thousand armed men in this sector. I want them called back to the lake.Take positions in the southern theater and the trees. I don't know what's going to happen but I don't like the feel of this. We'll let the choppers check it out and clean out some of the mess."
"Yes sir. And the volunteers trapped here?"
"Give them something to fight with and conscript them to the ranks. How many we got here?"
"Just about five-hundred sir."
"They'll need to do."
"Word on high!" a sergeant bellowed, "Set up positions! Aashit, set that gun up there behind the truck. I want that street to become a sheet of lead if someone moves down it."
With the word from Rajd the men under him began setting up their defenses. Guns were set up on the southern-facing roads. the defenses would be updated when word from the helicopters reached them and they could adjust accordingly.
"What's our retreat plan?" a volunteer asked.
"We break through what they got and head north and meet up with one of the divisions around the Darwajas."
Ahmedabad, Helicopters
A loosely flying flock of Láng helicopters thudded over the northern sector of the city. Passing over the airstrip one of the pilots said, "At least we have somewhere to land."
"Hopefully to land." the wing commander said, "This is where we break off comrades. Should all go well we'll be back in Lhasa."
"I'd settle for Jaipur."
"None-the-less." the leading officer said, "I'll take my birds to the Darwajas. Hu, you're going to the southern part of the city and check out the situation that we were reported on."
"Yes sir."
The two flight split apart with a wing going to their predetermined destinations. Ten each. The group under Hu passed over the UFI-controlled industrial sector of the city. In the middle of town rising columns of smoke from the center of town marked where the UFI clashed with the remaining resistance. The jewel of the city now being stained.
The group under Hu's command arrived at the Delhi gate and began the process of patrolling the interior. Shooting at any resistance forces out in the open enough to be be caught by the machine-guns mounted on either side of the choppers.
Several minutes into Hu's flight and he and his men passed over Kankaria. Gaining ample altitude the officer radio'd in his report on the situation: "From up here it looks like the resistance of those rumored Persians have set up barricades around your position." he said into their radio channel, "I see built of cars and all kinds of things. If you have any plans of escape then exercise caution."
"Thank you." Rajd said in his thick Indian accent, "Now go and see where they're coming from."
"This is Manmohan," another speaker said, "From the Delhi gate. We've received your superior's birds. But if we're going to have issues in the south see about clearing them up if you can, or locating them."
"Copy that." Hu said, looking out to the distance, "Going to check out that other lake. If they have guns they'll be there."
"Exercise caution." snapped Hu's officer.
Nodding only to himself Hu turned his helicopter around and led his men to the south-west towards Chandola.
Srinigar
A small team of Chinese IB agents sat hunched over on the top of the mountain. Below them the city of Srinigar stretched before them, nestled between two large mountains. "Change of plans for us here comrades." one said, "We're reporting back after we figured out this city."
"Yes sir."
"From what intelligence suggests **** started here. I imagine whatever group started it is based around the city." standing up and lighting a cigarette and lighting he sighed. "If at all possible find them and prevent them from working with the outside. I'd hate for us to have to storm through these mountains."
" If all that is needed is vocal support for Sahle's reinstallation, then you will have it -- so long as it is done cleanly. I couldn't possibly support Spain with undeniable rumors of Yaqob's blood in Spanish hands floating around. " Fitzroy explained, " The Russian situation seems agreeable, though. I've yet to authorize the deployment of forces, so there's a chance French forces will arrive after your own. I will however try my best to make sure they get there at around the same time. "
" And, of course. It seems we've covered most of what is important at this time. " Fitzroy said, standing up, " It has been a pleasure, Mr Sotelo. I'll keep in contact. "
With that, Fitzroy said his farewells, shook Sotelo's hand, and left the meeting with his entourage of body guards, who had been waiting patiently just outside of the meeting room.
AFP News- Ivory Coast
Two French soldiers are dead after an unexpected attack on a small French Army garrison in the northern Bas-Sassandra region of Ivory Coast. The French Army garrison came under brief mortar fire from west of their position. Two mortar shells are reported to have struck inside of the base, causing no significant structural damage but taking the lives of two French soldiers. A third mortar shell struck off target near a small village, no deaths or injuries were reported. Insurgents against the Spanish, French and English interim governments are the prime suspects in this attack, though speculation points to the possibility of a Liberian supported insurgency beginning to work its way into the country. In response to the attack, the French Army has doubled their efforts to secure the southwestern regions of the country in an attempt to stomp out whatever insurgencies remain in the area.
The recent attack may be reason enough for the French Army to remain in the country for an extended period. When asked about a scheduled end to the occupation, a French officer responded with " There is no scheduled end. Our orders are to create a safe environment for the people of Ivory Coast until a stable government is established. With the increase in violence, it's likely our mission here will change, and our stay will be extended. "
((I got lazy and threw in a shitty news article instead of actually playing through it. My next post will be about the glorious idea I mentioned a while back.))
Captain Gang Gouji strolled into the room. He had long changed out of the garish white-suit he had worn over-the-course of his trip of Africa more or less and now wore his familiar black IB uniform. "Good afternoon comrade." a superior officer smiled as Gang took his seat, "You'r companions were already debriefed on the mission. I imagine it went well."
"We got in and we got out." Gang groaned, "Although no diamonds."
"Yes, we know." sighed the officer, "Things changed faster than we originally anticipated. Although the formation of Yaqob's new government gives us an easier chance to get those rocks."
Gang nodded, "So, what do I need to say?"
"Well your companions have already filled us in on the course of the mission up to your arrival of Addis Abada. After which I'm under the impression that things got rather boring. Am I correct."
Gang nodded disinterestedly, picking at the sole of his boot.
"However we were also informed that you may have taken a job with the Ethiopian government." the officer said with a low sigh. He pulled up a seat and sat across from Gang. His expression like that of a worried or despondent parent.
Gang merely looked into the officers eyes and said: "just a bit of espionage for them in Arabia."
The officer twirled his hand, motioning him to continued, "What for? The missions seemed rather brief for spying. We'd have you there for a year at the least."
"They wanted me to check on the Najidian military and how much of a threat they posed." Gang lied, "I concluded that they're still not at a level capable of taking them on and are weak and dis-organized. They're getting little to no external support based on the weapons they have. It's all much to dated."
It was a fib but Gang could only hope his officer didn't catch it. To any Chinese though it would have been easily believable. But dealing with the IB was a different matter. Even trained Gang had to fight to keep his face flat throughout.
The officer nodded and licked at his lips. "That so?"
"Yes sir."
"You didn't have anything to do with the death of that Arab nationalist?"
"No." Gang said trying not to hesitate.
The officer nodded, "Would you mind having a second debriefing tomorrow?" he asked.
The wheels of the Emperors plane gripped the tarmac of the South African airport with a squeal, informing it's occupants that they had returned to the ground. Yaqob gathered a collection of papers and maps of Africa, some of which had lines drawn on them and words scribbled across them. His arrival in New Africa was not just to congratulate the New Africans on their achievement, but to present them with a gift and a proposition. If Africa was going to survive in the modern world, it would have to work together to thwart those who would see it re-enslaved.
Azima, the young captain of the guard, came up behind the Emperor as he prepared to exit the plane.
"I've sent some men out ahead to secure the landing site" she said, hiding her apprehension.
"That's fine" Yaqob replied, placing the paperwork in the suitcase of an assistant. "If it makes you feel better."
"So what's next?" Azima replied.
Yaqob grinned. "Let's meet the new kids."
((Aaaand Irish, you can do whatever Godmodding you need to do to get this meeting up and running))
Spirit of Zanzibar Wreck, Mediterranean Sea
Even as the Ethiopian investigation began to mobilize hundreds of miles away, Agent Zola continued to stay in the company of the French investigation in order to avoid looking suspicious. As the French vessel sailed toward the wreck it had been investigating over the weeks, Agent Zola napped on a lounge chair on the deck of the vessel, a cigarette dangling loosely from his mouth and his hat covering his eyes. As the Ethiopian agent rested, one of the French sailors approached him.
"Monsieur?"
"Uhm,,," Zola grunted, "What is it?"
"We are coming up on ze wreck."
"Ouhh" Zola stretched and sat up. "Good. Anything changed?"
"No, Monsieur." the French Sailor replied, "The dead remain dead."
"That's good" Zola answered, standing up and stretching again. "I don't like surprises."
Colonel Teshome's Report On Special Legions
From The Desk The Legion Liaison General, Colonel Goliad Teshome
Subject: Legions Entering The Military As Special Forces
When I accepted this desk, I was made aware of several Legion Militias that wished to enter the military under a special forces designation. Upon investigating these requests, I found that these organizations were primarily founded and led by veteran officers, and included in their number large amounts of veterans, many of whom would qualify for already existing special forces designations such as the Walinzi Guard. Several of these Legions, particularly the Oromo Legion, the Tigray Legion, and the Amhara Legion, are in my opinion suitable candidates for their own Special Forces designations.
These organizations request access to special arms and training, which these three certainly could handle. I personally recommend they be given access to Walinzi training programs, Aerial infantry training, and Naval combat training. I also recommend that the military look into creating new complex training programs. It is my opinion that doing so will not only benefit these legions, but will allow us to improve our training methods in general and allow for the creation of an increasingly modern Ethiopian military.
University of Addis Ababa
Shuffling quickly down the university halls, a flustered graduate student rushed through the university with a disorganized stack of papers under his arm. Checking his watch, he could tell he was going to be several minutes late, and that never looked good. Especially when the dean was one of the men waiting for you.
Finally reaching the the destination he was looking for, the young graduate student burst through the doors of a conference room, gaining the attention of a small panel of distinguished men, several of them looking at their own watches to confirm to themselves that this man was indeed late.
"Did you get lost?" one of the men, a professor, asked.
"The clock in the lunchroom is five minutes slow" the man answered.
"I suppose we should get started then." one of the professors replied.
"Ok. I can do that right now." the man said, handing out several papers to each of the men on the panel. "I am Adom Adroa, a graduate student in the Astronomy department. For the past two years I have been working on an astronomical photography method that I trust will interest this committee."
"Honored faculty" Adroa continued, composing himself. "Professor Mandonda, Professor Lesesi, Professor Onuwachi, Dean Gathee... what I propose is this." Adroa grabbed a piece of chalk and began to draw up his plans on a blackboard at the back of the room.
"We have, from our observatories across the world, caught glimpses of most of our planets in their full glory." Adroa continued, "Yet, in a cruel irony of sorts, we have never gained a photograph of the closest planet to us. Earth."
"We have plenty of photographs of earth." one of the professors replied, "Most photographs ever taken are of earth."
"Small bits of earth." Adroa retorted "A photograph of a grain of sand does not compare to a photograph of the beach it was retrieved from."
"Go on" the professor conceded.
"What I feel I have is a plan that will allow us to gain just that." Adroa continued, "A photograph of the earth from space."
"Impossible" one of the professors replied, "We would need a spacecraft... I don't think Spain or China is yet capable of that, we certainly couldn't come close."
"Perhaps in the comfort of their mechanical and industrial know-how" Adroa answered, "They have became blind to simpler methods to achieve the same results."
"Simple methods to take photographs from space?" one of the professors replied, "You know what that means? It hasn't been done before."
"Exactly" Adroa replied, "But I know how it can be done."
Adroa began to draw the image of the space vessel he had in mind as he described it. "If you take a weather balloon... assure it's strength in low pressure situations by enforcing it... attach it to a camera, which you wrap in insulative material to protect it... set the camera up to a mechanism that makes it take photographs every, say, five minutes... and connect it to a radio tracking device..."
Once finished, an image on the board of a balloon attached to a camera appeared, with the object floating in the upper atmosphere.
"Once it reaches a certain height, low pressure situations will make the balloon explode, causing the camera to fall back to earth." Adroa explained, "A radio tracking device will allow us to find this camera and collect the film. Any questions."
"This seems rather simple." the Dean replied, "How much would it cost."
"If the entire project goes over two thousand birr, I would be suprised." Adroa replied.
"We'll let you pursue it then." The Dean replied, "But if it begans to look like a waste of time, we will pull the plug early."
"Thank you" Adroa smiled, "You will not be disappointed."
As Yaqop stepped out of the plane, he and his entourage were escorted to a special airport exit used by security to get out of the building without having to go through the mess of people coming from plains, which recently was a bit smaller. Once out of the airport, a limo was pulled up for them. The drive was small to the Union Buildings, about 10 minutes. In the limo, the driver leaned back to Yaqob during a red light.
"The view from the Union Buildings at sunset is very beautiful, you are lucky you arrived at this time."
And when they got to the Union Buildings, it was true. The sun was setting, and streaks of orange and red went across the usually blue sky. As the limo pulled up to the Union Buildings, Yaqop was greeted by President Cody, and surrounded by a small group of men, entered the Union Buildings left wing, where the meeting place was. It was nicely furnished, comfy chairs surrounding a glass table with maps of the world and paintings of famous artists on the walls.
"Welcome to New Africa, Emperor. I have been deep in thought about what this meeting could be about. Does it have anything to do with those crazy Europeans?"
"On December Eleventh 1976 this congress will come to order." Wen Xiogang said over the chatter, bringing congress to silent attention. He looked about the room, all faces turned to him. Satisfied he continued: "We have with us professor Fu Winho from the South China Agricultural University who will present to us a plan previously brought to our attention by Minister Zhang Auyi concerning our southern farmland. You will all abide his presence.
"Professor, you have the floor."
Dressed in a stiff suit Professor Winho bowed. "Gentelmen of the Congress me and my team has conducted heavy research on the soil of our southern provinces to seek the reason why agricultural gains have been lacking in the region for the passed several year. As brought to me by Zhang Auyi and Puyi before, the output of our farmlands have been behind their targeted estimation. Considering their size and new level of modernization they should be producing far more crops.
"However, they have not.
"Students and myself have recently closed up soil inspections and have concluded that in comparison to northern and less farmed soils the nutrient values and conditions are below what we desire for full-yield. We have surveyed thousands of hectares of crop land and virgin soils in the north and west to establish a comparison to use.
"And it is shocking.
"From heavy farming in the last decades, or even centuries, the nutrient value in our Earth is far lower than the soils of less farmed regions in China. It is lacking in natural nitrates and phosphate. As we have discovered in our interviews with local farmers that many get by on subsidized or give-away manure to feed their crops and boost the nutrients in the soil for that year's harvest to meet quotas.
"In addition, the heavy industrialization regions like Quizhou are under have been introducing leeching industrial chemicals into the soil. In some areas, the mercury and lead concentrations in the soil is monstrous. It is impossible for some crops to grow in these conditions, and dangerous to consume more still that grow in these soils.
"We are facing not just an agricultural issue, but an environmental issue that needs to be resolved to raise quotas and return the health of our soil.
"We have conducted heavy research into alternative crops that may be produced in the more leached soils at least. And it's me and my team's opinion that the cultivation of legumes like soy and peanuts will not only stop leaching the soil, but in the long term allow us to farm crops like wheat and barley again in those fields. It is the nature of these plants to produce their own nutrients, and can over time return nutrients to the soil in which they grow.
"In addition to the cultivation of alternate crops I suggest the national implementation of alternate farming techniques to help cut nutrient loss by wind or water erosion. There are regions as high-risk over erosion by the air or water.
"And where we also have under nutrition we have over-nutrition. Improper buffering from certain practices, such as fertilizer production or cattle ranches can introduce an over abundance of nutrients that will encourage the growth of competitive weeds that will hinder growth.
"We will need to conduct large-scale cleanups of the contaminated soil. Which will demand - if we are to do this - massive scale relocation of farmers from the south to cleaner soils in the north.
"The scale of my suggestions as well as the full extent of our research is in the report that you will all find on your desks. I urge you all to read through them and deliberate over it all. And I plead, for the good of China and the agricultural community you consider."
"Thank you Fu Winho." Wen Xiogang said from behind him, "Congress will now pass into brief recess and will enter debate. If Comrade Winho wishes to advance his case later I extend the invitation to invite the local farmers he interviewed to these halls and present their situation to us."
(It's all fine and dandy, but there's a lot of canonical conflict in there.
For a start, there was non World War 2 in this universe. Instead the First World War - The Great War in this universe - dragged on for eleven years as opposed to the old four years. In addition, the English government went into complete anarchy and didn't recover until the 1960's when some chap named Drake came to power and took over the entire English Isles.
Politics in Britain has been dramatically changed. I thought I brought that up in PMs...)
(( Whaa? In my personal opinion, the application is fine aside from the obvious mistakes. That being that WWII never happened, and that it's already canon that the UK fell into anarchy and the monarchy was demolished (which is worth noting). ))
(No. World War two never happened and has yet to happen, as well as everything from it.
As Hug said, read through the OP. It'll lay down the general canon so far. Although England's mess isn't up there, and I've no room to fit it anyways. But the Anarchic period is pretty much accepted canon now.
" The matter of Africa will need to be handled with care. Provocation, or any sudden deployment of troops would surely raise suspesion, and let us not forget that Ethiopia is a member of the UND that would surely be backed in the event of conflict. Not to mention the newly formed Socialist 'New Africa', if I recall correctly. Although I don't see them as any sort of threat to us, they are Ethiopian supporters nontheless. Assuming your plan doesn't involve direct military action, I'd suggest Ivory Coast as a springboard into Ethiopia for the Spanish, and Madagascar for the French. "
" I am, of course, assuming you didn't just suggest assassination. " Fitzroy added.
" As for the situation in Russia; You can expect French support. And, although the situation there is just as fragile as Africa's, I'd be willing to take more direct action. I would even suggest putting the pressure on Radek immediately. Radek itself is no real threat, and if we can keep the Chinese and Siberians from interfering, it'd be an easy target. "
UND
The Swedish representative responded, "Non-interference can wait this time, these our our neighbours that are being oppressed. As for the crimes we can prove several hundred counts of murder, torture, and we believe that there was possible espionage into Sweden, that however is unconfirmed. For the crimes we expect but cannot verify we believe terrible conditions in prisons leading to prisoners deaths, suppression of all rights of speech and simply brain washing people into the beliefs of the nation. Furthermore we believe that Norway is in threat of civil war, riots and assassination attempts are rampant, without immediate action millions will suffer, thousands will die."
Baltic Conference
The Swedish representative responded, "Are you seriously considering denying an offer of help and many times the aid you are receiving to simply keep Danish gunboats and supplies in your harbour? We are merely proposing aid for a promise of not seeking militarization."
"I am saying I would much prefer Chinese aid," Radek said, "But as that has its issues I can not relay on it certainly. And I'd much rather the presence of fellow northerners and not, say, the Republicans.
"If you will extend this offer, and finally recognize our independence. Then how can I deny this gift?"
The Dariyapur Darwaja
UFI forces passed under the ancient still-standing gate. Hauling carts of the wounded and supplies out of the combat zone on the other-side. Inside, the conditions were unreliable as UFI foot-soldiers darted from empty building to empty building tearing at the occupiers within.
Barriers had been erected on the secondary roads leading into the fort that long ago stood here. A barrier of abandoned trucks set up to contain. Without proper gear it would be unlikely these toppled trucks and mines would disappear at any point. The hallowed sounds of gun-fire echoed in the afternoon.
"I need a report from Jaipur." a field officer said, "What are the cables saying?"
"They've dispatched a handful of combat helicopters to harass the court-house." a local loyalist said, "They'll be here early in the morning."
"Excellent." the officer said, "Just continue starving them out."
Kankaria Lake
Being somewhat on the fringe of the combat, the UFI detachment at the Kankaria Lake was largely centered on keeping watch of the south of the city, and keeping a check on people coming in and answering questions. When inquired on if they seek the destruction of India an officer responded: "If we did, we would have set all of it on fire. We are Hindus, much as you. Our only wish of destruction is on the elimination of those factions that destroyed the government, those abusive officials and military persons who shot themselves in the foot after carrying us to Najd to die."
My DeviantArt, so sexy
The Swedish representative responded, "Well that is indeed the offer Sweden is offering, recognition of independence and unhindered aid align with trade in exchange for not seeking weapons and allowing inspections to insure no weapons that are not Chinese as they are certified under the Moscow Treaty enter the ports of the Western Communes. However other nations here may have different views, this is open to change.
"Apart from our farming of wheat and other cereal crops I'm afraid we are lacking at the moment in proper trade goods." Radek said, "So unless all of Russia is under us, or something changes than I would be at a certain debt. Thus far I am concerned more with the provisions of my people. Come spring harvest I will need to return to you on return supplies.
"We will also need to be doing some research on northern Volgda. Since our claim of Severodvinsk and Arkhalengisk I would consider all of that norther shore from there to the northern Ural my own. Those fools have no other way to get north, it's wilderness."
My DeviantArt, so sexy
The representative waited while the others spoke, but he decided it was time to speak. "The simple fact of the matter is, Denmark will aid Radek as we please. No one has the authority to stop us, so we shall continue to act however we want, and send food and other supplies to the Western Communes." He spoke, waiting for a reaction.
Radek nodded and ran his fingers through his long beard, waiting.
"As a second thought to trade," he added, seeming to remember something, "Saint Petersburg itself does have the facilities to produce a few things for you. Electronics, hospital gear, ships. Provided you supply the resources, and maybe pay a bit for it I can see to it we can supply a few manufacturing goods.
"So long as it's recognized your corporations are merely renting them out. I am the land-lord here.
"Everything else we need to be given a few months to get settled out. Timber production and anything you may or may not need."
China
"To the Imperial Government of Ethiopia, Yaqob Yohannes and Taytu Yohannes (OOC: Taytu is the one running foreign affairs, right?)
Our office will be honored to re-open trading operations with Ethiopia again. A representative will be dispatched as quickly as possible to being the process of re-opening the previous relationship we have enjoyed since your father. It will be an honor.
From,
Daen Hong
Hou Sai Tang"
My DeviantArt, so sexy
"As you could imagine, we have reservations about this action" Ambassador Sisi stated, responding to the Swedish proposal. "Should it be this councils wish, Ethiopia will be willing to dedicate a regiment to UND actions in Scandinavia, but I strongly recommend an investigation into the matter before any actions are taken."
"It would be a shame, after all, if this committee began to aid in the very thing in was committed to stop."
Walinzi Headquarters, Addis Ababa
The evidence that Agent Tau had managed to gather from the wreckage of the Spirit of Zanzibar had made it safely to the headquarters of the Ethiopian Walinzi, where Agent Kelile had presented it. The office had taken enough interest in it to call a meeting of the Walinzi division heads, who would discuss what they would be willing to offer to the further investigation of the ship. Agent Kelile now found himself on the hot seat, with a conference table lined with his superiors paying attention to him intently. Men in suits continued to pour into the room as the discussion about what secrets the Spirit of Zanzibar still held continued through whispers and personal conversation. As the clock struck nine the Deputy Director of the Domestic Security division, Joost Betserai, called the meeting to order.
"If all parties will just settle down, we will get this meeting started. I'm sure we're all interested in getting this squared away before lunch" Betserai grinned, inspiring a few chuckles. "As most of us are already aware, the French invited us to investigate an incident that involved the sinking of an Ethiopian freighter in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. This incident also came to us through the Spanish press, which reported it to be an arrest gone wrong. Agents Tau Zola and Munyiga Kelile, who were assigned to the case, have since found disturbing information that could suggest foul play. Agent Zola is still in the Mediterranean doing field work, but Agent Kelile is here and wishes to present evidence that could warrant a larger investigation. Agent Kelile, you have the floor"
"Thank your Deputy Director" Kelile answered, standing up and flipping on a projector, "Can someone get the lights?"
As the room darkened, light shown from the projector and lit a large square on the wall. "Agent Zola and myself started this investigation by looking into information regarding the Spirit of Zanzibar. Though we found little of interest from this initial investigation, looking further into the matter we found a surviving crew member by the name of Robert Letsha. Mr. Letsha had been the first mate on the Spirit of Zanzibar until he got a shore side job several months before the incident. According to Mr. Letsha, the captain of the Spirit had a tendency toward taking money on the side to transport fugitives. This fit the Spanish story and I wasn't too concerned about it, but Mr. Letsha was convinced that the Spanish story was a lie based on his opinions regarding the physics of explosions."
"None the same" Kelile continued, "This was evidence of nothing. Agent Zola went to France in order to continue the investigation, where we reached the first twist in the case. A French survivor of the incident was found and told a story about the Spanish attacking and killing the crew members and French authorities on the ship. Agent Zola responded by getting a hold of a French dive crew and exploring the wreck, where he found this..."
Agent Kelile pressed a button on the Projector, causing an image of the mangled body Zola had pulled from the sea to appear on the wall. "Further study of the body showed that this man died of bullet wounds." Kelile flipped through several similar pictures of the body until they got to a picture of a bullet fragment. "This was extracted by Agent Zola at the scene and later confirmed to be of Spanish production. Our autopsy found more bullet fragments, also Spanish. From this evidence, we can piece together that this man was indeed killed by a Spanish military weapon of some sort, and that he was afterwards exposed to fire before being submerged." Kelile turned the projector off and someone turned the lights back on.
"Are there any theories as to why this attack and cover up would have taken place?" asked Njau Obasi, the Deputy Director of Intelligence.
"We have many unsubstantiated hypotheses" Kelile answered, "Right now we are working with the assumption that this is a misunderstanding that the Spanish are attempting to cover up."
"I was under the impression that there were concerns about how France figured into all of this." asked Sefu Osahar, the Deputy Director of the Walinzi Guard.
"There is some." Kelile replied, "There is concern about the sincerity of their actions since they are in bed with the Spanish"
"I move we conduct our own investigation." Betserai interjected, "Domestic Security should be able to contribute several agents and several salvage ships"
"I have fairly strict orders to support you." Obasi replied, "I will be able to invest several Intel agents and use of our knowledge for the purpose of this investigation."
"If the Spanish catch wind of this investigation..." Osahar stated, "They could very well act aggressively. I will assign twenty guard to the salvage crews in order to defend these operations."
"Excellent" Betserai replied, "So it is agreed that this investigation is going to go forward. It will need a leader. Since you know about it, we are putting you in charge of this, Agent Kelile."
Bern, Switzerland
In the early morning, the personal aircraft of Emperor Yaqob was loaded and prepared for it's next destination. As the engine of the craft began to whine and the wheels began to move, the tired Yaqob started to take a nap. Azima was not so comfortable with the situation, however. Bern had been a well guarded city owned by a founded nation. Now they were heading for a new nation who had not completely organized themselves. It seemed dangerous, to visit an unstable nation after Ethiopia had butted heads with a superpower. As the craft took to the air, the sun became visible over the horizon to the east. If only they could be flying toward the rising sun, to the lands owned by Yaqobs powerful friends in China. There would be no safer place, and it would certainly be better then Pretoria. Out the other window, the dark night sky still dominated the west, embodying the darkness that the Spanish and French lands in that distance meant for Yaqobs government.
As the Mountains of Switzerland began to disappear and the expanses of the Mediterranean approached, the small aircraft straddled in the sky the very same darkness that it's inhabitants did. The bright future of the east and the dark threat of the west continued to follow the craft as it approached the destination of all three realities.
Africa.
(And here I'mma take control of Kennedy for a bit. This has all been pre-approved.)
There was a light round of applause as the members of the ASB welcomes in their newest member. Or, well. Two. "I think that this now concludes our business." Hou said with a smile, "As always, keep in touch and we'll meet again should something new arise."
The small congregation shuffled up and walked to the door, bracing for the cold. Walking over to Kennedy Cheng Chou Mihn extended a hand. "I look forward to see you and someone from Mexico." he said with a smile, "It'll be an honor. An adjustment from the norm. But an honor."
Kennedy just took his hand and shook it. "You're welcome." he added and the Vietnemese president went for the door.
The stenographer in the corner was packing up her type-writer in a leather bag. She took took a tight grip of her coat as she bundled up. The remaining security personnel made a few remarks about having to, "dig up two more chairs and a longer table."
The Luzonian president - Enrillo Jejomar - stood with Hou at the far end. Obviously discussing something in hush tones. Their conversation, un-listened to by the departing personnel went as followed:
"I think we can take Mindanao." Enrillo said, "I've spoken with my generals and they agree. The intelligence reports are positive on the matter. The nationalists are weak and too busy feuding with anyone. The island's too cut off from the world for anyone to know. At least, not immediately. If we rush in with the Philippine flag waving we'd have in a month. Two at the most."
"I understand." Hou nodded, "But has the situation been examined to the full extent? I don't want us rushing in too prematurely, or we'd potentially scramble our position there."
"I'm aware." Jejomar sighed, "General Shaoqiang feels pretty confident. If you allowed him to go in the Philippine army wouldn't need to do much but fill an auxiliary role. They could even fly the Philippine flag, and not China's for the campaign, if you fear identification."
"I don't think identification is the issue." Hou said, "It's just the speediness of this. I thought we'd at least make a move after ten-years?"
"And wait for one to become the superior? Or for the island to run dry?" Enrillo nearly gasped.
"I'll meditate on the matter." Hou said, "Speak to my commanders on it. I'll send along word when I made my decision on Shaoqiang."
"Thank you." Enrillo said.
"It's no matter."
Enrillo made for the door. Turning to Kennedy Hou said: "Best it's time to get you to sign the treaty."
In his office Hou passed along the original copy of the Treaty of Beijing. Tucked in a leather bound folder scribbles in the margins noted when, where, and the pages tacked to the back amendments had been made. In a way, it looked like something out of a college student's notebook, and less a formal document like the Constitution of the US or the Magna Carta. "It's quite clearly a document whose original form his intended to change." Hou said as he passed it along to Kennedy to add his name too. The front page was becoming the home to maybe half a dozen stamps and names in several languages.
"Under the Treaty of Beijing," Hou said as Kennedy put down his name, "You're admitted to a political union with the nation's of Asia for the pursuit of national protection and benefit. From the matter of economics to armed defense in the face of conflict and the protection of our noble endeavors abroad.
"Under this protection, all nations within the ASB will unlock their doors to your trade and passage of people. Come this April we'll hold one of two annual economic summits to go over our economic figures and adjust our inter-national trade accordingly. Exports and imports and generally set to a member state's above-needed productivity to curb excess supplies while keeping emergency stores well stocked and feeding our people. This 'trade excess' his in turn sold to member states for materials that they too are producing an excess of that you'll be in need of.
"You're permitted mercantile relations with outsiders. Although it seems to be common paranoia among us we don't openly pursue trade with non-ASB states. Comes from the belief we're in it for the benefit of all of us as a collective and not individual power."
He stopped speaking as Kennedy finished signing and passed the leather booklet over. Hou tucked it away in his desk and produced a newer-looking version of the treaty: a printed version of it in its current form (with several empty pages to spare should someone wish to copy note-sized versions of future amendments).
"We don't openly seek to out-compete with each other, and our financial and material resources are kept well inside the bloc. If Mang Zhu is right in his ravings, we'd be leaving a large hole in everyone's economics.
"Additionally, as of 1971 media outlets of all member states are permitted access to one another and may broadcast and print within those states. Again, like the economic theory they're not there to compete and are merely present to fill holes in the local news, or fill their own holes for re-distribution back home. I have a feeling the NPN and Khmer Post will be sending someone out to begin fullfilling their role in the US and Mexico, as they'll be permitted to do here.
"Per armed conflict, I only ask to conduct it with wisdom. We will grant some kind of support, but if practiced with no meditation or council sought from the rest of us we may or may not be capable of giving the best aid possible. Unless you're of the belief you can practice it yourself. Our "unreachable" zones are generally off Europe and Africa way, we've no viable launching pad into either of those regions. Europe we may if we could reach the Western Communes with any skill. But then Europe's only saved by my dis-interest in their politics. My mission is complete, I don't need to go any further than that. Leave it to another Grand Secretary.
"And as said earlier, travel between our nations is permissible under this. And our own passports will be amended to list the inclusion of travel into the US and its territories and Canada. Good luck comrade."
My DeviantArt, so sexy
"Oh, but I did, Mr. Fitzroy. I hate to use such ugly, blunt wording, but yes... I am suggesting an assassination of Yaqob. After all, what is the life of some backwards African king in the grand scheme of the world? I will entrust my own forces to the realization of this goal. I only expect French support of Sahle's reinstallation once the time comes."
"As for the Russian situation, I am pleased we could come to such a simple agreement. Spanish forces will arrive in the Russian Republic by mid-January, regardless of whether or not they are welcome in the country. From there, French and Spanish forces within Russian territories will coordinate surgical strikes against Siberian, North Finnish, and or the forces of the Western Communes depending on the situation at that time."
"Well, Mr. Fitzroy, I believe I have nothing left to bring to the table. If you have nothing left to mention or clarify, I believe we can adjourn this meeting."
Niger Delta, Ivory Coast
Adrian Collaer's small fishbowl helicopter circled a few thousand feet over a small flotilla of Compania Petrolera Espanola freighters anchored beyond the silty spits and muddy fluvial deposits of the mighty Niger River. The Belgian national's eyes scanned the mouth of the river as its surface scintillated in the late morning sun. It wasn't long before he found exactly what he was looking for.
"There!" Collaer yelled to the pilot over the roaring propellers above him. "That's what we're here for! You see that faint sheen on the water reflecting in the sunlight!? That's an oil seep from upstream!
"Do you want me to fly in for a closer look?!"
"No! We'll just mark it on the map! We need to keep an eye out for more of them! Trust me, they're more of them around!"
The southern outpost had gone strangely silent over the last several hours. Since the rising of the sun the flow of volunteers had stopped, as did the refugees funneling through to get a bite before heading out. Captain Rajd stood on the island in the middle of the garden staring up into the sky. A radio operator sat on the grass talking into a radio.
"The helicopters Jaipur sent are just passing through the northern part of the city." he said, "I've told him our situation and they're detaching ten to our position to check out things."
Captain Rajd nodded. "You think it's the Persians?" he said, "I heard there were some Persians coming north. I thought they'd be a day out by now."
"I suspect so." the radio operator said, putting down the mic, "Orders for us?"
"Buckle down." the captain said, "We've got a thousand armed men in this sector. I want them called back to the lake.Take positions in the southern theater and the trees. I don't know what's going to happen but I don't like the feel of this. We'll let the choppers check it out and clean out some of the mess."
"Yes sir. And the volunteers trapped here?"
"Give them something to fight with and conscript them to the ranks. How many we got here?"
"Just about five-hundred sir."
"They'll need to do."
"Word on high!" a sergeant bellowed, "Set up positions! Aashit, set that gun up there behind the truck. I want that street to become a sheet of lead if someone moves down it."
With the word from Rajd the men under him began setting up their defenses. Guns were set up on the southern-facing roads. the defenses would be updated when word from the helicopters reached them and they could adjust accordingly.
"What's our retreat plan?" a volunteer asked.
"We break through what they got and head north and meet up with one of the divisions around the Darwajas."
Ahmedabad, Helicopters
A loosely flying flock of Láng helicopters thudded over the northern sector of the city. Passing over the airstrip one of the pilots said, "At least we have somewhere to land."
"Hopefully to land." the wing commander said, "This is where we break off comrades. Should all go well we'll be back in Lhasa."
"I'd settle for Jaipur."
"None-the-less." the leading officer said, "I'll take my birds to the Darwajas. Hu, you're going to the southern part of the city and check out the situation that we were reported on."
"Yes sir."
The two flight split apart with a wing going to their predetermined destinations. Ten each. The group under Hu passed over the UFI-controlled industrial sector of the city. In the middle of town rising columns of smoke from the center of town marked where the UFI clashed with the remaining resistance. The jewel of the city now being stained.
The group under Hu's command arrived at the Delhi gate and began the process of patrolling the interior. Shooting at any resistance forces out in the open enough to be be caught by the machine-guns mounted on either side of the choppers.
Several minutes into Hu's flight and he and his men passed over Kankaria. Gaining ample altitude the officer radio'd in his report on the situation: "From up here it looks like the resistance of those rumored Persians have set up barricades around your position." he said into their radio channel, "I see built of cars and all kinds of things. If you have any plans of escape then exercise caution."
"Thank you." Rajd said in his thick Indian accent, "Now go and see where they're coming from."
"This is Manmohan," another speaker said, "From the Delhi gate. We've received your superior's birds. But if we're going to have issues in the south see about clearing them up if you can, or locating them."
"Copy that." Hu said, looking out to the distance, "Going to check out that other lake. If they have guns they'll be there."
"Exercise caution." snapped Hu's officer.
Nodding only to himself Hu turned his helicopter around and led his men to the south-west towards Chandola.
Srinigar
A small team of Chinese IB agents sat hunched over on the top of the mountain. Below them the city of Srinigar stretched before them, nestled between two large mountains. "Change of plans for us here comrades." one said, "We're reporting back after we figured out this city."
"Yes sir."
"From what intelligence suggests **** started here. I imagine whatever group started it is based around the city." standing up and lighting a cigarette and lighting he sighed. "If at all possible find them and prevent them from working with the outside. I'd hate for us to have to storm through these mountains."
"Understood sir."
My DeviantArt, so sexy
" If all that is needed is vocal support for Sahle's reinstallation, then you will have it -- so long as it is done cleanly. I couldn't possibly support Spain with undeniable rumors of Yaqob's blood in Spanish hands floating around. " Fitzroy explained, " The Russian situation seems agreeable, though. I've yet to authorize the deployment of forces, so there's a chance French forces will arrive after your own. I will however try my best to make sure they get there at around the same time. "
" And, of course. It seems we've covered most of what is important at this time. " Fitzroy said, standing up, " It has been a pleasure, Mr Sotelo. I'll keep in contact. "
With that, Fitzroy said his farewells, shook Sotelo's hand, and left the meeting with his entourage of body guards, who had been waiting patiently just outside of the meeting room.
AFP News - Ivory Coast
Two French soldiers are dead after an unexpected attack on a small French Army garrison in the northern Bas-Sassandra region of Ivory Coast. The French Army garrison came under brief mortar fire from west of their position. Two mortar shells are reported to have struck inside of the base, causing no significant structural damage but taking the lives of two French soldiers. A third mortar shell struck off target near a small village, no deaths or injuries were reported. Insurgents against the Spanish, French and English interim governments are the prime suspects in this attack, though speculation points to the possibility of a Liberian supported insurgency beginning to work its way into the country. In response to the attack, the French Army has doubled their efforts to secure the southwestern regions of the country in an attempt to stomp out whatever insurgencies remain in the area.
The recent attack may be reason enough for the French Army to remain in the country for an extended period. When asked about a scheduled end to the occupation, a French officer responded with " There is no scheduled end. Our orders are to create a safe environment for the people of Ivory Coast until a stable government is established. With the increase in violence, it's likely our mission here will change, and our stay will be extended. "
((I got lazy and threw in a shitty news article instead of actually playing through it. My next post will be about the glorious idea I mentioned a while back.))
Captain Gang Gouji strolled into the room. He had long changed out of the garish white-suit he had worn over-the-course of his trip of Africa more or less and now wore his familiar black IB uniform. "Good afternoon comrade." a superior officer smiled as Gang took his seat, "You'r companions were already debriefed on the mission. I imagine it went well."
"We got in and we got out." Gang groaned, "Although no diamonds."
"Yes, we know." sighed the officer, "Things changed faster than we originally anticipated. Although the formation of Yaqob's new government gives us an easier chance to get those rocks."
Gang nodded, "So, what do I need to say?"
"Well your companions have already filled us in on the course of the mission up to your arrival of Addis Abada. After which I'm under the impression that things got rather boring. Am I correct."
Gang nodded disinterestedly, picking at the sole of his boot.
"However we were also informed that you may have taken a job with the Ethiopian government." the officer said with a low sigh. He pulled up a seat and sat across from Gang. His expression like that of a worried or despondent parent.
Gang merely looked into the officers eyes and said: "just a bit of espionage for them in Arabia."
The officer twirled his hand, motioning him to continued, "What for? The missions seemed rather brief for spying. We'd have you there for a year at the least."
"They wanted me to check on the Najidian military and how much of a threat they posed." Gang lied, "I concluded that they're still not at a level capable of taking them on and are weak and dis-organized. They're getting little to no external support based on the weapons they have. It's all much to dated."
It was a fib but Gang could only hope his officer didn't catch it. To any Chinese though it would have been easily believable. But dealing with the IB was a different matter. Even trained Gang had to fight to keep his face flat throughout.
The officer nodded and licked at his lips. "That so?"
"Yes sir."
"You didn't have anything to do with the death of that Arab nationalist?"
"No." Gang said trying not to hesitate.
The officer nodded, "Would you mind having a second debriefing tomorrow?" he asked.
"No sir."
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The wheels of the Emperors plane gripped the tarmac of the South African airport with a squeal, informing it's occupants that they had returned to the ground. Yaqob gathered a collection of papers and maps of Africa, some of which had lines drawn on them and words scribbled across them. His arrival in New Africa was not just to congratulate the New Africans on their achievement, but to present them with a gift and a proposition. If Africa was going to survive in the modern world, it would have to work together to thwart those who would see it re-enslaved.
Azima, the young captain of the guard, came up behind the Emperor as he prepared to exit the plane.
"I've sent some men out ahead to secure the landing site" she said, hiding her apprehension.
"That's fine" Yaqob replied, placing the paperwork in the suitcase of an assistant. "If it makes you feel better."
"So what's next?" Azima replied.
Yaqob grinned. "Let's meet the new kids."
((Aaaand Irish, you can do whatever Godmodding you need to do to get this meeting up and running))
Spirit of Zanzibar Wreck, Mediterranean Sea
Even as the Ethiopian investigation began to mobilize hundreds of miles away, Agent Zola continued to stay in the company of the French investigation in order to avoid looking suspicious. As the French vessel sailed toward the wreck it had been investigating over the weeks, Agent Zola napped on a lounge chair on the deck of the vessel, a cigarette dangling loosely from his mouth and his hat covering his eyes. As the Ethiopian agent rested, one of the French sailors approached him.
"Monsieur?"
"Uhm,,," Zola grunted, "What is it?"
"We are coming up on ze wreck."
"Ouhh" Zola stretched and sat up. "Good. Anything changed?"
"No, Monsieur." the French Sailor replied, "The dead remain dead."
"That's good" Zola answered, standing up and stretching again. "I don't like surprises."
Colonel Teshome's Report On Special Legions
From The Desk The Legion Liaison General, Colonel Goliad Teshome
Subject: Legions Entering The Military As Special Forces
When I accepted this desk, I was made aware of several Legion Militias that wished to enter the military under a special forces designation. Upon investigating these requests, I found that these organizations were primarily founded and led by veteran officers, and included in their number large amounts of veterans, many of whom would qualify for already existing special forces designations such as the Walinzi Guard. Several of these Legions, particularly the Oromo Legion, the Tigray Legion, and the Amhara Legion, are in my opinion suitable candidates for their own Special Forces designations.
These organizations request access to special arms and training, which these three certainly could handle. I personally recommend they be given access to Walinzi training programs, Aerial infantry training, and Naval combat training. I also recommend that the military look into creating new complex training programs. It is my opinion that doing so will not only benefit these legions, but will allow us to improve our training methods in general and allow for the creation of an increasingly modern Ethiopian military.
University of Addis Ababa
Shuffling quickly down the university halls, a flustered graduate student rushed through the university with a disorganized stack of papers under his arm. Checking his watch, he could tell he was going to be several minutes late, and that never looked good. Especially when the dean was one of the men waiting for you.
Finally reaching the the destination he was looking for, the young graduate student burst through the doors of a conference room, gaining the attention of a small panel of distinguished men, several of them looking at their own watches to confirm to themselves that this man was indeed late.
"Did you get lost?" one of the men, a professor, asked.
"The clock in the lunchroom is five minutes slow" the man answered.
"I suppose we should get started then." one of the professors replied.
"Ok. I can do that right now." the man said, handing out several papers to each of the men on the panel. "I am Adom Adroa, a graduate student in the Astronomy department. For the past two years I have been working on an astronomical photography method that I trust will interest this committee."
"Honored faculty" Adroa continued, composing himself. "Professor Mandonda, Professor Lesesi, Professor Onuwachi, Dean Gathee... what I propose is this." Adroa grabbed a piece of chalk and began to draw up his plans on a blackboard at the back of the room.
"We have, from our observatories across the world, caught glimpses of most of our planets in their full glory." Adroa continued, "Yet, in a cruel irony of sorts, we have never gained a photograph of the closest planet to us. Earth."
"We have plenty of photographs of earth." one of the professors replied, "Most photographs ever taken are of earth."
"Small bits of earth." Adroa retorted "A photograph of a grain of sand does not compare to a photograph of the beach it was retrieved from."
"Go on" the professor conceded.
"What I feel I have is a plan that will allow us to gain just that." Adroa continued, "A photograph of the earth from space."
"Impossible" one of the professors replied, "We would need a spacecraft... I don't think Spain or China is yet capable of that, we certainly couldn't come close."
"Perhaps in the comfort of their mechanical and industrial know-how" Adroa answered, "They have became blind to simpler methods to achieve the same results."
"Simple methods to take photographs from space?" one of the professors replied, "You know what that means? It hasn't been done before."
"Exactly" Adroa replied, "But I know how it can be done."
Adroa began to draw the image of the space vessel he had in mind as he described it. "If you take a weather balloon... assure it's strength in low pressure situations by enforcing it... attach it to a camera, which you wrap in insulative material to protect it... set the camera up to a mechanism that makes it take photographs every, say, five minutes... and connect it to a radio tracking device..."
Once finished, an image on the board of a balloon attached to a camera appeared, with the object floating in the upper atmosphere.
"Once it reaches a certain height, low pressure situations will make the balloon explode, causing the camera to fall back to earth." Adroa explained, "A radio tracking device will allow us to find this camera and collect the film. Any questions."
"This seems rather simple." the Dean replied, "How much would it cost."
"If the entire project goes over two thousand birr, I would be suprised." Adroa replied.
"We'll let you pursue it then." The Dean replied, "But if it begans to look like a waste of time, we will pull the plug early."
"Thank you" Adroa smiled, "You will not be disappointed."
As Yaqop stepped out of the plane, he and his entourage were escorted to a special airport exit used by security to get out of the building without having to go through the mess of people coming from plains, which recently was a bit smaller. Once out of the airport, a limo was pulled up for them. The drive was small to the Union Buildings, about 10 minutes. In the limo, the driver leaned back to Yaqob during a red light.
"The view from the Union Buildings at sunset is very beautiful, you are lucky you arrived at this time."
And when they got to the Union Buildings, it was true. The sun was setting, and streaks of orange and red went across the usually blue sky. As the limo pulled up to the Union Buildings, Yaqop was greeted by President Cody, and surrounded by a small group of men, entered the Union Buildings left wing, where the meeting place was. It was nicely furnished, comfy chairs surrounding a glass table with maps of the world and paintings of famous artists on the walls.
"Welcome to New Africa, Emperor. I have been deep in thought about what this meeting could be about. Does it have anything to do with those crazy Europeans?"
"On December Eleventh 1976 this congress will come to order." Wen Xiogang said over the chatter, bringing congress to silent attention. He looked about the room, all faces turned to him. Satisfied he continued: "We have with us professor Fu Winho from the South China Agricultural University who will present to us a plan previously brought to our attention by Minister Zhang Auyi concerning our southern farmland. You will all abide his presence.
"Professor, you have the floor."
Dressed in a stiff suit Professor Winho bowed. "Gentelmen of the Congress me and my team has conducted heavy research on the soil of our southern provinces to seek the reason why agricultural gains have been lacking in the region for the passed several year. As brought to me by Zhang Auyi and Puyi before, the output of our farmlands have been behind their targeted estimation. Considering their size and new level of modernization they should be producing far more crops.
"However, they have not.
"Students and myself have recently closed up soil inspections and have concluded that in comparison to northern and less farmed soils the nutrient values and conditions are below what we desire for full-yield. We have surveyed thousands of hectares of crop land and virgin soils in the north and west to establish a comparison to use.
"And it is shocking.
"From heavy farming in the last decades, or even centuries, the nutrient value in our Earth is far lower than the soils of less farmed regions in China. It is lacking in natural nitrates and phosphate. As we have discovered in our interviews with local farmers that many get by on subsidized or give-away manure to feed their crops and boost the nutrients in the soil for that year's harvest to meet quotas.
"In addition, the heavy industrialization regions like Quizhou are under have been introducing leeching industrial chemicals into the soil. In some areas, the mercury and lead concentrations in the soil is monstrous. It is impossible for some crops to grow in these conditions, and dangerous to consume more still that grow in these soils.
"We are facing not just an agricultural issue, but an environmental issue that needs to be resolved to raise quotas and return the health of our soil.
"We have conducted heavy research into alternative crops that may be produced in the more leached soils at least. And it's me and my team's opinion that the cultivation of legumes like soy and peanuts will not only stop leaching the soil, but in the long term allow us to farm crops like wheat and barley again in those fields. It is the nature of these plants to produce their own nutrients, and can over time return nutrients to the soil in which they grow.
"In addition to the cultivation of alternate crops I suggest the national implementation of alternate farming techniques to help cut nutrient loss by wind or water erosion. There are regions as high-risk over erosion by the air or water.
"And where we also have under nutrition we have over-nutrition. Improper buffering from certain practices, such as fertilizer production or cattle ranches can introduce an over abundance of nutrients that will encourage the growth of competitive weeds that will hinder growth.
"We will need to conduct large-scale cleanups of the contaminated soil. Which will demand - if we are to do this - massive scale relocation of farmers from the south to cleaner soils in the north.
"The scale of my suggestions as well as the full extent of our research is in the report that you will all find on your desks. I urge you all to read through them and deliberate over it all. And I plead, for the good of China and the agricultural community you consider."
"Thank you Fu Winho." Wen Xiogang said from behind him, "Congress will now pass into brief recess and will enter debate. If Comrade Winho wishes to advance his case later I extend the invitation to invite the local farmers he interviewed to these halls and present their situation to us."
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For a start, there was non World War 2 in this universe. Instead the First World War - The Great War in this universe - dragged on for eleven years as opposed to the old four years. In addition, the English government went into complete anarchy and didn't recover until the 1960's when some chap named Drake came to power and took over the entire English Isles.
Politics in Britain has been dramatically changed. I thought I brought that up in PMs...)
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As Hug said, read through the OP. It'll lay down the general canon so far. Although England's mess isn't up there, and I've no room to fit it anyways. But the Anarchic period is pretty much accepted canon now.
And can we take this to the OOC thread?)
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