Riots in Centralis

GeneralTacticus · August 2, 2003, 02:12

[Live from ABC offices in Terribi, ABC Anchor Rick Baxton]

...Breaking news tonight: most of the major cities of Centralis were rocked today by rioters protesting against rising inflation and excessive tax rates. According to police soruces, the ritos began as peaceful rallies demanding a comprehensive reform of the welfare state and taxation structures, but rapidly turned violent as frustration boiled over among members of the growing class of the poor and unemployed, driving them to attack shops and the homes of wealthier citizens. Police eventually dispersed the rioters at around 7:00 PM with tear gas and water cannons, but many of the groups involved have vowed to return by tommorow and continue the demonstrations.

More news as the situation develops.

Archaic · August 2, 2003, 02:30

[Live from ABC offices in Terribi, ABC Anchor Rick Baxton]

In relation to the previous story, Alecrast today has announced its intention to finally establish the long planned undersea colonies in reaction to the rapidly growing problems in both population and food. With the first of these colonies to be partly corporate owned by Alecrast's two remaining agriculture firms, being built around existing deep sea seaweed farms owned by the two corperations, these colonies are expected to be not only self sufficient in food production, but primary producers for the food needs of the Alecrast mainland, this having been made possible thanks to developments in hydroponic technology pioneered by the two firms in recent months. Faced with this potential of losing significant marketshare in the Alecrast produce market, shares in several Centralis firms listed locally on the Alecrast stockmarket fell dramatically overnight, and there have been rumours of potential large scale layoffs should this scenario eventuate.

Mr. President · August 2, 2003, 05:35

[Live from the Voice of the West satellite news channel, an ABC affiliate]

Dakmoristan, which had currently been comparatively unaffected by the economic problems in other Treaty of Fonseca nations, notably the violence in Centralis and Karakas' still-struggling private sector, has been pinpointed by analysts as the next likely nation to feel the pinch.

The Senate today approved a controversial law that would allow the government to monitor and censure internet activity designated illegal by the Department of Internal Security. Hailed as a major step in the struggle against terrorism, civil libertarians have condemned the move.

The Information Technology industry is likely to suffer, as Dakmoristan's major high-tech output is in internet hardware and software, and its e-commerce sector had been the largest in the West. Already, several small firms have been closed under the Internal Security Act for what a government source called "suspicious transactions", including the sale of large amounts of fertilizer, blasting caps, and military surplus items. Representatives of the firms, most of whose staff are now in prison, insist that the sales were to legitimate business interests.

The region will be paying attention, to see what long-term effects will surface.

GeneralTacticus · August 2, 2003, 06:57

[Live from ABC offices in Terribi, ABC Anchor Rick Baxton]

"Tensions continue to build in Centralis as mass rioting enters it's second day. Share values in many companies affected by the unrest have dropped markedly, and the international currency markets are acting extremely jittery.

"Anyway, in an effort to help citizens around the region understand the mounting crisis, we contacted political analyst Nelson Linneman, from the University of Centralis, who graciously agreed to appear tonight for an interview."

*The screen splits to show Baxton standing in front of a giant ABC logo and Professor Linneman sitting at a desk in his office*

Baxton: Good Evening Professor Linneman. It's a pleasure to finally talk to you.

Linneman: And the same to you, Mr. Baxton.

B: So, Mr. Linneman, can you give me your assessment of these current unstable conditions in Centralis? What do you think is the main factor behind all of this?

L: Undoubtedly the most fundamental cause of all this is poverty. For many years, the combination of economic policies followed in Centralis have resulted in the impoverishment of a large and growing sector of the Centralian population. What we're seeing now is the result of the final exhaustion of patience among that sector.

B: Which economic policies would these be exactly? To my knowledge, Centralis had been implimenting policies very similar to the other Marmo block nations, and we've yet to see in recent times any similar widespread poverty situation in those nations.

L: Well, there's the insanely high income tax rates - over 60%, when last I checked - which hasn't done a great deal for the poor, the recent high inflation rates, which have priced many essential goods out of the reach of the poorest citizens, and the steady decline in the quality of government services. The other Marmo bloc nations have avoided similar situations through far lower tax rates, better and cheaper government and private services, and price subsidies for the poor on many essential goods.

B: Wouldn't those high tax rates however allow the government to provide more in the way of social security and other wage replacement schemes? I'm no economist, though I'm assured by our financial editor that it's preferable to not have such a large publically run and funded "social security net" if at all possible, but it'd certainly be better than this situation, wouldn't it?

L: Well, yes, you'd think so - however, as I said, the quality of government-provided services has been in steady decline for quite a while now, and a lot of the tax money that's collected just goes to pay the bureaucrats who collect and spend it, rather being usefully employed. In addition, most of the government services which actually do their jobs properly are located in the richer areas, rather than the poorer ones.

B: Ahhh, I think I understand now. So why is the government such a bureaucracy? Not that Alecrast's government itself hasn't come under fire for its steadily increasingly sized government, but what's prompted Centralis' to blow out so much?

L: I have to say, I don't really know. Centralis has always had a very large government in comparison to many of it's neighbours, but recently it's gotten completely out of control. There have been some efforts to streamline things, but they have been unable to halt the gradual increase in government size.

B: Why do you think those efforts failed?

L: They just didn't go far enough.

B: I see. So then....what do you think needs to be done about this whole situation? Is there any "quick fix" to it?

L: I doubt it. What is needed is a very comprehensive reform program, including measures to massively downsize government bureacracy, lower taxes, cut down on inflation, and provide employment to those without work (thus reducing the need for social security), but no elected government would ever dare to do so until the country was on the verge of collapse, because the political fallout would be astronomical.

B:I can only imagine. Though, one would have to wonder if the country was already on that verge at this very moment.

L: If the rioting continues for too long, then yes, the country is going to slide into anarchy... but whether or not the government and it's supporters are going to recognize that remains to be seen.

B: I'm sure they wouldn't be given much of an opportunity to not recognise it, all things considered. Afterall, if this continues for any longer, I'm sure the Marmo and Fonseca nations would start to get rather worried and place their own pressure on the government.

L: Indeed they will, and I certainly hope they listen before it's too late.

B: We can only hope. Well, my producer is frantically waving his arms to signal that we're out of time, so I'm afraid we're going to have to leave it there for tonight Professor. Would you mind overmuch if we continued this conversation over the next few nights, as the situation develops? It's rare that we're able to talk to someone who can give us so much insight into the complex issues surrounding events like these.

L: Certainly. It's been a pleasure talking with you, Mr. Baxton.

B: And with you Professor Linneman.

"Well, that concludes our report on the situation in Centralis. Next, the financial report..."

GeneralTacticus · August 4, 2003, 05:54

[Live from ABC offices in Terribi, ABC Anchor Rick Baxton]

"With the mass riots in Centralis now into their fourth day, a new element has been introduced into the crisis with the Communist Party of Centralis proclaiming a 'general uprising' and calling upon 'all loyal workers' to rise up and overthrow capitalism, the 'corrupt and exploitative system of Alecrastian rule'.

"As far as other news on the Centralis crisis goes - shops and homes continue to be burned and looted, and police appear unable to put a halt to the violence, but that's no longer new. Anyway, over to Professor Linneman. Professor, do you have anything you'd like to say about these new developments?"

"Well, Rick, I have to say, I find the CPC's blustering really rather amusing, actually - they appear to employ the same speech-writers as the Sheepstans, as they've been claiming for the past decade or so that they're the largest political party in Centralis, with over 70 million members, and their latest statement claims that this has risen to over 100 million - this in spite of the fact that independent censi have suggested that 5 million members would be a rather high estimate, and that their membership has actually dropped] recently.

So, anyway, just to sum all that up: I'm not especially worried about the communists. They may be able to stir up further trouble through terrorism, but given conditions in Centralis right now, that's the least of everyone's worries."

"Okay, Professor Linneman, thanks for that. Anything else you'd like to add?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact, on a rather less positive note. I'm getting increasingly worried about the continuation of these riots - they're growing by the day, they're getting ever more violent, and the government does not appear to have made any real policy changes since this all blew up to try to resolve matters. If they can't find a way to let off the pressure soon, the country is going to explode."

"A sobering thought, to say the least. Anyway, once again, I'm afraid we've exhausted our timeslot, but we'll be calling you tommorow night for further analyses..."

GeneralTacticus · August 9, 2003, 03:11

"...calling you tommorow night for further..."

*click*

"Hah. Let them think that. They'll be getting a rude shock over the next few days..."

There was some chuckling around the darkened room, which swiftly fell silent as the figure seated at the end of the table leaned forward.

"I presume we are ready to give them that shock? We've tried before, and failed dismally..."

"Yes, Comrade Chairman. Previously we'd been depending on a popular uprising to assist us, but although that would be helpful, our new plan doesn't require that. All we need is a small core of loyal warriors and some guns, and we have both."

"Good, good... and have we had any success obtaining foreign help?"

"Not much so far, although the Democratic Republic of Upper Arandia expressed some interest, as did the People's Republic of Marxist Chimerica. We may be able to acquire some extra weapons and cash from them, though they haven't got a great deal to give."

"And the Mt. Gravatt nations?"

"Not a word from them. We sent them another message a little while ago, requesting an answer; here it is..."

Comrade Althani passed a slip of paper down to the Chairman. It read:

To our dear comrades in Sheepsta,

A few days ago we sent you the following mesage:

"To our dear comrades in Sheepsta,

You have probably heard about the recent disturbances in our country. We have long been predicting a crisis such as this, and it is gratifying to be proven correct, but if we are to take advantage of events to free our country from the capitalist yoke, we need help. We have a plan already worked out; all we need is some money (preferably in common international currency, like menelmacari credits) to grease the wheels, and arms to help us fight.

Signed, the Communist Party of Centralis"

We are still awaiting a response. Time is critical, as the crisis cannot be expected to drag on forever and we need to act before circumstances change.

Sincerely, the Communist Party of Centralis

The Chairman read it, then nodded.

"That seems satisfactory. Now all we have to do is wait..."

Mr. President · August 9, 2003, 05:13

The man in the blue suit tossed a photograph on to the General's desk.

"And this would be who?"

"That would be," the man in the blue suit replied, "a Communist Party of Centralis agent. An ambassador, if you like. He's been sighted across the region in the last year, from Karakas to Kyren to the Outer Islands. Centralis intelligence requested an all points bulletin after he was implicated in planned attacks on Centralian marines and diplomats in Elethar."

"Yes, I remember," said the General. "He fell out of sight for a while. What happened to him?" he asked, picking up the photograph.

"This happened to him, sir," the man in the blue suit said. "Recognize the man behind the desk?"

The General recognized him. It was the Chancellor of the State of Damcyan, one of the Incorporated States of Greater Silvera, Dakmoristan's neighbor. Relations between the two went up and down. Right now, they were down.

The man in the blue suit leaned on the General's desk. "We have to release this picture, sir," he said vehemently. "Print it in the newspapers."

Idealism of youth, thought the General. "If we print it," he said quietly, "the best we can hope for is a diplomatic crisis. The radicals in Silvera could provoke something even worse." It was an open secret that at least two and possibly all five of the members of Silvera's ruling council were sympathizers of the Aerathi Unification Party, a political group that advocated Silvera's annexation of the historical lands of Aerath . . . two-thirds of which were held by Dakmoristan.

In fact, the current dispute had been in some sense precipitated by the AUP, as they had drummed up outrage in Silvera over Dakmoristani plans to build a new hydroelectric power plant in the Mountains of the Moon. It would involve diverting one of the tributaries of Silvera's largest river.

"Besides," the General continued, "this proves nothing. So they met. So what? This ambassador met with Kyren parliamentarians, too. But I'll grant, it makes sense in the context of the river dispute . . ."

Silence fell over the office. Then the General said, "The Praetor needs to know. We have to wait, for now, but we're ready to take action if anything happens."

The man in the blue suit nodded, turning to leave. "One more thing."

"Yes, General?"

"Call the Fire Island checkpoint," said the General. "Tell them to search every car entering the country from Acre."

GeneralTacticus · August 9, 2003, 05:52

/me is glad he doesn't believe in God.

GeneralTacticus · August 9, 2003, 06:17

Arevalo Arrayende, President of the Republic of Centralis for close to seventeen years, now, sat in his office watching the rest of the Executive Council filing in and, for the umpteenth time over the past week, wished he could be someone else. When the Council members finished filing in and sat down, they sat in silence for a few minutes, staring blankly into space. This was the second meeting in as many hours and few in the room had got more than a few hours sleep over the past four days.

Eventually someone mustered enough energy to do something, and Angelique Hollmann, Minsiter for Defence, opened her mouth to speak.

"Well, everyone, I assume you've all seen the altest reports, so I won't bore you with a detailed recital. Suffice to say that the riots aren't dying down as we hoped, but intensifying; that the stock market has lost 41% of it's pre-crisis value; that the currency has slid 38%; and that the police remain unable to halt the violence. In this situation, I really don't see what more can be done while remaining within the bounds of the law."

As she said this, Hollmann continued staring fixedly at the table, speaking in a low monotone; when she finished, there was silence once again.

Finally, after at least five minutes of dead silence, Minister for Internal Affairs Domingo Sebron raised his head and wet his lips.

"I think the key word there, Minister is within the bounds of the law. If we don't take some kind of action, the country is going to come apart at the seams. Under the circumstances, can we really afford to be too limited in the methods we use?"

No-one disagreed, although there were a few frowns, so he went on.

"What choice have we? Something has to be done. If we're to save this country from destruction, we need to pull out all the stops. The Executive Council has it within it's power to issue emergency orders for the use of miltiary force - and it's high time we did. Send the army into the streets. Authorize the police to use live ammunition. Do this and the riots will be over by sunset."

There was silence once again while the room digested this. It was Arrayende who replied.

"As much as I don't want to, I have to agree with you, Minister. Something does have to be done, and as Minister Hollmann said, we've exhausted all our current options.

"If the rioters aren't dispersed by sunset, I motion that we do as Sebron has suggested. Anyone disagree?"

No-one did, a few shaking their heads, the rest just starting numbly into space.

"All right, then. Sebron, Hollmann, inform your respective departments of this order. Everyone, we really need to get some sleep, or we'll never get through this. The deadline for the use of force expires in eight hours, and I want us all using those to recuperate a bit. The reports can wait."

Again there was a pause as the message permeated fatigue-fogged brains; then, one by one, the Council stood and filed out again, leaving Arrayende alone with his own exhaustion and his fear.

'Have I just authorized murder against my own people?' he wondered, as his eyes drifted shut. But he never got an answer to that question, because seconds later, his eyes closed of their own accord and he fell into darkness.

Squeblish Nef? · August 9, 2003, 09:07

The Assimilation Corp Administrative Board officially condemns the pinko creeps opposing our magnificent neighbour, Centralis.
We therefore pledge to you 1,000 highly trained, heavily armed psychopaths.
Go gettem, boy! We're counting on you!

GeneralTacticus · August 9, 2003, 09:08

...we'll be generous and ignore that comment, in the interests of global peace.

- President Arrayende

Squeblish Nef? · August 9, 2003, 09:19

[High Prince Aftanun raises an eyebrow.]
"The man's just as bad as those commies! Are you sure we want him in power?"
[Head Warlord of Gnollheim, Aethnorl Firebelly scratches his scarred chest.]
"Look, kid, I'm in charge of this stuff. Your father said so, which means it's for your own good. Arrayende stays, and that's final!"
"Whatever."
[Aftanun pours himself another glass, leans back and sighs.]

Archaic · August 9, 2003, 11:58

A heated debate in the grand council chamber, raging between the Monarch and his ministers, is broken by the arrival of a man, or woman, it's hard to tell, clad in black from head to toe, dropping directly down from the beams in the majestic hall almost twenty metres up, landing on the large rectangular oak table in a kneeling position, directly in front of Alecrast's Monarch for the past 18 years, Mukashi Archaic of Flaim.

"My liege, a report from your man in Centralis's central council."

"It's about time. The message?"

"Within hours sire, Centralis plans to introduce martial law."

The Monarch sighs, as do several others on the council, with the room turning into a sea of frowns as they digest the news. Nelson Wetherington, the Minister for Defence, is the first to speak.

"Well...so it turns into another Bulbagarden, or Chimerica. What's the problem with that? We decry the loss of political rights, and cease our protests when those libertarians in the Centralis government keep on giving everyone the person freedoms they've always had."

"I hardly consider shooting upon rioting citizens to be giving people personal freedoms Minister, especially when those citizens seem to have some legitimate grievances. We cannot allow Centralis to remain in such a situation for long. We need a strong, and democratic ally."

"Then we send over some peacekeepers and monitors, and start putting pressure on the Centralis government. We promise to allow meat eating again now that there's no more contamination worries, and give them preferential access to our markets for meat, and they'll fall at our feet to do anything we need of them. Aren't I right Genji?"

"Perhaps", spoke up the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade. "It's true that Centralis's economy depends greatly on agriculture trade with Alecrast. If we can give them a guarentee that our economy would open more to their imports, and that the hydroponic stations wouldn't destroy Centralis jobs like many fear, then they would certainly be most thankful."

"I don't feel comfortable practically bribing them gentlemen."

"But wouldn't it be better than the alternative sire?"

".....I have to concede that." The monarch looked up at the Yokuza member still kneeling in front of him. "Send a formal envoy over to them to talk to the government in person."

"Hai!"

"And...make sure he's accompanied by an honour guard. And by a small group of hangers on. Equip them all with anti terrorist gear. I don't want anyone dying if we get caught up in what's brewing over there."

With a final "Hai!", the Yokuza jumped up into the rafters, and vanished.

"Nelson, send some of the Knights of Flaim to guard the link tunnels. Including the secret ones. We can't risk them being severed."

"You think it's that bad sir?"

"I hope not old friend....I hope not...."

Jack_www · August 9, 2003, 15:01

Meanwhile in the Presidential Palace in the captial of Jackson the President meat with his top advisors.

National Security Advisor was first to speak, "Mr. President the situation in Centrails is quickly turing to the worse every day. I fear we may face a communist take over of that country. I also might remind you that they are not far from Jackson and poscess and formible army. The government now though is going to start cracking down on the roiters, but it may make things worse and give the communist rebels more support in the end of it."

The President spoke, " We can no longer let communism speard to country after country in Apolyton. Our eneimies may use this as a way to weaken our region and we may soon be surrounded by hostile nations soon. Any plans on trying to stop the communist rebels in Centrails?"

The head of the Joint Cheifs of Staff answered, "One major action we can take to help Centrails government is to impose a blockade of Sheepsta. We have intelligence indicating that they are trying to get Sheepsta to support their rebellion and supply them with arms and money. Cutting off that soruce of support would be a major blow to the communist. We may also consider moving a carrier battle group into the region and ask if the Centrails government needs support in any way, and we do have forces that we can send in on the ground to help fight the rebels, if they agree and you can get the public to support that move."

The President spoke, " I thnk that ia a good plan, send our two nearest battle groups to Centrail's waters, and I want a blockade of Sheepstan waters to be done as soon as possible. You have athority to use what ever forces you need in the operation. I will also ask the Centrail goverment what support they are willing to accept to put down the communist rebellion."

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

To Centrail:
From the United States of Jackson:
We would offer any support your nation needs to rebuild you country and stop the massive riots and rebellions that are spreading in your country. THe USJ is behind your government and is commited to stop the spread of communism in APolyton.

Urban Ranger · August 9, 2003, 21:42

The Dominion of Noosland calls on the rioters in Centralis to go home peacefully, and the leaders of the movement to start a dialogue with the government. Noosland is ready to send in peacekeepers to restore order to the large cities.

GeneralTacticus · August 9, 2003, 22:00

"So... has anything changed since before?"

Arrayende yawned and stretched; the Executive Council was back in his office, much refreshed by six hours of sleep, and the deadline for the dispersal of the rioters was fast approaching.

"Not much, Mr. President. The riots are continuing as before, the financial markets are continuing to panic, etc. However, there does appear to have been an upsurge of itnernational interest in the crisis..."

At this point Andreas Von Weiser, the Foreign Minister, pulled a folder from his briefcase and tossed it across the table to Arrayende, who spread its contents out on the table and read through them carefully.

"Hmmm... so, Jackson is offering us any help that we require to stabilize matters, are they? That should be helpful..."

"That's not all they're doing, sir. The latest satellite imagery indicates that they're moving several carrier battlegroups into our territorial waters, and that they're also moving forces toward Sheepsta. I don't know if either of these actions are related to this or one another, but I'd be willing to bet they are."

"Let's concentrate on the situation here for now. Given the situation, I don't think we have any choice - we've got to move in force against the rioters. Angelique, call the army and have them start deploying troops into the streets. Have them stand by for further orders as to whe to take action. Sebron, have public loudspeakers broadcast to the rioters that if they don't disperse by sunset, extreme measures will be taken. Maybe we'll be able to solve this without blood-"

He was cut off by a tone from the internal government phone network. He frowned and lifted the phone.

"This is the President. What is it?"

"Mr. President, I have an envoy from Alecrast here to see you. Shall I send him up?"

"Yes, do."

"He's on his way, sir."

Arrayende put the phone down again and started drumming his fingers on the table.

He looked up as the door hissed open, revealing the Alecrastian envoy and honour guard. Gesturing for the Alecrastians to sit down at the table, he waited to hear what they had to say...

Sheep · August 10, 2003, 02:34

Lord Protector Sheep Leo II of the Sheepstan Holy Empire calls for the riots end.

He futhermore calls the Assimilation Copr a worthless piece of **** and aks for help in what can only be called an attempt to stop this massed organisation in its attempts to gain world control for machines.

Our ally in the Black Pitt of Charr, a hotspot for Assimilation, The Confederacy of New Sheepmania was apporached for membership to the Corp. The asking price, the nations nuclear arms, and the chemical neutring of the entire populace to allow the gradual take over of the robotic hordes.

Squeblish Nef? · August 10, 2003, 06:14

Quote:

Originally posted by Sheep
Our ally in the Black Pitt of Charr, a hotspot for Assimilation, The Confederacy of New Sheepmania was apporached for membership to the Corp. The asking price, the nations nuclear arms, and the chemical neutring of the entire populace to allow the gradual take over of the robotic hordes.

[Aftanun bursts into uncontrollable giggles.]
"The man's a nutter! Imagine putting somebody like that in charge of anything!"
[Aethnorl raises a flea-bitten eyebrow, giving Aftanun an amused glance.]
"Whatever you say, my lord..."
"But, seriously, Aeths, that's a surefire pretext for war, if a shaky one. I don't see why he chose robots, though."
"Mph. Probably makes good press. I didn't remember the Pharaoh saying anything about neutering, though. I also noticed that he declined to include anything about the arms factories."
"Dunno. Maybe he forgot. One thing's certain, though. That little f$#ker can't spell!"

Squeblish Nef? · August 10, 2003, 06:30

The Assimilation Corp Administrative Board strongly advises Lord Protector Sheep Leo II to procreate with a mammal of the genus bovidae.
We view these malicious allegations as a pretext for a possible nuclear conflict.
We, therefore, challenge Lord Protector Sheep Leo II to produce substantial evidence (i.e. the telegram), in two days' time, or risk having a large tactical nuclear device inserted into your rectum.
-High Prince Aftanun, ACAB Public Relations Spokesman

Urban Ranger · August 10, 2003, 23:37

Noosland advices against such rash, unwarranted, talks of using nuclear devices. Most countries in this Region will certainly move against any regimes that are demonstrably irresponsible.

Squeblish Nef? · August 11, 2003, 06:10

"Irresponsible? What's irresponsible about giving somebody a good nuking?"
[Aethnorl sighs and scratches his half-eaten ear.]
"Well, my lord, some people just aren't very..."
"Silence! I didn't want your opinion! I just want a formal apology. The only reason I put that nuke stuff in was because of those Sheepy missiles that we always get threatened with."
"I suppose you do have a point..."

GeneralTacticus · August 11, 2003, 06:11

OOC: It would be much appreciated if Archaic could do something about his end of the Alecrast/Centralis diplomatic interaction...

Archaic · August 11, 2003, 08:18

[OOC] Sorry, had an assignment to hand in today. Chat with me over MSN and we'll sort it out.

GeneralTacticus · August 12, 2003, 07:35

The head of the Alecrastians delegation spoke first.

"Greetings Mr. President. My name is Yamamoto Shinji. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise to you, Mr. Shinji," Arrayende replied, "I presume you must have something important to say to be travelling here in this dark hour?"

"But of course. Though, I must admit, I hadn't expected to be given an audience so quickly with all the red tape I heard I'd have to go through."

"A privilege of representing an important ally." A slight grin flitted across Arrayende's face.

"I suppose it must be. My thanks for expediting the process."

"You're welcome. Now let's get to the point: what does Alecrast wish to tell us?"

"Well, I suppose that would depend entirely on what you intend to do with the current situation in your country, Mr. President. Alecrast has heard rumours that you intend to instate martial law."

Arrayende sat in shocked silence for a few heartbeats, absorbing this new information. Nobody outside the Executive Council and a few senior Press, Police and military leaders had been informed of the full extent of the plans, and even the troops hadn't been informed when the Alecrastians must have been on their way. Regaining his composure, he replied.

"I won't ask how you came by that information. Suffice to say that we do intend to, and when we do, we're going to mean it. These riots have gone on for far too long already, and there can be no addressing of their social roots until a modicum of order has been restored."

"Given what I've seen just after arriving here, I couldn't agree more. It surprises me actually that you held off for so long."

"At first, we expected the riots to die down fairly soon, so we avoided doing anything that might inflame the situation. Now however, all we've seen is economic chaos and the intensification of violence, and we've decided that it's time to end it."

Shinji frowned.

"I see."

"Anyway, the martial law decree will be coming into effect in about..." Arrayende checked his watch, "12 minutes. The troops are moving out already, and public loudspeakers are broadcasting a final warning to the rioters. Anybody who fails to leave the streets before martial law comes into effect will be removed by any means necessary."

Shinji's frown deepened.

"And what do you expect will be the result? Your citizens are about as stubborn as ours are. Won't they resist?"

"Possibly, although the smarter ones will probably recognize that the game is up...

"If they resist, however, they will be removed, as I said, by any means necessary, and I do mean any means. This has gone on too damn long."

Shinji sat still, then nodded slowly.

"I see... Well, for all our sakes, I hope there isn't any real level of resistance to these measures. None of us can really afford to risk anything like what happened in Wine happening here."

"Yes, I quite agree. If the riots continued, though, Wine would seem like a picnic."

"Still though...do these people have some legitimate grievances?"

"Yes, they do have some legitimate grievances, which we're trying to address, but there's not a huge amount we can do when the country is in chaos and business is panicking."

Shinji nodded again.

"Very true. If only we all had as perfect foresight as we do hindsight, perhaps this might have been avoided. Still, no use crying over spilt milk. Alecrast would like to help you in fixing up these problems, if we can, though I'm afraid we can't spare any forces at this point in time to smother the riots."

"Indeed, and your offer of help is appreciated, although more than anything else, what's needed is not aid, but reform. I believe Professor Linnemann gave a fairly good outline of the problem on the ABC a few days ago..."

"Yes, I've already watched a tape of the broadcast. And yes, you're quite right, reform is needed for long-term stability. However...perhaps we may be able to give you some aid to apply a short term "band aid" if you will to the problem, to at least let you get those reforms through. For instance, helping you to restore some confidence in those financial markets."

Arrayende gave a small smile.

"That would be much appreciated, Mr. Shinji. Any strings attached, or do we get special treatment?"

Several members of the council chuckled briefly.

"No, no real strings attached, other than a public promise from you to your people and to the rest of the Marmo Bloc that you'll restore the status quo in political freedoms as soon as the crisis is over."

"Oh yes," Arrayende responded, "that's quite an east promise to make - the martial law decree won't be maintained any longer than necessary. It's currently timed to expire 24 hours after coming into force, absent an extension order from this Council."

Shinji smiled broadly.

"That's excellent news Mr. President. I'm glad to hear it. Some elements had feared you might become another Bulbagarden."

"Well, I'm happy to say that you have little cause for concern, although I'm not entirely familiar with the history of Bulbagarden... can you fill me in?"

"Essentially.... they faced a similar situation to the one Centralis is currently in, and shortly after they declared Martial Law, after it was not immediately repealed following the reforms, several rebel factions sprung up, the two most prominent being the "Flamers" and "Spammers". They numbered a full 5% of the population, and it was a slaughter. Those who weren't killed in open battle were often executed right out on the streets after having been dragged from their homes, with any trials conducted always being held behind closed doors in the Admin's Forum."

"Sounds unpleasant. No wonder you don't want to see that happen here, and neither do I, for that matter..."

"And nor would any of our allies. I wouldn't put it past nations like Sheepsta to try and take advantage of any such situation if it brewed up. Thankfully, with the Jacksons moving in, that should be unlikely."

"Indeed... anyway, I'm afraid the countdown to martial law will be reaching zero in a few minutes, and we'll all be very busy trying to co-ordinate the situation, so this meeting will have to end here. You can hang around if you like, or go back to Alecrast to report to the Monarch, whichever you prefer."

"I can report to the Monarch from here. Do you have a room I could borrow with a connection to the Internet?

"Certainly. Here has a connection, but it will be rather busy... the room next door should be equally adequate. I don't imagine you'll need anyone to guide you there."

There was some more soft laughter at that.

"Indeed. Thank you for your time and hospitality Mr. President. Could you perhaps recommend a good hotel in the city?"

"I would, but a number of them have been attacked by rioters and you might have trouble getting there anyway. I'd advise you to ask for accommodations in the Foreign Affairs ministry - they have plenty for situations like this."

"All things considered, I'd prefer to not stay in a government building if at all possible. I'm sure you understand. I suppose the Alecrast embassy should have enough accommodation anyway. It was good talking to you sir."

"If you prefer. It's been good talking to-"

Arrayende was cut off by an automated voice over the intercom.

"ONE MINUTE UNTIL MARTIAL LAW COMES INTO EFFECT"

"Well, I really must terminate this meeting now, Mr. Shinji. I expect things to get rather heated in here, very soon."

"As do I. Good luck to you Mr. President."

"Thank you, Mr. Shinji. Tell your government that their offers of support are much appreciated, and that I hope that I will next be speaking to them in brighter times."

The Alecrastian envoy nodded.

"I will." The meeting over, he and the rest of the delegation stood, bowed, and left the office, hurrying off to deliver a report to their Monarch.

Arrayende watched them go, then his attention snapped back to his advisors.

"Right, everybody, get moving. That took longer than I expected, so we'll need to move fast to keep the situation under control. Angelique, I want a direct line from this office to the Press Department and every major military and police unit involved in this. Weiser, keep me posted on all foreign news even rmeotely connected to this. Everybody else... you know your jobs. Get cracking."

The rest of the council nodded and scurried about to do their assigned tasks, while Arrayende stared at the countdown as it inexorably approached zero.

0:31
0:30
0:29
. . .

He pushed the last of his doubts out of his mind.

I can't go back now, it's too late, it would ruin everything...'

Archaic · August 12, 2003, 10:33

Closing the door swiftly behind him, Shinji quickly pulled out a PDA like object from the pocket of his jacket, pulling the earpiece up to his ear as a counter ticked in the corner of the screen.

iser, keep me posted on all foreign news even rmeotely connected to this. Everybody else... you know your jobs. Get cracking.

"Most humble apologies President-san, but Alecrast cannot risk this situation getting too out of control."

Making a few final checks on his equipment to make sure the recording would continue uninterrupted, he swiftly typed up a short report, sending it directly to the Ministry in a single burst, encoded in a protocal that the Centralis agencies already had access to. Nothing was to appear amiss.

Satisfied, he left the room as swiftly as he entered, hurrying down the hall to the transport and the relative safety of the Alecrast embassy.

Jack_www · August 12, 2003, 13:43

Jackson News Service:
This just in. The nation of Centrail has just declared Marshall Law in effort to crack down on rioters that have been rioting for the past few days in protest to government polocies. We also have word that the president is about to adress the nation on the crisis in Central and what Jackson is going to do. For days administration officals have been hinting at the fact that Jackson troops may be called apon to act as peacekeepers. We have also had word that Jackson naval forces have moved closer to Centrails in recent days as well. We have just gotten word, the President is about to speak.

Image now changes to the President of Jackson sitting at his dest with the symbol of the president in veiw and the flag of Jackson in the backround.

"Hello fellow Jacksons, I am addressing the nation tonight in regards of the ongoing Crisis in Centrails. As you know that nation has been pleged with riots for days now. Some though may wonder what does this have to do with the nation of Jackson and what bussiness it is for us to get involve in such matters. Well there are serval reason. As you all know many nations in recent times have turn communist, a case in point is the just ended Wine civil war were a communist country was formed out of Wine. Many of these countries wish to destroy our way of life and replace it with the communist way, but I am here to tell you that as President of Jackson I will do everything with in my power to stop such a thing from happening.

We have recieved intelligence that the communist factions within Centrails are using the riots to futher their cause and have asked other communist nations, amoung them the nation of Sheepsta to give them arms and to fund their rebellion. There for to prevent the the nation of Centrails, which is friends with Jackson, from turning into yet anther communist state I have taken action. The first is to issue new policy that the nation of Jackson will follow from now on, that we will prevent the futher spread of communism in the Region of Apolyton. We of course will use various means, not just the use of millitary force. In the case of Centrail this is what we have done. First we are now enforcing a blockade of Sheepsta. All ships containing weapons will be turn back towards sheepsta. Also we have postion naval forces in Centrail waters to do the same, to prevent arms intended for the communist rebels from entering the country. Second we have asked the Centrail government what aid they need in stoping the riots and putting down the communist rebellion. This aid will come in the from of humanitrian and millitary aid, as well as the landing of Jackson troops to act as peace keepers if Centrail accepts. I believe that by the nation of Jackson taking these threat and it will protect our nation security and keep the people of Centrails free.

In the coming days we will be giving more information as to what actions we are taking and why, but rest assured that I will make sure that the nation of Jackson remains safe. Thank you and good night."

Kuebec · August 12, 2003, 14:39

*Letter from Foriegn Minister of Kuebec to the public of
In our small newly created nation, of Kuebec, news of the riots, finally reaches the ears of the people, upon set up of a new National Television Broadcast System. The first television station KNTV, is Spartan, to say the least, and is seeking international monetary support. Here is a transcript of the first two 10 minute television broadcast:

*Intro Music Play*

Anchor: Hello, this is Maria Cunad of KNTV, the voice of Kuebec.
Today in world events...
In the nation of Centralis riot have continued for several days, the bloated, capitalist government, is facing much opposition from the unreliable, and unpredictable Communist Party in that reigon. The International community seems split on this issue. We have also recieved new information that Centralis will enforce Martial Law to retain stablility. No word of the reaction of the government of Kuebec.
Looks like we are out of time for today, but we will see you tomorrow on Kuebec's only news station KNTV.

*End of First Show*

*Intro Music Plays*

Anchor: Hello, this is Maria Cunad for KNTV, the voice of Kuebec. The longest running news channel in Kuebec, and also the newest! Kuebec citizens upon hearing the possibility of Martial law in Centralis, gathered outside the Kuebec National Capital, Muntral, to get an anwser from the Interim Leader of the nation Jacques Kaugh.
After many hours of waiting Mr. Kaugh made this statement:

"Hello, May Justice And Peace proceed in our nation." started the National figurehead, quoting the first constitution of Kuebec. "Kuebec is prepared to do all we can to help the situation, and are ready to dispatch our well-trained diplomatic advisors... However we are not sure which position we will take. The current government of Centralis, is unbearably overgrown, and would obviously rather stay in office, and murder their own people, than take the risk of changing government policy. However the rioting Communists, have shown irreconcilable immaturity, by propagandizing, and being incrediably violent, It seems all Kuebec can do is wait for a more developed nation to step to the forefront to peacefully solve the crisis , and we will follow them!"

*End of Brodcast

Mr. President · August 12, 2003, 22:48

Defense Department, Karakas

"It's begun."

The Chiefs of Staff had been waiting eagerly as the countdown to martial law in Centralis proceeded. Now that the clock had reached zero, the feeling was not of relief but of greater tension. Once soldiers hit the streets and shooting started, anything could – and often did – happen.

“The President will want the plan.” General Myers picked up the phone and hit “President” on the autodial.

“Nurhaliza here.”

“Madam President,” the general said. “The clock just reached zero. Have you made your announcement yet?”

“Not yet,” the President replied. “The news crew is on its way in. What progress have you made on the plans?”

The Chiefs of Staff had been asked to prepare a plan to invade and occupy key areas of Centralis and evacuate Karakasian interests in the worst-case situation. The request was above top secret, and completely unofficial. Never before had Karakas’ military establishment been requested to devise attack plans against allied territory.

“The cost,” the President had said, “in the worst-case scenario, of not being prepared will outweigh the cost of smashing our way into a friendly country.”

And so the Chiefs of Staff had spent three days preparing contingency plans for every situation: What if the Centralis Military Command was co-opted by rebels? What if strategic nuclear resources were stolen? What if the rebels started a wave of terrorism on the airlines of Centralian allies?

Myers had the answer. “We will be ready.” He hesitated. “I hope we never need these plans.”

“I hope so too,” the President said sympathetically. “I have to go, the cameras are outside the door. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yes,” General Myers said, and hung up the phone. He stared at the receiver, hands folded on the table. All Karakasian forces had been placed at maximum alert, and special-forces troops were already in transit to the Centralis border. There was nothing more to do – at least until more news came in . . .

GeneralTacticus · August 13, 2003, 03:40

OOC: Just a note for everyone who's taking part in the RP (I should probably have posted this at the beginning, but still...) - please, please, PLEASE consult me before posting. I'm running this RP to a loose script, and I'd appreciate it if everyone could try to avoid screwing it up as far as possible.

Mr. President · August 14, 2003, 02:41

Skeln Pass, Dakmoristan-Greater Silvera border

"Quiet night, isn't it?"

Diego nodded. Alvaro, the man who had spoken, had a knack for stating the obvious. He called barracks food "mundane" and referred to the local pin-up girl Winona de Vries as "cute". But he made an ideal rifle-brother.

Mostly the Border Rangers undertook missions like the one Diego's squad was on now: walking (or driving or flying in a helicopter) along their designated piece of Dakmoristan's border and watching for things going wrong. Diego was armed to the teeth, with a Karakasian Cyclone rifle, three pistols, and a combat knife, night-vision goggles, a satellite communications headset, and an ultra-modern combat suit that "chemical weapons just slide right off!", at least according to DataDyne War Machines. He had never used most of them, except the headset to acknowledge his sergeant's "go north"-type instructions.

Some people joined the army to see the world, to meet exotic people (and then kill them). Some people joined the army to channel their urge to shoot things into constructive channels. Neither worked in the Border Rangers. They never left Dakmoristan, and rarely fired their guns in anger, except on drug dealers and in the Sandrakkan operations.

But Diego had been assigned to neither smuggler interdiction nor Sandrakkan, and so his Cyclone's clip was still full after sixteen months.

Alvaro went on, "Hey, look over there. Was that a light?" He pointed across Skeln Pass, into Silvera. A rough track led down the hills, flanked by tall trees. Behind the squad were steep hills, dropping gradually to the rolling plains of Dakmoristan's Mysidia region. Northward, their view of Silvera was partially blocked by a grove of towering magnigoth trees, a species native to the sub-continent.

"I think you're right," was the sergeant's reply. They fell back into silence. What the Silverans did with their lights was not the concern of the Border Rangers . . .

"Unknown at two o'clock!" But this was. Diego saw two figures clambering on top of the steep ridge to his squad's left, well inside the Dakmoristani border. As one, the Rangers primed their weapons and aimed them at the movement, their training immediately taking over. The unknowns moved with confidence, considering the difficult terrain.

The sergeant pressed a button on his headset, activating a megaphone feature. "Unknown individuals! You have illegally entered the territory of the Empire of Dakmoristan! Hold your position and prepare to be taken into custody!"

Diego heard whispering from his left; Alvaro had contacted the dispatcher and alerted base camp to the unknowns. Keeping their weapons trained on the people on top of the ridge, the Border Rangers began edging towards the slope. As the first man began to climb towards the unknowns, a volley of shots exploded from the bushes to the north, dropping him to the ground.

"Combat procedure!" Diego dived for cover, and not a moment too soon; the night was torn apart by the rattle of machine guns. A clicking sound drew his eyes upwards: he saw one of the figures on the ridge throw something down towards the Dakmoristanis, and crouched as low as he could. The grenade exploded somewhere to his right. More gunfire and the screams of wounded men rang in his ears.

"Fire at will!" The Border Rangers raked the bushes and the ridge with gunfire. Diego saw the two figures on the ridgetop fall, and heard men's voices from the bushes. The volume of fire against the Rangers was impressive, but the firing rate of their Cyclones was beginning to tell. Diego took aim carefully and put four rounds in the back of an unknown gunman who broke cover to flee.

Somewhere in the back of his mind he heard someone radioing the dispatcher. "Hostiles on Skeln Pass. Repeat, hostiles on Skeln Pass. Shots fired. Rangers down. Request air cover. Over."

For several minutes Diego's squad traded shots with the hostiles. In that time, he took stock of the situation. The bushes where most of the shots seemed to originate were clearly on the Silveran side of the pass. It was possible they had disrupted a drug sale or a smuggler's run. Another Border Ranger fell, crashing to the forest floor.

With a great ball of fire, the battle ended abruptly. What gunmen survived broke cover and fled northward, into Silvera; several more were cut down by the Rangers' shots. Diego saw a welcome sight through his night-vision goggles; an Osprey multi-purpose hybrid aircraft was landing in a clearing, and medics were loading wounded men aboard. One of its wing-carried Hellfire missiles was gone.

Several squad members climbed the ridge, to search the bodies of the original two hostiles. Looking back, Diego resisted the urge to be sick. Seven Rangers lay motionless on the southern side of Skeln pass, and perhaps a dozen more were injured. He couldn't see how many of the unknowns they had killed. Alvaro flipped one of the dead men over with his boot, and, after a cursory visual examination, ripped something off the corpse's shirt. He examined it, without his goggles, in silence.

"What is it?"

Taking the item, Diego removed his night-vision equipment and looked at it. By the Osprey's lights, he could see a segmented triangle surrounding a black box, the flag of Greater Silvera.

"Oh my God . . ."