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Al wahid wrote:The Front was quick to follow up on the offer to establish formal relations with Quari’zash. The rebels looked forward to receiving their emissaries to better understand their interests in the region and the support they might offer in that pursuit.

Agent Rahim was the contact, and he was good. He left no paper trail and was as hard to track as he was mysterious. He only showed up when he wanted to meet the Front, and the first meeting went over very general basics: Beans, Bullets and Bandages. They could offer the Front AK-74s of all variants, old T-72 tanks, ammunition, medical supplies and training for all of it. In exchange, they simply asked for a baseline payment, far less than the premium of these items were worth and to be first in line for mining and oil rights before other foreign competitors would be considered.

They had also promised deployment of a whole special operations battalion, numbering no less than 380 combatants... solely for "consulting" with the Front.

The columbine republic, Spiritual Republic of Caryton, and Al wahid

The Start of Civil War

Within days, three prominent warlords who had pledged their support to the Front had ended up dead in a series of car bombs. This had the effect of discouraging other undecided warlords from siding with the pro-democracy rebels.

Initially, no one claimed responsibility for the car bombs. But days later, a hitherto unknown Jihadist group calling itself the ابناء ابو بكر (Sons of Abu Bakr) claimed responsibility, citing the Front’s rejection of the traditions of the salaf—which in their view is Islam in unadulterated, purest form—as the reason behind the bombings. In turn, the late warlords’ households have launched a series of punitive raids targeting mosques in their controlled territories, with the Front deciding not to intervene.

The revanchist strikes are now having the effect of sidelining more moderate voices in the clerics' convention discussing the growing threats socialism and secularism. While having only just begun, the discussions are now dominated by the participants' perception of an existential threat to their faith, as well as to their status enjoyed in society. The salafist view, particular those sympathetic to waging jihad against socialism and secularism, is now gaining traction.

These recent clashes between reactionary Islam and the Front, analysts believe, will mark any future for the moderate rebels as one filled with sectarian violence for years to come. However, more surprising to observers is the fact that the Front has been spotted using AK-74s and T-72 tanks, when the Front has so far only been able to recover RPG-7s, AK-47s and antiquated armoured vehicles like the T-54 and BMP-1s. Although the newer heavy armoured vehicles have not yet been deployed unlike the AK-74 assault rifles, Front tank crews have been spotted training with them.

In other news, with the government refusing to comment on the existence of talks with foreign arms manufacturers, the general strike has now started. Millions of workers around al-Wahid have put down their tools and taken up protest signs instead. In the capital itself just under a million workers have taken to the streets, with more expected to turn up in the coming days.

Finally, though in recent days regime forces have been at the end of a series of misfortunes, the government in the capital of al-Easima has had successes elsewhere. Thanks to the government’s lifting of Internet restrictions, they have been able to closely monitor social media and make a large database of all the activists, along with their political leanings, religious affiliations, and other relevant pieces of information. Through this database, the security services have been able to identify persons of interest and have now placed them under electronic and, where applicable, physical surveillance.

The government is now in the process of deploying advanced persistent threat (APT) groups to engage national security threats—both international and domestic—on the cyberspace. For years they have been putting together teams of hackers and acquiring hacking tools on the black market. Al-Easima now believes that the time has come to put their investments to the test. Some of the APT groups will be working with the security services to target persons of interest; others are to start building up their infrastructure outside al-Wahid, ready to respond to national security threats posed by foreigners.

Lenspheria, The greater antipodes, and The columbine republic

Imperial Protectorate of Ilgaz, Artarumen Realm
19 September 2019, 04:00

"This is the first announcement of the National Security Council.

The Great Turkish Nation;

As our citizens have been able to witness throughout the last year, the Imperial Protectorate of Ilgaz has been wrought with chaos from enemies both within and outside of it. It has faced treacherous attacks against its regime, its physical existence, and the Turkish nation within it. The State has been subsumed by subversive elements, its constitutional safeguards undermined, weakened, and silenced; its political parties unable to come together to bring the salvation of the State. Perverted ideologies other than those of national formation and strength, of reactionary or subversive natures, have been permitted to proliferate. These ideologies, systematically and treacherously, have been permitted to seep into our education system from primary schools to universities, into our administrative system, our justice system, our security forces, our workers' unions, our political parties, and all other aspects of our society. In short, the State has been left weak and in need of aid.

The Exalted Turkish Nation;

It is under these circumstances that the Ilgaz Armed Forces has carried out the task of safeguarding the Turkish nation granted to it by the will of the Turkish people, and has, within the chain of command and through direct orders, assumed total and complete control of all state affairs.

The purpose of this assumption of government functions is to establish the unity of the State, achieve independence in a manner befitting Turkish national interests, ensure national unity and camaraderie, re-establish the functions and the authority of the State, and remove the obstacles that prevent the functioning of a democratic system.

The Parliament and Government have been dissolved. The immunity of the members of Parliament have been revoked.

Martial law has been declared nation-wide.

All exits from the country have been prohibited.

In order to ensure citizens' safety, a curfew has been imposed from 05:00 onwards until a second order.

It is requested that all citizens listen to the newscasts on their radios and to trust the Ilgaz Armed Forces in all directions and orders they give."

As the civilian newscaster of the IRT, the only radio and television channel in Ilgaz, finished the announcement in his distinctive bass voice, the generals of the "National Security Council" relaxed. The coup had gone flawlessly. Not a single inch of resistance had been faced with, and the leaders of the political parties had been gently escorted from their homes to a military vacation camp on the seaside. Serious resistance had been expected from the trade unions, with the generals having prepared for the possibility of as many as 5,000 armed militants. No resistance had occurred, and the leaders of the largest trade unions - DİSK and MİSK - had also been apprehended, with noticeably less care than was afforded to the party leaders.

Elsewhere, hundreds of kilometres away from Ilgaz, in Liudan, a group of men were also listening to the announcement. When it ended, they too let out a breath of relief, leaning back in their armchairs. The Minister of State for War, Thomas Richard Prenderghast, lit a cigarette and breathed deeply, while Prime Minister Montgomery Walther Rorschach massaged his temples behind his mahogany table. Spencer Wright Lowenthal - the Foreign Minister - stopped pacing around the room and loosened his tie, noticeably relieved.

"So it's not the Islamists, it's not the communists, and it's not the ultranationalists. Our boys in Ilgaz did it." Lowenthal commented, looking at the others.

"Yes," Rorschach began, "they did it. The coup was visible from kilometres away. It was only a matter of who did it, and thankfully, it was these guys."

"We can work with these people," murmured Alastair John Somerset, the Economy Minister, "we can work with these people. A smoother route to independence. We can work with these people."

The eurasian steppes, The greater antipodes, The columbine republic, and Al wahid

Al wahid

The Regime's Opening Moves

Not intending on fighting in a prolonged civil war, al-Wahid’s security forces raided the First Islamic Political Convention, ensuring that it would be the only Islamic Political Convention. Because of their indecisiveness and without sufficient foreign backing, the government saw a chance at neutralising a threat and took it. The regime had several moderate imams on their payroll and they had reported proceedings from the very start. This allowed government forces to arrest the Jihadi empathisers, while letting moderate clerics go free—though not before questioning them and underscoring the importance of their continued loyalty to the government.

To the south, the government halted its advances. Having made little inroad past the mountains, the government instead used helicopters to secure the mountaintops strategic to defending the mountain passes against the Front’s advances. This permitted them to withdraw some of their forces to defend the regime against the socialists’ growing influence in big industrial centres across the country.

To fight the socialists, the government hired the assistance of a number of public relations firms widely known in some circles as being highly effective against popular unrest, as well as enlisting the help of foreign businesses specialising in psychological operations. They shared their growing database on political activists with their new friends so that they might better fashion propaganda against the socialists.

Recognising that the socialist movement was coordinating their general strike primarily on social media, the government, acting on advices from the hired help, did not restrict users’ use of social media. Instead, they saturated it with disinformation and propaganda. A meme war was being raged against the country’s youth—the lifeblood of any revolution.

Meanwhile, al-Wahid’s APT groups, using the access granted to them by local mobile network operators and internet service providers through government mandates, targeted persons of interest both in the People’s Self-Defence Force and in the Front. Thanks to their efforts, the government now knew precisely where important insurgents were, who they were in regular contact with, the contents of their communications and a host of other valuable data.

Acting on the APT group’s information, the security forces built entity relational models to better understand the relationships the persons of interest had with their insurgent groups and with each other. This empowered them to identify even more persons of interest to monitor, often passing back this information to the APT groups to target.

It was through these same models that the security forces found links between an armed group and the People’s Self-Defence Force. The security forces were keen on understanding who these volunteers were, so they dedicated considerable signals intelligence resources to intercepting their communications and monitoring them.

Edit: formatting

Lenspheria and The columbine republic

Post self-deleted by Al wahid.

Al wahid wrote:Foreign Ministry of Affairs and Expatriates Press Statement,
Al-Easima

The people of al-Wahid understand better than any other nation the value of sovereignty and a government’s legitimacy within the international community. As such the Ministry would like to be the first to recognise the National Security Council in Artarum as being the legitimate government of the great Turkish people. With this recognition, we hope on extending an offer of a future of peace and international security to our new friends, and wish them good fortune in establishing lasting peace in their great nation.

OOC: Just to clarify, the coup was in Ilgaz, an Imperial Protectorate of the Empire, and thus, not an independent state per se. Though, at this point, they may as well be, but the Empire - whose capital is Liudan - still nominally undertakes foreign affairs functions for the entire Realm.

Al wahid

Artarum wrote:OOC: Just to clarify, the coup was in Ilgaz, an Imperial Protectorate of the Empire, and thus, not an independent state per se. Though, at this point, they may as well be, but the Empire - whose capital is Liudan - still nominally undertakes foreign affairs functions for the entire Realm.

OOC: oh voided then thanks for telling me

Sanctuary Point wrote:“Huh, that’s an interesting way about it.” The Lieutenant replied as Tempest’s perpetual frown deepen slightly. “I think I’ve been to a few planets that do much the same. Though the priestly crowd still complains about it being unorthodox.” He shrugged and motioned for Peachy lead on. “Remind me, if you will, of the major points of Reformed Ponyism.” Tempest asked as she followed behind.

Peachy said, "I'm not much of a preacher, but Reformed Ponyism teaches us that all three Pony Kinds are to embrace the two great virtues of Harmony and Unity. In practice this means that all Ponies should work for the greater good while embracing their inner talents. Alicorns are considered sacred paragons, the living embodiments of all that which is good in the Ponykind. Their word should be considered law, for they see the deepest desires and aspirations of common Ponies and know what is truly good for us."

The Overseer took Tempest and the others into a large movie theater inside the main building. It was empty now aside from a Pegasus projectionist. However, there were enough seats for hundreds of Ponies, probably for everypony who lived in this particular building and worked the surrounding fields.

"You should watch one of the films we show to our Earth Pony workers every day, both to entertain them and to motivate them into working harder," Peachy said. "The one scheduled for today is titled 'The Heroic Sacrifice'. It's one of the most popular ones."

Without waiting for a reply she nodded to the Pegasus projectionist who started the film.

The film turned out to be decently made but blatantly propagandic. It told the story of a misguided Earth Pony filly who dreamed of being a great warrior. She practiced fighting and neglected her work in the fields, forcing her poor mother and father to work twice as hard. But one day their idyllic village was attacked by an Ursa Major. When the Earth Pony filly saw the monster, her courage failed and she fled in terror. But before the Ursa Major could eat anypony, the brave Captain of the village's Pegasus Guard and a tavelling Unicorn Mage faced the monster in combat. Both the Captain and the Mage gave their lives in defending the village, but in the end they managed to vanquish the monster. Inspired by the noble sacrifice of the two higher caste Ponies, the misguided Earth Pony filly decided to sacrifice her dream and became the hardest worker in the village. And on that day, she gained her Cutie Mark: a plow.

Midway through the film, there was a knock on the door. A Pegasus sergeant of the farm's guard entered the darkened theater and came to talk with Peachy Pitt in a lowered voice.

When the sergeant was gone, Peachy explained to Tempest, "Nothing to worry about. Our aerial patrols have spotted a pair of intruders at the outskirts of the farm. They didn't look armed. The guard will take care of them, so we can continue the inspection as planned."

The columbine republic

Artarum wrote:Nobody died in custody. No, instead they were placed in hospitals after the police had gotten their satisfaction, with their treatment expenses billed to their families - and due to the limited welfare prospects in Artarum, that could leave some of them in quite a financial swamp - and them lying in hospital beds with broken bones and bloody faces. The ones who did surrender relatively quickly didn't garner so much hatred from the police - they were mostly just let go after an hour of interrogation, allowed to go to their homes without interference.

Of course, firebombing the local precinct building did not do wonders for the Crimsonshirts' reputation as well as their capacity to move around. Previously one of the billion political movements in Artarum that the local law enforcement barely tolerated, they had catapulted themselves to the level of a criminal organisation which necessitated at least some level of attention from the police forces.

"Crimsonshirts? The bloody hell is that, something out of a B-rated film?"

The constables in the precinct chuckled, with the more senior constable shaking his head.

"Nah. One of the hundred fascist organisations that go on about some rambling ideology. Now, we know that fascists recently came to power in America." He summarised, letting the others put the pieces together. "Of course, I could just be paranoid, but that'll go up to the Imperial Liudan Constabulary regardless. Either way, that's not our job to take care of, that's the Foreign Office's job, if they determine those Americans are up to snuff in the Empire. Our job is, well, make sure those fellows don't get out of control. Don't misunderstand me here," he began to warn, "that doesn't mean we drive them underground. That day's events are alright now and then, but if we keep on doing that; one, they'll eventually go underground, obtain arms, start escalation, and two, the new government might not be so open to such tactics since they're all about human rights and democracy. What we want is for them to do their protests in the better neighbourhoods, neighbourhoods that are particularly royalist. Alternatively, neighbourhoods which are poorer, but are known to be harbouring left-wing militants. The other neighbourhoods, we focus our police in, and if they fight, well, so be it, we outnumber and outgun them. Logically, they'll go to the neighbourhoods they can demonstrate or shout or whatever they do with less police interference, have left-wing militias start a fight - after which we bag both groups up - or have royalist citizens call us with complaints, after which we bag them up, give them a few kicks, then put them in hospital or just let them go, depending. If they insist on escalating, I'll see if I can't ask the Chief to ask our good State Security Courts for some bonuses."

The mood in the room darkened a little after the State Security Courts were mentioned, the chuckling dying out instantly and leaving room for more somber expressions. The senior constable didn't miss a beat, continuing.

"So, basically, keep at it, but don't go and fight those thugs wherever you see. Make sure to report back to the precinct, and if they light you or your car on fire, just run. Being a hero isn't going to save Artarum, doing your job will."

After the firebombing incident no further attacks had been made by the Crimsonshirts. They had sent there message and it seemed to have been received as they noticed the quick change in tactics by the police, but this did not deter them. If anything it provided enough material to utilize in further propaganda. For over 80 years the police in Artarum had gotten away with indescribable abuses of their power over the common citizenry, naturally fueling public disapproval of the so-called "law enforcement" institutions across the country. By proving that the Crimsonshirts could and would retaliate when attacked by these thugs in uniforms, they were quick to capitalize on what they saw as a success by invoking the hatred, fear, and suspicion the populace held for the police in order to gain further support. Though their ranks did not swell incredibly there was noticeable rise in membership after it became clear that the Crimsonshirts would not be beaten into submission and that they were not afraid of any badge. Those patriots who worried for Artarum's uncertain future and happened to have been the victims of police brutality (or knew close friends/family that had been) would be tempted by the allure the Crimsonshirts' staunch defiance projected. Though the public's view of the Fascists had increased steadily, most did not openly jump at the chance to join - likely still fearful of the police or uncertain of the Crimsonshirts themselves - and preferred to offer either covert support or at the very least their prayers of solidarity.

But the Crimsonshirts were still not growing substantially and this was unacceptable for them. Recruitment was important to the cause; the nation needed to understand that the Crimsonshirts were fighting for the people of Artarum. Though police interference had become a nuisance it did not mean the Crimsonshirts would stop preaching in the ideal neighborhoods, simply that they had to remain vigilant. Just like before the Fascists made it a clear point not to attack the police but instead allow themselves to be struck first. The Crimsonshirts would thus only retaliate in self-defense, ensuring they could not be painted as the aggressors or instigators. Despite the continued operation in the more suitable neighborhoods, they would so-to-speak 'take the bait' the police had left for them and begin operating in neighborhoods that would logically seem less open to their presence. This was not done out of error, however. The Crimsonshirts were not blind to the police's tactics and hoped instead to use them to their own advantage by preaching the correct messages in the correct environments.

In the poor, working class neighborhoods they extolled the virtues of hard work, sympathized with the toil of laborers, and called out for the rights of Artarumen workers to be protected and championed. They identified the working class as the driving force behind Artarum's economy, and as such made clear that good work ethic should always be dutifully rewarded by employers. All the while they preached the value of inter-class cooperation, in stark contrast to the class-division and class-conflict perpetrated by Capitalists and Communists, respectively. It was here they would likely encounter more militant Leftists, but just like with the police they were sure to restrain themselves and not initiate violence but rather allow the Leftists to do so and defending themselves accordingly. By doing so they were easily able to paint the Leftists as unruly thugs no different from the police, while also showing they were neither weak nor susceptible to intimidation.

In the wealthier, more conservative neighborhoods they recognized the importance of the market and certain traditional values. They explained the death of monarchy in Artarum as "inevitable" but offered a superior alternative to Liberal Democracy, which they assured would also be inevitable unless action could be taken. They claimed that though the monarchy could not be saved from destruction, Artarum's cultural values could be safe-guarded from misguided 'Progressives'.

In the more patriotic and nationalist neighborhoods, their messages were even more rife with calls for a national awakening and revitalization than normal; an "Artarumen Renaissance", as they called it. It was undoubtedly here that they would find the most success - especially among those who also feared the current uncertain future for the nation at large.

The more intellectual, liberal, and progressive-minded neighborhoods would be the most challenging to appeal to but not impossibly so. Here they praised the importance of a good education and scientific progress while also recognizing the importance of women not only in society but as human beings and ensuring that they stood for the rights of women in all fields whether at home, in politics, in the workplace, and so on. Further comments were made regarding the natural state of homosexuality, that there was no shame in it, and that the homosexual could just as easily contribute to his or her nation as any heterosexual could - though these comments were made more sparingly. Out of all the neighborhoods these would be the ones that would see the most public criticism of the police for their flagrant abuses of power, which would not doubt sit well with human rights activists. The Crimsonshirts made sure their belief for police reform and re-training would be well-heard here, and most likely well-received. Further concerns would be raised regarding the environment, pollution, and climate change citing the importance of proper waste disposal, water & animal treatment, and regulated industry to ensure and healthy and beautiful environment for the Artarumen nation.

In more God-fearing neighborhoods the Crimsonshirts were sure to display their devotion to Him, pointing out Artarum's nature as a Protestant Country while explaining carefully and clearly how Fascism is compatible with the Christian faith and that as an important aspect of Artarum's cultural identity that they would defend the Church and it's rights in the name of Christ.

In neighborhoods sporting large numbers of military servicemen and retired veterans they were quick to appeal to by explaining the military priniciples enshrined in Fascism. Donar Dahlman himself had been in the Army having left at the rank of First Lieutenant, and many other members of the Crimsonshirts had also served in the military voluntarily. Fascism would naturally appeal to servicemen and ex-servicemen for it's emphasis on loyalty, order, strength, and obedience as well as it's general rigidness. Fascism's militaristic views and tendencies likewise would be favored by soldiers and officers of the nation's Army, Navy, and Air Force. Even the uniforms of the Crimsonshirts echoed military themes and indeed bore visual similarities to official military fatigues. The overlapping of Fascist and military values ensured that these neighborhoods would likely be easier to draw support from than most others.

But no matter what neighborhoods they went to, the Crimsonshirts were sure to preach what the people there would want to hear. They were natives of Liudan and so knew these communities and their traits well, and so utilized that knowledge to convey the most appropriate messages. They were sure not just to preach but to engage these people in debate, providing deeper insight into their ideology by explaining the values and virtues of Fascism and how they are utilized to create a better, stronger nation. Often they would jump to use Columbia as an ideal model: stable, orderly, prosperous, industrious, strong, wealthy, independent, proud, beautiful. Columbia was not a perfect country, of course, and the Crimsonshirts did not pretend it was so much as they explained that it, too, had suffered many of the problems plaguing Artarum today and had managed to solved them thanks to the wisdom of the ruling Fascist Party.

But most importantly of all was the message that was preached everywhere, in every neighborhood. That one concept that could appeal to anyone of any ideology or class. That one ideal that was instrumental for a prosperous future for any country: Unity. The Crimsonshirts made it adamantly clear, no matter where they went, that a country that was united could overcome any problem facing it. It was a simple message that logically could not be argued against, one that could appeal to any Artaruman. For that reason it was always at the forefront of every speech; the most important part - that little message of national cohesion, the unity of all the nation's people as a collective force. Unstoppable, unyielding, and invincible.

"Only UNITED can we truly find success against all adversity! Only UNITED can we ensure that we are safe, healthy, happy, and prosperous! Only UNITED can Artarum overcome it's trials and difficulties and enter into a new, golden age! Stand with us, people of Artarum, and you stand for the UNITY of the Artarumen Nation! Only UNITED are we strong! Only UNITED will we win! For ourselves, for our children, for God, and for the future of our culture and nation we must stand UNITED!"

The Crimsonshirts would be met with success and failure alike, but ultimately in the end their ranks would increase no matter what. Perhaps not as rapidly as they hoped, but it was inevitable that they would grow and as they grew it became necessary to better identify themselves. For most of their existence they had simply been "those Fascists with the Crimson shirts", but this was not sufficient. As an organization they had to be presentable in more ways than just dress. It was not long before the Crimsonshirts' uniforms were soon emblazoned with images of a phoenix rising from the ashes, and a far more formal name began to accompany this new symbolism: "Artarumen Nation's Party for Revitalization Dahlman had long said he wished to see a Greater Artarum rise from the ashes of the dying old one, and so with the mythical bird as their symbolism the ANPR was more commonly known simply as the "Crimson Phoenix", and their rallying cry would become unmistakable.

"Rise From the Ashes, O Fatherland!"

The greater antipodes

Collectivist germania

"Welcome back, Your Imperial Majesty."

The Kaiser sat upon the Holy Throne, clad in the steel and cape of his royal armor as he was overlooking the entirety of the Germanian Congress. Many seats were empty from the Halle Putsch as it became known and those who were left immediately turned their backs to him - so radiant was the light of his majesty that they could not bear to even look upon his visage. For indeed, his accomplishments outweighed almost all other leaders in Germanian history: he had brought an unstable nation together, led the crusade on Jerusalem and the rest of Chunwallism even to the very seat of power in Chunwall which was burned out from living memory. Syndicalism was also wiped out completely and Natalya Vilvienne personally executed by his Caravan of Death, the remnants of Agnosicstan left as a failed state and unable to compete with the might of the Reisch. The seeds of his reign stretch far and wide, from the throne of power in Vespergale to the smouldering ruins in former Hansdeltania. Although pockmarked by setbacks and even failures along the way, he'd restored a wounded pride of a proud people. Now it was time to rebuild the Empire however, and so came the time to finally consolidate his power on foreign territorial holdings and to expand to new horizons.

The Raumkommando fleet would be downscaled massively, leaving them for a purely defensive and ceremonial role and the Wehrmacht re-issued Konig-K assault rifles. The military budget may have been cut, but investments were certainly going elsewhere in the meantime, former Starcruiser crew members were being retrained for work elsewhere in civilian and military life and soon enough came the time when the Kriegsmarine made their moves. Northeast of the Circonian Sea, Floating Fortress fleets blocked off the English Channel from both sides as well as trading ships passing through that did not explicitly belong to or have business with Pelomoya or Despoticania. More and more pamphlets calling for unification were printed in English and sent out to Caryton and Lenspheria, mirroring a Germanian ambition of restoring a union of states desiring mutual prosperity and security.

Somehow, however, an anti-Reisch propaganda leaflet was slipped in here and there, showing that perhaps not everything was as well at home as the Germanian propaganda machine portrayed.

Peoples republic of the german states and Lenspheria

Twilight Sparkle wrote:Peachy said, "I'm not much of a preacher, but Reformed Ponyism teaches us that all three Pony Kinds are to embrace the two great virtues of Harmony and Unity. In practice this means that all Ponies should work for the greater good while embracing their inner talents. Alicorns are considered sacred paragons, the living embodiments of all that which is good in the Ponykind. Their word should be considered law, for they see the deepest desires and aspirations of common Ponies and know what is truly good for us."

The Overseer took Tempest and the others into a large movie theater inside the main building. It was empty now aside from a Pegasus projectionist. However, there were enough seats for hundreds of Ponies, probably for everypony who lived in this particular building and worked the surrounding fields.

"You should watch one of the films we show to our Earth Pony workers every day, both to entertain them and to motivate them into working harder," Peachy said. "The one scheduled for today is titled 'The Heroic Sacrifice'. It's one of the most popular ones."

Without waiting for a reply she nodded to the Pegasus projectionist who started the film.

The film turned out to be decently made but blatantly propagandic. It told the story of a misguided Earth Pony filly who dreamed of being a great warrior. She practiced fighting and neglected her work in the fields, forcing her poor mother and father to work twice as hard. But one day their idyllic village was attacked by an Ursa Major. When the Earth Pony filly saw the monster, her courage failed and she fled in terror. But before the Ursa Major could eat anypony, the brave Captain of the village's Pegasus Guard and a tavelling Unicorn Mage faced the monster in combat. Both the Captain and the Mage gave their lives in defending the village, but in the end they managed to vanquish the monster. Inspired by the noble sacrifice of the two higher caste Ponies, the misguided Earth Pony filly decided to sacrifice her dream and became the hardest worker in the village. And on that day, she gained her Cutie Mark: a plow.

Midway through the film, there was a knock on the door. A Pegasus sergeant of the farm's guard entered the darkened theater and came to talk with Peachy Pitt in a lowered voice.

When the sergeant was gone, Peachy explained to Tempest, "Nothing to worry about. Our aerial patrols have spotted a pair of intruders at the outskirts of the farm. They didn't look armed. The guard will take care of them, so we can continue the inspection as planned."

A few of the Trottingham soldiers grumbled as the film played, being Earth Ponies themselves. “That’s a load of horse apples. I got a plow on my arse and I can peg a heretic and a xeno as well as any Pegasus or Unicorn.” One complained, hiking up his red coat to show off his Cutie Mark which was a plow as he said. The Lieutenant waved a wing at his subordinate, looking mildly annoyed. “Alright, we see it, Shod. Cover up now, there’s mares about.”

Tempest’s tail flickered as she watched the film, the images of the Ursa making her scars itch as she remembered how she got them. Peachy’s passing remarks on the intruders garnered a grunt from her and she stood as the film ended and the heckling soldier exposed his flank. “Your trooper’s right, Lieutenant. That film is terrible but for those dumbed-down ponies out there, I suppose it might be passable. Shall we move on then?” The last part was directed at Peachy who’d shifted her hat to shield her eyes.

OOC:...Wait, there's a map? I wanna be on the map...

The greater antipodes

The columbine republic wrote:In the poor, working class neighborhoods they extolled the virtues of hard work, sympathized with the toil of laborers, and called out for the rights of Artarumen workers to be protected and championed. They identified the working class as the driving force behind Artarum's economy, and as such made clear that good work ethic should always be dutifully rewarded by employers. All the while they preached the value of inter-class cooperation, in stark contrast to the class-division and class-conflict perpetrated by Capitalists and Communists, respectively. It was here they would likely encounter more militant Leftists, but just like with the police they were sure to restrain themselves and not initiate violence but rather allow the Leftists to do so and defending themselves accordingly. By doing so they were easily able to paint the Leftists as unruly thugs no different from the police, while also showing they were neither weak nor susceptible to intimidation.

With cooperation from activists, workers and union groups, the Workers Society flooded the emergency services of Artarum with anonymous calls concerning "street hooligans" disturbing the peace and "engaging in agitation". Counterdemonstrators assembled in the streets to protest the Crimsonshirts, standing by the working class and especially with police unions after the attack on the police station. Petitions were being passed around calling on the government to proscribe the Crimsonshirts as a terrorist organization. Their support for the market had been the last straw and the Artarum Workers Society would make it loud and clear that these petty Bourgeois elements would be their allies no longer.

The columbine republic

The columbine republic

The greater antipodes wrote:With cooperation from activists, workers and union groups, the Workers Society flooded the emergency services of Artarum with anonymous calls concerning "street hooligans" disturbing the peace and "engaging in agitation". Counterdemonstrators assembled in the streets to protest the Crimsonshirts, standing by the working class and especially with police unions after the attack on the police station. Petitions were being passed around calling on the government to proscribe the Crimsonshirts as a terrorist organization. Their support for the market had been the last straw and the Artarum Workers Society would make it loud and clear that these petty Bourgeois elements would be their allies no longer.

By supporting the police the AWS had unwittingly handed the ANPR volatile fuel for it's propaganda machine. Decades of corruption and brutality committed by the police undoubtedly fueled public sentiment against the institution, so of course logic dictates that the common man would not warm to an organization that stand by their brutalizers - certainly not those who had been victims of said brutalization - and the Crimsonshirts were quick to capitalize on this fact.

"See now as the Socialists show their true colors as they stand behind the thugs-in-uniform that so taint the name 'Law Enforcement'; the very institution that has been abusing it's power over the people for 80 years! How can these so-called champions of the working class stand with an inherently corrupt and tyrannical institution that has made it expressly clear that it cares not for the life, health, or safety of the common folk? Because they are a FARCE! They lie to you face as they claim to represent the working class - claim to represent the people - yet their actions suggest otherwise! When brave, patriotic Artarumen gathered to demonstrate their displeasure with the corrupt and ineffectual government only to be beaten and assault by the police without warning or care for the well-being of their countrymen, what did they do? They CONDEMNED the VICTIMS of this unjust attack for 'inciting violence'! That is right; every single one of you who has ever been unfairly and barbarically beaten, assaulted, raped by the police was clearly deserving of it in their eyes! Why? Because that is the one of the Left: to brutalize and suppress those who dissent against them, so of course they would celebrate these measures so long as they are not taken against THEM! That is the way of the Socialist, and the Communist, and the Anarchist! They PRAISE violence against their enemies yet lack the stomach to take action themselves! How can they claim to champion the rights of the workers when they hide behind petitions and permits? When they cater to the government they supposedly oppose and celebrate the institution that threatens, harasses, and violates the very people they claim to 'fight' for? Because they are not FIGHTERS; they are WEAK men and WEAK women who choose to speak instead of take action, and now they go crawling to their masters like the lapdogs they are begging for our proud and patriotic organization to be condemned as a terrorist group because they lack the stomach take action against us themselves like the cowards they are! Was it not an act of terror when unruly policeman charged their countrymen and beat them to near-death? What is it not an act of terror that those imprisoned were beaten further, tortured, and hospitalized? If WE are terrorists then what are the POLICE? They are clearly not defenders of ORDER or upholders of LAW, but rather lawless beasts let off their leashes to do as they please while the government does NOTHING to stop them! So why then, you ask, do the Artarum Workers Society stand with these obvious enemies of the people? The government that has abandoned the people and the police that abuse them? Because they do not seek to end this madness, this treason, this abandonment of human decency and moral decay! They wish to JOIN THEM! They wish to be the ones pulling the strings at the behest of their Antipodean masters! To side with the AWS is to seek the surrender of sovereign Artarum into the cold, brutal strings of Antipodean bureaucrats seek to dig their festering claws into our nation! Well, I say we the FREE and PROUD people of Artarum should not lay down and roll over for foreigners! But should it be I who says this? I, a simple patriot? An ordinary man of passion and love for his country? No, it is the obligation of our government to oppose foreign influence from taking hold of our nation! And what do they have to say? Nothing. SILENCE is their answer. When the police brutalize the people, they are SILENT. So why should they not be silent here? Is this new government not one seeking change? No, they are not! Empty words; empty promises! Business as usual! Make no mistake, brothers and sisters, these so-called 'men' have no interest in change or else we would have seen it already! The events of these past weeks were but a charade to provide us with false hope; an illusion to ensure complacency! I dare Parliament to finally acknowledge the perverse abuse of police authority in Artarum if they do indeed care about their constitutes after all! If they must give-in to the emptied-handed demands of Antipodean sleeper agents and label the Artarumen Nation's Party for Revitalization as a 'terrorist organization' then I would demand they acknowledge the terrorism committed by local authorities! If we must be labelled terrorists for defending ourselves from an institution that is supposed to defend US, then I would see to it that the government treats all acts of terror equally - including thus committed by the police force itself! If we must be punished for self-defense then our attacks must be punished for their abuse of power! It is only fair!"

To drive the point home further, Crimsonshirts likewise would show up to counter-protest public AWS assemblies displaying signs with blunt messages:

Signs depicting a silhouetted man being beaten by a police officer who is being patted on the back by an arm depicting the AWS symbol. The text above read thus: "While the police beat you to death the Socialists pat them on the back!

Other signs showing the symbol of AWS tied to strings connecting to a puppet-stick held by a large hand held by a silhouetted figure with a menacing glare and a pin on his sleeve representing the flag of Antipodea.

More signs depicted photographs of the Crimsonshirts currently lounging in hospital beds after the police attack, demonstrating the severity of their wounds and the extent of their hospitalization. The text below read as such: "See how the POLICE treat VETERANS, COUNTRYMEN, PATRIOTS!"

Yet more signs depicted a heroically-stylized Crimsonshirt protecting several civilians from a brutish, ape-like police officer. The text below read thus: "ANPR stands in YOUR defense against those who ABUSE THEIR POWER!"

The last sign in particular was the most telling, for it represented a new role the Crimsonshirts had undertaken: protection. Many had reasons for being afraid of the police, and for some there was a need for security. Since the firebombing attacks by the police against the ANPR had dropped dramatically and the people had noticed this. The ANPR had the spine to stand up to these thugs, and it was clear the police knew better to provoke them further. With this incentive not to attack Crimson Phoenix came a sort sanctuary in the form of membership in the ANPR. Even those who did not truly or fully believe in what ANPR stood for would of course find membership attractive because it seemed certain that it meant no further attacks by the police, or at least retribution by the ANPR if there were any. Even those who could not or did not wish to join would covertly offer their support if it meant the Crimsonshirts would protect them, or failing that, avenge them. Decades of police brutality was finally catching up to local law enforcement n Liudan, and it was only a matter of time before the rest of Artarum began to take notice.

Perhaps the police's greatest mistake was attacking the ANPR that fateful day Dahlman decided to deliver a public denouncement of the regime and a call for revolution, for it and the subsequent firebombing had only proved to further aid the cause of the Crimsonshirts. The AWS' misguided support for the police would likewise sway public sentiment away from them and furthering contributing to the ANPR's rise.

When the ANPR first sprung up, people laughed. But all that changed when the ANPR torched a police precinct and proved that, in a sea of fear, they were not afraid. No matter what happened next, one thing was clear: no one was laughing anymore.

The greater antipodes

The columbine republic wrote:By supporting the police the AWS had unwittingly handed the ANPR volatile fuel for it's propaganda machine. Decades of corruption and brutality committed by the police undoubtedly fueled public sentiment against the institution, so of course logic dictates that the common man would not warm to an organization that stand by their brutalizers - certainly not those who had been victims of said brutalization - and the Crimsonshirts were quick to capitalize on this fact.

"See now as the Socialists show their true colors as they stand behind the thugs-in-uniform that so taint the name 'Law Enforcement'; the very institution that has been abusing it's power over the people for 80 years! How can these so-called champions of the working class stand with an inherently corrupt and tyrannical institution that has made it expressly clear that it cares not for the life, health, or safety of the common folk? Because they are a FARCE! They lie to you face as they claim to represent the working class - claim to represent the people - yet their actions suggest otherwise! When brave, patriotic Artarumen gathered to demonstrate their displeasure with the corrupt and ineffectual government only to be beaten and assault by the police without warning or care for the well-being of their countrymen, what did they do? They CONDEMNED the VICTIMS of this unjust attack for 'inciting violence'! That is right; every single one of you who has ever been unfairly and barbarically beaten, assaulted, raped by the police was clearly deserving of it in their eyes! Why? Because that is the one of the Left: to brutalize and suppress those who dissent against them, so of course they would celebrate these measures so long as they are not taken against THEM! That is the way of the Socialist, and the Communist, and the Anarchist! They PRAISE violence against their enemies yet lack the stomach to take action themselves! How can they claim to champion the rights of the workers when they hide behind petitions and permits? When they cater to the government they supposedly oppose and celebrate the institution that threatens, harasses, and violates the very people they claim to 'fight' for? Because they are not FIGHTERS; they are WEAK men and WEAK women who choose to speak instead of take action, and now they go crawling to their masters like the lapdogs they are begging for our proud and patriotic organization to be condemned as a terrorist group because they lack the stomach take action against us themselves like the cowards they are! Was it not an act of terror when unruly policeman charged their countrymen and beat them to near-death? What is it not an act of terror that those imprisoned were beaten further, tortured, and hospitalized? If WE are terrorists then what are the POLICE? They are clearly not defenders of ORDER or upholders of LAW, but rather lawless beasts let off their leashes to do as they please while the government does NOTHING to stop them! So why then, you ask, do the Artarum Workers Society stand with these obvious enemies of the people? The government that has abandoned the people and the police that abuse them? Because they do not seek to end this madness, this treason, this abandonment of human decency and moral decay! They wish to JOIN THEM! They wish to be the ones pulling the strings at the behest of their Antipodean masters! To side with the AWS is to seek the surrender of sovereign Artarum into the cold, brutal strings of Antipodean bureaucrats seek to dig their festering claws into our nation! Well, I say we the FREE and PROUD people of Artarum should not lay down and roll over for foreigners! But should it be I who says this? I, a simple patriot? An ordinary man of passion and love for his country? No, it is the obligation of our government to oppose foreign influence from taking hold of our nation! And what do they have to say? Nothing. SILENCE is their answer. When the police brutalize the people, they are SILENT. So why should they not be silent here? Is this new government not one seeking change? No, they are not! Empty words; empty promises! Business as usual! Make no mistake, brothers and sisters, these so-called 'men' have no interest in change or else we would have seen it already! The events of these past weeks were but a charade to provide us with false hope; an illusion to ensure complacency! I dare Parliament to finally acknowledge the perverse abuse of police authority in Artarum if they do indeed care about their constitutes after all! If they must give-in to the emptied-handed demands of Antipodean sleeper agents and label the Artarumen Nation's Party for Revitalization as a 'terrorist organization' then I would demand they acknowledge the terrorism committed by local authorities! If we must be labelled terrorists for defending ourselves from an institution that is supposed to defend US, then I would see to it that the government treats all acts of terror equally - including thus committed by the police force itself! If we must be punished for self-defense then our attacks must be punished for their abuse of power! It is only fair!"

To drive the point home further, Crimsonshirts likewise would show up to counter-protest public AWS assemblies displaying signs with blunt messages:

Signs depicting a silhouetted man being beaten by a police officer who is being patted on the back by an arm depicting the AWS symbol. The text above read thus: "While the police beat you to death the Socialists pat them on the back!

Other signs showing the symbol of AWS tied to strings connecting to a puppet-stick held by a large hand held by a silhouetted figure with a menacing glare and a pin on his sleeve representing the flag of Antipodea.

More signs depicted photographs of the Crimsonshirts currently lounging in hospital beds after the police attack, demonstrating the severity of their wounds and the extent of their hospitalization. The text below read as such: "See how the POLICE treat VETERANS, COUNTRYMEN, PATRIOTS!"

Yet more signs depicted a heroically-stylized Crimsonshirt protecting several civilians from a brutish, ape-like police officer. The text below read thus: "ANPR stands in YOUR defense against those who ABUSE THEIR POWER!"

The last sign in particular was the most telling, for it represented a new role the Crimsonshirts had undertaken: protection. Many had reasons for being afraid of the police, and for some there was a need for security. Since the firebombing attacks by the police against the ANPR had dropped dramatically and the people had noticed this. The ANPR had the spine to stand up to these thugs, and it was clear the police knew better to provoke them further. With this incentive not to attack Crimson Phoenix came a sort sanctuary in the form of membership in the ANPR. Even those who did not truly or fully believe in what ANPR stood for would of course find membership attractive because it seemed certain that it meant no further attacks by the police, or at least retribution by the ANPR if there were any. Even those who could not or did not wish to join would covertly offer their support if it meant the Crimsonshirts would protect them, or failing that, avenge them. Decades of police brutality was finally catching up to local law enforcement n Liudan, and it was only a matter of time before the rest of Artarum began to take notice.

Perhaps the police's greatest mistake was attacking the ANPR that fateful day Dahlman decided to deliver a public denouncement of the regime and a call for revolution, for it and the subsequent firebombing had only proved to further aid the cause of the Crimsonshirts. The AWS' misguided support for the police would likewise sway public sentiment away from them and furthering contributing to the ANPR's rise.

When the ANPR first sprung up, people laughed. But all that changed when the ANPR torched a police precinct and proved that, in a sea of fear, they were not afraid. No matter what happened next, one thing was clear: no one was laughing anymore.

The AWS curtly dismissed the ANPR's statements as anti-Antipodean racist polemic conspiracy theories and reaffirmed their commitment to the welfare of police officers, citing the Social Darwinist attitudes of Capitalism and consumer culture as being the key contributor to institutionalized injustices rather than any inherent nature of law enforcement itself. They furthermore applauded the National Coalition for their efforts at curtailing reactionary aggression and reiterated their calls for the ANPR to be proscribed. Comrade Elsie Murphy commented to the local press:

"If you follow the demented logic of Mr. Dahlman and his Columbine-backed cronies to its natural 'logical' conclusion, he has committed treason surpassed only by the betrayal of Douglas MacArthur in 1941 in the United Colonial States. However, we're not interested in whatever Capitalistic chauvinist conspiracy theories the Fascists have to spin in order to support their contradictory reductionist positions. We are here to build Socialism, to build stronger friendships with workers across the world and to guarantee the people of Artarum the inalienable right of safety, happiness and self-determination. Yet, the ANPR just wants to engage in anti-revolutionary identity politics and alienate sectors of the working class to suit his bourgeois imperialist agenda. The likes of Mr. Dahlman and his anti-worker propagators of terrorism shouldn't waste his time with us if these are the cards he has played, because - let me just say - what a poor hand. Apparently the Prime Minister's entire intelligence network can't find "sleeper agents" but the all-wise ANPR can. Let the public decide which of us is speaking more sense on the matter."

The columbine republic wrote:By supporting the police the AWS had unwittingly handed the ANPR volatile fuel for it's propaganda machine. Decades of corruption and brutality committed by the police undoubtedly fueled public sentiment against the institution, so of course logic dictates that the common man would not warm to an organization that stand by their brutalizers - certainly not those who had been victims of said brutalization - and the Crimsonshirts were quick to capitalize on this fact.

"See now as the Socialists show their true colors as they stand behind the thugs-in-uniform that so taint the name 'Law Enforcement'; the very institution that has been abusing it's power over the people for 80 years! How can these so-called champions of the working class stand with an inherently corrupt and tyrannical institution that has made it expressly clear that it cares not for the life, health, or safety of the common folk? Because they are a FARCE! They lie to you face as they claim to represent the working class - claim to represent the people - yet their actions suggest otherwise! When brave, patriotic Artarumen gathered to demonstrate their displeasure with the corrupt and ineffectual government only to be beaten and assault by the police without warning or care for the well-being of their countrymen, what did they do? They CONDEMNED the VICTIMS of this unjust attack for 'inciting violence'! That is right; every single one of you who has ever been unfairly and barbarically beaten, assaulted, raped by the police was clearly deserving of it in their eyes! Why? Because that is the one of the Left: to brutalize and suppress those who dissent against them, so of course they would celebrate these measures so long as they are not taken against THEM! That is the way of the Socialist, and the Communist, and the Anarchist! They PRAISE violence against their enemies yet lack the stomach to take action themselves! How can they claim to champion the rights of the workers when they hide behind petitions and permits? When they cater to the government they supposedly oppose and celebrate the institution that threatens, harasses, and violates the very people they claim to 'fight' for? Because they are not FIGHTERS; they are WEAK men and WEAK women who choose to speak instead of take action, and now they go crawling to their masters like the lapdogs they are begging for our proud and patriotic organization to be condemned as a terrorist group because they lack the stomach take action against us themselves like the cowards they are! Was it not an act of terror when unruly policeman charged their countrymen and beat them to near-death? What is it not an act of terror that those imprisoned were beaten further, tortured, and hospitalized? If WE are terrorists then what are the POLICE? They are clearly not defenders of ORDER or upholders of LAW, but rather lawless beasts let off their leashes to do as they please while the government does NOTHING to stop them! So why then, you ask, do the Artarum Workers Society stand with these obvious enemies of the people? The government that has abandoned the people and the police that abuse them? Because they do not seek to end this madness, this treason, this abandonment of human decency and moral decay! They wish to JOIN THEM! They wish to be the ones pulling the strings at the behest of their Antipodean masters! To side with the AWS is to seek the surrender of sovereign Artarum into the cold, brutal strings of Antipodean bureaucrats seek to dig their festering claws into our nation! Well, I say we the FREE and PROUD people of Artarum should not lay down and roll over for foreigners! But should it be I who says this? I, a simple patriot? An ordinary man of passion and love for his country? No, it is the obligation of our government to oppose foreign influence from taking hold of our nation! And what do they have to say? Nothing. SILENCE is their answer. When the police brutalize the people, they are SILENT. So why should they not be silent here? Is this new government not one seeking change? No, they are not! Empty words; empty promises! Business as usual! Make no mistake, brothers and sisters, these so-called 'men' have no interest in change or else we would have seen it already! The events of these past weeks were but a charade to provide us with false hope; an illusion to ensure complacency! I dare Parliament to finally acknowledge the perverse abuse of police authority in Artarum if they do indeed care about their constitutes after all! If they must give-in to the emptied-handed demands of Antipodean sleeper agents and label the Artarumen Nation's Party for Revitalization as a 'terrorist organization' then I would demand they acknowledge the terrorism committed by local authorities! If we must be labelled terrorists for defending ourselves from an institution that is supposed to defend US, then I would see to it that the government treats all acts of terror equally - including thus committed by the police force itself! If we must be punished for self-defense then our attacks must be punished for their abuse of power! It is only fair!"

To drive the point home further, Crimsonshirts likewise would show up to counter-protest public AWS assemblies displaying signs with blunt messages:

Signs depicting a silhouetted man being beaten by a police officer who is being patted on the back by an arm depicting the AWS symbol. The text above read thus: "While the police beat you to death the Socialists pat them on the back!

Other signs showing the symbol of AWS tied to strings connecting to a puppet-stick held by a large hand held by a silhouetted figure with a menacing glare and a pin on his sleeve representing the flag of Antipodea.

More signs depicted photographs of the Crimsonshirts currently lounging in hospital beds after the police attack, demonstrating the severity of their wounds and the extent of their hospitalization. The text below read as such: "See how the POLICE treat VETERANS, COUNTRYMEN, PATRIOTS!"

Yet more signs depicted a heroically-stylized Crimsonshirt protecting several civilians from a brutish, ape-like police officer. The text below read thus: "ANPR stands in YOUR defense against those who ABUSE THEIR POWER!"

The last sign in particular was the most telling, for it represented a new role the Crimsonshirts had undertaken: protection. Many had reasons for being afraid of the police, and for some there was a need for security. Since the firebombing attacks by the police against the ANPR had dropped dramatically and the people had noticed this. The ANPR had the spine to stand up to these thugs, and it was clear the police knew better to provoke them further. With this incentive not to attack Crimson Phoenix came a sort sanctuary in the form of membership in the ANPR. Even those who did not truly or fully believe in what ANPR stood for would of course find membership attractive because it seemed certain that it meant no further attacks by the police, or at least retribution by the ANPR if there were any. Even those who could not or did not wish to join would covertly offer their support if it meant the Crimsonshirts would protect them, or failing that, avenge them. Decades of police brutality was finally catching up to local law enforcement n Liudan, and it was only a matter of time before the rest of Artarum began to take notice.

Perhaps the police's greatest mistake was attacking the ANPR that fateful day Dahlman decided to deliver a public denouncement of the regime and a call for revolution, for it and the subsequent firebombing had only proved to further aid the cause of the Crimsonshirts. The AWS' misguided support for the police would likewise sway public sentiment away from them and furthering contributing to the ANPR's rise.

When the ANPR first sprung up, people laughed. But all that changed when the ANPR torched a police precinct and proved that, in a sea of fear, they were not afraid. No matter what happened next, one thing was clear: no one was laughing anymore.

OOC: Okay, let me hold you up there. The ANPR can do as they wish, but please do not write how the citizens of my nation react in such definitive terms.

The greater antipodes

Liudan, Empire of Artarum

The judge hesitated for a moment. There had never been a regency in Artarum before, not one mandated by the elected government. Deciding how to phrase it, he nodded to himself, adjusted his overly fancy wig and robes, and pushed open the doors.

"All rise before His Eminent Lordship."

The small group of people - all of them bureaucrats - stood up in the small, though well-decorated courtroom. The judge sat down, clearing his throat.

"The Government's case regarding the organisation referred to as the Crimsonshirts has been reviewed. On behalf of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor-Regent Euric VI, and by God, this State Security Court has decided the following," he started, as the bureaucrats sat down.

"This State Security Court has hereby decided that the electronic communications and physical communications of the Crimsonshirts and any affiliated groups are to be tracked and tapped as deemed necessary by the Government. The members of the organisation and affiliated organisations can be pressed into service overseas within penal units of the Imperial Navy, throughout the Artarumen Realm. As per the Subversive Acts of 1989, it has been found appropriate that members of the organisation and affiliated organisations can be detained indefinitely without notice and without information being given to their families or next of kin.

This State Security Court shall review the status of the Crimsonshirts and their affiliated organisations within the penal system and the terrorist organisation roster, and will decide upon the Government's second request at a later date. This case is thereby closed." He slammed his gavel on the mahogany desk, rising from his seat - prompting the bureaucrats to stand as well - and exiting the courtroom.

The decision was a secret, not to be published beyond those who needed to know. The Imperial Liudan Constabulary was notified that they could detain the Crimsonshirts indefinitely without any notice given, without anything more. The State Security Courts were a remnant of the old order, but they generally served their purpose very well. The Crimsonshirts were just another would-be dissident group amongst hundreds, maybe even thousands in the entire Empire, within the vast Artarumen realm.

Nobody would care about a few dozen people disappearing, and ending up dead in the Imperial Protectorate of Beyt against Islamist or nationalist gunfire.

WHAT? Ejected from Pacifica!! I will eat their livers for breakfast! My ambassadors will have their skulls for drinking vessels! My armies will drive their women into the desert and I will enjoy the lamentations of their men!

Rats!

I will bring the light of my wisdom to you so that we may crush Pacifica.

Sanctuary Point wrote:A few of the Trottingham soldiers grumbled as the film played, being Earth Ponies themselves. “That’s a load of horse apples. I got a plow on my arse and I can peg a heretic and a xeno as well as any Pegasus or Unicorn.” One complained, hiking up his red coat to show off his Cutie Mark which was a plow as he said. The Lieutenant waved a wing at his subordinate, looking mildly annoyed. “Alright, we see it, Shod. Cover up now, there’s mares about.”

Tempest’s tail flickered as she watched the film, the images of the Ursa making her scars itch as she remembered how she got them. Peachy’s passing remarks on the intruders garnered a grunt from her and she stood as the film ended and the heckling soldier exposed his flank. “Your trooper’s right, Lieutenant. That film is terrible but for those dumbed-down ponies out there, I suppose it might be passable. Shall we move on then?” The last part was directed at Peachy who’d shifted her hat to shield her eyes.

Peachy stammered only a little when she said, "Ahem... O-of course. Let's move on then..."

Leading her guests out of the movie theater, she continued, "And if I may add, while you may not think much of our movies, I hope that you at least understood their purpose. We want to provide quality entertainment for our workers. We do not see the Earth Ponies as mere biological machines. No, they are valued workers and an essential part of the Imperium. Reformed Ponyism teaches us that everypony has her place in society, but it also teaches us that everypony has the right to enjoy her life."

She took the extradimensional inspectors to the second floor of the main building, into a large and well furnished meeting room clearly reserved for the commanders of this particular farm. The main feature of the room was a large round table. Three Earth Pony workers, one stallion and two older mares, were seated at the table. They all wore green vests with a pin that identified them as labor group leaders, one of the highest positions an Earth Pony could reach in modern Equestria.

"These are Rocky Field, Autumn Rain and Photo Finish," Peachy said. "They lead three of the hardest working labor gangs in the entire farm. You are free to interview them and ask them any questions that come to your mind. Her Immortal Ladyship hopes that this way you can see with your own eyes that our caste based system is not oppressive or against the true nature of Earth Ponies. I assure you, you'll find no dissatisfaction here!" (The Overseer didn't sound particularly sure about her last statement.)

Costa calbia wrote:WHAT? Ejected from Pacifica!! I will eat their livers for breakfast! My ambassadors will have their skulls for drinking vessels! My armies will drive their women into the desert and I will enjoy the lamentations of their men!

Rats!

I will bring the light of my wisdom to you so that we may crush Pacifica.

ooc: Hi! Welcome to the AOD. I hope you'll like it here!

Your fellow AOD member,
Twilight Sparkle

Costa calbia

OOC: oofed, CTE-ed due to IRL reasons

Anyways....

IC:

A distress singal was sent out to the entire region, despite the severe lacking quality of the signal, a bit of the message was able to be transcribed.

It goes like this,

S-send help, *bzzt*, by Fau-*bzzt*-e alicorn gods were r-real!! *Bzzt* They've returned! Someone decided it was best to shoot them and now they're firing back!! *Bzzt*-ve armies with more weapons than us! Send He- OH GOD!

Maripony wrote:OOC: oofed, CTE-ed due to IRL reasons

Anyways....

IC:

A distress singal was sent out to the entire region, despite the severe lacking quality of the signal, a bit of the message was able to be transcribed.

It goes like this,

S-send help, *bzzt*, by Fau-*bzzt*-e alicorn gods were r-real!! *Bzzt* They've returned! Someone decided it was best to shoot them and now they're firing back!! *Bzzt*-ve armies with more weapons than us! Send He- OH GOD!

An Equestrian air patrol was immediately dispatched from the nearest military base to investigate the signal. The air patrol consisted of one magitechnological airship of the Third Imperial Airfleet and four attack helicopters. It was commanded by Captain Spring Tide, a veteran Pegasus warrior of many great and small battles.

The air patrol's mission was to find out what was going on in Maripony. They were under strict orders not to fire at any targets unless absolutely necessary to ensure their own survival.

When the patrol was above Maripony, Captain Spring Tide tried to contact Overseer Celestial Embers.

"This is Imperial Air Patrol N-567. Overseer Celestial Embers, are you threre? What is going on in Maripony? Please respond immediately."

Artarumen Radio Television

Hundreds of prosecutors, judges, and barristers no longer permitted to practice; Justice Minister Adam Clive Ashdown states partisan links with the former government and the Royalist party

In a sweeping purge of the justice system, a great number of Artarumen prosecutors and judges were removed from office by the government, stating that they could not fulfill their roles as unbiased practitioners of the law of the land as they had become tools of the former administrations and of the Imperial family. Moreover, the licence of even more barristers was revoked overnight, leaving them unemployed and unable to practice law, with details of their legal malpractices in regards to their handling of politically motivated cases coming to surface.

Overall, the Artarumen people seem pleased with this measure, as one of the chief promises of the government had been to clean the judicial system from corrupt judges and prosecutors, and reform the judicial system itself. The Justice Minister commented that "a large-scale reform of the justice system in Artarum is in the works", and that "laws prohibiting speech and limiting demonstrations would be repealed soon". He further went on to state that "the State Security Courts, a tool of Imperial and ultraconservative oppression over the Artarumen nation and labourer, shall be abolished in due time".

Prime Minister Montgomery Walther Rorschach stated that "the aim of the National Coalition government is to bring together the entire Artarumen nation, heal the great wounds caused by decades of National Party rule, and walk to the future united and strong", and that "these reforms allow us to achieve this goal without causing further injustice and harm to those who have not deserved it. Those who have been hurt by these measures have only themselves to blame in that they could not stand with their honourable colleagues who resigned, or worse, were punished by the governments prior to us."

This was the ART reporting from Liudan, the capital of the Empire of Artarum and the Artarumen Realm.

The greater antipodes and Al wahid

The realm of the sun king

The greater antipodes wrote:Having been trained extensively in urban warfare, and having the additional advantage of NODs in the night, the Antipodeans tackled the capturing of the city block by block by keeping out of the streets when applicable and moving through buildings instead. Any visible source of power generation was promptly destroyed by forces outside of the city, plunging it into darkness and allowing BLUFOR the cloak of the dark as they systematically began clearing out rooms, firing down through the windows at any opposition forces they had visual identification of with small arms fire and 20mm FRAG rounds from M320 grenade launchers. ANLAVs remained in the streets where applicable in a stationary position, firing off 25mm autocannons at any enemies that tried to run across any of the blocks in an attempt to either support their comrades or retreat from the enemy. The Antipodeans did not take the task of close-quarters combat lightly and treated it as a game of cat and mouse, working meticulously in an effort to clear through the first set of blocks on their way to the Firelord.

Being a city stuck perpetually in the Classical Era, the common citizenry lacked access to electrical power - or any kind of power, for that matter - but this did not change the fact that the Antipodeans' superior urban combat skills easily outmatched the cobbled-together defenses of the Zunists. Before long the defensive lines had been pushed back to the Ziggurat, with those capable of doing so fleeing to the safety of it's interior while those unfortunately locked out tried either to surrender or felt forced to fight to the death. Within hours Arghasambadh was mostly under invader control as Antipodean soldiers secured what they could of the city while Pelomoyan Papal Aid workers rushed to assist the disoriented, fearful, and ignorant people. Only Firelord Daras' Ziggurat remained untouched by the enemy, locked down to prevent entry. The resilience of the structure's walls ensured that attempts to penetrate them would take days, while the much weaker entry points were closely-guarded on the other side by entrenched turret positions and furious Zealots whose Staff weapons were primed and ready to blast away intruders. Daras did not believe for a moment that the enemy would be kept out for long, and so unbeknownst to both the enemy and his own warriors he locked himself in his chambers and prepared a bottle of poisoned wine to be consumed soon. First, though, he would enjoy the bodies of his slaves one last time. He would die on his own terms, not at the enemy's hands. Unaware of Daras' intentions the warriors prepared to defend their Firelord to death, as was surely the Will of Zunil. Unlike the other cities Daras' personal guard were comprised entirely of the most zealous warriors at his disposal, ensuring there would be no surrender... and no mercy.

Lenspheria wrote:The first thing to happen was the cease fire of rocket artillery and the howitzers, they would turn into fire mission based ordinance, waiting for infantry to call for support. Two companies picked through the rubble quite careful if traps and entrenchments, the infantry squads backed by BMP-86 AFVs. They arrested those surrendered and put down those whom were mortally wounded, as a mercy. Bayonets flashed under the gleaming sun as the soldiers carried out their gory tasks.

Two more companies of mechanized infantry and a company of tanks reinforced the first two companies as they neared the gates, watching as citizens turned against Zunil government forces. They didn't have time to waste, so they fired up above the now surrounded crowd. Hundreds of Lenspherian soldiers back by tanks and their BMP vehicles hovered as civilians ran, or were gunned down if they threatened the soldiers. A laser designator posted next to a Lieutenant, Captain and Forward Observer whom had a radio. They contacted the 3rd Battalion HQ, the LTC there contacting brigade. The boots on ground had one request: Massive Ordinance Penetrator. A 30,000 pound bunker buster was ordered from a Lenspherian airbase in Thrasz, an IL-120 launching with two of the massive bombs. It took hours but it did reach and when it did, the GPB-57/B made it's way right towards the laser, guided center mass on the supposedly invincible bunker. Lenspherian soldiers ducked in the rubble for cover, a few hundred meters back from the gate now. The missile struck, sending shockwaves and a cloud of debris and smoke that looked akin to the awakening of a volcano.

The soldiers lifted themselves slowly, looking at the damage, preparing for the advance to clear the area once more. Tanks began pounding the gate down, provided it still stood and artillery preemptively loaded for fire missions. Infantry began to creep through the gate opening, one fire team at a time. They were expecting survivors, but these ones would be shown no quarter. Should any step forth from any building, wreckage, or the dust they would be gunned down mercilessly. If it devolved into a slug fest of infantry, TTR-3A/B armoured cars would creep behind in support. Though lightly armored they tore through infantry and light armor with their auto cannons and machine guns and obliterated entrenched positions with ATGMs. Their one target was the Governor, to be put on field trial. Spiritual Republic of Caryton had already laid claim to the Sun King himself, so a mere governor would do to slate the public's thirst.

Being a structure, the Ziggurat was not designed with vehicles in mind. When the Lenspherians inevitably broke through the doorway they would be forced to pile in with infantry and infantry alone. Artillery and armor support would be impossible from within the building, but the Lenspherians were in luck. Though the entrance had been heavily fortified with gun positions and scores of infantry, they would meet no resistance upon entry as the fury and force of their bunker-buster had disoriented the defending Zunists without effort. The dust kicked up combined with the shock-wave produced by the force of the impact had sent tremors throughout the interior of the Ziggurat, knocking over soldiers and knocking loose debris onto their heads while dirt and smoke blinded them and choked their lungs. Most would be dead, unconscious, or sensually impaired and disoriented as the Lenspherians approached, leaving very few capable of fighting back. Many chose to run, some attempted to surrender in vain before being put down, and those that fought back resisted only briefly as the now-disorganized guard were routed.

Firelord Baramdur, meanwhile, had gathered what was left of his forces willing to fight and worked on creating makeshift defenses in his throne-room. Arming himself with a Staff weapon, he and his personal guard swore to fight to the death against these invaders. He vowed not to suffer humiliation of capture, as these weak-willed foreigners no doubt intended, and would rather face death knowing that he served Zunil with his last breath. Unlike most Firelords, who quietly doubted Zunil's divinity while maintaining a facade of zealotry in order to preserve their own power, Baramdur truly believed in Zunil's claim to divinity. He would die in His service; it was His Will.

Lenspheria wrote:Dark eyes glanced about them, mockingly. They sized the guards as the inferiors they were; copper and brown eyes filled with hideous humor. It seemed as if these foreigners viewed this land their own, and the guards naught but trespassers. The ambassador spoke with a jeering voice,

"Yes, I do suppose we should be let in. Your nicety ever humbles our presence,"

He looks over his shoulders and nods, leading the other two members of his delegate in.

Everyone of them looked about them without craning their necks. Eyes wondering and peripherals alerted to the sheer state of agonizing disrepair. The Gods had long since casted their gaze away from this kingdom, they thought. It was a gilded construct to ease the failing regime's leaders. Perhaps the lack of even attempting to cover it before a party spoke more volumes of the failure to adhere to proper standards and discipline befitting the supposed Royalty within the country than the rude palatial guards did. The well clad trio stuck out like sore thumbs, brown skin and dark tribal tattoos extended over their necks and even one of their faces making them appear horrific or uncivilized to those misunderstanding of Lensoherian culture, looks of disdain were common and no more than a distasteful passing sneer was passed at the fools whom gathered inside the palace to appear better than peasants that at least pretended to be morally correct to their superiors... which the Lenspherians clearly were.

However, their external demeanor changed upon meeting the butler. A respectful bowing of the head was exchanged across the trio to the humble man clad in his working suit.

"Greetings, Butler. Thank you as well, do take care of yourself tonight. It appears the guests bite."

They walked through the decaying museum of excess, to them it was nothing more than a show of power that didn't and had never truly existed, simply to remind feeble men that they could strive to be better, but the tell tale sounds of disrepair and rusting said even that dream was dying.

Even chivalry and warriors honor was dying, soldiers dressed in combat uniforms at a formal meeting? It was appalling to the delegate to see this and even more so to see two branches of the Kingdom display open hostilities amongst a ball. For the most part the trio ignored them, though the non-knife eared companion did manage to get into a conversation with the academics upon recently discovered hydrogen powered engines and how their sustainability could destroy the oil markets.

The ambassador and his aide, the mutant, were the ones to meet Vassavian. They both gave a gentle and courteous attitude towards her and began with a bow before listening to her terrible jokes and ramblings. The ambassador spoke for the two of them,

"I am Maaka Rehipeti, and this is my aide, Kiri Nopera. Our other companion, Imoa Tupia is off discussing some droll topic with a scientist somewhere. It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Vassavian. Your guests have been treating us well enough not to warrant complaints but thank you for your concerns. We were surprised to see an invitation to be frank with you. It is no secret our two nations have never been terribly close."

Ondara chuckled. "Oh deary, Pelomoya has never been terribly close with anyone. Such a fact comes with the behavior brought on by a mindset that convinces one they are greater than they truly are." She motioned for a waiter carrying a silver platter of wine glasses over, who upon arrival offered the group the drinks. "Come, have a drink! Straight from the Royal Vineyards - the only good wine left in this sorry country..." Once the Lenspherians had accepted (or refused) the wine, the waiter nodded curtly before disappearing in the crowd. Ondara took a swig of wine. "...and what a sorry country it is. I'm not sure you've noticed, but this place is in much worse shape than it might seem at first glance. Reflection of the United Kingdoms themselves, if we're being honest. Once great; no longer. Pitiful state of affairs, really. 200 years of downfall and decay; 160 years of corruption and instability. What comes next is inevitable, and though some pompous nobles would like to sit in their lavish palaces drawing upon conspiracies while they look down on everyone else and pretending like nothing is wrong... the signs are still there. At this point, change is inevitable." Vassavian smirked a bit as she took another sip. "But I'm sure you probably noticed things around here are much more tense than certain imbeciles would like to pretend otherwise. You've seen them - the soldiers, parading about as if this were a military installation. Ask them why they're here and they'll snidely feed you a line about 'extra security' and bring up the recent assassination of our last king, but just a glance at the palace guard tells an entirely different story. The glaring, the hatred. It becomes apparent, then, that these men weren't invited here at all, at least not by Captain of the Royal Guard. No, no. Their invitation comes from a man of much greater import. Though they claim to be here for the King, it's no secret to any Pelomoyan who they're really here for." She gestured to a man in a dashing military uniform, caped and ordained with medals, who was surrounded by military officials and even a few other individuals of clearly non-military stock. Perhaps most strangely was the fact he wore a helmet that seemed to cover his entire head, complete with a reflective silver shield that covered his face entirely. His posture and indeed his very presence seemed to convey an aura of authority around him as the men and women gathered around him stared at him with a hint of awe and inspiration. Whether it was he or they talking, all eyes were on him.

"Ah, but I take it you have no idea who that is, do you? There's no shame in that. No one knows what goes on in Pelomoya anymore. No one cares. For good reason, perhaps. Hard to believe that once this insignificant country was a great power." Ondara looked around with disgust at the sight of the decaying building. "No more. Now it's past glory is simply a reminder of better times. This place... this country... is little more than a decrepit shrine to ancient history." Ondara looked back at the guests, her beaming smile returning. "Oh dear, how rude of me! I've been boring you, haven't I? My husband says I talk too much."

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