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Wielbelkia wrote:

"Naturally." replied Richard. "There are those who, unfortunately, question my methods even among the security forces and sometimes you have to make sacrifices for a convincing performance."

Richard's quote ringing through his hear, a devious grin spreads across Megujin's face, it's been 3 days since that meeting and since then he's mustered a small battle group to head towards west Wielbelkia. Wearing his Deel with an ornate gold coloured striped pattern going down, he observes his battlegroup as they soar above the skies of the lands of the Valkoihet, he observes the following ships flying in formation as he trails across the skies

- HMRS Khulan of Myangan Nulimsny (the flagship)
- HMRS Talkhchin of Myangan Nulimsny
- HMRS Güitsetgegch of Urt ayallyn
- HMRS Ükhekh tsag of Khiliin
- HMRS Nigüülsengüi daichin of Aguu erdenesiin

It was a bit less than what he was hoping for, but for the job it will do perfectly fine. Letting his smirk hang for a couple seconds, he heads back to his quarters of the ship, where the captain of the Khulan and his lieutenants stand around their aeronautical charts of Valkoihet and Wielbelkia. The captain faces Megujin and puts a fist to his chest "Lord Commander"

"At ease my good captain, resume the discussion as if i was always here" Megujin orders.

"Yes sir" turning back to his men "As you can see here by cross referencing maps regarding incidents and our current aeronautical charts, going through Schenze puts us too close to the Nordlands and its associated air defences, and following the river is too dangerous due to the proximity of towns, i suggest we cut through Ustia's wilderness and use low altitude flight through the mountain ranges of Schayne to approach the objective in Tauberg from the east rather than the expected west or south"

One of his lieutenants, analysing the plan approaches the map and begins pointing at locations of suspected air defences, also cross referenced with maps of various incidents "I still believe trying to infiltrate Wielbelkia from an eastern direction is a bad idea, Wielbelkia has a competent air force and air defence guards, and i'd strongly suspect them to be focused on the east and north, former to prevent our infiltration, latter to prevent the Northern Confederacy and that province or country i dont know that sits underneath it from doing the same, i suggest cutting through the region here occupied by those....uhhhhh" turning to the other lieutenant "what are they called again?"

"Socialists"

"Right those things, weird way to end the name of your nationality with 'ist' but nevermind that, i suggest cutting through their territory so we can trail the Wielbelkian border from its south, before crossing the border in the westernmost mountain range of Schayne and doing low altitude flight there to avoid detection, before making our final approach to the objective from there on" finishing up, he takes a breath and steps back from the table, the captain turns to Megujin

"Sir, what do you think?"

Striking a thinking pose for a minute, Megujin's fine clothes visible under the somewhat dim light, he says "We'll go with the latter plan, it takes into account enemy force composition and ensures the least possible chance of being detected, regarding the country that we'd have to cut through we can simply fly at high altitude, im sure they'd rather we be up there and would leave us alone as long as we werent at low altitude"

Wielbelkia wrote:

"Ah there you are. A guide will be with you shortly, if you'll wait just a moment." the receptionist said before gesturing to a guard to fetch them. After a few moments of waiting, the guard returned with an older gentleman in a well pressed suit. "Good today to you Miss Deuxcent, I'm Louis Brestrich and I'll be your guide today." he said offering his hand for a handshake.

"Naturally." replied Richard. "There are those who, unfortunately, question my methods even among the security forces and sometimes you have to make sacrifices for a convincing performance."

The officer raised an eyebrow both at the foreign slang as well as the request itself. It's not often a foreigner volunteers for that. Still, they could always use more hands there. "The main office is just up to the north-west of here, just follow the road until you reach Pine Street and go left." he said while pointing in the relevant direction.

"Aight, thanks pard." Ben replied as he made his way down the rode, walking along with his luggage in-tow until eventually he made his way to what appeared to be the main office building, upon discovering it the young Serdian man would walk over and knock on the door before waiting a few seconds and then opening it up to enter into the office, where-uppon the young man would quietly place the heavy suitcase down on the side next to the door before heading over to whoever seemed to be the manager of this mining operation.

Congress of Individuals, Staalgrad, 5:48 PM, May 5th
While without an official government in Egoia, the various communities and individuals convene every so often to discuss any major actions or any diplomacy they may attempt to engage in with any nearby nations. In particular a recent development of a group of Egoians calling themselves “Anarcho-Nihilists” have formed an informal federation called The Savage and Witches Anti-Imperialist Front.(SWAF), seeking to spread anarchism through informally organized groups around the world. Various communities spoke via radio and TV and in person in the psuedo-capital of Staalgrad. Then a figured in a hooded cloak with their face concealed and using a voice modifier speaking in the Egoian language sent a message to as far out from egois and areas abroad to whoever might be listening:
Our world is filled with pain, suffering, tyranny. Our war is against everything, our war is a war to oppose all that which would oppose the individual. My name is Able, and I am the leader of The Anti-Imperialist Worker Front. We will soon begin attacks on behalf of SWAF on various locations using whatever methods are available. We seek liberation for all queer folk in our world and seek an end to the exploitation of indigenous peoples snd the working class and the end to all tyrannical hierarchies. To that end we have composed the following message: "Many blame queers for the decline of this society- we take pride in this. Some believe that we intend to shred-to-bits this civilization and it's moral fabric- they couldn't be more accurate. We're often described as depraved, decadent and revolting - but oh, they ain't seen nothing yet.". With that the message concluded and the nation of Egoia began asking around about who Able could be and where they might strike.

Previously

Wielbelkia wrote:

"Ah there you are. A guide will be with you shortly, if you'll wait just a moment." the receptionist said before gesturing to a guard to fetch them. After a few moments of waiting, the guard returned with an older gentleman in a well pressed suit. "Good today to you Miss Deuxcent, I'm Louis Brestrich and I'll be your guide today." he said offering his hand for a handshake.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mister Brestrich", 'Alexandra' replies, shaking the gentleman's hand. "Let us be on our way."

As they start to walk, the well-dressed gentleman asks, "Coming all the way from Schaffsoix is quite the journey. If you do not mind my inquiring, Miss, it is a little unusual for a young lady as you to be dealing with firearms contracts."
"The world has changed a lot, sir", 'Alexandra' replies. "Our employees all went off to fight in the war, and our company in Schaffsoix is understaffed. Rest assured, I am quite familiar with weapons."
"I see. Well, we will not disappoint you."

The pair approaches the main assembly hall of Honchkiss, a massive, industrial warehouse-like building a short distance from the main gates. Entering through the doors, Agent 257 is greeted with an impressive assembly plant. Large lamps hang from the catwalks, brightly illuminating the metal lathes and machinery set up in an organized manner below. Workers maneuver about the floor, working or assembling firearms together.

The well-dressed gentleman seems pleased by her reaction. "Quite impressive, no?"
"Yes, most impressive", 'Alexandra' replies, secretly snapping a few photographs. "Please, Mister Brestrich, guide me through your assembly."

Dáil Iríth, State Hall, Griffith Street, Iríthyra City, 15:30, May 6th

During the assembly of the Dáil, Richard Mckeown, a long serving and well respected member of the Dáil, and State Party, brings forth a new bill before the Dáil that entails legalising homosexuality.
Richard states that since the founding of the Republic, homosexuality was still a criminal offence, without any justifiable reason. He continues on that homosexual couples will continue to meet up, in private, without government permission, and ostracising them was both fruitless and immoral. In addition, slander, denial of opportunities, or any form of exclusion, due to their sexuality will fall under the same category as bullying, and will be dealt with in accordance to the law.

However, Richard does make it clear that this bill does not include legalising homosexual marriage, as the state recognises marriage falls under the domain of the Catholic church.
As his final statement, he reminds the Dáil that homosexuals also fought alongside Irithyllic Citizen Army, against the crown, during the reign of the monarchy, that had oppressed us all, and that even today, still serve Irithylle in the military.

With a 72% in favour, the bill is passed. News papers from the state media are printed with the headline confirming the recently passed bill.

Irithylle wrote:

Dáil Iríth, State Hall, Griffith Street, Iríthyra City, 15:30, May 6th

During the assembly of the Dáil, Richard Mckeown, a long serving and well respected member of the Dáil, and State Party, brings forth a new bill before the Dáil that entails legalising homosexuality.
Richard states that since the founding of the Republic, homosexuality was still a criminal offence, without any justifiable reason. He continues on that homosexual couples will continue to meet up, in private, without government permission, and ostracising them was both fruitless and immoral. In addition, slander, denial of opportunities, or any form of exclusion, due to their sexuality will fall under the same category as bullying, and will be dealt with in accordance to the law.

However, Richard does make it clear that this bill does not include legalising homosexual marriage, as the state recognises marriage falls under the domain of the Catholic church.
As his final statement, he reminds the Dáil that homosexuals also fought alongside Irithyllic Citizen Army, against the crown, during the reign of the monarchy, that had oppressed us all, and that even today, still serve Irithylle in the military.

With a 72% in favour, the bill is passed. News papers from the state media are printed with the headline confirming the recently passed bill.

Staalgrad, The Diplomatic Congress of Individuals and Free Communities
The nation of Egoia sends forward a message to the government of Irithylle:
"The nation of Egoia congratulates the people of Iritthylle on this landmark progress in regards to Queer rights and hopes to see continued progress in the future and hopes to one day work with Irithylle in spreading such progress." Attached is a note with the following: Egoia has complete gender and sexual freedom for Queer folx and is constantly working to ensure that freedom is upheld. It has always been this way with recognition of Gender Non-Conforming and Trans identities and sexual and romantic attractions deviating from cisheteronomativity since it's founding after the war, being established in the declaration of gender and sexual freedoms.

Asce, Helgryce, May 10th, 4:18 PM
It is a clear day in the capital of Helgryce. The Sun is shining and no one suspects a thing. That is until a man enters the square, where it just so happens the building of the Department of Interior, with three other people. The one man has a mission, to plant an explosive into the Department of Interior. The three men with them go into an alleyway on the side of the building where a bag, filled with the explosives and guns are located. The men make their way, loaded with their weapons and begin opening fire on the department of Interior's guards causing a massive crowd to begin fleeing in terror. Hysteria ensues as more guards rush out and get shot, but the guards get a good shot on one of the men and he lies down on the ground bleeding out. One of the men drags him under cover and begins wrapping his leg. While this is happening the over man breaks into the building, they're smaller and are able to fit through a window in the alleyway. from there they make their way under the building abd plant the explosives. They get stopped by a guard who interogates them for a moment before the man stabs him and after a struggle the man kills the guard and runs away back the way they came, but he leaves his knife in the man. The other men in the front are now mostly dead and now police are coming. The last man decides to make a last stand in the hopes the other man placed the explosives so he can get far enough and give the explosive enough time to set off. He steps out of his cover and begins firing at the guards with a revolver until it runs out and he is gunned down taking only one more man with him. The Guards rush to apprehend the men but it's too late, they're all dead. The other man has now made it two blocks down. He Looks down to see blood dripping from his lower abdomen. he makes his way to a payphone and calls the police and informs them that an explosive has been placed under the department and that everyone still in there needs to be evacuated. 20 minutes afterwards the explosive goes off in the building causing structural damage on the one side and blowing out the windows. The other man collapses two blocks down from the payphone and bleeds out. 7 hours later a communique is sent from an Address in Pradia in Egoian-Pradian to the local police, several residents, and in Egoia:
"SWAF claims responsibility for the attack at the Pradian Department of Interior. Anti-Queer and totalitarian policies of the Pradian government is a threat to all peoples in the world. We act independently from all organizations and nations, we are the Saorise Gang. We did this in the name of our comrades who have been murdered at the hands of Pradian oppression.-Able" The attack claimed the lives of 23 civilians and 11 police.

Somewhere above the skies of Egoia, 15,000ft

The "Tauberg Expedition" fleet moves across the skies of Egoia, intent on transiting through, on the deck of the HMRS Khulan of Myangan Nulimsny, Megujin plays Shagai with various crew members that are on break.

"So uhh.. Lord Commander, what makes you think these...anarchists?" he says with a questioning tone "wont attack us while we're trying to transit through" one of the other players of the game asks

"Simple my good simpleton, it benefits them more to let us transit through than to invite greater retribution, besides they haven't really provided quality loot or tribute in the past so we havent bothered raiding them for the last couple years, much more valuable economies and towns to take." Megujin replies, deigning to respond to pass the time.

"right, anyways i win, next game" the crewman replies, to the groans of everyone else on the table.

Serdian republic wrote:

"Aight, thanks pard." Ben replied as he made his way down the rode, walking along with his luggage in-tow until eventually he made his way to what appeared to be the main office building, upon discovering it the young Serdian man would walk over and knock on the door before waiting a few seconds and then opening it up to enter into the office, where-uppon the young man would quietly place the heavy suitcase down on the side next to the door before heading over to whoever seemed to be the manager of this mining operation.

After being directed there by another worker, Ben came face to face with the foreman of the main Klagensill mining company.
The foreman was a balding, greasy looking man around his 40s with a bushy beard his most notable feature. Gerwald Rühl read the name on his desk and he scowled at the newcomer.
"So I'm guessing you're looking for some work kid. Otherwise you wouldn't be dumb enough to waltz in my office like that." Rühl sized him up before his scowl deepened. "Tch, you look a little scrawny but I guess I could pick worse. What's your name?"

Hurtgenwald wrote:

Previously

"Pleasure to meet you, Mister Brestrich", 'Alexandra' replies, shaking the gentleman's hand. "Let us be on our way."

As they start to walk, the well-dressed gentleman asks, "Coming all the way from Schaffsoix is quite the journey. If you do not mind my inquiring, Miss, it is a little unusual for a young lady as you to be dealing with firearms contracts."
"The world has changed a lot, sir", 'Alexandra' replies. "Our employees all went off to fight in the war, and our company in Schaffsoix is understaffed. Rest assured, I am quite familiar with weapons."
"I see. Well, we will not disappoint you."

The pair approaches the main assembly hall of Honchkiss, a massive, industrial warehouse-like building a short distance from the main gates. Entering through the doors, Agent 257 is greeted with an impressive assembly plant. Large lamps hang from the catwalks, brightly illuminating the metal lathes and machinery set up in an organized manner below. Workers maneuver about the floor, working or assembling firearms together.

The well-dressed gentleman seems pleased by her reaction. "Quite impressive, no?"
"Yes, most impressive", 'Alexandra' replies, secretly snapping a few photographs. "Please, Mister Brestrich, guide me through your assembly."

"Well, Miss you have seen nothing yet, if you'll just follow me you can get a look at..." Mister Brestrich trailed off as they entered a hallway to another part of the factory only to notice 3 men in the way. Two were in military helmets and wearing black trench coats with distinctive gold colored detailing with rifles slung over their backs. The third was standing between them wearing a similar but more ornately decorated trench coat, a fedora and glasses. He smugly smiled at Brestrich before speaking.

"Oh, am I interrupting your little tour Brestrich?" Brestrich was about to reply but was cut-off by the newcomer. "While I'm sure the madame is fascinated I'm going to have to put a stop to it. You're to be brought in for questioning." This caught Brestrich off guard and his eyes widened.

"What's the meaning of this Parmentier!?" he sputtered. Parmentier merely sneered as he gestured for his two associates to grab the older man. "That's Major Parmentier to you, Brestrich. As for the answer to your question, seems the higher ups don't appreciate your tours, particularly when rival companies and even foreign states have copied what they see. Not to mention your propensity to go 'off-script' and out of the usual boundaries during them." While Brestrich was hauled away, he turned to his "guest".

"As for you mademoiselle, get out of my sight and tell your corporate overlords to reschedule or something. I honestly don't care."

Irithyllic Cabinet of Ministers, Caisleán, Edwards Street, Iríthyra City, 13:00, May 12th

On a bleak, rainy day, Taoiseach O'Valera summons the cabinet of ministers to the Caisleán, to discuss the needs of the state.
One at a time, the ministers enter the conference room, and take their representing seats. When the last of the ministers enter the room the Taoiseach himself sits down.

"Now, gentlemen." O'Valera says, greeting the ministers. "I've been made aware there are some concerns. Hopefully we can remedy them before 17:00, and be home in time for dinner. Let's hear them. Mr McEntee?"

"Yes, Mr Taoiseach." The Minster of Defence Simon McEntee says. "I have received a 12 page detailed report on the current state of the military. Most of it is fine, although I've picked out two concerning issues.
The Chief of Staff wishes increase the standing armed forces from 820,000, to 1,200,000, gradually. He believes doing this will further deter our neighbours, or any other belligerent groups, from attacking us.
In addition, the Chief of Staff wishes the government to construct additional forts along the border of Vlandiya, a new aerodrome in Clár, for rapid response to all provinces, and several barracks' to facilitate the already overpopulated barracks', and house the new soldiers he wishes to enlist."

The minster clears his throat, before taking a sip of water.

O'Valera would be resting his elbows on the table, holding his chin.
"I see... It is my belief that the military does not require such a substantial boost in manpower, at this moment. The war has been over for 10 years. Many of the participants already, or at least SHOULD have a fairly depleted manpower pool. Any national leader attempting military conquest after such a short time is quite possibly both a fool and a megalomaniac. However, I do agree that Vlandiya must be fortified, in the event of Jamhail getting... over ambitious... They were part of the 'bad guys', during the war. I'm not too concerned about Aguevoa, they don't seem like the expansionist type. Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked. I am aware of the overcrowding in the barracks', and an aerodrome in Clár would be very useful indeed... Very well, I'll authorise the construction of an aerodrome in Clár, two forts along the border of the Vlandiya province, and the several new barracks', spread throughout Iríthyra, Clár, and Vlandiya. The construction will be a 1 year plan."

Minister McEntee nods his head in appeasement.

"Now, where there any other concerns...?" O'Valera says

"Well..." the Minster of Healthcare says, as he prepares to read his 30 page report.

Taoiseach O'Valera leans back in his chair, with a silent sigh, feeling partially dead inside. He knew he wasn't getting home in time for dinner.

Previously

Wielbelkia wrote:

"Well, Miss you have seen nothing yet, if you'll just follow me you can get a look at..." Mister Brestrich trailed off as they entered a hallway to another part of the factory only to notice 3 men in the way. Two were in military helmets and wearing black trench coats with distinctive gold colored detailing with rifles slung over their backs. The third was standing between them wearing a similar but more ornately decorated trench coat, a fedora and glasses. He smugly smiled at Brestrich before speaking.

"Oh, am I interrupting your little tour Brestrich?" Brestrich was about to reply but was cut-off by the newcomer. "While I'm sure the madame is fascinated I'm going to have to put a stop to it. You're to be brought in for questioning." This caught Brestrich off guard and his eyes widened.

"What's the meaning of this Parmentier!?" he sputtered. Parmentier merely sneered as he gestured for his two associates to grab the older man. "That's Major Parmentier to you, Brestrich. As for the answer to your question, seems the higher ups don't appreciate your tours, particularly when rival companies and even foreign states have copied what they see. Not to mention your propensity to go 'off-script' and out of the usual boundaries during them." While Brestrich was hauled away, he turned to his "guest".

"As for you mademoiselle, get out of my sight and tell your corporate overlords to reschedule or something. I honestly don't care."

"This is unacceptable! Is this how you treat your customers, mister Par...Parmentier!? My company president will hear about this!" 'Alexandra' raises her voice, but the three men pays her no heed, as they drag poor mister Brestrich away. She turns and walks herself out of the factory floor, fuming all the way to the main gates.
"My tour was just interrupted by some men, who proceeds to take my guide away. You'd better tell your management division to sort this out," she sharply tells the reception booth, before making her way off the Honchkiss grounds.

-Some time later-

"And you're certain they weren't just military police?"
"I'm positive. I'm telling you, these men were Intelligence Service," Agent 257 replies. She is standing in a phone booth in downtown Dismark, bustling with people. "I don't know how or why they got there, but they took Brestrich away for 'questioning', as they said. I don't know if I was made, but I'm worried."
"Relax, it doesn't sound like they figured you out," a gruff voice replies through the telephone. "Tell me you took their pictures."
"Of course I did. The one leading calls himself 'Major Parmentier'. We could begin a new portfolio, keep an eye on him for future. I also managed to photograph some of the assembly; it was quite an impressive set up."
"Well done, 257. Travel to the drop off point and send your film back for processing. In the mean time, I want you to lay low for a few days, then head over to Braguet Aviation; see if you can gather any information from them."

"Understood, sir." Agent 257 steps out of the phone booth and sighs. It had been a long day, and she needs more coffee.

Wielbelkia wrote:

After being directed there by another worker, Ben came face to face with the foreman of the main Klagensill mining company.
The foreman was a balding, greasy looking man around his 40s with a bushy beard his most notable feature. Gerwald Rühl read the name on his desk and he scowled at the newcomer.
"So I'm guessing you're looking for some work kid. Otherwise you wouldn't be dumb enough to waltz in my office like that." Rühl sized him up before his scowl deepened. "Tch, you look a little scrawny but I guess I could pick worse. What's your name?"
"Well, Miss you have seen nothing yet, if you'll just follow me you can get a look at..." Mister Brestrich trailed off as they entered a hallway to another part of the factory only to notice 3 men in the way. Two were in military helmets and wearing black trench coats with distinctive gold colored detailing with rifles slung over their backs. The third was standing between them wearing a similar but more ornately decorated trench coat, a fedora and glasses. He smugly smiled at Brestrich before speaking.

"Oh, am I interrupting your little tour Brestrich?" Brestrich was about to reply but was cut-off by the newcomer. "While I'm sure the madame is fascinated I'm going to have to put a stop to it. You're to be brought in for questioning." This caught Brestrich off guard and his eyes widened.

"What's the meaning of this Parmentier!?" he sputtered. Parmentier merely sneered as he gestured for his two associates to grab the older man. "That's Major Parmentier to you, Brestrich. As for the answer to your question, seems the higher ups don't appreciate your tours, particularly when rival companies and even foreign states have copied what they see. Not to mention your propensity to go 'off-script' and out of the usual boundaries during them." While Brestrich was hauled away, he turned to his "guest".

"As for you mademoiselle, get out of my sight and tell your corporate overlords to reschedule or something. I honestly don't care."

"M-My name well, it's uhm... Camille Benjamin Wilhelm Sir." The young Serdian man replied. "And yeah, I'm here for some honest work, what's it to ya pard?" Benny said, frowning slightly as he looked at the greasy manager ahead of him, placing his bag against the man's desk and taking a seat on the little wooden stool in front of the desk.

Serdian republic wrote:

"M-My name well, it's uhm... Camille Benjamin Wilhelm Sir." The young Serdian man replied. "And yeah, I'm here for some honest work, what's it to ya pard?" Benny said, frowning slightly as he looked at the greasy manager ahead of him, placing his bag against the man's desk and taking a seat on the little wooden stool in front of the desk.

'Honest work. Yeah sure. The gullible ones are always the easiest to con into signing.' Gerwald thought to himself before putting on a smile usually reserved for crooked car salesmen. "Well why didn't ya say so? I've been thinking of expanding operations soon enough anyway." He then grabs a contract from a drawer in his desk, one with a suspicious amount of small practically illegible lettering. "Just sign here and we'll get you started kid."

Wielbelkia wrote:

'Honest work. Yeah sure. The gullible ones are always the easiest to con into signing.' Gerwald thought to himself before putting on a smile usually reserved for crooked car salesmen. "Well why didn't ya say so? I've been thinking of expanding operations soon enough anyway." He then grabs a contract from a drawer in his desk, one with a suspicious amount of small practically illegible lettering. "Just sign here and we'll get you started kid."

"Alrighty then friend!" The younger Serdian man replied enthusiastically, gently grabbing a pen off the desk and signing his name down upon the contract, taking little note of the suspicious and somewhat illegible writing on the contract
"Alrighty then 'Pard, when do I start work?" The Serdian cowboy asked with a friendly smile, seeming quite eager to get to working in the mines and earning a living.

Serdian republic wrote:

"Alrighty then friend!" The younger Serdian man replied enthusiastically, gently grabbing a pen off the desk and signing his name down upon the contract, taking little note of the suspicious and somewhat illegible writing on the contract
"Alrighty then 'Pard, when do I start work?" The Serdian cowboy asked with a friendly smile, seeming quite eager to get to working in the mines and earning a living.

Gerwald took a moment to process that yes he did just sign it blindly before quickly putting his smiling facade back on.
"Soon as you're settled in kid, just talk to my right hand Tonnelier and he'll get you sorted out. He's the tall one by the front desk. Now scram, I'm expecting news from someone important."

Wielbelkia wrote:

Gerwald took a moment to process that yes he did just sign it blindly before quickly putting his smiling facade back on.
"Soon as you're settled in kid, just talk to my right hand Tonnelier and he'll get you sorted out. He's the tall one by the front desk. Now scram, I'm expecting news from someone important."

The gullible Serd, still smiling walked over to the front desk, waltzing to the man and introducing himself with a polite "H-Howdy I-I-I-Mean Hello!" the Cowpoke said as he walked over. "I just signed up for a job with this mining group and I got told you'd be the one to show me where to work and what to do." he said earnestly.

After making sure his newest con was gone, Gerwald shut the door to his office and waited at his desk. A few minutes later his office phone rang and he scrambled to answer.
"Gerwald Rühl speaking."
"The deal is done Rühl, make sure my men are ready by the time I return."
"Y-Yes sir Count von Ruchlos."
"Good, anything to report?"
"No sir, just finished talking to another hire. Some gullible foreigner from deep south. Sounded like one of those damn cowboys."
"Then do make sure he won't be any trouble. I always hated the gullible cheerful type, particularly from the South."

Serdian republic wrote:

The gullible Serd, still smiling walked over to the front desk, waltzing to the man and introducing himself with a polite "H-Howdy I-I-I-Mean Hello!" the Cowpoke said as he walked over. "I just signed up for a job with this mining group and I got told you'd be the one to show me where to work and what to do." he said earnestly.

Paul Le Tonnelier was a tall, heavyset, bull-necked man stuffed in what looked like slightly undersized work coveralls; likely meant for someone shorter. He looked down at at Serdian and raised an eyebrow at his greeting.
"Fresh meat huh." he said. "Well you came to the right man then." He then motioned to another worker who went down a hallway before coming back with a medium sized box. Tonnelier took it from him before dropping it in the Serd's arms. "Here's your uniform, directions and some other bits of kit you'll need. Rest of the equipment you'll get on site. Same goes for your orientation. Train leaves for the mine at 7 am sharp so be there. We encourage using the on site housing so if you're new to the area I wouldn't bother with anything more permanent than an inn if I were you." He paused for a moment before adding as an afterthought. "Oh and any weapons bigger than a sidearm are prohibited so you'll have to leave them with the site's security detail. Any questions?"

Tauberg Expedition, 300ft, south of Wielbelkia

Megujin stands alongside the captain at the deck of the HMRS Khulan of Myangan Nulimsny, wearing less ornate but more practical uniform for the regions colder weather, he watches over the starboard side of the ship, observing the Wielbelkian border. as the airship follows along the southern border after passing through the Anarchists territory. The Captain dismisses an airmen and turns his head towards his Lord Commander.

"Lord Commander, we're now direct south of Schayne's westernmost mountain range..."

"Captain, make a 80 degree turn right and full speed ahead both engines while we're in open skies, oh and lower the ship to 160ft until we reach the mountain range" he orders.

"Yes sir, Airmen you heard him, relay the orders and inform the task group" the Captain barks at the airmen he was previously talking to.
-------
music: Crusader Kings 2: Songs of the Steppes - Sandlight and Moonlight (https://youtu.be/HNbYIQR_glE)
type of imagery i suppose: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/372846918855819265/705159837025042614/latest.png

All the ships of the Tauberg Expedition follow after the Myangan Nulimsy as it makes an immediete turn right and lowers its altitude, all 5 ships have now broken into the Wielbelkian Border as they race to avoid visual detection by any known towns or air patrols. The previously sighted mountain range seen many hours ago at higher altitudes now out of sight as the horizon covers their view. Displaying great piloting skill the HMRS Ükhekh tsag of Khiliin just avoids skimming the tree tops of the various forests they cross.

The Güitsetgegch of Urt ayallyn races ahead of the expedition to scout ahead, meanwhile lookouts on every ship intently watch both the ground and the overcast skies for any specks of either humans or airships. Knowing that although the low altitude will help them evade detection via technological means, they must take whatever chance to reduce detection via Mk1 Eyeball.

Capital of Worklaw, Worklawa; 13:00

A gavel slammed against a table while order was yelled out by a man standing behind a bronze plated podium that stood over the room, silence soon following from a once bickering crowd of men. "His highness is here on this day for his nation's monthly governors congregation." Bellowed Speaker of the King Luka Zwycięstwo. "He hereby decrease that the convention of governors has begun!" A loud smack of the gavel is heard and a man stands up from behind a golden podium that stands above the room, his royal highness, King Iwan VI Sobieski.

"Gentlemen, as your king, I stand waiting for your reports on how the populace and economy are functioning." Softly states Iwan VI Sobieski, a rather lean and frail looking man with dulling green eyes, one of which almost grey from worsening cataracts. With a cough he continues. "President Aleksander Zawadzki, since you head the court of the people, you may begin with your summary of the economy, then each individual governor can tell me about the people they serve." The old king falls back into his chair, coughing and shaking.

A stout strongman stands up from a table that sits below the bronze and gold podiums, surrounded for seats of all the governors, next to a long table of the secretaries of defence and foreign affairs. He coughs and clears his throat. "The economy is well, all cities and their territories show growth in the sectors of agriculture and industry, and with the new transportation networks connecting Port Iwan to Worklaw, trade has allowed the once isolated port to boom, bringing in more resources from the region to increase our weak industry. That is to say, we are nearing our first phase of industrializing and growing out of a basic industry, soon heavy industries such as airship builders and heavy warships can be built, potentially in the next ten years!"

Aleksander grabs a glass of water and takes a large drink before he continues. "As for the Khanate's tribute, over one hundred and fifty thousand rifles and machine guns have been manufactured for their continuous raiding, as such, I ask of the king when he shall depart the nation to offer the tribute?" The President finishes and sits down, the King slowly rising once more to speak.

"Thank you, Zawadzki, sadly, I'm not of health to go and pay our overlords a visit, so I will be sending crown prince Jaropełk." He huffs and falls back to his seat, he can make the trip, but he wishes not to visit the Great Khan who owns his crown, the crown his father lost in his foolish attempt to rebel during the war and lost his head over. Nay, he lusts for that crown, its heavy gold to weigh him down, but to see it in the Khan's hands as a mere trinket boils his blood, he can't stand going there anymore.

With the king seated, each governor stands up one after another telling reports about new hospitals and rails being built for the nation in their territories. Telling of what their people are complaining about to be changed, the king hated this part the most, specially when they speak of the small groups of queers who complain, those whom the king sees as weak and lesser. The meeting would continue for the better part of the day, ending with the staff of military launching an inquiry for a slew of new weapon systems to be ready by 1925, a whole army revision to take place.

Skies above Arvug; Crown Prince Jaropełk VI Sobieski's Envoy Airship

The prince stood on the bridge of the small airship, watching as the relatively huge Arvurgian warships sailed by them as they waited to dock to the floating capital of the nomads, his first time to be in such a place. His heart was pounding with excitement and fright, his meeting with the Great Khan will be his first time meeting him, and his advisors had shown him the proper steps to approach such an infamous person and what to gift him as a symbol of loyalty; a SMG-1918 with a bronze and gold finish. His hands were shaking as he thought of what the great Khan would do to him for interrupting him of his daily doings.

Skies above Egoia; HMRS Güitsetgegch of Urt ayallyn

A man stood alone on one of the catwalks of the airship he jumped aboard, his piercing green eyes and dark brown hair blowing in the wind. He was eyeing and cleaning his sniper rifle, his life blood, his only possession. His name was Bolek Zhańbiony, a man on a mission to amass wealth and power, to gain influence in the Khanate, not to rule it, but to enact revenge on his own father, a man who disowned him for being a homosexual, his lover was hung by the king's orders and he fled. Bolek now works as a sniper for the Arvugian raiders, his time hunting in the forests of Worklaw and a few previous raids with this very same rifle has given him experience to deal with long range targets. His wealth has been growing, since he spends none of it on anything outside of parts, ammunition, and food. In a few days, he will be entering Wielbelkia.

Wielbelkia wrote:

After making sure his newest con was gone, Gerwald shut the door to his office and waited at his desk. A few minutes later his office phone rang and he scrambled to answer.
"Gerwald Rühl speaking."
"The deal is done Rühl, make sure my men are ready by the time I return."
"Y-Yes sir Count von Ruchlos."
"Good, anything to report?"
"No sir, just finished talking to another hire. Some gullible foreigner from deep south. Sounded like one of those damn cowboys."
"Then do make sure he won't be any trouble. I always hated the gullible cheerful type, particularly from the South."
Paul Le Tonnelier was a tall, heavyset, bull-necked man stuffed in what looked like slightly undersized work coveralls; likely meant for someone shorter. He looked down at at Serdian and raised an eyebrow at his greeting.
"Fresh meat huh." he said. "Well you came to the right man then." He then motioned to another worker who went down a hallway before coming back with a medium sized box. Tonnelier took it from him before dropping it in the Serd's arms. "Here's your uniform, directions and some other bits of kit you'll need. Rest of the equipment you'll get on site. Same goes for your orientation. Train leaves for the mine at 7 am sharp so be there. We encourage using the on site housing so if you're new to the area I wouldn't bother with anything more permanent than an inn if I were you." He paused for a moment before adding as an afterthought. "Oh and any weapons bigger than a sidearm are prohibited so you'll have to leave them with the site's security detail. Any questions?"

Somewhat absent-mindedly Willie would nod his head as he listened to the heavyset fellow explain the job to him."Well 'Pard, that sounds about alright I guess." The Serdian replied quietly to the simple instructions, Catch the train, Go with the On-sight housing, only bother with an Inn, Got It.

"-Oh? I've got to surrender any long-arms I got then huh?" Willie replied as he heard the final statement. "Oh? well I've got well, a pair of revolvers and ah, well a carbine in my bags, I brought it cause I heard 'bout them big ol' wasps that eat people over here and I thought of it as a precaution... buuut I guess I'll leave it with your security fellers when I get there..." He said, not sounding all that pleased at the prospect of having to give up his beloved Sampson Repeating Carbine in the hands of some dirty Wielbelkian security guard, oh the shame of it!... but whatever, he'll just sneak it in...

"Well I guess I'm done here, thanks for the information 'Pard, I guess I'll just make my way to the nearest Inn and then I'll pick up the train to the mining camp in the mornin, Cya!" He said in a cheerful and polite manner as he walked out of the office finally, grabbing his suitcase once more before grumbling something inaudible to anyone but himself, probably something about the sorta condescending feeling he got from those two fellers in the building, but no matter, walking back into the streets of the town the Serdian cowboy would wander his way to what he assumed was the nearest Inn to check himself in.

Worklaw wrote:

Stuff

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Skies above Arvug; Crown Prince Jaropełk VI Sobieski's Envoy Airship

The prince stood on the bridge of the small airship, watching as the relatively huge Arvurgian warships sailed by them as they waited to dock to the floating capital of the nomads, his first time to be in such a place. His heart was pounding with excitement and fright, his meeting with the Great Khan will be his first time meeting him, and his advisors had shown him the proper steps to approach such an infamous person and what to gift him as a symbol of loyalty; a SMG-1918 with a bronze and gold finish. His hands were shaking as he thought of what the great Khan would do to him for interrupting him of his daily doings.

Skies above Egoia; HMRS Güitsetgegch of Urt ayallyn

A man stood alone on one of the catwalks of the airship he jumped aboard, his piercing green eyes and dark brown hair blowing in the wind. He was eyeing and cleaning his sniper rifle, his life blood, his only possession. His name was Bolek Zhańbiony, a man on a mission to amass wealth and power, to gain influence in the Khanate, not to rule it, but to enact revenge on his own father, a man who disowned him for being a homosexual, his lover was hung by the king's orders and he fled. Bolek now works as a sniper for the Arvugian raiders, his time hunting in the forests of Worklaw and a few previous raids with this very same rifle has given him experience to deal with long range targets. His wealth has been growing, since he spends none of it on anything outside of parts, ammunition, and food. In a few days, he will be entering Wielbelkia.

Baataryn Flot

The official Arvugian internal government memo on the tribute ceremony states that the envoy's must be overwhelmed with sensory input prior to meeting the Khan, in accordance with this, as the Crown prince docks into the city, a massive loud parade is organised, meals being cooked by street vendors contributing to a wide variety of smells, jovial members of the crowd firing fireworks contributing to auditory and visual stimulation, and the energy of the crowd being heightened by some of the free drinks being passed around by suspiciously sober members of the Public Guard Watch. As the Prince on the deck of his ship is about to board the city, an honour guard of members of the Public Guard Watch and the Royal Guard assemble in opposing lines on the dock as their respective superiors yell "PRESENT ARMS".

A man wearing old fashioned Arvugian armour with a new M1911 in his chest holster can be seen barking these orders at the Public Guard, with the Deel underneath being of dark blue colour with white lines outlining the edges. His face freshly shaven, typical Arvugian features albeit with short trimmed hair, and a stern look in his eye as he observes the Prince while standing in between the lines of guards.

5:38 PM, Sunday, at the border of Egoia and Wielbelkia

A group of hooded cloaked beings carrying black and purple banners in gold and black robes near the border which, since the dissolution of any kind of border control, is more or less defined only by the boundary markers on the towns and the path towards Wielbelkia. They slowly make their way, numbering about maybe 30-40 people, some with pikes or rifles, but the vast majority unarmed say a dagger of sorts. Some of the procession carry a stick with chimes on it which, in the breeze, make a noise that is almost empty and harrowing. The leader of this party would be a woman with white hair and almost grey eyes in purple and black robes who would be incredibly pale and from a certain point of view might seem almost empty, as if spiritually hollowed. She would approach any border guard, if any, and ask to speak to their leader of access into the nation.

Deep underground the explosions of dynamite and TNT could be heard echoing throughout the sprawling caverns of the mineshafts. Drilling, axing, and hammers could all be heard swinging in disorder and chaos in attempt to get the world's most valuable substance out of the ground. Two figures are sat in behind a table, facing each other from opposite ends, one being the foreman of the mine and the other being a cloaked woman dressed in formal attire but lacking any sort of defining emblem. The man grabs a rock out of a sack and shows it to the woman. "Zarite, Madam Fancia, I trust you are pleased?" the woman grimaces at the rock and hands it back to the man. "why do we need the rocks? For more war machines? What does that represent for the future?"

Tauberg Expedition, Schayne, Waldreich mountains
Theme: https://youtu.be/jXpv2wFZUME ("Waiapolo Mountains" - Ace Combat 7)

Equipped in winter clothing whilst donning a suit of armour over his winter jacket (Basically picture this but with white cold weather gear underneath https://i.redd.it/w3tzrnho1v741.jpg), and a chest holster containing a Serdian Colt Model 1917 (chest holsters apparently being common among Arvugians with sidearms). a small knife rests behind his right foot and a dagger by his side. Megujin steps back onto the deck, his now scruffy face peering onto the snow caps of the mountain ranges as the task group slows down to a stop in a safe location.

The men on the Khulan of Myangan Nulimsny glance at him occasionally, observing that he's in full battle gear, the sight of which puts the men of the ship in brighter spirits now that the raid they've been waiting for is within grasp. Megujin walks up to one of the Lieutenants of the ship who just finished communicating with the HMRS Talkhchin of Myangan Nulimsny. "Command Duty Officer" he greets.

The CDO looks back and puts a fist to his chest "Lord Commander"

"I need a small group of men assembled, preferabely of lighter colour features than your typical Arvugian" Megujin requests

"For the scouting party?" recieving a nod. "Well, there's two men on the Ükhekh tsag of Khiliin, they're Arvugian but their skin is pale enough to pass as another ethnicity, then theres a man on the Güitsetgegch of Urt ayallyn, Bolek Zhańbiony, who is from Worklaw, i hear he's a sharpshooter as well"

"Brilliant, contact the captains of the ship and assemble the men requested here so i can give them their briefing."

"Yes sir" the CDO replies, returning to communicating with other vessels.

Megujin paces around the deck for a few minutes before he notices an Airmen vomiting over the edge "You ought to join the bloody Army if you're gonna vomit from a wee bit of flight" he scathingly tells, before returning to the bowels of the ship to do his other business.