A New War

[nakarak]

Nakar Kor answered Matthew's fears with a confidence born not of arrogance, but wisdom and experience. "We have several projects now completed which should be able to, with the addition of your troops, allow us to drive the PSC back to their holes. It is true that we have little technology of a conventional sort, even less than we had before you 'died', but the Tanaka have not been idle. Walk with me." Nakar Kor led his friend into the Tanaka damutek, then through several levels of concealed doors and secret hallways, until they arrived at a door flanked by two massive Nakaran warriors.

"Slayers," Nakar Kor said, gesturing to the two guards. "Physically enhanced, with sharpened reflexes and colossal strength. Their coral armor is grafted into their skin, allowing it to grow and restore itself, and making it far more resilient than suits of dead coral. The project took twelve years to complete, and even now the survival rate for the enhancements and grafts is less than ten percent. We have around two thousand, but they might as well be two million, as deadly as they are." The warriors crossed their arms in salute, revealing the natural joints and threadlike nerves of the coral implants. "They are beautiful, are they not?" he asked his companion.

[Canton Rouge]

"You have confirmation on deploying the brigades to Nakarak. We are currently massing forces up for defense right now. But once enough forces are in the area, we will begin liberation of the Outlands. Be advised that it would be in your best interest to notify Nakar Kor of your intentions, Sangdor."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nakarak

"Indeed they are, my friend, indeed they are," Matthews confirmed. He noticed that these soldiers would be perfect for offensive purposes, or at the very least, establish a choke point. "They'll be useful when we have the chance to go on the offensive, but they may be able to truly show their worth if the PSC dares step foot on the countryside."

"Likewise, we've improved tremendously. In fact, let me show you our bigest assest," he continued, reaching into his pants pocket, and pulled out a photo given to him by the president. "This is the Mk. 1 Titan, a massive aerial ship capable of air to ground resupply, troop transport, and above all else, offensive bombardments with massive cannons. I'd like to show you one proper, but they won't be here for a few days, because they have a slow speed, even for today's day and age."

"Let me just say that I personally thank you for allowing our forces to assemble here. I do hope that the rest of the world contributes as well..." He was then cut off by an urgent call. "Excuse me one moment, Nakar Kor."

"Matthews, this is a Code Red Alert."

"Wait, who is this, and what's so important?"

"It's General Maakovich from the CRISF. We've just received word that the Pacific States Coalition has begun loading up soldiers in the Outlands in preparation for an assault on Nakarak. Be advised as well that bombing raids against the country are also in store to weaken up morale."

"Great. I best tell Nakar Kor, out."

He returned, with a bleak look on his face. "Hell, it looks like on top of having to lose the Outlands, now the PSC feels like it's more than capable of starting its offensive. Granted, they're loading up soldiers right now, but in a couple of days, they'll be in place. And it'll take a day for the First Army to arrive, so we do not have much time to prepare a defensive position. It's best that you announce this to the public, because they need to know that this invasion by the PSC will not succeed. And with your permission, I too wish to address the public, and assure them that we will fight and die alongside you and your men..."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Letter to Nakarak

To Nakarak and Nakar Kor,

You have one last chance for peace here. If you sign a treaty, allowing us ownership of the Outlands, which matters not for we already have the vast majority of the area secure, we will end hostilities then and there. But if choose to reject this, then you will face countless destruction and misery from our bombers, our fighters, our tanks, our battlewalkers, and our soldiers. Do the right thing, to avoid having to be a ruler of corpses and rubble.

Pacific States Coalition

[Mr. Durandal]

"Of course. I wish he had at least one video monitor, but I guess sending a message will be enough to ask him. Thank you for speaking with me on this matter Mr. President." After a two-fingered salute, the feed was cut. Sangdor picked up a pen and paper and started writing.

Dear Nakar Kor,

Our two nations have not been in very close contact in the past. I am sending you this message concerning the invasion of soveriegn nation. I am willing to send 3 brigades of of our army to the Outlands to assist in repelling the invaders. They would be able to arrive within hours. If you accept, I am sure that our combined power will be enough to push out the intruders in mere days or even hours. We may even be able to establish diplomatic relations between our two countries. How say you?

Highest Regards,
High Administrator Sangdor Maff

[nakarak]

Nakar Kor received the two letters from an aid, and quickly composed his responses.

Pacific States Coalition,

If your success is so certain, why do you keep requesting our surrender?

Nakar Kor
Chosen of Dar
Leader of the Kingdom of Nakarak

High Administrator Maff,

The Outlands is lost for the time being. We would gladly welcome your forces here in Nakarak, to help defend the outlying towns and villages. When your troops arrive, contact Kanakar Vok, who will direct you to where you will most be needed.

Nakar Kor
Chosen of Dar
Leader of the Kingdom of Nakarak

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He then returned to Matthews. "Those ships are impressive, and I do not think their sluggishness will pose too much of a problem. We have one more stop on this tour." He led Matthews through the guarded door, revealing an expansive hanger, with one wall taken up by a large hanger door, leading to a seaside cliff.

What was most interesting was the aircraft. Each fighter-sized craft was teardrop shaped, with a pointed nose and a wide rear end. The bodies of the ships were made entirely of coral, and a small cone opened at the point of the craft. Several scientists were running tests and connecting long vinelike tubes to carts of ordinary rocks. "These are the tchr," Nakar Kor explained. "The craft manuever by expelling air through several dozen carefully concealed vents all around the hull, making them extremely manueverable. They are faster than other aircraft as well, due to their extremely lightweight design. They have a pair of bomb bays, soon to be filled with the latest batch of crykylkr, as well as a tube at the front which expells liquified rocks." He gestured toward the crates, where the tube was ingesting the rocks like a vaccuum cleaner. "No nation in all the world knows of the tchr. The element of surprise may prove decisive."

A large, heavily muscled Nakaran warrior approached the pair. "I'm afraid you must excuse the interruption," Nakar Kor said. "This is Kanakar Vok, leader of our military forces. Kanakar Vok, this is Timothy Matthews of Canton Rouge, recently returned from the dead and thrust into battle, it seems."

"The best way to return from the dead," Vok said, saluting Matthews and then shaking his hand vigorously. He then turned to Nakar Kor, his face suddenly serious. "My lord, the Dumakar have alerted me to the situation. What is to be done?"

Nakar Kor replied, "Assemble all of the city in the Courtyard of Lucian. I will address them there. As for our forces, send the priests to supervise evacuations of outlying villages and create a defensive perimeter around the city. Keep the Slayers and tchr hidden until the last possible second. The details I leave up to you." He saluted the Kanakar, and then lead Matthews back out of the complex to the Courtyard of Lucian, the newly constructed arena for official speeches. He said, "If you have questions, ask them now, for things will move quickly if we are to be ready for war when the PSC arrives."

[Mr. Durandal]

Within hours, dropships traveling at human-killing speeds, arrived in Nakarak and landed just outside of the Courtyard of Lucian. When the SRCs were powered up, and climbed out, the Nakarak citizens were stunned by the machines. As the synthetics marched towards the Courtyard, they recieved stares and murmurs. The Commander, Arthus Revernium, approached Kanakar Vok, and tapped him on the shoulder.

"I assume you are Kanakar Vok. I am Commander Arthus Revernium, commanding the 13th and 14th Engagement Force brigades and the 15th Selected Infantry brigade. May I ask what the situation is?" Arthus looked around, his red eyes scanning the crowd for their reaction to his kind...

[nakarak]

Kanakar Vok was taken aback for a moment, but managed to supress his ifrst instincts to tear the machine apart with his bare hands. He said, "I assume you are the reinforcements Nakar Kor briefed me on. Most of our troops have been pulled back to the capital, as its a natural fortress, built in the hollow of a dormant volcano. Your task will be to defend the outlying settlements from pillaging and destruction. My advice is to stay as far away from the public as possible. I am wise enough to not turn away any allies, but for most Nakarans, your very existence is consider a blasphemy. I would not desire a pogrom at a time such as this."

[Canton Rouge]

"No questions, my friend. All that awaits now is the day of days, for it will be the longest day once the PSC invades," Matthews responded, as he and Nakar Kor continued to the courtyard. "This will determine the state of whether or not those who can will fight alongside you. I already know that recruiting efforts are going on a frenzy to send volunteers over to help with the war effort."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Open water

Out over the sea was a fighter and bomber group belonging to the PSC. Their intention was to strike the capital, but rather than attack commerical or what industry they cound find, they were to reduce morale by bombing civilian zones. Although it was against international law, the PSC could care less, for just seeing the destruction of a few bombers would surely break even the hardiest of warriors.

As the flight group made its way over, they had received word that not only were the Outlands secure, but also, the invasionary force to strike Nakarak was being assembled, loaded up, and starting to be sent off. This was met with approval, as now, the bombers had more reason to be successful with their attacks. No one would forsee that there would be few to none civilians to strike as the aerial group turned on a heading that would lead them over more stretch of sea, and finally, to Nakarak...

[Porcu]

OOC: Damn, you people post like crazy when you want to...

IC:

Alexander Seleucus stood before the other members of the HTO Council and it was picturesque in the sense that Seleucus stood behind a podium, which was in front of a massive flag of the HTO that served as a backdrop for the Council's chamber, all of which was surrounded by rows and rows of seats where each member nation's leader sat paying close attention to Seleucus.

"My friends" Seleucus began raising his hands in the air. "I have no doubt that you have all been informed by your respective men serving on Project Amun-Ra about the situation that is quickly degenerating in the North-West Quadrisphere and I am convinced that those who wish to radically alter the world need to be held in check; however, even the cries of protest from the international community have not brought about an end to this devastating conflict and the HTO's assurance of embargos have been swept by the wayside."

"It is therefore my belief that the time has come again for the HTO Security Forces to be quickly assembled and committed to action, before more atrocities occur. That is my order as Secretary General but I now allow the Council to commit to a plan of action..." Seleucus finished.

A representative from a small Asian island chain rose his hand and once acknowledged spoke.

"I would like to propose that the HTO Security Forces serve as a peacekeeping force, tasked with the assignment of protecting large civilian populations by providing protection for women and children as well as providing medical assistance, food assistance, and temporary housing assistance..."

A roar of approval resounded within the Council chamber, much to Seleucus' dislike. Seleucus wished to allow more time to pass, letting both sides wear themselves out before succumbing to HTO intervention. Encouraged by the representative who just spoke another stood.

"I completely agree with the gentlemen and I also wish to add that the HTO Security Forces will only serve as a protector for the affected people of the region. They shall not be used as pure instruments of war, tasked with the destruction of another's army; however, if HTO forces are fired upon by a member of a belligerent nation then it will be akin to a declaration of war and the HTO maintains the right to retaliate on behalf of Hyrule and the innocent people of the region..."

Seleucus meekly smiled through gritted teeth as another resounding roar of approval reverberated throughout the chamber.

"Alright, I'll play along...For now..."
============================================
Declaration To Affected Nations

The Hyrulian Treaty Organization has taken it upon themselves to preserve whatever small sense of security the terrified and displaced people of the region have left. While Canton Rouge and Clamparapa are free to choose the course of action they wish to take the HTO wishes to warn their forces, as well as the forces of the Pacific States Coalition and Nakarak, that the HTO Security Forces act as needed and required help to the affected civilians of the area and should our forces be fired upon it will be akin to an official declaration of war.

Undersigned, Alexander Seleucus
Secretary General of the HTO Council

[nakarak]

Nakar Kor arrived in the Courtyard of Lucian to great cheers. What doubts the people had felt were banished by the very presence of their mighty leader. He ascended the staircase to the top of a grand podium overlooking the entire courtyard, and spoke, in a massive, booming voice.

"People of Nakarak, the time of our reckoning is at hand! The armies of the Pacific States Coalition approach, promising fire and death to any who dare to resist them. We dare! Let them come and try to make due on their promise! The blessing of the Gods is with us, as it will ever be, until the ending of the world. They fight wars with foul machines, blasphemous, infernal devices fit only for the Abyss! We fight with courage, with honor, and with our friends, the forces of Canton Rouge and others who defend honor and freedom. Some have spoken doubts that these forces are infidels themselves, that their unholy presence will taint and corrupt us. But I say that they have found their own path to honor, and we shall proudly walk beside them until they discover the true path for themselves. They have honor, and that is enough for now."

"The forces of the enemy will be here within three days. Within four days, we shall sit upon the field of victory, paying homage to our honored dead and preparing our own assault. And within one week from this day, there will be no Pacific States Coalition!"

As the cheers died down, Nakar Kor finished his speech. "The Danaka will direct you to the underground shelters in preparation for the assault. Within six hours, everyone besides the warriors should be within. Blood for the Gods, and death for our enemies!"

He then stepped down from the platform, breathing slightly heavily. He said to Matthews, "I may be older than I once was, but as long as I have the will to raise my voice and the strength to lift my sword, we shall prevail."

[Canton Rouge]

Canton Rouge response to the Hyrulian Treaty Organization Declaration

We wish to reiterate that we respect what the HTO has done, knowing that some of our armed forces serve with pride and distinction in the region, and that we merely have sent advance forces to protect Nakarak from potential invasion, and likewise, it is best that the HTO would also first deploy to the country proper, as now, the time has come more than ever to protect Nakarak from the Pacific States Coalition.

President Jacques Voorjet
United Provinces of Canton Rouge

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pacific States Coalition response to the Hyrulian Treaty Organization Declaration

If you effectively think that war on us can be declared thanks to your forces being fired upon, guess again. You would have to ask all of the member nations to approve of such an action, and only those who are interested for war would say yes. We also see your soldiers as combatants no matter what who will be fired on, if they are seen in the region. Therefore, stay out of the area, if you value your men and stability.

Pacific States Coalition

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

World News Network
Breaking News!

"Hello viewers. I am Nathaniel Windsor with the World News Network coming to you live from the Outlands, a focus of war between the Pacific States Coalition and the Kingdom of Nakarak. We have just received word that the Pacific States Coalition has just now fully secured the region, and are in the process of setting up the region as a new entity to the nation. Renamed 'South Acacia', in honor of General Marcus Acacia of the PSC, this region has already seen drastic changes."

"As you can see behind me, this pile of rubble was once a massive temple to honor the Nakaran gods. But now, it is but stones, wood, and coral, which will soon be removed to build a military governing center. Also, many buildings that went along with the nature of the region have been razed or looted. Finally, as you can see here, new buildings are being constructed."

"The situation here has grown chaotic as more and more cases of the PSC committing crimes including torture, assault, rape, and executing people they please have been reported. We will update you as more news comes in. This is Nathaniel Windsor, World News Network."

[Canton Rouge]

OOC: Sorry for the double post, but Nak posted as I was, so here.

IC: "Indeed, Nakar Kor. You have rallied your men well, and likewise, I hope this speech I thought up will do the same." He then turned to the masses once more, and mentioned, "Before you set off, I ask of you to also listen to my words of encouragement."

"The whole question of home defence against invasion is, of course, powerfully affected by the fact that we have for the time being here is incomparably more powerful military forces than we have ever had at any moment in this war or the last. But this will not continue. We shall not be content with a defensive war. We have our duty to our ally, Nakarak. All this is in train; but in the interval we must put our defences in this Island into such a high state of organisation that the fewest possible numbers will be required to give effective security and that the largest possible potential of offensive effort may be realised. This will be until the time is right to allow for necessary offensive actions."

"Turning once again, and this time more generally, to the question of invasion, I would observe that there has never been a period in all these long centuries of which we boast when an absolute guarantee against invasion, still less against serious raids, could have been given to our people. In the days of Napoleon the same wind which would have carried his transports across the English Channel might have driven away the blockading fleet. There was always the chance, and it is that chance which has excited and befooled the imaginations of many Continental tyrants. Many are the tales that are told. We are assured that novel methods will be adopted, and when we see the originality of malice, the ingenuity of aggression, which our enemy displays, we may certainly prepare ourselves for every kind of novel stratagem and every kind of brutal and treacherous maneuver. I think that no idea is so outlandish that it should not be considered and viewed with a searching, but at the same time, I hope, with a steady eye. We must never forget the solid assurances of sea power and those which belong to air power if it can be locally exercised."

"I have, myself, full confidence that if all do their duty, if nothing is neglected, and if the best arrangements are made, as they are being made, we shall prove ourselves once again able to defend our Island home, to ride out the storm of war, and to outlive the menace of tyranny, if necessary for years, if necessary alone. At any rate, that is what we are going to try to do. That is the resolve of Nakar Kor and of Nakarak. "

"The Kingdom of Nakarak, the United Provinces of Canton Rouge, and the United Naval Clamdom of Clamparapa, linked together in their cause and in their need, will defend to the death Nakarak, aiding each other like good comrades to the utmost of their strength.
Even though the Outlands have fallen or may fall into the grip of the Pacific States Coalition and all the odious apparatus of Pacifican rule, we shall not flag or fail."

"We shall go on to the end. We shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend this island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then Nakarak, Canton Rouge, and Clamparapa will continue the struggle beyond the seas, armed and guarded by our fleets, armies, and air forces, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the rest of the world, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the nation."

"May the gods bless us all in our endeavours against the Pacific States Coalition." He finished his speech, then turned to Nakar Kor and said, "I do apologize for having to say that. But it's important that the people also know that Canton Roge stands together with Nakarak."

[Mr. Durandal]

Commander Revernium ordered his troops to climbed into the IX-3 Maloys and clambered off to the outer regions. As they left, the population watched their exit...

Near Nakarak Coastline

The SRCs jumped out of the Maloys and immediately set to work fortifying their position. They were determined to kill these men who were financing the murderers who were slaughtering their children in Lamation. The titan ATs were set up behind their position to kill any tanks. The wolverines were set up in front with their machine guns pointed forward and the SI began scouting missions.

One of these missions was headed by Lieutenant Anania Deris. She used her binocs to scan the clearing in front of her, and what she saw disturbed even her. PSC troops, possibly commandoes, were there, marching captured civilians. As the civilians marched, some tried to escape. They were promptly shot in the head.

When all the prisoners were secure in a horizontal line, the apparent PSC commander yelled, "Ready, aim, fi..." just as Deris blew a 8.05 mm hole in his throat. The invaders, confused, looked around for the shooter. As they did this, the other snipers in her squad picked off different targets. The men fired wildly into the trees, even hitting a few villagers. The men then turned their guns on the villagers, knowing they could take the innocents with them if they were to die.

A soldier, near Deris' position, pointed his weapon at a small child, but before he could fire, the LT threw herself at the man. She knocked the man to the ground as his gun went off. When they had finished rolling, the man was dead, his neck broken. Deris couldn't move and felt her life ebbing away. She looked at her lower body and saw a hole where her left processor was. She knew she would die, but not in vain. Rather, she would die helping a human. She collapsed and her body became a lifeless husk, wearing a pained smile...

OOC: I know the PSC isn't official there yet, but I thought that maybe they would have had a commando force to scout the area, and one of their platoons got carried away. If there is any griefe over this, I'll gladly change it.

[Porcu]

The Hyrulian Gazette
HTO sends peacekeepers to troubled area, remains neutral in conflict

Reports sent out by the HTO Council state that the HTO has gone ahead and voted for involvement within the region, the mission being one of humanitarian aims. Secretary General Alexander Seleucus said that "the HTO's mission will be to assist those individuals and families displaced by the violence...it's a humanitarian mission but at the same time we have made it clear to the belligerents that should the brave men serving in the Security Forces be attacked then the full force of the HTO will be cast upon them..."

If one were to delve into the HTO archives and the annals of history one would find that "full force of the HTO" has a broad meaning but generally refers to complete economic embargo, going as so far as to even restrict other nations outside the HTO from trading with said nation, full scale military invasion, bombing of major military areas, and once nuclear warfare.

Statements from Canton Rouge seem to have addressed the HTO's concern and promised cooperation with the Security Forces while nothing has been heard from the Clamparapan and Nakarakan governments. Meanwhile, the PSC has lashed out again at the HTO's calls for peace and this has heightened the tension between the two powers.

Details of the pledged HTO Expeditionary Security Force have not been released.
====================================
HTO Security Forces Headquarters

General Keith Falkirk, grandson of the legendary Nisomian airforce captain, stood on an observation deck overlooking the loading of the Expeditionary Force. HTO laws state that only at the beckoning of the HTO Council would the HTO Security Forces be built up. Once the decision is made member nations are required by HTO law to volunteer some amount of troops or equipment to the Security Forces, thus acting as a unified group, and Falkirk stood in awe at the rapid response by the member nations heeding the Council's call.

Already 2000 troops from Porcu, Robengrad, and Greater Mactopia had arrived and were preparing for departure. Joining them were 4000 troops from Nicomia, Progar, Hotchilly Willy, and Atlantico Norte. Medical teams were dispatched from Anglo-Germany and Southwest Prussia with Arcaia providing most of the transportation equipment (to wrap up the commitments of the original ten). The various other members gave small contributions, usually grouping their troops together as the "HTO Pacific Rim Coalition" or the "Western Africa HTO Coalition" for example.

General Falkirk would have to speak to Secretary General Seleucus before heading off to the region but took a moment to look over the men he would proudly lead...

[Mr. Durandal]

Dear Mr. Seleucus,

As your media has mentioned us not responding to your involvement, I have no choice but to send you this message.

Do not become involved if you are unwilling to do anything offensively. You cannot gain peace with people like the PSC by being peaceful. They will open fire on your men and kill them. Why do your troops even carry weapons if they will not use them? Even if you are attacked, you will not be ready for it.

Use your power and repel the invasion! We ask that you stand and fight with us against these aggressors! In no way will you achieve victory by standing around and waiting for them to attack you! Please make the RIGHT choice, not what seems to be the right choice at the time.

If you do not assist us, we will treat your forces as neutral and will not attack nor bother them. They will be ignored. This goes both ways, though, for if you decide to not help us at all, we will ignore your own calls for help. Make the right decision in this matter.

Highest Regards,
High Administrator Sangdor Maff

[Canton Rouge]

Outlands Military Governing Center

Recently installed governor General Alexander Smith laughed at what the HTO had planned. They actually were going to send their paltry force to this region, and help the populace. He laughed once more at this idiotic idea, but knowing that gave him a clever idea. One that would truely show the stupidity of the HTO. He would actually invite them in, then wipe them out when they did not expect a thing.

"Captain Peterson, this is General Smith. Set up a place for the HTO to land forces in this clearing. Also, prepare for their deaths twelve hours after they arrive. And make sure it is done swiftly and secretly. I do not want the HTO to find out about this."

"Roger that, General."

General Smith laughed once more. Now, he had to at least maintain this charade long enough so the HTO forces would not get suspicious. But he knew that in due time, he would have one less force to deal with, he thought...