Taijitu
Forum Meta => Role Play => Archived Role Play Boards => Archive => General Roleplay => Topic started by: Saletsia on March 12, 2007, 10:30:38 PM
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12th March 2007, 5:47am his Excellence President Santiago Ruiz dies in his bed of heart attack.
State secretary Juan Lucha informs the Saletsian public of the death of the beloved leader at 6:15am local time.
General Barga is one of the persons watching the state News channel.
So at last that bloody old man died! It is now up to me to take over. My time has finally come!
Barga calls for a Sgt.:
"Sergeant!"
A young officer hurries into the office of the feared general.
"Yes Ma'am?"
"I want our troops ready within an hour! Ready for battle!"
"But general, his Excellence just died, the fight against the defiant farmers can wait..."
"I do not mean those pesky little farmers...now do what I told you!"
"Yes ma'am!" The sergeant ran all the way to the next building and sounden the alarms... Within an hour a battle-ready force of about 7000 soldiers, 30 tanks and 5 helicopters were ready. Jeeps with recoilless rifles also added to the firepower of Gen. Barga's fierce "Mortadores Brigade".
All her men have fought side by side with her for decades against, rebels, foreign enemies and others...
Barga rode on the tip of the formation with an armored 4x4 vehicle and stood up that everyone could see and hear her.
She was not a person of many words...but her the few words she spoke were always understood by her comrades.
"The time has now come for us to rule!"
After having said this, she made some gestures after which the soldiers started rushing to their trucks and APCs and tanks...
The whole Brigade then got on its way to the presidential Palace, guarded by 2000 Guardsmen.
By the time the unit arrived, the guardsmen were alarmed and got into defensive position.
Then General Barga, got out of her vehicle and declared:
"My comrades, I am the new President. And we will rule together. You are either with the new government or against us...and if you chooseto ´be defiant, you will be dealt with mercilessly...that I can assure you!"
After having sad this with a glare in her eyes, many guardsmen got intimidated. A guardsman though, pointed his M14 at the general with her noticing it and quickly pulling out her pistol and shooting a bullet right into the middle of the guardsman's eyes...
There was a moment of silence...The guardsmen seemed paralyzed and unable to act... Wit them not knowing what to do, Barga ordered some of her men to disarm the guardsmen and secure the Palace...
By 11:27am the Palace was under General Barga's command. At exactly 12:00 noon, she was proclaimed new "president" of the Republic of Saletsia.
5 hours later, several farms were bombed by the air-force leading to the demoralization of the National Farmers' Union that started a rally for higher wages...
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OOC: So you wanna be my new neighbor? ;D
To: General Barga
As your northern neighbor, I must express concern regarding your rise to power. Though I harbor no ill will to any native of the East, I would wish to send a delegation to meet with you and discuss proposals to ensure undue tensions between our nations are not created. We have had no quarrel with the Saletsian people before, and we hope this can continue into the distant future.
Signed,
King Xipil
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To: King Xipil
From: President Barga
We, the Saletsian people, have no bad intentions directed towards the Xyraeli people. To assure you of our good will, I accept your offer of sending a diplomatic delegation. They shall be awaited in our capital.quote]
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The Saletsian economy witnessed a "bad time" shortly after General Barga took over power. Political instability and uncertainty led to the slide of the stocks and made the Saletsian Peso less worth.
After having secured the nation with an iron fist though, the Saletsian economy recovered.
Meanwhile farms and fishing grounds have been declared state property and taxes are now collected for the use thereof. Political activists and other "defiants" are often seen being picked up by armed soldiers and brought to labor camps.
Due to political opression, many liberals have fled the capital Bandana and headed north where they seek refuge in the mountainous forests of the Saletsian-Xyraeli border.
Rumors of rebel forces' formation has reached the capital...
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A sergeant once again alarms President Barga:
"Excellence, we have received reports of rebellious groups forming along the border with Xyrael."
General Barga sitting with her back towards her table turns slowly revealing her furious face...
"What did you say?"
"Rebels, your Excellence..."
"And what have you done so far?"
"Nothing yet...we just got the report..."
"Idiot! Now alarm the air-force and bomb the are where these rats are hiding! And mobilize ground troops! I want to see those traitors dead!!!"
"As you wish, your Excellence!"
The sergeant runs to the Military command center and gives the orders. Immediately 6 OV10 Broncos, 4 Crusaders and 10 P51 Mustangs got ready, as well as 70 soldiers on 3 trucks and 4 heavily armed jeeps.
2 hours later the site with refugees was bombed by the OV10 bombers, then followed by low-flying attacks launched by the Mustangs also firing rockets attacked to their wings. The crusaders dropped 5 napalm bombs. After the air-raid the majority of the refugee camp was destroyed as well as a nearby village.
The army unit then arrived and shot dead every survivor. The estimated death toll was about 372.
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Captain Kabrakhan observed black smoke rising near the Xyraeli-Saletsian border with curiosity. King Xipil had chosen him as a diplomat knowing General Barga would feel insulted in the presence of a politician, and yet the King did not want to risk the life of a higher ranking officer. Captain Kabrakhan was a direct man, however, and he never was one fond of avoiding issues. His Boeing C-32 was escorted by a lone Saab Gripen, who had radio'd in the ominous smoke cloud as well.
Shouldn't be long until we land, then I might as well ask about it. Best case scenario it's a wildfire, thought Kabrakhan with doubt, wet jungles weren't oft prone to fires, but he wasn't here to antagonize and create conflict.
"We have met several contacts, likely Saletsian fighters. We're hailing them now to request an escort," informed a Guardsmen who proceeded back to his post.
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Two Saletsian MiG-29 fighters closed onto the Xyraeli plane:
"This is the Saletsian air-force. We welcome you to our homeland and shall escort your plane to the capital's airport."
The two MiGs then escorted the Xyraeli planes to the airport where a military band was already assembled waiting for the Xyraeli diplomatic envoy.
General Luna, the Vice-President, was there to personally welcome the Xyraeli. There were almost no civilians at the airport, mostly soldiers and other armed personnel to assure top security.
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Captain Kabrakhan nervously exited the plane, watching the militant men bustling about, every eye on him and his comrades. He turned to several armed Guardsmen behind him, signaling them to place their weapons down. "It's alright, we don't need any unnecessary incidents." He wasn't so keen on placing his pistol into a safety compartment, but he did so anyways. He was even less keen on hot lead embedded in his chest.
He stepped off the plane with several soldiers as well as a civilian advisor named Atonal personally appointed by the King. Kabrakhan was fairly sure Atonal would do most of the talking, even though he was the official "representative". The diplomatic envoy, however, was more military than it was civilian. Captain Kabrakhan wasn't entirely sure who was who yet, so he waited to be greeted.
Meanwhile, the lone Saab Gripen turned about to return home alongside its MiG escorts.
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OOC: can i join?
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The Honor Guards presented arms as General Luna approached the Xyraeli delegation. He extended his hand to both after greeting each with a salute.
"Welcome to Bandana, Saletsia's capital. I hope your flight has been good."
An armored limousine then came closer and stopped in front of them, being accompannied by two armed jeeps. A soldier opened the door of the limousine.
"Please take a seat. We will be taken to the Presidential Palace now."
General Luna, his assistant and the two Xyrali representatives got into the vehicle and they were transported to the Palace. On their way, the delegates could see the vast agricultural fields and vineyards of Saletsia. On their way to the Palace, a military convoy coming from the border to Xyrael headed back to a nearby camp.
17 minutes later, the limousine entered the heavily guarded Palace complex. The vehicle stopped before the entrance of the grand Palace. As the doors opened and the envoys and officials stepped out, the guards presented arms. Military discipline was something the current president demanded from all.
"Please follow me. I will show you the way to the conference hall."
Gen. Luna took the Xyraelis to the hall where President Barga was already waiting.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. Do take a seat."
Meanwhile butlers brought drinks to the envoys and the Saletsian officials.
Then Barga started talking again:
"I would like to stress that Saletsia does in no way pose any kind of threat to Xyraeli security or sovereignty."
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OOC: can i join?
See OOC thread
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Captain Kabrakhan raised an eyebrow at the comment, curiously wondering why she was so immediately open. He dismissed it, being more curious as to the fact a military woman could attain such a high position, she was likely not a woman he wanted to infuriate. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" must apply ten fold to this woman, he thought to himself. Well, at least she was direct, he appreciated the military's distaste for 'diplomacy'. He was also quite impressed with the discipline of everyone around him.
"That's good to know," he said with a sincere smile, continuing with his concern. "I did notice smoke near our border, perhaps you have information on it?"
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"That was simply a crackdown on dissidents. We had reports of rebel groups forming along the border. Nothing we do not have under control."
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Captain Kabrakhan wasn't satisfied with the answer, but was interrupted by Atonal, who quickly introduced himself and ignored the slight offense given to the Captain.
"Madam President, my name is Atonal. Unlike my military friend here, I realize ones need to safeguard ones land from internal threats," Atonal spoke quickly, moving on to another subject. "It does interest me how you plan to run your country, or how you legitimize your succession to power. Might I inquire?"
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President Barge turned from Captain Kabrakhan to the otehr Xyraeli that started speaking:
"I intend to run the nation in a way that benefits Saletsia most. Currently our economy is improving very well. And that is a direct effect of our successful policy. The Legitimation to my succession is given by the military and the consent of the people. They accept me as their new president."
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At least Kabrakhan knew better than to aggravate a superior, but his 'advisor' was not as discreet. He politely waited until the man would make a mistake, then he'd step in.
"I'm sorry if I offended you, I'm merely pointing out the obvious. I was never able to follow you through a democratic process and learn of your foreign policies and such. You've said that you mean no harm to the Xyraelites, but I'm curious as to your other policies. The economy, imperialism, et cetera."
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"Imperialism? We are patriots and as such, we have no need for any further territories. This is the current policy of Saletsia. And to economy: we are doing everything we can to stabilize the peso and provide enough jobs for our people.
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Atonal continued on with his questions, "What about civil rights? Does the government assist with the people beyond jobs, and how does it ensure the people have both civil rights as well as security?"
Captain Kabrakhan sighed, growing impatient with the man. "When you're done with the inquisition, feel free to ask me anything you want," he spoke politely to the President, disregarding Atonal.
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President Barga decided not to reply to the question regarding civil rights. Instead, she turned to the Captain.
"What about your policies? What is your stance on imperialism?"
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Captain Kabrakhan replied with the doctrine drilled into his mentality. "We will actively oppose imperialism in the East, and will oppose it in all other places." He frowned, however. "We have undertaken ventures in foreign lands to help safeguard people from violence and death, but many may think we mean to colonize them. This isn't our intent, so before another can tell you otherwise, I will tell you we are willing to involve ourselves in regions to help the people rebuild what is theirs."
"We also are strongly for a closed economy, which promotes socialist values. Control the commanding heights, and allow the rest to be privatized. Unemployment is unheard of in the Republic, and any man in need is provided for. The Republic does go through great efforts to ensure that no one takes advantage of the welfare, however."
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"Your policy sounds to be very good. We do not take part in any international mission. At this time because our troops are needed here most and not elsewhere. Saletsia puts high value on discipline and loyalty as well as obedience for these are the fundaments of our society. Those who fulfill them are rewarded and those who rather be defiant are dealt with appropriately. The unemployment rate of Saletsia is getting lower, economy is improving, but still we have some unemployed citizens. These though still can provide for themselves. These are mostly farmers in remote villages who grow their own food and have what they need. They are technically unemployed but not hungering as may be the case in other nations. Yes our economy is also more closed, since we seek to be as autark as possible. Dependece on another nation - be it military or economic - is not an option for Saletsia."
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Meanwhile elsewhere near the Xyraeli-Saletsian border, a group of 212 people are moving slowly towards Xyrael, trying to escape the oppressive rule of General Barga. Two armed jeeps are patrolling the part of the border where the refugees try to cross over to the neighboring kingdom.
These "dissidents" have then been sighted while crossing the border.
"Move!! Move!! Move!!! Gun them down!"
The jeeps rushed to the refugees and the gunners fire their heavy machine-guns while approaching.
Of the 212 people, 23 are immediately killed, 8 lay wounded on the ground and the rest successfully made it across the frontier.
The jeeps come closer and open fire at the refugees on the other side of the border killing a dozen more.
Only after the refugees found protection behind a concrete wall, the border patrol stopped firing.
"This is Border patrol Section 7, we request reinforcement. Dissidents and rebel elements have fled to Xyrael. I repeat, we need reinforcement."
"Copy that Section 7. Reinforcement is on the way."
Right away a reinforcement of 500 soldiers was sent to the border.
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"Well," continues Atonal smoothly, "would you describe yourself as a socialist state? And would you consider trading goods with the Imperial Republic? There would be no strings attached, we're not looking to take pieces of the Saletsian pie, only to buy he products and help create a higher demand for goods. As the capitalists say, where there's a demand, there's a supply. It could help you create jobs for your unemployed, and additionally both of our nations could benefit from the additional resources."
Kabrakhan listened to Atonal ramble on about economics, he believed the female President to be bored as well, but she did have a state to run. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, curious about these "unemployed farmers" and the coincidental "dissidents".
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Meanwhile, along the Xyraeli border, four rookie soldiers were routinely patrolling a partially fenced, partially walled border. Rather content with the positions they were stuck in, instead of liberating a country around the globe, they happened upon a small group of refugees.
"Hey, look at that!" said one Guardsman.
The other quickly pulled the jeep over, relaying the sighting to his command. The authorization to investigate was quickly sent back, Republican Command was never slow with responses. They drew their Radom AKM's and approached the group, numbered well over a hundred and a half. They slowly approached the refugees, considering them to be possible smugglers. Then they noted the land to their south where smoke clouds rose and several bodies littered the area. Saletsian soldiers had taken up positions, and watched the 4 armed Republican Guardsmen take cover. Several refugees ran towards the empty jeep, in full view of the Saletsians.
"Stay where you are!" the Guardsmen called to the refugees, signaling them to stop. "Damnit, don't fire on them yet," ordered the Lance Corporal.
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"Well it may be hard to explain but we are socio-nationalist state. We wish not to become a capitalist, pseudo-democratic nation, but shall work for our national interest. Right now, we are in a stabilization process which may seem very authoritative to outlanders, but we are doing it for the welfare of the people and the nation as a whole."
She paused then continued:
"We would welcome any trade agreement as long as it it not meant to exploit our land."
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The Saletsian refugees halted at the sight and order of the Xyraeli patrol.
"Please do not shoot! We are unarmed...help us, please..."
After saying this, a refugee fell to the ground, blood-soaked. A sniper took him out.
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Atonal looked over several documents quickly, then looked back to President Barga. "We have no reason to construct businesses in your nation. Instead, we would rather act as a consumer, not a producer. I notice you produce a wide variety of animal products, namely cow and chicken products, along with an animal which I've never heard of..." he paused, ashamed of himself. "You also have nickel and bauxite, both resources our industry needs." Atonal paused for a moment, "The Imperial Republic has fuels like oil and natural gas, which you seem to be lacking, as well as fish and lumber. It's not our policy to trade uranium with a regime we know little of, no offense ma'am, but perhaps at a later date we could discuss this."
"Do you have any suggestions on a trade agreement?"
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The refugees hit the ground, scrambling for whatever cover they could, while the Guardsmen took up defensive positions, scanning the south for any hostiles. Two armed jeeps with several men dressed in fatigues were parked a kilometer away, but none seemed to be carrying a rifle of the calibre that killed the refugee.
"Corporal! What do we do?"
"Call for back up! Pimotl, Huemac, get those people to the jungle. We'll make sure they don't follow." The Lance Corporal raised his rifle in the direction of the Saletsian troops, waiting for them to cross the border. They were out of range at the moment, but they'd be close enough if they crossed the border. The two soldiers hurried to the small group of people, signaling them with hand gestures to 'follow'. Within mere minutes the group was slowly moving north towards the vegetation of the denser Xyraeli jungles.
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This is another means of earning money...
"Yes, we will sign such a contract. Such a venture wouldn't harm our market. Speaking of uranium, we have found some deposits in Saletsia but have no use for such mineral. We would be willing to also trade our uranium with you.
The animal you mean must be the carabao, it's nothing other but a water buffalo", she smiled.
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The Saletsian border patrol halted in front of the border fence. Meanwhile the reinforcement arrived.
The Saletsians started speaking telling the Xyraelis to hand them over the Saletsian dissidents.
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"Oh, I think we have sufficient Uranium. Our national transport system isn't a highway like every other nation. The Imperial Republic proudly boasts the most efficient nuclear-powered train system in the world. We figured it would take too much time to clear massive swathes of jungle, so the Pan-Xyraeli Railroad was constructed." Atonal smiled, pleased with his nation. Captain Kabrakhan sighed, the man must have lived a sheltered life, for it was impossible to turn around mid journey on the rail. It was efficient, he had to admit.
"I believe that oil, natural gas, lumber and fish in exchange for your animal products, nickel and bauxite would be an adequate deal. I hope it can be up for renegotiation depending on the varying economies of our nations."
Captain Kabrakhan cleared his throat, looking at the President directly. "I also vaguely remember you saying you did not want to be strongly militarily allied with any nation. Might I ask if you can give me assurances that Saletsia would never act as a staging point for a ground attack against our nation?"
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The Xyraelites slowly rose from their cover, talking back from a distance. "These people are being fired upon from the South. I can not in good conscience allow these people to risk their lives. I'm radioing my command, so you boys sit tight!" shouted the Corporal while calling in the contact with Saletsians.
"Suspicious fires reported South of the border. Saletsians attempting to flee. Saletsian soldiers demanding the refugees back. What are our orders?"
Mere seconds passed before a reply was radio'd back. "Suspicious fires confirmed by returning diplomatic escort, suspected attack on northern villages. Inform the Saletsian soldiers that the refugees will be processed by Internal Affairs, and that they will be allowed to stay if they desire. Do not aggress against Saletsian soldiers."
The Corporal sighed, setting the receiver down and called to the Saletsians by the fence. "Your folks are on this side of the fence now, brass says they stay if they want. They're free to return, provided you still want them in Saletsia!"
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"Lumber and fish are okay but we do not have much need for oil since we mostly use coconut biodiesel. What we may need is extra kerosene. I recommend the construction of a railway system from Saletsia to Xyrael, which would make the transportation of the resources more cost-effective."
General Luna stood up and approached the President after receiving a message from a butler. He whispered something into her ear and President Barga replied:
"Air-snipers."
generalö Lune saluted and went to another room of the Palace where he contacted the air-base.
"send attack helicopters to the Northern border with Xyrael and take snipers with you!"
"Yes sir!"
An hour later, two light attack helicopters were hovering on the Saletsian side of the border with snipers in them looking for the dissidents to fire upon. A man was unfortunate enough to be found and hit by a bullet in the head.
Again the refugees panicked .
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Atonal ignored the soldier that entered, continuing the conversation. "The construction of a railway would be a good idea, I will note that in the future and tell you when construction is set to begin. Until then, I might suggest using ships. I could sign a document now that would allow your civilian ships to travel through Republican waters."
Captain Kabrakhan felt like inquiring whether Saletsian tanks and fighters used oil and gasoline, or if they ran off of coconuts too. He dismissed the thought, neither he nor the Imperial Republic were fond of environmentalism, so it was not his place to judge. "You aren't having any problems, are you?" he asked, thinking of the fires in the north.
Atonal looked back at him to quiet him. "Then we agree on the trade vessels. Once I return home, the first shipments can be sent through. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"
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The Corporal and his comrade watched as the two helicopters held their distance, barely moving from their locations. The Corporal looked to the Private in acknowledgment ad the both agreed "Snipers". The Corporal turned to the Saletsian soldiers and shouted: "Get away from the fence now!"
Three deuce and a halfs drove down the same winding path the patrol jeep had been taking, one moving towards the Corporal, the other two moving to secure the panicking refugees who were desperately trying to hide. Twenty soldiers bustled out, signalling the refugees to get on the trucks. The other deuce and a half parked alongside the patrols jeep, and ten soldiers hurried to the Corporal and hugged the dirt. "What's going on?" demanded a sergeant.
"Refugees fleeing the border. Brass said we should let em in, but them Saletsian's don't seem to understand."
"They cross the border, open fire. Got it?"
"Yes sir."
"And radio for air support. We have to spook those helo's until the refugees are out of here."
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"Problem in the North? Just some dissidents trying to escape..."
She then continued:
"Very well, I will sign such contract. Our main port, West of Bandana, shall be opened to your ships as well, civilian ships. And we want to be able to check them, to make sure there is nothing illegally taken into or out of Saletsia."
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Meanwhile 4 newly built MX8 APCs arrived on the Saletsian side of the border, each towing a howitzer.
The snipers stopped firing as the refugees boarded Xyraeli vehicles. All of the sudden mortar rounds hit a Saletsian military position. The rounds were coming from the jungle near the border. Then about 3 dozen armed men with white bands around their right arms started charging the soldiers. The new APCs gunned them down one after the other...
The Saletsian officer in charge now was puzzled.
He was thinking why the militants attacked...It was a sif they wanted to make sure the refugees were in safety, meaning a high-ranking rebel must be amongst them.
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Captain Kabrakhan smiled, he knew that President Barga was telling the truth. He knew that she was trying to make it sound polite, but she was not hiding the fact that not everyone was warm and fuzzy with her regime yet. "I see no reason why you can not check our vessels. As long as you do not force the cargo from our hands, that should not be a problem," he said, still pondering about the 'dissidents'.
"I assume our business here is drawing to a close. Would it be possible for us to speak with these dissidents about their grievances?"
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"Damnit corporal, those men are selling their lives for the refugees," commented the Guardsmen assigned to the patrol. The refugees were quickly loaded into the deuce and a halfs and driven off rapidly to the west. Several refugees remained, now within the dense foliage of the jungle. Ten Guardsmen watched over them, waiting for another convoy to come pick them up.
The corporal looked at the sergeant, "what do you think the Saletsians want from the refugees?"
"Who knows, orders are orders corporal." Another mortar went off in the distance, sending several Saletsian soldiers reeling. The corporal winced at the sudden noise. "We stay here and make sure the Saletsians don't cross. We're going to have to increase patrols, make sure Saletsians aren't crossing our borders chasing after these folks. We'll let the government talk about any rebels we capture later."
Two Mirage's drifted gracefully through the sky above, making their presence known to the Saletsian helicopters.
"Do we help the Saletsians or the rebels, sir?" asked a soldier.
"Do you know why either are fighting? No. We defend unarmed people on our side of the border. If either of those parties cross the fence, I want them shot at," he spoke, turning to his men. "Got that boys? Rebels or Saletsians, make sure they don't cross the border. If they do, make sure they don't like it here!"
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"Very well then."
President Barga's face turned serious:
"Now I have reports of you having rebels in Xyrael. Those you can interrogate. But I would like to have them handed back to us."
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The Saletsian fired their howitzers at a target in the jungle and the helicopters attacked the same target until no more mortar rounds were fired.
Then the Saletsians started recovering the dead bodies.
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Captain Kabrakhan spoke before Atonal could speak. "Interrogate?" He inched forward in his seat, aware that he was talking to an experienced military officer as well as a politician. "I was not aware we had such prisoners. This must have happened during our visit, and we have not heard word of this. If you'd like, I could call my government and ask about the situation..." he paused, thinking of what his government would do. "To be frank, I am not sure we are authorized to make deals concerning events that happen during our stay. I would have to either make a call, or relay your request to my superiors."
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In a small village nearby, without access to the nuclear railway, the refugees were cared for by a local clinic. Internal Affairs had been requested to process the newcomers, who were greeted coldly by the southern Xyraelites, who had mere months before been defeated in an attempted ultraist coup.
Near the border, the small band of Republican Guards observed the Saletsians with reservation, the Mirage fighters having disappeared behind the clouds. "What do we do?" they asked themselves, waiting for the Saletsians to leave may take a while, especially if another band of refugees attempted to cross nearby.
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"We have reports of Saletsian dissidents having crossed the order to your country. It happened while you were here, of course. Yes, you may contact your government. You can also tell your superiors we have nothing against the possible interrogation of the said dissidents...The only thing I would wish is that they be sent back to Saletsia...Our intelligence officers have good reason to believe a high-ranking rebel official is amongst them."
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Concealed snipers were observing the Xyraelites on the other side of the border. They seemed to be uneasy not knowing why the Saletsians have been quite silent the past hours.
Then suddenly trucks arrived with materials for the construction of a fence. The Saletsians then started unloading the trucks and immediately began with the construction of a 3 meter provisory fence. Meanwhile others started unloading concrete blocks building a massive gate between Xyrael and Saletsia, which was meant to be the only pathway from one country to the other.
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Atonal pulled out a small, sleek cellular phone and handed it to the captain, watching him nervously. Kabrakhan swiftly dialed a number, and after several moments he spoke. "President Barga informs me that we've had an incident while we were here. She demands the rebels are returned."
He slumped back into his seat, "Refugees? Yes, sir. I understand, but she believes a high ranking dissident to be among them..." Several moments passed, and he nodded to no one in particular, "Yes, sir. I'll inform her right away."
He closed the small phone and turned to President Barga, his conversation having taken a total of four minutes. He frowned, wondering what to say. "It appears they're being processed by Internal Affairs. They ask you to send a list of wanted peoples to them so they can cross reference it with the list of refugees. They say they will question each person, but..." he paused. "But many of the people have denounced their citizenship, and the government does not believe all are guilty of being high ranking dissidents. They'll return any that pose a significant threat to Saletsia if one is found, but no more than required."
He studied President Barga, wary of her anger.
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"A fricking wall?" commented one soldier to no one in particular.
"Apparently." Several more trucks had arrived, and the rest of the refugees were secured and driven off at a rapid pace. The remaining soldiers hurried over to the twelve men watching the border.
"Do we go talk to them?"
"We should let them do what they want," commented the corporal.
The sergeant looked at him with a grin. "Corporal, you and your patrol go talk to them."
The corporal and his comrade rose slowly from their hiding spot, rifle relaxed in their hands. The slowly strided to the Saletsians busy with constructing the wall. Three meters didn't look very tall from a distance, but it was quite large once they stood beside it. "Hey," spoke the corporal resentfully, "that wall to keep our people out, or your people in?"
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President Barga made a sign to a security officer standing at the end of the conference hall. The soldier saluted and went to another room coming back after 5 minutes with a folder. He then handed the folder to the President and went back to his post again where he stood steadily without motion.
"Here is a folder containing information on Ex-Captain Vega Llegada. He is a high-ranking fascist official who used to lead a special military unit directly under the command of the late president. As you can see, my succession to power marks the socialist revolution against the former fascist regime, which unfortunately some people here in Saletsia still cling onto. You can have this folder, it's only a copy."
She then passed the folder to Kabrakhan.
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A Saletsian construction worker heard the Xyraelite corporal and looked up starting to answer as a Saletsian soldier rushed and blocked his view to the Xyraelites.
"You have no permission to talk to foreigners! Now continue working!"
From a small military facility a Saletsian Lieutenant was watching the scene.
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Kabrakhan grinned widely, smiling at President Barga as he looked over the folder. "It appears our borders have one thing in common, fascists."
Atonal chuckled to himself, but said nothing. The captain continued, "If they truly a fascist, they make seek to stir up problems in our southern region. If they weren't processed, I promise my government will make sure they are found. Usually my government lets people do as they wish, but fascists are responsible for much death within the Imperial Republic. Anyone caught unlawfully undermining the peace within Xyrael will be arrested and detained, and extradited if it is your wish."
Atonal was meanwhile texting his phone after it was given back to him, and he paused to say "Already on it" before Kabrakhan could ask.
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Meanwhile, at the border, the wall continued to be built, and the corporal was not happy with being ignored. The wall between him and the Saletsians was distressing at best. "Excuse me, if you won't talk, who will?" He turned back to look at his comrades who watched him closely.
The workers looked surpressed as they worked wordlessly, and the soldiers supervising seemed a bit overbearing.
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Meanwhile, on a small road leading to town with refugees drove two black Bentley Arnage's with deep tinted windows. Inside, three Internal Affairs agents sat idly watching the jungle pass by rapidly. A small phone vibrated on the center console, and the agent in the rear seat looked at the text message.
Saltesian Fascist leader part of refugee group.
The IA agent in the front passenger seat looked back to the agent in the rear seat. "What is it?"
The agent looked back out the window at the passing trees. "The refugees are fascists."
The IA agent in the front seat shifted wordlessly in his seat, and silence shrouded the vehicle once more.
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"The Fascists are not many in number but we are doing everything possible to avoid a guerrilla-style warfare. Having our trucks and transports blown into pieces is not the way our soldiers want to fall..."
She paused...then continued:
"You said, you also have fascists in the Imperial Republic?"
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The soldier getting annoyed by the Xyraelite officer contacted his superior.
"Sir, there is a Xyraelite officer seeking contact with our workers."
"Hold on, I will come and talk to him. All others should have their mouth shut!"
"Yes sir."
The soldier didn't even tell the Xyraelite that a Saletsian officer was to come soon.
3 minutes later a small jeep convoy halted by the construction site. A Saletsian Lieutenant with two bodyguards went to the part of the wall where the Xyraelites stood.
"Who is it?", he asked the soldier.
The soldier then pointed to a Xyraelite.
"I am the officer in charge here, what do you want to know?"
-
"Yes, we had a nationalist coup a while back. It cost many lives, and right now the government is attempting to crack down on the remnants of the militant organization. Our government let's you believe whatever you want, but you can't use violence to get your point across." The captain paused while Atonal finished explaining.
"Internal Affairs is the agency that handles both citizenship, taxes, and riots. If these guerrilla's are crossing our border without Internal Affairs permission, there will be a crack down."
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The corporal looked at the officer with skepticism, the shoddy Xyraeli fence between them. "Uh..." he composed himself in recognition of the others rank, "...Sir. What's the purpose of the wall? And why are people fleeing across the border being shot by your soldiers?"
His comrade shifted nervously beside him. He was a jittery fellow, more so now than before.
"We're not very pleased with your disregard for basic human rights, like life. I'll let it fly, but personally your men should no better than to shoot unarmed civilians.
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The Bentley Arnage arrived in the village, and three agents stepped out of each vehicle and approached the cowering refugees. Each agent wore a dark suit, sunglasses, a kevlar vest, a Jericho pistol and a Pm-84 Glauberyt. They approached the group cautiously and encircled the refugees. The Republican Guardsmen sensed the sudden increase in tensions and formed a perimeter around the people.
"Alright!" shouted an agent, "who here is Vega Llegada? Anyone with information on him will be eligible for citizenship. Anyone with information on recent illegal activities outside of the Saletsian state will also be elligible!"
-
"Well we seem to really have similar problems. Our main concern are the seas. We sometimes find smugglers ferrying from an island to the other supporting the fascists. Do you have such problems a s well? After all you have a very vast coastline..."
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The Lieutenant looked unimpressed by the Xyraelite's words.
"The wall is for security purposes. And the people we shoot, well that is our business..."
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None of the refugees tried to talk...Some looked at each other, other stared into the ground.
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"We have developed a wide array of littoral combat vessels to guard our waters. They are the fastest military vessels we have come across, and any vessel without a license is immediately pursued, boarded, or fired upon. We have small land borders, and friendly neighbors in general, so in order to maintain the integrity of a closed economy we must maintain a rather large navy." Captain Kabrakhan was not a member of the navy, but he did understand that fundamentally the navy had a budget on par with the army, which included a modern air force. The total military budget was in excess of four trillion credits.
"Pirates and smugglers are not a real problems, perhaps in the seas near Acle they might be, but that area is without major population centers and under martial law."
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The corporal merely nodded, seeing there was no point. He walked back to his comrades who continued to watch the construction of the wall.
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One of the agents walked through the group. "Freedom is only afforded to those that will not betray it. If no one will comply, then all will be forced to comply."
Another Internal Affairs agent barked an order. "Everyone, rise and strip all your clothes off, men, women, and children. Do this, or be deported. Hand your clothes to the soldiers."
Several women complained, holding their daughters close to them. The agent looked at them sternly, "You are in the Imperial Republic now. This is the only time you will be asked to go through such measures. Comply and we will allow you to stay, resist and we will send you back to the Saletsian government."
-
"Very well. Our top military priority at the moment is the army, even though we also have vast maritime territories...I think both our nations can look to a future of cooperation."
She paused.
"Is there anything more you would wish to discuss?"
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The lieutenant hopped back into his jeep and was driven back to his quarter.
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After minutes of refusal, everyone eventually undressed, except 9 men and two women.
"This is a disgrace. We are refugees and this is not the way helpless people should be treated!", a man remarked.
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"Only one more question. Would it be possible to open an embassy? We could keep you updated on our search for your 'Vega' and anything else you may require." Atonal spoke with an official tone, which Kabrakhan was growing immensely bored of.
"If you have a need for military technology, namely ships, you should check our foreign arms market. Other than that, you'd have to discuss it directly with the government," he told President Barga.
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The agent looked sternly at the man, not caring if he was naked or not. "We are currently in the midst of hunting down a terrorist group in this region. We have them in a chokehold, but among you could be a man who would help them." He looked at a man whose eyes roamed over a very young girl with obvious attraction. Disgusted, he drove his fist into the unsuspecting mans kidney. He fell to the ground in pain, and the agent turned to a soldier. "Separate them."
He turned to three agents and pointed to the clothes. "I have not looked over the file of this 'Vega' yet, and it could be a unisex name. Look through the clothes for any evidence of the person. Also, get me those men and women's clothes. If they resist, do full body cavity searches."
He turned back to the group of refugees, now being separated into two groups. He wanted to apologize for the incident, but now wasn't the time.
-
"An embassy? Of course. Granted we can as well open one in your Empire. As for the ships, we will be closely observing your military market and maybe even purchase some vessels when the time and money has come."
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The people still dressed continued to refuse being stripped off their clothes. Everyone of them seemed to put their right arm on the right side of their hips as if trying to hide something beneath their clothing.
OOC: Fascists have a tattoo on their right hips showing a sword driven vertically into a skull.
Noone knows yet that this is their sign.
-
"Yes, once we get back we will work to open an embassy immediately. I believe that is all we have to discuss, then. Perhaps you could show us back to the airport, unless there's anything else you need."
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"Sir, the group that is still dressed is acting strangely. We threw them to the ground and stripped them bare, but they all bear the same tattoo on their hip," reported an agent.
"Hmm," pondered the agent obviously in charge. "Check those that complied. Any that have a similar mark, detain them with the 11 that did not comply. Give clothes back to those that did comply, but detain them in a camp as well." He paused momentarily. "Make it a comfortable camp, we need to make them feel at home. When they're released, have the Agency give them each one hundred thousand credits, an unfurnished home, and a standard job."
The agent looked bewildered, but simply nodded. Two camps were made within the village, one constructed with a roof, walls, and a small fire pit, the other was a circle surrounded by barbed wire. Night would be cold, and the suspicious men and women would likely get sick in the coming weather. In total there was 14, three adolescent boys had been found with similar tattoo's.
"Storms are coming tonight. They'll last for a week, and you'll be sleeping in the rain and mud. You'll have hundreds of insects crawling over you by nightfall, large and small, and you may even contract malaria from some mosquitoes. If you submit to our questioning, we will take care of you. If you do not, we will...." he let the subject drop, turning his back to the people. Turning to a fellow agent, he simply nodded.
"If they confess to being fascist guerrilla's, send them back to Saletsia. If they seek political refuge, see if they give us a valid reason. If they do nothing.. we do nothing."
-
"Very well then." President Barga stood up and gave each Xyraelite her hand.
"It was a pleasure to meet you. You will be escorted to the airport", showing the way to a soldier awaiting the diplomats.
-
The Xyralites were driven back to the airport. As they passed the different parts of the city, it became quite clear how important the military was in Saletsian society. Nearly in every corner, uniformed men were standing. Images of portraying the heroic acts of soldiers could be seen everywhere.
Outside the city, only few civilian automobiled could be seen. Most civilians outside the cities were farmes that used bicycles or their tractors as means of transportation. The most current vehicles to be seen were armored vehicles or army trucks.
At the international airport, there were also soldiers standing still at every entrance and exit. The civilian international airport resembled a heavily-guarded airbase. General Luna was again with the Xyraelite delegation. The car stopped at the entrance and a young private opened the door letting everyone step out.
"Here we are. Follow me to your airplane."
The Xyraelites followed without saying a word, still thinking of the great portrait of President Barga hanging above the airport's main entrance.
5 minutes later the group finally got to the airplane that was already waiting. Two MiG-29 jets being prepared for take-off were also very visible.
General Luna noticed how the Xyraelite looked at the jets:
"Don't worry. They will be escorting your plane and turn back as soon as you reach the border to your homeland. Now it is time for you to go back to your country. Goodbye."
10 minutes later the plane and the jets took off heading north to Xyrael.
-
One of the agents approached the other after several days, looking over the pathetic people. Food had mingled with mud and was covered with bugs, and rain had spoiled anything that could have been edible. They were scheduled to receive enough food to ensure they would not starve, but no more. None of them had spoken, and the Internal Affairs agents were suspicious of their intentions. Of the fourteen men and women, three had contracted malaria, most had contracted typhoid, and another had small pox. The woman with small pox had received a vaccine and was quarantined, but she had also contracted malaria. Little comfort was provided for her as she slowly died.
One agent turned to the other. "These people could be pirates, mafia, fascists, anything. They haven't said a word to us, either we allow them to die, or we send them back to Saletsia. The King says they cannot be allowed to stay, but the others can."
"So be it. Shoot the woman with small pox, photograph the body for the records. Burn her body and send the Saletsian government the photo, just in case. And send the rest back, if they run away shoot to kill."
"Yes, sir."
Within hours two deuce and a halfs had pulled up, and the prisoners were loaded and escorted by Republican Guards back to the border where they had crossed. A new wall had been constructed, and the trucks parked at the gate and unloaded the people. A Guardsmen approached the gate, his rifle held easy. "Hey! We got some people for you!" The people were tossed to the mud, they were in poor shape. One of the men with malaria vomited and began to shake with fever. "The others are allowed to stay, but will be under government observation for a year or more."
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Saletsian soldiers noticed the Xyraelites and the Saletsians they had with them.
"Open the gates! The dissidents are being brought back!"
Soldiers and armored vehicles rushed to the goat and secured the entire are to make sure noone could escape after crossing the border. The lieutenant was also alarmed and arrived 5 minutes later at the scene.
One after the other the Saletsians were sent back to their homeland. The lieutenant was scanning the face of every dissident sent back until his eyes got stuck on one man:
"Ah Vega Llegada! So this is where we see each other again. "
"We will prevail and I will personally cut your head off, you red dog!"
The Lieutenant looked over to his bodyguards:
"Get him into our vehicle. We will transport him to Bandana. Make sure the transport is heavily guarded!"
Then the officer turned to the Xyraelites: "Thank you for your cooperation."
A soldier asked the lieutenant what to do with the other prisoners.
"Strip them off their clothes. If you find a tattoo on their hip, kill them!"
"Yes sir."
The gates were closed and the men and women undressed, all of them having the said tattoo. Moments later several shots could be heard. The corpses were burnt after execution.
Meanwhile Vega was sitting in an armored prisoner transport accompanied by 4 MX8 vehicles, two light tanks, 2 trucks loaded with soldiers and one helicopter heading South to the capital.
-
The armored convoy arrived at the capital safely. There the security level was at its highest point.
As the convoy stopped at the Palace grounds, soldiers and snipers secure the area to stop any rebel attempt to free one member of their triumvirat.
Lt. Espada got out of the his vehicle and opened the door letting Vega out with his legs and hands cuffed.
Then President Consuelo Barga came out being escorted by sic heavily armed elite soldiers.
All the soldiers presented arms ad the officers saluted.
"Ah..see who we have here. It's Vega Llegada. A fascist of the old days! Tell me Vega, what made you think you can defy the revolution?"
"We will prevail and you will die!"
"Well Vega, as a matter of fact, you will be executed tomorrow at the Grand Plaza. Tonight you will be sent to Bellagir prison. You know the prison, don't you?!"
"Rot to hell, you red bi..."
Even before Vega could finish his sentence, Barga punched her powerful right fist into his stomach making him fall down to the ground.
"Take this dog away!"
President Barga then turned and went back into the Palace.
Lt. Espada: Put him back into the truck!"
The military convoy then made its way to the feared Bellagir prison.
-
A day later masses had gathered at the capital's Grand Plaza that could hold up to 200 000 people. Security forces could be found everywhere. Helicopters with snipers were roaming the skies with their watchful eyes.
At an elevated stage, President Barga and some high-ranking officials as well as her Presidential Guards were situated.
Several moments later a line of 950 rebels was moving towards another elevated stage, the execution stage, where soldiers, the executioners, had already been lined up. While passing the crowds, the people would throw rotten vegetables and fruits at the dissidents, the enemies of the State.
The rebels were lined up in rows of 10. Then Vega was fetched. The crowds screamed and rejoiced at the sight of the former fascist military leader, now held in chains and doomed to witness the execution of his comrades.
Military marches were being played in the background while the rows of Saletsian soldiers shot at each row of the prisoners and then got substituted by another row. After killing 200 rebels, a machine-gun was put up in front of the prisoners. In order to speed up the whole execution, President Barga gave the order to mow down the rest of the dissidents using one heavy machine-gun.
Vega fell to the ground at the sight of his comrades being killed mercilessly. After all 950 rebels were killed, they were piled into a pit and set to fire. The crowds cheered.
Then it was Vega's turn. He was to be executed by decapitation. Lt. Espada drew his sword, help it high in their air for several seconds and waited for President Barga's sign. She then raised her right hand and let it fall quickly. At the sight of the sign, Lt. Espada quickly chopped off Vega's head.
The execution was televised nationwide to demoralize the rebels. 6 hours after the execution a full-scalle attack on all rebel camps was launched leading to 2376 dead rebels and 527 dead Saletsian soldiers.