The Éire Crisis

[Myroria]

Fredrika looked out a window in the Master Suite in the Grand Imperial Residence, watching the guards goosestep across the central Piazza before turning around and doing the same thing.

That guy's kinda cute...

Her thoughts were interrupted by a set of feet walking up the stairs.

"Meneldur's giving Ælar a noogie again." Peté said before walking into his study.

"Oh..." Fredrika sighed before walking downstairs.

Peté sat at his computer and typed a letter to Pershing Fraiser.

I support your wish for seceding from the Democratic States of America. No nation has the right to stop a jurisdiction from seceding if it is explicitly stated in their constitution that they can. The DSA have been oppressing you and stereotyping you, and it's high time they let you do something for yourself.

Peté Tar-Ilium, King of Myroria.

[Prydania]

"Sir, ÉRA uprisings reported in Newry and Kilkenny in the last half-hour" the a private reported, listening on the wireless.
"Same drill as Waterford and Cork" Colonel Johnson replied.

The cabinet room of the Éiren parliament building had been transformed into a war room. The windows were shut, the lights dimmed, maps covering the conference table. At the head sat Colonel Michael Johnson.
Two cities had been lost, and two more were to follow. Yet Johnson wasn't concerned.

"Tell all Inglo-Scotians and military personal to evacuate the city" he relayed to the private working over the wireless.
"Yes sir."

"What a vast empire you're building for yourself Collins" he chuckled to himself, looking over a map of Éire.

"Sir" a private informed the Colonel entering the room, "Field Marshal Theriot is on the emergency line. He demands to speak with you."
"I'll take it from the main chamber. Major Creedy, you're in command until I return. Same drills for any city that Collins tries to stir up trouble in."
"Yes sir" the Major replied.
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The doors of the main chamber of the Éiren parliament swung open. Once at the speaker's chair he removed a covering over the chair's right arm and picked up a red phone.

"Field Marshal Theriot, Colonel Johnson reporting."
"Colonel" the field marshal responded, his voice as cold as ice, "would you mind explaining to me why you've surrendered four cities to David Collins and his thugs at the first sign of trouble? Or would like to save that information for when you're brought up on charges of treason?"

"Sir" the Colonel replied, unshaken, "I am currently engaged in strategic withdrawals that will only strengthen our position."
"Explain how losing four cities improves your position!"
"With all due respect Field Marshal, you have no idea of the current status of the enemy forces here on the ground.
Collins doesn't have the man-power to capture all of Éire and still leave sufficient troops behind to secure the cities he's captured. Each city he's captured he's done so with almost his entire force. He's moving his entire army from city to city, leaving behind a few men, twenty at the most, to run each city he's captured. By withdrawing forces from each city we can dictate the terms of the battle field.
I plan to draw him out into the open, where I'll crush him with my superior forces here at Béal Feirste. In one move I'll crush his entire army and the control over all the cities he's captured will be broken. He's desperate General, I can feel it. He'll charge me head on like a mad man, and after I brush him aside we won't have to deal with this dreadful ÉRA business any longer. We'll break his army, and execute the remaining ÉRA officers.
You may tell the Lord Protector that when this is all said and done David Collins will be a dead man, and his movement will be tossed into history's dustbin."

"Judging by Collins' current movements I will have to agree with you that an ÉRA offencive against Béal Feirste is probable. But keep this in mind Colonel; if Collins takes that city you better die in the battle, because it will be very favourable compared to the alternative."
"Understood sir."
"Long Live the Victorious Revolution Colonel."
"Long Live the Victorious Revolution General."

[Zimmerwald]

"You're decieving dues-paying members, is what you're doing," Lin threw up her hands in frustration as she paced the central room in the suite.  The four remaining members of the Executive Committee of the Party had rented the suite in one of the PIUC's hotels so that Aram could prepare in peace for the debates.  In fact, he had shut himself up in his room so he could do just that.  Salah, like a sensible person, was asleep.  However, this was not the best situation, as Lin and Feng cordially disliked each other, and were likely to bicker.

This spat had been set off by Lin's curiosity.  She had put down the paper to see Feng bent over his desk.  Feng usually wasn't one to work intensively; he usually retained a passive, languid posture, no matter how hard he was actually working.  She, naturally, had gone to investigate, and, before Feng had the presence of mind to hide the check, she had seen the words "David Collins" and several zeroes.

"It's for their own good.  If Collins' revolution succeeds, we'll have a powerful ally once we win the elections."  Even his voice was calm, and a bit condescending.

"You act as if it's a given!"  Lin was almost screaming.  "If you're giving that much money to Eire, we won't have enough left to run a campaign!"

"It'll be alright, Lin.  Trust the people."  The sarcasm dripped from the words.

"Oh, shut up.  I'm going to bed."  She did, but resolved to tell Aram at the first opportunity.  He was the one who could put a stop to this, but he didn't need this right now, before the debate.

[Prydania]

Field Marshal Andrew Theriot was as nervous as he had ever been in his life. He did a fine job of hiding it though.
The icy stare of the Lord Protector seemed to be piercing his soul. So little actually separated them; just the Lord Protector's oak desk in his office in the west tower of Parliament. Yet more then furniture was separating them. It was hard to tell what that thing was, it just a feeling. Something that would land Theriot in a cell on trial for treason if things didn't go a certain way. Yes, Theriot had been instrumental to Crofts winning the Revolution, and in fact he graduated ahead of Crofts from the Imperial Military Academy. That didn't matter though. That was then, this was now.
And now, no matter who you are, you don't cross the Lord Protector. Not in Inglo-Scotia. These days people have died for less then that.
The field marshal did not dare let his stare wander off to the large, almost wall-length window behind the desk of the Lord Protector. At the same time he dared not let his eyes come into contact with those of the Lord Protector.
Suddenly the door on the opposite end of the large oak office opened. A grey-haired but young-looking man wearing the traditional dress of a "Commonwealth servant", as in a government employee or politician, a black suite, white dress shirt, black tie with a red "V" tie pin and a Commonwealth flag lapel, entered. 
"Long Live the Victorious Revolution" he proclaimed as he saluted Crofts.
"Long Live the Victorious Revolution" the Lord Protector responded in kind.
"Field Marshal Theriot" Crofts said, offering the spare seat beside the general to the new arrival, "I believe you know Gerrard Howe, Consul of Internal and External Security."
"Yes, yes I do" the general responded, as he leaned toward the Consul to shake his hand.

"Gentlemen" the Lord Protector started, "I have brought both of you here today to discuss the situation in Éire. As I understand it you, Field Marshal, have approved a controversial plan by the military governor of the province to deal with the ÉRA's frontal military assault on our forces. Is that correct?"
"Yes sir. It is. After reviewing the situation, as well as reports from the field from the Consul's Major-General agents, I can conclude that Colonel Jones is making the right decision."
"That's all well and good general, but the Consul here has some information provided by the CSIS that complicates the situation. Consul?"

"Thank you Lord Protector.
Gentlemen, the information I release to you know is both unconfirmed and highly confidential. The fact that it is unconfirmed as of now makes it no less vital and important.
CSIS agents and contacts in Gallipoli-China believe that the Gallipoli-Chinese are funding the Éirens, monetarily speaking. There doesn't appear to be any sort of flow in the form of men, advisers, or arms. That doesn't change the fact the Gallipoli-Chinese may be supporting the ÉRA both monetarily and in spirit.
This means that if Collins does beat Johnson at Béal Feirste, and an independent Éire is established, they will most certainly be a strong ally of Gallipoli-China."
"Fuck..." Crofts said to himself, "a godforsaken socialist ally right in the middle of this Commonwealth. This can not be allowed to happen. Do you understand Field Marshal?"
"Most definitely Lord Protector" Theriot answered.
"If Johnson loses Éire he won't be the only one on trial for treason Andrew."
"Understood sir" the field marshal responded, still hiding his nervousness very well. "Colonel Johnson will not fail."
"Good" the Lord Protector responded. "Long Live the Victorious Revolution gentlemen" he said, saluting them.
"Long Live the Victorious Revolution" they both replied, saluting in unison.

[Zimmerwald]

The Parliament of Gallipoli-China

IN THE INTERESTS of peace and stability
FINDING that violence benefits no one
URGING peaceful solution upon all parties in conflict

RESOLVES

not to appropriate State funds for any purpose within the sovereign territory of the Commonwealth of Inglo-Scotia, or the proposed Republic of Eire
not to offer amnesty to any refugee from Eire
to preserve complete and perfect neutrality of the State in all matters pertaining to Eire.

ADDENDUM
Private individuals and groups may act as they see fit.

[Éiren Republican Army]

City Hall, ÉRA-controlled city of Cork
"Now is the time to make the final push!" Collins yelled into the microphone as the mixed crowd of ÉRA soldiers cheered on.
"They say we don't have the numbers to drive the fascist invaders from our land" he continued, "they say there's no way we can win!
To those to detract from us I tell them to wait. Just wait until the green, white, and orange if flying from the top of the Béal Feirste Parliament!"
The crowd's support turned into rabid cheering.
"This dark virus has infected out land for to long. We will push them out! We will have out freedom!
We don't have the numbers, yes that's true. It isn't about the numbers though, not any more. Who wins and who loses, that's not in hands of myself, or the Colonel Johnson sitting in Béal Feirste. It's up to the Lord. It's in his hands now. And he will vindicate us, who have kept His faith alive! We will be freed from the atheistic fascist plague that has taken our land and freedom!
A new era is about to start. An era of a free Éiren Republic! We march on Béal Feirste tomorrow!"

[Prydania]

Béal Feirste fortifications, Commonwealth-controlled Éire
Colonel Johnson stood there in front of the troops that would be defending the city from the ÉRA army. He stood next to four other men, all officers under his control.
The men were waiting for a speech, but not from him. Suddenly an armed group of soldiers emerged from the city. They dispersed for a moment as Steven Crofts, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of Inglo-Scotia stepped up to the makeshift podium.

"You stand here" he began, "not ready to defend a newly conquered piece of territory, but a piece of Inglo-Scotia. Éire has been part of Inglo-Scotia for eight-hundred years. Through Kings, Emperors, and yes, a Lord Protector, this land is as much a part of Inglo-Scotia as New Beaconsfield is. Do not forget that. You are all proud soldiers of the Commonwealth, and you stand here today to carry on the tradition we forged during the Victorious Revolution, a tradition of military excellence, a tradition of Parliamentary forces standing up and casting aside those who would threaten this Commonwealth's very existence!
Those who call themselves the Éiren Republican Army are nothing but an overgrown gang who murder innocent civilians to achieve their aim of anarchy on Inglo-Scotian soil. They will attack you with everything at once, remember that. Crush them here, and you crush them everywhere.
When the filth of David Collins is swept aside all that he has gained control over will fall back into Inglo-Scotian arms. We will regain what is rightfully ours, loyal soldiers of the Commonwealth.
We will smash those who threaten this Commonwealth to dust, just as five years ago we crushed those who threatened our own liberty and equality.
We will prevail here, we will crush those who wish to harm us, we will sweep them into the sea!
Long Live the Victorious Revolution" Crofts finished, giving teh Commonwealth salute to the soldiers.

"Long Live the Victorious Revolution" they replied in unison, saluting as one. 

[Prydania]

Journal of Major Colonel Richard Creedy, Commonwealth Military Government of the province of Éire.Thursday March 8, 2007 9:00pm New Beaconsfield time
It must have been 4 o'clock yesterday morning when the patties began hitting our outer positions with artillery fire. You see we tried evacuated all military personal and equipment from every city we let them have, but in some cases we simply couldn't move all that equipment fast enough. They were able to get their hands on a few medium-range artillery cannons and two tanks.
I'll give it to 'em, they caught us by surprise. We weren't expecting the attack until sunrise.
I was the Colonel's man on the ground. He was back in the makeshift war room in  the Parliament building calling the shots. I was there, at the front lines relaying orders to the troops.
Yes, once their initial momentum was gone we dealt with them rather handily. That doesn't make it easier to deal with though. War is war, and believe me, this was war. The smell of smoke, metal, artillery, burning flesh, it was all there. The sounds and sights of men in agony, young men dying before they ever got a chance to really enjoy life, I saw it all yesterday. Let the history books say we won an easy victory, we did. It doesn't make it any different. It doesn't make the brutality any less so.
I saw the same scene five years ago, during the Revolution. I was a Lieutenant then. The scenes were more brutal then, both sides were fighting tooth and nail during that war. This was different. The patties were gunned down quickly. Most didn't make it into the city. Yet the memories are still the same. I saw dying faces yesterday, I saw hopes for the future dashed.
Yet it had to be done. The patties did this to themselves. They gambled, and they lost everything.
That makes all the ugliness I saw yesterday worthwhile. Some might call me a monster for thinking that. No, that makes me a loyal soldier. They brought this on themselves, and they were squashed like the miserable bugs they are. So yes, seeing an enemy that harmed my country get obliterated put me at ease with all the horrors of war I saw.
We didn't find David Collins and William Cahill among the dead or captured. It doesn't matter anyway. They have no where to run. Their entire terrorist organization has been destroyed. Good luck trying to recruit more terrorists after the slaughter we handed them. I would be content if they were never caught, it would just mean a lifetime of misery and hiding for them.
We'll find them anyway though. We've already re-established military control over the entire island. We were even promoted. A few soldiers received the "Hero of the Commonwealth" metal. Colonel Johnson was made a Brigadier, one rank below general. I was promoted to Colonel. We were promoted by the Lord Protector himself.
I'm not sure how much longer the military occupation will last. I guess that's for the politicians to decide.

[Éiren Republican Army]

Cargo bay of the "Mistress of the Channel", a civilian goods transport between Inglo-Scotia proper and the island of Éire
Billy Cahill lay against a large freezer of frozen vegetables, his body covered in mud, and a red scare across his right cheek. David Collins leaned against the short end of the freezer, his knees tucked into his chest. his eyes locked on the floor.
Cahill got up, making his way over to his fallen leader.
"Davey, what we're going to do, lets think this through. We escaped capture. We could go anywhere, the States, Gallipoli-China, we'd be out of Crofts' reach forever. Why do this? Why go to New Beaconsfield? What we're doing Davey, it isn't right. It's not moral, and the backlash against Éire will be a thousand times worse then what they have planned now. The Lord will never forgive us Dave."

"The Lord?" Collins chuckled, "there is no fucking god Billy. The god I was raised to pray to wouldn't let this happen. If god does exist then he's fucking abandoned us. Either way I don't give a flying fuck what he thinks of me. And Éire's better off with us doing what we're going to do Billy. At least it will have some sort of vindication. Now are you with me or against me Billy?"

"I've been through hell and back with you Dave. I'm not leaving you know."
Collins didn't reply. He just held out his hand, embracing Cahill's tight grasp.

[Éiren Republican Army]

4670 Axel Road, Fox Run, suburb of New Beaconsfield, Inglo-Scotia
knock knock

The door opened ajar, a chain still connecting it to the wall inside. An old man with a head covered sparsely with grey hair looked out through the opening.

"In Béal Feirste March is a winter month" Collins whispered.

The old man closed the door, and seconds latter after removing the chain opened the door all the way.
Collin and Cahill both entered. The old man took one last look down the streets of the suburb and closed the door, looking it.

"I was expecting ya Davey. Especially after hearing of your unfortunate luck on the battlefield. O'course the CNS is putting their usual spin on the nonsence, they even promoted that bloke who beat you."

"Great to see you to Joseph" Collins said, cracking a smile for the first time in days.
"Bill" he said, facing Cahill, "this my uncle Joseph Pearse."
"Nice to meet ya" Cahill remarked, leaning against the kitchen counter.

"You have it?" Collins asked.
"You bet I do. The Major-Generals came by a day ago, but they didn't find anything."

He made his way over to the television set, picked up a book, and through it through the screen of the tv set. He then picked up a broom and used the handle to clear a hole big enough for him to reach into without being cut. Finally he pulled out a navy blue duffel bag. Here ya go Davey" he said, handing Collins the bag.
"Now go do what ya have to do."

Collins, tears starting to form in his eyes, embraced his uncle tightly, this probably being the last time he'd seen him.
-------------------------------------------------------
Collins lay on his side on the floor of the car. He couldn't risk being seen. Cahill's face was less well known, so his new buzz cut and glasses would be enough to fool the average cop.
The navy duffel was lying on the passenger seat.

"Where'd you get the material for this dirty bomb anyway?" Cahill asked as they stopped at a red light.
"After Crofts won the revolution there was a lot of chaos. He wasn't able to take control of everything at once, it took him about eight months to consolidate his control. The nuclear silos on the fringes of Inglo-Scotia were no exception. They had no idea what was going on, or who was in charge. Before Crofts could restore authority in the Larkhill silo a few of our agents were able to get in and grab the material needed for a dirty bomb, it seemed like something worth having should the situation arise....and now it has.

"So where do I plant this thing?" Cahill asked.
"Downtown, Victory Square. Near the monument. I'd wish we could detonate it near the Victory Tower and Parliament complex, but security's to tight."
"Security's no cake walk downtown either Davey" Cahill responded. They've got cameras and patrol vans down there."
"They won't notice you if there's a crowd."
"We can only hope."
"Ok, lets go over this again. You plant the bomb, in the duffel, in an alley near the monument of Crofts. You set it for 45 minutes. You get back to the car and we get as far away from downtown as possible."
"Got it."
-------------------------------------------------------
Billy Cahill looked up at the statue of Crofts in the middle of Victory Square in downtown New Beaconsfield. He wanted to spit on it, but wisely refrained.
Then he noticed what he was looking for; a dark alley. It was there, in between an Ozian restaurant and an electronics store, not even a block from the monument.
He quickly made his way over. Suddenly his hear froze, but instinct told him to keep moving. A black van, marked with the Commonwealth flag, and adorned with a dish and video camera on the roof drove by slowly, before speeding up again.
"Must have missed me" Cahill thought to himself.

Ducking into the alley unnoticed he unzipped the bag, taking out the bomb. It was a clunky thing, but he managed to find the make-shift timer, an old digital wrist-watch. Setting the timer for 45 minutes, he stuffed the bomb back into the bag and hid it in a trashcan.

Almost sprinting back to the car, he slammed the door shut and took off.
"It's done Davey" he said.....

[Prydania]

OOC: For the sake of continuity, the following takes place just after the bomb goes off.

Office of the Lord Protector, Commonwealth Parliament building, New Beaconsfield
Crofts looked over that day's issue of the Times.
" 'Statistical Error' on page E5, iron production rates superseded pre-set aims, did not fall 85% short as article suggests" he said, speaking into a phone linked directly with the Department of Public Relations.
Usually this kind of work was reserved for specialists within the Department, but once and a while the Lord Protector liked to engage in it himself. Of course his "corrections" were approved on the spot, whereas usually these "corrections" would have to be "validated" by a sub-committee before going into print.

Suddenly a loud, thundering blast snapped Crofts out of the tedium flow of the day. Before he knew it ten military-wing Major-Generals were in the office. They surrounded the Lord Protector and escorted him out through a secret tunnel behind a painting on the office's eastward wall. Once the tunnel was secure again Crofts was able to separate himself from his bodyguards.
"What's happening?" the Lord Protector demanded.

"Sir" one of the Major-Generals responded, "a dirty bomb has just gone off in downtown New Beaconsfield. We're escorting you to the Crisis Room below the building."
A look of anger and sheer surprise came over Crofts' face.
"Yes, of course. Carry on." 
-------------------------------------------------------
Crofts emerged into the Commonwealth's Crisis Room filled with Major-General, CSIS, police, and military higher-ups all trying to communicate with their men in the field. 
Consul of Security Gerrard Howe sat at the head of the room's conference table, a mixed look of shock and defeat covering his face.
"Gerrard Howe, you are hereby relieved of the position of Consul of Security and are under arrest for performing a job involving national security with gross incompetence along with a pending charge of high treason" Crofts coldly said, confronting Howe.

"No sir...no, you're mistaken...NO!!!" Howe yelled as he was dragged away by two of the military wing Major-Generals.

"Sir!" Paul Cabot, head of the Major-Generals called out, "I've just received word from one of our security vans."
"And?"
"They picked up William Cahill and David Collins sir....they've confessed"

"Get me a link-up with Brigadier Johnson in Béal Feirste" Crofts demanded, emotion suddenly void of his voice.
The screen on the room's far wall lit up, finally revealing the face of Brigadier Michael Johnson of the Éiren Military Provincial Government.

"Sir, I just heard what happened. How may I assist you in helping the Commonwealth move through this tragedy?"
"You have already failed once" Crofts replied.
"David Collins and William Cahill were just arrested in New Beaconsfield. No official confession has been drawn up yet, but they have taken credit for the bomb. You let them get away Johnson...but no worries. I will give you a chance to redeem yourself. A chance to serve the Commonwealth with honour."
"Of course sir."
"I will appear on the emergency broadcast network, and inform the people of the Commonwealth what who was behind this crime. I will promise them vengeance. You will be the right hand of the Commonwealth, brigadier. You will carry out that vengeance.
You will have your soldiers in Éire systematically execute every Éiren male over the age of seventeen. Do this and you will serve as the perpetual Military Governor of Éire at the rank of Lieutenant General. Do you understand Brigadier Johnson?"
"Yes...yes sir, I do" Johnson responded in a shaky but decided manner.

"Long Live the Victorious Revolution brigadier."
"Long Live the Victorious Revolution sir."
With that the screen went blank. Everyone was shocked, but they were smart enough to keep from showing it.
Sensing this Crofts went on, "This Commonwealth has endured Tory Unionists, Communists, and it will endure this. This string of terrorism ends now. Our rule will be absolute. Our authority complete."
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Emergency Broadcast Studio
Crofts sat at the thick, old, oak desk, identical to the one in his office. The backdrop showed the view of New Beaconsfield from his office's large window. Then entire set was made to emulate the Lord Protector's office.
"5....4....3....2....1....on air" the director singled to Crofts.

"People of the Commonwealth. I address you this day as steadfast as I have ever been.
Those who have committed this act of barbarianism have been apprehended. David Collins and William Cahill have detonated a dirty bomb in downtown New Beaconsfield.
Their hate for this Commonwealth, for freedom, liberty, order, and justice have cost hundreds, if not thousands of lives.
There are some who say this Commonwealth smells of smoke. It does, it does because we as a people, as a Commonwealth, have been through fire. We were forged in the fire of the Victorious Revolution. We survived the bloodshed of the Tory Unionists, the gun battles with the Communists, and the war with the ÉRA. Now those of that barbaric organization, their treasonous goals shattered, have taken the lives of innocent civilians. These are not the actions of men, but of animals.
Tonight this ends. Tonight the Commonwealth's baptism by fire comes to a close. Tonight I promise the citizens of this Commonwealth that vengeance will be swift. It will guarantee our Commonwealth's stability. Those who oppose liberty, bread, victory, equality, order, and justice will be scilenced forever. This Commonwealth will prevail as it has before.
Long Live the Victorious Revolution."

[Gaulasia]

The following broadcast has been translated into Inglish for international audiences.

"This is Pierre-Luc Beytout, reporting for the Gaulasian Broadcasting Network. I'm reporting to you from the border of Gaulasia and the Inglo-Scotian province of Rolland.

What exactly has been going on inside the borders of our western neighbours is a mystery.
We know the terrorist group known as the Éiren Republican Army attempted to push the Inglo-Scotians out of their country by way of a frontal assault on Inglo-Scotian occupied Béal Feirste, and were slaughtered. We know that ÉRA leaders David Collins and William Cahill detonated a dirty bomb shortly afterwards in the Inglo-Scotian capital of New Beaconsfield. What has happened since has remained a mystery to those outside of the Commonwealth's borders, perhaps even to a majority of its own citizens.

Reports have been wide-spread by now; mass killings on the island of Éire perpetrated by the Commonwealth Army against the citizens of Éire, particularly the adult male population.
Our reporters and camera men were denied access into the province, and the Inglo-Scotian Departments of Foreign Affairs and Security deny all accusations of mass killings and deportations.
Yet the reports keep coming. The Commonwealth Navy has stepped up its patrols around Éire. Reports outside of Éire from Inglo-Scotia proper report large numbers of blacked-out buses coming from the docks in southern Ingla to the vast rural areas of Scotia, where armed patrols keep the civilian population from getting close to where ever these buses are heading.

It's also worth noting that Michael Johnson, the man who began his tenure as military governor of Éire as a Colonel is now a Lieutenant General. That is to say he's been promoted twice. He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier following his defeat of Collins' ÉRA forces. That is to be expected.
However the RDG has recently learned that he was promoted again to the rank of Lieutenant General. So far, at least officially, he hasn't done anything worth being promoted for a second time, leading many to feel his promotion was a result of an action the Commonwealth government has yet to disclose.

What is going on in Éire. Why was the province's military governor promoted without an official reason? Where in rural Scotia were these blacked-out buses taking unknown people to? And finally how ligament are these Éiren claims of slaughter?
I'm Pierre-Luc Beytout, reporting. Back to Jean-Michel Séguillon in the Lutetia studio.

[Democratic States of America]

Presidential Address to the world, Oval Office, Washington
"People of the world. My name is Elliot Frémont, the President of the Democratic States of America. I have appeared before you this evening with a plea. A plea in the name of humanity.
The accounts of atrocities coming from Éire can no longer be ignored, no longer dismissed as false or exaggerated claims. I call on the people of the civilized world to stand up to these crimes committed against humanity. I call for a united world front. We must demand a team of international inspectors access to the province of Éire as well as these 'secret' locations deep in the rural areas of northern Inglo-Scotia.
In the name of international peace human brotherhood I announce now that I move for the Democratic States Congress to vote for American trade sanctions against the Commonwealth of Inglo-Scotia. I hope and pray that the Congress will pass this motion in the name of humanity and justice. I know that once one nation takes a stand against Steven Crofts' criminal regime more nations will cast off the shackles of fear and join our voice in a voice of international unison."

[Eluvatar]

An encrypted transmission from the Royal Confederacy of Eluvatar to the government of the Democratic States of America:

Mister President.

The Royal Confederacy of Eluvatar is most disturbed by the genocidal activities taking place in Éire. We will not stand back and watch. If we, upon refusal of the Inglo-Scotians to cooperate, begin military action, can we expect assistance from the Democratic States?

In the very least we would hope for the ability to base our ships out of your ports. We hold hope however that the Democratic States have the will to support us more strongly in such an event.

I Presiding Steward Beregond ArFinn do declare this official correspondence of the Royal Confederacy of Eluvatar by the power granted to me in the Absence of the King, soon may he return.

An Ultimatum to Commonwealth of Inglo-Scotia transmitted by public wavelength and announced to the press:

The Royal Confederacy of Eluvatar cannot in good faith tolerate genocide in any form. What we hear to be happening in Éire is genocide. We will not stand for this, not on our watch! Even if certain Éiren persons have engaged in terrible terrorist acts, that should not and cannot result in the mass slaughter of a people!

The Commonwealth of Inglo-Scotia is given 48 hours /* OOC: until the next time you post */ to fulfill the following requirements or face the ire of the Royal Confederacy:
1. The Commonwealth will permit international observers into Éire, including Eluvataran ones.
2. The Commonwealth will agree to demilitarize Éire and withdraw from it should said international observers discover terrible atrocities.

[Bustos]

In the office of Chairperson Bustos

"What?!  Another one?!" screamed the Chairperson after hearing about the dirty bomb that went off in Inglo-Scotia.  "How many nuclear weapons does that make?!  First Evermore, then Rya, and now Inglo."  He slammed his palm face down on his desk before EA Director Jean Raneau.  "These other nuclear powers are either using them without care or contain serious security issues in regard to their nuclear armaments.  Can the EA do anything about this?"

"There was an agent among the rebels responsibile for the attack but, he never managed to penetrate their chain of command.  His assignment was strictly for monitoring purposes.  He was unaware they even had such a weapon.  I should also add we haven't heard from him since the rebels were slaughtered at Béal Feirste.  Our analysts conclude he was among those that died in the attack."

"We need a way to keep better tabs on nuclear armaments, governement controlled or not, in other nations.  Otherwise we are all going to be living in an Ice Age at this rate.  And I am assigning you to personally find a way to do so."

"Yes, Mr. Chairperson.  And what of the DSA and Eluvatar in regards to their willingness to take open action against Inglo-Scotia?"

The Chairperson leaned back in his leather chair, "Let the garbage men take out the trash.  We only need to concern ourselves with real threats."