Germanic Republic

[quote name='Lynneth' timestamp='1290272748' post='2518241'] http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=76516&view=findpost&p=2513688 - Pravus Ingruo protectorate mostly done. Can somebody tell me which of the two nations is the Imperial States? This FRA or the blue Texas? [/quote] The FRA would be it.

The ISA congratulates J Andres on their return!

OOC: Considering the war's over and the territory's more or less done for... [b]Consolidation of territory[/b] With the collapse of resistance in Texas & the rest of the United States, Imperial Troops began to consolidate their positions in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, & Tennessee. Regional governments would be set up in Austin, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, and Nashville, and the states would gradually be given fully entrance into the ISA as the effects of war wound down. The troops would not have to stay long, however, and with an occupational force left behind to monitor for franc-tireurs, the rest of the army moved into US territory not occupied by Pravus Ingruo. [b]Occupation of Kansas[/b] Troops in Oklahoma crossed the border, moving rapidly up I-135 through Wichita. It would branch off towards Topeka along I-335, while the remainder of the force pushed north and then west along I-70. A provisional government would be set up in Topeka Kansas, and troops would be on guard in particular in this state for rebellious elements. Entrance of Topeka was swift, and troops occupied Kansas City-- crossing the border. [b]Occupation of Missouri[/b] Gaining control of Missouri came from the west and the south-- moving east through Kansas City, troops in Kansas moved along I-70. A force split off to capture Jefferson City and meet up with troops from Arkansas, while the bulk of the troops moved to capture St. Louis and the Eastern portion of the state. As with Kansas, and all of the other new states, a provisional government would be set up until full admittance could be achieved. From the south, troops from Arkansas were mainly on clean-up duty. They had the task of securing Joplin & Springfield, and then branching out to smaller cities. [b]Occupation of Kentucky[/b] With the victory in Tennessee so fresh in their memories, Imperial troops did not hesitate to spring on the chance to take Kentucky as a spoils of war. They flooded across at Bowling Green & Williamsburg, towards Louisville & Lexington. With the occupation of these two cities, Frankfort wouldn't be long behind them. With the gains in the west and central portion of the state, troops branched out towards the border with Pravus Ingruo, solidifying their victory in the Southland. [b]Effects within the Empire[/b] Like with the acquisition of J Andrean Louisiana, the influx of free citizens were beginning to add to the crushing opposition to the dictatorial rule in the homeland. The government issued a statement of an end to hostilities, and proceeded to repair the damaged infrastructure in the new territories-- a very expensive process.

Dr. Joseph, Your ships will be met with open arms and escorted by the Imperial navy to Mobile as a friend and under our protection. That guarantee given, most of the fleet set sail out of the gulf, but a carrier was left behind. Our records show that we can part with: 1 x CV 1 x CG 2 x DD 2 x FFG They will be stripped by the time your vessels arrive, as we very much got on that as soon as Louisiana voted to join the Empire. The total price will be about $61,000,000 by our estimates. We would be willing to lower that to $55,000,000. Regards, Reginald Carter Minister of Foreign Affairs Imperial States of America

Dr. Joseph, The Empire has come into possession of J Andrean vessels due to the fall of the Maritime Republic, and has begun stripping it of advanced equipment and weaponry. The Kingdom of Cochin is more than welcome to buy the remainder of the vessels from the Empire. The vessels were moved from Louisiana to Mobile for stripping, which is where your crew may acquire them. A fair price will, of course, be reached in the spirit of amity between our two nations. Regards, Reginald Carter Minister of Foreign Affairs Imperial States of America

[url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=94368&view=findpost&p=2504553"]Claiming Louisiana[/url] per plebiscite.

The ISA dispatched ~40,000 soldiers from Texas to establish control over Louisiana. The state was welcomed into the Empire with open arms. The freedoms enjoyed by Louisianan citizens under prior regimes only added to the discontent in the civilian and military leadership with the new regime... control of Louisiana was, on the surface of things, very much a good thing to have, but it would only further destabilize the Imperialist regime at the helm. Imperator Kunis issued a brief, containing sorrow for the end of the Maritime Republic-- it had served as an ally for the FRA/ISA through many a trying time.

[quote name='Subtleknifewielder' timestamp='1289075217' post='2504196'] You were never authorized to make such LARGE autoadvances, for one. the Autoadvances were supposed to be small. [/quote] That's fair, however since the beginning of the conflict there were FRA troops within Texas, and a significant portion of the state has been occupied even if we disregard the large advance made in the endgame. The only horribly large advance I made was into West/North Texas and up into Western Oklahoma (especially considering the state of enemy troops at the time). If we nix that, the FRA still occupies areas to the East of, and including, Austin.

[quote name='Subtleknifewielder' timestamp='1288995734' post='2503192'] Correct. Texas was KC's original land, so that's a no. [/quote] Why? FRA & J Andrean troops control the region, what does it matter if it was his original land or not? Correction: apparently only the former has troops stationed in Texas now.

[quote name='Fizzydog' timestamp='1288726007' post='2500037'] Labrador has added this group to it's "Terror Watch List" and declares that if any member if found to be on Labradorian soil they will be executed immediately. No mercy will ever be given to those who do not do so themselves. We do not play around with death. [/quote] You don't? It sure seems like it. The secularist Empire condemns the group, and advises reverting to a peaceful means of spreading their faith. No action will be taken against members of this group outright, however.

[quote name='Zoot Zoot' timestamp='1288844698' post='2501577'] http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/6375/zootymap.png Update with America sorted...I had help, still abit messy, but im tired. [/quote] Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, & Tennessee should be labeled FRA, no?

The ISA recognizes Ishabad and wishes them the best of luck and congratulations. Also, since we didn't get to it before, we recognize and support Nieuw Nederland too.

Following [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=92904&view=findpost&p=2492291"]this[/url] thread, please mark Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, & Tennessee as new territories to the FRA/ISA (who already control Mississippi/Alabama), and confirming control of NC, SC, Georgia to Pravus Ingruo per [url="http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?showtopic=93010&view=findpost&p=2472881"]this thread.[/url]

With the withdrawal of J Andrean troops from Texas, Imperial troops began to consolidate their hold on the Lone Star state & her northern neighbor. Combat had ceased, no further advances had been made into Kentucky, and the troops dug in. **Public** The ISA recognizes this doctrine, thanks the Maritime Republic for the assist in Texas, and will send a delegate to the peace conference should it occur.

[b]Texas[/b] With the conquest of Corpus Christi by Imperial & J Andrean troops, Charlie swung around-- two groups were formed from the army group. The first would travel along and around I-10 into West Texas, onwards to El Paso. When the group arrived outside of El Paso, it made care to enter the city from the sides and not cross the border, in order to capture the town. The second group would travel northwest- up towards Lubbock & Amarillo, to the New Mexico border. With the fall of Lubbock, the group moved northwards towards Amarillo-- with the complete blackout, it wasn't hard to encircle troops along the vast expanses of West Texas, and so casualties were rather light, in the twilight of this war. Amarillo would be surrounded, and troops would press on to Dumas. The conquest of Texas was, for the most part, well on the way. Isolated pockets of resist would be taken care of. The group that made their way Northward would turn East, to enter into Oklahoma. [b]Arkansas/Oklahoma[/b] Able's victory in Arkansas allowed the expanse of Able into Oklahoma-- combat here wouldn't be much different from Texas or Arkansas, and so they traveled West along 40, to secure Oklahoma City. On the outskirts of Oklahoma city, the troops were just receiving reports of Charlie's successes in Texas. The moved south and north of Oklahoma city, into Norman & Edmond, and Weatherford was captured by portions of Army Group Charlie from the West. The noose was tightened, and the city could not hold out. Able branched out and expanded throughout Oklahoma, securing the border with Texas (and embracing their comrades in the Maritime Republic), Kansas, & New Mexico. [b]Tennessee[/b] Nashville was out-matched-- outnumbered and outflanked, no communication whatsoever, and it was no surprise when it fell. Troops from Army Groups B & D pressed north & eastward, past Knoxville to secure the border with Kentucky & North Carolina. The pockets of resistance in the southeast of the state, and in Knoxville, would be attended to, but no further movements into US territory would be made. If peace was not to be obtained in the near future, an advance into Kentucky might be in order. Permission was given for Disparu to provide humanitarian aid to the conquered territories.

[b]Texas[/b] With the conquest of Dallas, Army Group C redirected southwest towards Round Rock & Austin, given friendly forces controlled most of the area between Longview & there. Fighting would be scattered, until around Cedar Park-- the army staged attacks from Leander, occupying C.C. Mason Elementary (OOC: ) as a forward base before moving into Cedar Park & Jollyville. Fighting near Lakeline Mall was intense, as troops moved down 183/Research, occupying Anderson Mill, McNeil, and so on until I35 was reached. Troops swung around to encircle downtown Austin, and began to capture the capitol block by block, taking care not to destroy iconic 6th street, Emo's, Stubb's, etc. Casualties were relatively light, due to the utter lack of communication between enemy troops-- less than 200 men died taking the capitol of Texas. And so San Antonio & Bexar county was the next target. Along I35 the Army marched, branching out and capturing towns along the way. Kyle & Schertz fell, and the University of Texas & San Antonio 1604 campus came under Imperial control, with the HSS being made the field HQ for the battle of San Antonio. The troops marched West, down to Potranco & Military, looping south, while other forces looped east. Encircling downtown San Antonio, they would advance on the Alamo. After San Antonio was to follow, with some hard casualties to swallow (130 men KIA), they advanced towards the coast to bring another chunk of Texas into allied control. And so they advanced on Corpus Christi, using the same tactics in besieging the city-- encircle and tighten the noose. And so a line between ATX & Corpus Christi down I35 & I37 was created. [b]Arkansas[/b] Army Group A captured Pine Bluff without much of a fuss-- the line had been broken, no new counter-attacks were coming in, and enemy communication was down. It wasn't exactly a hard time, waltzing in. And so they pushed onwards to Little Rock-- they arrived in the mid-day, up I65, and entered the town. The fighting was fierce, block-to-block, house-by-house, but it had to be done! And done, it was-- as the flag of the ISA waved over the city, and they began to branch out into the outlying parts of the state. [b]Tennessee[/b] Memphis was falling. Memphis fell. The encirclement of the city, the destruction of the artillery, was too much-- and so the conquest was a sweet end to what could've been a very bloody struggle. Army Group D moved up from Memphis to Jackson, and then past the city. The idea was to link up with troops coming south from Fayetteville at Nashville. Speaking of... the battle of Elkton was coming to a close. Army Group B suffered light casualties there, and medium casualties at Fayetteville, before expanding North towards Nashville. The city was besieged from both sides, and they made haste in expanding north and east of it, tightening the noose. AC-130s blasted the city and troops inside of the city, while the ISA continued to send pilots on air superiority missions. Ultimate victory was in sight for the allied forces.

With this recent attack, the CAGs assaulting communications infrastructure in Texas were reassigned to close-air support for Imperial & J Andrean troops. Imperial troops would press the attack harder, encircling Longview & advancing westward towards Dallas while rear troops mopped up. High command was considerably pleased with their goal being made considerably easier with the invasion by J Andres, and the downing of military and civilian communications in the USA. Victory was not just clear, but it seemed rather certain. This would allow the assault on Fayetteville to continue without impediment, as the enemy ability to track our troop movements was dampened and they could finally assault Fayetteville. Artillery bombarded the city of Fayetteville, as troops in Elkin pressed the attack, and began to move around the city to strangle the defenders. AC-130 gunships, A-10 warthogs, and next gen fighter patrols would considerably hamper the enemy's ability to fight back, and make them keep their heads down, as did continuous barrages from howitzers. In Arkansas, the sudden collapse of telecommunications for the enemy meant Able was able to punch through in the confusion, and sent a probe to loop around and encircle any retreating troops. Nothing short of victory would be accepted by the Imperial army, given the circumstances. Without radio or any telecom to assist the artillery in pinpointing Imperial troops and harming them, troops that had looped around the left of Memphis began to assault the artillery pieces north of the city, as infantry pressed the advantage inside, and armor, armored vehicles, and aircraft pounded the right side ferociously. OOC: I assume this would include IEDs using cell phones, radio, etc. that would be made incapable of non-manual detonation, since essentially it's a reduction to "smoke signals, Morse code using lights, and word of mouth".

Private to Burgundaholmr: The ISA wishes you luck in your struggle against the English scum. May you make many an Englishwoman widowed. Regards, Nikolai Kunis Imperator

OOC: Your border guards contained 160,000 troops until the 3rd army arrived? Echoing Pravus' concerns, and the ruling made, about tech levels/sharing. It's cold war tech vs. future tech-- Would it be fair to compare it to our invasion of Iraq, except using equipment from 10 years in the future? Going to break this down per Theater, to streamline things. I ignored some of the text, either because it was ruled to be wiped, or because it was geographically wrong (I don't own North Carolina, some of the defenses don't make sense, etc.), but here we go. IC: [b]Able[/b] OOC: @KingChris In IRC you told me something like 200,000 troops were staying in Texas, and that 30,000 were moving north? Is this correct? @Mykep How many forces are deployed in AK? IC: The bridges blown, pontoon and mobile bridges were extended over the Mississippi. Army group A would meet with the 2nd Army on the Arkansas river, using occasional CAS from Tennessee to knock out enemy artillery and harass soldiers. It would rely on sheer force of will, troop numbers, and the vast technological superiority the Imperial soldiers held over their opponent, to force a crossing and advance on Pine Bluff while mauling enemy forces. There was, of course, nothing without error, and a number of times pontoon bridges and mobile bridges had to be used to cross the Arkansas river. MLRS artillery rained fiery death upon US soldiers, while heavy howitzers demolished buildings used by the defending forces, as soldiers moved forwards with Strykers, Bradleys, and M1A3 MBTs and APS anti-missile systems. Javelin missile systems, as well as AT-4 portables, would be used to take down enemy armor and make way for infantrymen and Anti-Personnel vehicles to mop up soft targets. Able's casualties in the first battle for Arkansas against the 2nd army were 30 men wounded, and 7 men killed, with one or two tanks disabled or destroyed. The army advanced up the river, due towards Little Rock. However, as soon as victory was obtained against an inferior force, a second one appeared, on the Dumas-Dewitt line. US Javelin missiles rained some havoc on Imperial infantry, with ISA APS anti-missile systems defending most of the Empire's armored vehicles from this hellfire. MLRS rockets showered enemy soldiers with death from afar, as howitzers pummeled the cities along the line to dust. The occasional CAS used lethal force against refugees, destroying columns of people fleeing from their homes towards the back of the D-D line, making movement to respond to Imperial attacks more difficult. Mine-sweeping strips, vehicles, and infantry carrying Anti-AT mine devices took point, after a few notable incidents made it clear the roads were not wholly safe. THAAD missile defense units were to respond in the event that Able was harassed by enemy ballistic missiles. Able was starting to punch through, even if she had stumbled, and was almost on her way again. Casualties for the second battle for Arkansas were 30 some-odd men killed, and 50 wounded soldiers. [b]Charlie[/b] Army group C advanced across the border, armor and artillery demolishing border outposts and attempting to shock enemy soldiers into submission. The goal here was a quick, sudden, overwhelming strike to persuade the enemy into surrender-- and so it was that mobile SAM engaged the enemy helicopters, as soldiers sporting Javelin, AT-4, and Stinger missiles served as their own anti-aircraft force to protect the ISA's hard and soft units. Like with Able, Charlie was to rely on vast technological superiority and force of will; however, the numerical advantage lay squarely with the US-- roughly 200,000 soldiers going against 160,000. Counter-snipers began to fire back, using auto-aim scopes to pinpoint the shooters and deliver counter-fire, as artillery lay the heat down on the 3rd Army. Strykers, Bradleys, THAAD missile defenses, mobile SAMs, and soldiers moved forward with M1A3 Abrams tanks onto Longview (not without difficulty, however), artillery firing volley after volley into the town while mobile MLRS units took on enemy armor and troops from afar. In the gulf, 20 CAG began to mobilize. The Super Hornets were ordered to move through Louisianan airspace and into Texas, with the role of CAS for half, a fourth to air superiority, and another fourth to attacking infrastructure-- cell/radio towers, broadcasting stations, making any and all attempt to disrupt enemy communication and organizational abilities. Charlie was to suffer on the first day 3 deaths and 50 wounded soldiers. [b]Baker, Dog[/b] OOC: This one's going to be a bit more difficult. IC: East TN: [quote] Memphis, TN recieved a several urban battle where two dozen Rapid Deploy Demolishers would help in the Urban battle. Just North, the fall back line on the other side of the bridges had been armed with explosives. Some of the S-300 systems, and not just missiles; the system includes the launcher and tracking and targeting radars. Were used to keep out CAS from the region. The use of Patriot air defense missile also kept the skies clear deep within the states. Lightweight Howitzer 777 was to be facilitated by Memphis after other cities and towns have had their conflicts resolved and a secure perimeter around the city had been established so that they werent firing on their own Conventional missiles and Excalibur artillery shot were to be used if High Command received word of any other routes being used to invade. The border patrols held the SA– 7 type handheld IRSAM, incase of any possible vehicle encounters. [/quote] Instead of entering Memphis proper, Army Group D created a ring, to cut off the city and then to occupy her. Artillery were to pummel the city, as well as focus on AA batteries and mobile SAM. Missile command in Alabama used satellite feed from both the ISA and from Pravus Ingruo to target and fire at enemy AA positions, to allow CAS to follow up and strike enemy artillery and armor around Memphis. Memphis itself came under missile attack, targeting fortified structures, roadblocks, and factories. MLRS were specified to attack soft targets, while howitzers targeted hard targets. THAAD defenses were to target incoming ballistic missiles. APS systems on vehicles, as with the battle in Texas, kept most armor safe from anti-vehicular missile strikes-- but reality is what it is, and malfunctions do occur. When/if AA in a sector were cleared, an AC-130 would be dispatched to the area to, cautiously, mop up remaining troops and assist against hard points in the enemy defense. This angel of death could hardly be ignored, as it punished enemy troops with lancing flames. D pushed hard around Memphis, and were determined to encircle and crush the city. Casualties were in the hundreds-- a third KIA, the rest wounded. Helicopter attacks would be met by mobile SAM, and by Imperial troops carrying Javelin & Stinger missile systems. [quote]I65 and Route 31 had their bridges blown, allowing no one past Elkton, Tennessee. There, military defense were prepared to head off East or West depending on satellite Imagery of any and all movement of the invading forces there. Fayetteville was considered a city of interest and armed to the teeth with Route 431 bombed and the bridge blown. A force of 400 men had watched over the roads to the west towards Elkton. [/quote] Army Group B had a bit more trouble, up on I65 coming from Alabama. A few AC-130s, A-10s, and fighter wings covered Imperial troops as they slowly fought their way north into Elkton, using mobile and pontoon bridges to cross. The AC-130s would rain hellfire down, as artillery pinpointed, using prior-mentioned feed from Pravus Ingruo and from Imperial satellites, AA positions and hardpoints. The force that had lanced northwest had captured Huntland, and so set up defenses and looped around onto Route 15 towards Fayetteville, careful and with liberal use of artillery and counter-artillery to dispatch enemy troops. Mobile SAM made sure the route stayed clear of enemy fighters or bombers seeking to destroy it, and THAAD missile defense units were kept in back to take down conventional missiles.

**Troop movements classified** Four messages were sent to Army Groups Able (Mississippi), Baker (Alabama), Charlie (Louisiana), and Dog (Mississippi) detailing invasion orders. General Potter oversaw the invasion north, Case Bluegrass, and the invasion westward, Case Red White & Blue, as the Supreme Commander of ISA forces. Another message was sent to the naval forces in Mobile to take up defensive measures, and for the counter-intelligence & counter-terrorism group (Montgomery) to prepare for a retaliatory strike. Able would move from the Mississippi border into Arkansas, along the highway towards the primary and secondary objectives of Pine Bluff & Little Rock. Baker would move from Alabama up into Tennessee, striking towards Nashville & Knoxville. The goal was to secure the eastern portion of the state, while supporting the capture of the west and preparing for an invasion of Kentucky. Charlie was based in Louisiana, and would be taking up the invasion of Texas. The first objective was to be Longview & Tyler, then moving on to Dallas & then Austin & San Antonio. From there, the group would prepare for the capture of the rest of Texas and a drive westward, and then northward. Dog's orders were to move from Mississippi into Western Tennessee, to take Memphis & Jackson, Tennessee. The airforce, deployed in Alabama, would fly air superiority missions overhead Tennessee, Arkansas, & Alabama, as well as perform CAS missions alongside Army groups Baker & Dog. No formal declaration of war was to be given. US troops would be treated with utmost fairness as POWs, and subjected to neither torture nor execution, and to be fed properly and clothed and maintained back in Alabama. The order was given, and the operations had commenced-- Case Red, White, and Blue & Bluegrass were underway.

** Private to Himynamistan** Currently, no. We would not ask you to partake in an invasion that is on the whole unnecessary to our safety. However we will contact you if support is needed. Much appreciated.

[b]National Pride Radio[/b] [i]Turn towards autocracy[/i] Today, our Imperator and Leader Nikolai Kunis and his to-be wife announced the dissolution of Congress, replacement with a council headed by aforementioned fiancé as Chancellor. Alongside this development, was the arrest and execution of vice president Andrew Littleton and disbanding of fascist and democratic opposition to solidify imperial control over the nation. **classified movements** Army Group Charlie heads for Louisiana, Dog head for Mississippi-- Holly Springs. Troops in the ISA begin to mobilize for war.

Nikolai nodded. This was fully acceptable. He turned to General Potter, "Clarence, meet with the other generals, deploy troops where necessary along the border, out of eastern coast, and begin the invasion. No declaration of war will be needed." Clarence Potter saluted and left the room. Nikolai turned to General Caudill. "We will begin withdrawing troops and loyalist citizenry from the coast, and allowing you to move your troops in to occupy. Good luck, and we'll see you on the other side." He saluted the general and shook his hand, before having him escorted from the meeting room. The deal was complete, and he had in five minutes signed away what he had worked years, behind the scenes with Engelmann, to obtain.

A meeting would be arranged for the two foreign powers in Montgomery. The same room used for the creation of the FSA, the same room used for almost every other major treaty in the Republic's history. For the first time, used by the autocratic usurpers for their own agenda, rather than the agenda of the people. ** Pravus Ingruo, J Andres** Your representatives will be able to land at Montgomery's airport, and then a convoy will take them to the capitol building. On arrival of the representative from Pravus Ingruo, the meeting room housed Nikolai Kunis & General Potter, head of Counter-terrorism forces and de facto supreme commander of the ISA armed forces. It was clear he was unhappy with the grand trappings-- the logical conclusion to the FRA's militarization would be a police state, a fascist dictatorship, not Imperial rule-- it certainly wasn't the deal he had been sold by Kunis, and it came off as a carbon copy. But internal squabbling was to be set aside until after the crisis. They would exchange pleasantries, and then get down to business. Best to be blunt: "We know the only option here to avoid a war that would result in the death of droves of our citizens would be to lose the eastern coast. We're willing to accept that, those three states have never been core to the nation. We would be completely willing to cede Georgia and the Carolinas to the Empire of Pravus Ingruo. The only thing in exchange would be entrance into the war in alliance with Pravus Ingruo, against any powers that join the war on the USA's side, and an agreement to keep what we take, essentially. Our main focus is going to be westward, towards Texas, and northward into Tennessee. Is this agreement acceptable?"

Isn't this what he always wanted? War, economic tension, civil unrest, death, destruction, uncertainty. The nights were long for Nikolai Kunis, the days longer. He awaited the phone call announcing a strike on the Federal Republic. For years, Stephen Engelmann & Nikolai Kunis had consolidated federal power, placating the populace through an expanse of civil rights while depriving them of their political rights, and through the use of conquest to invigorate the populace. With the Empire of Pravus Ingruo on her doorstep, tensions were high in the Federal Republic. War had never come to the Republic before, her people were woefully unprepared for the slaughter that awaited them. [i]A distraction is needed... no... no, that wouldn't work this time. It's time things came to a head, the final and logical conclusion of this centralization of political will to become reality. This is likely the only way to save this nation, and myself, from the internal and external forces about to explode. Isn't this what I always wanted, anyway?[/i] he thought to himself, finally reaching the decision that would label him either a hero or a traitor to his nation. He hoped for the former, but expected the latter. He gave Reginald Bartlett a call, and told him to work on bringing Pravus Ingruo to the negotiation table, as well as J Andres. Then he called General Lee, Potter, Kunis, & German to summon them to the capitol building. He went to summon Secretary of State Sheffield... in the other room. He nudged her out of bed. "Isn't it funny, one day you're just the secretary of state, and the next you're the lover of the supreme ruler of a nation?" was the only explanation he had to give. This had been in the works for quite some time... the pieces were in place, a catalyst had just been needed to secure popular and military support. Two hours later President Kunis met with the General staff to brief them with the necessity for a consolidation of power, and to take drastic measures to preserve the nation... even going so far as to reinvent the nation's politics. The militarization under Stephen Engelmann had been stepped up considerably by the former guerrilla leader, the only thing that was changing was the structure of government. An agreement was reached with the generals, and they went to notify their respective stations of their duties-- prepare for detaining rogues and rebels, keep war readiness at maximum. The execution of vice-president Andrew Littleton & his Democratic followers, as well the bullying & silencing of Democratic members of Congress were underway. By morning, a swift transition had been made. All it took were a few corpses, a few calls, and a few million dollars to make potential dissenters fat & happy. President Kunis was to make an announcement, live, to the nation. ** Public ** He approached the podium, confident and unwavering in his stride, and leaned into the microphone. The audience consisted of civilians in the majority, and military men & women in the majority, in Montgomery's capitol. "Ladies & Gentlemen of the Federal Republic of America, the words I am about to convey to you weigh heavily on my heart. The Federal Republic of America exists no more. As of this morning, congress is out of a job, like so many of you will not be after this transition is final. I have dissolved Congress, and I have dissolved the electoral system. After the changes our nation has gone through, it has become nothing more than a liability, and to keep it in place during these times? With these threats to our security? It would be suicide. And I refuse to allow this nation to destroy itself with democratic representation. Congress has been disbanded, and in its stead a new senate will arise, a High Council, governed by 12 men-- all chosen from a pool of the most qualified and competent men from our states. At its head, I have named Sarah Sheffield Chancellor, and... as of two hours ago, she has named herself the fiancé to the leader of this broad land. This body will legislate, with final legislative power being granted to the head of our state. As for this head, as President, I am naming myself ruler, Imperator, of the Imperial States of America, or the Empire of America for short. This change is necessary for the survival of us as a culture and as a nation-state. I will not fail you-- I will secure our future on the North American continent, and I will maintain prosperity within this great land. You have my promise. Thank you, and good luck, America." He was hailed extravagantly by the uniformed soldiers in the room, a chorus of hails and salutes ringing throughout the hall. Dissenters would not last long, that was sure. Imperator Nikolai Kunis took his fiancé and left the podium, to tend to the mountain of work he had just made for himself. And isn't that what he always wanted? **TO Pravus Ingruo, J Andres** TO: Empire of Pravus Ingruo; Maritime Republic of J Andres FROM: Imperial States of America SUBJ: URGENT Imperator Kunis has seized control of the FRA, and needs to discuss the future of North America and the role the Empire may play in it, as well as the war currently waged against the USA and York's Manifest Destiny. If you intend to come, reply back and head for Montgomery, Alabama and the national capitol building. /s/ Reginald Bartlett, MoFA, ISA.