TheShammySocialist

After initial election of Chosen Speakers to the Enlightened Council, there would be an immediate meeting in Dawnbreak, what the Grand Master a "Call to Banners", an action that was to summon all Council members for a meeting. This initial meeting would not only establish introductions between the newly elected Speakers and the High Members of the Council, but also serve as a planning board for the upcoming months. After initial pleasantries and several small addresses by both the Grand Master, as well as High Members of the Council, the meeting would turn almost immediately to business. All members of the Council would be in agreement that continuing consolidation of the Grand Orders' lands would be a top priority; there were still a few existing strongholds to be taken, after Punta Arenas had fallen. The Southern Reach had been secured, at the cost of hundreds of casualties, and it was decided during the council meeting that most existing paramilitary forces following the Guardians would be demobilized, unless their ranks could prove combat effective in the upcoming campaigns. Although bravery and initiative was found in most of the ranks, this did not make up for a lack of combat experience, and several hundred citizens who had taken up arms had been killed or wounded due to overall inexperience. Initially, this had been acceptable; there had been no other choice, but with the rise of the Enlightened Forces, and the winding down of the campaign, the demobilization of militia forces that hadn't been able to build experienced soldiers would be sent home as a measure of precaution to stop unneeded loss. The Council would approve the continued deployment of Enlightened Land Forces for domestic security concerns, to back up Guardians that were now shifting their focus into the western mountains and highlands, where terrain accounted for as much of an obstacle as the scattered overlords did. Once these threats were dealt with, the Enlightened Forces would be stood down as part of the domestic security apparatus, and return their focus to external defense of the state and its interests. The added man- and firepower was expected to contribute heavily, and several Speakers agreed with a point by the Lord of War, Zavelte, that the combat experience would be useful to the newly-raised ranks. Further discussions would include initial government focuses, including a three day session (with short breaks during the day, as well as overnight rest breaks), to discuss basic government issues, chiefly tax codes and infrastructure development. Discussions on tax codes would ensure that the state would begin to be able to fund itself from income and sales taxes, which would begin enforcement shortly after the meeting was in place. These tax levies were far from insufferable, and although there would be some domestic opponents to the raising of taxes, most of the country was content with paying taxes that were far less insufferable than the ones levied by the overlords who had overseen the lands before. Infrastructure developments included major discussions on road and rail construction and existing improvement, as well as airport and seaport expansions and construction. The discussion would also include talks on ferry service to the Falklands, spearheaded by the islands' Speaker, Turney, who pushed hard for the government to improve logistics between the island and the mainland. Social infrastructure discussions included domestic security and safety funding for police and fire services, as well as improvements to existing hospitals. Education discussions would go on for a three hour session, which helped establish a basic curriculum all the way to end of secondary education institutions, setting target goals and allocating funding, as well as talks on early childhood development and education and curriculum for the countries' youngest. Further discussions included closed door sessions on intelligence, both external and internal, as well as external relations. Although notes on funding for intelligence were a closely guarded secret, significant budgetary raises were to be allocated to the Ministry of External Relations, for more embassy staff and additional transportation assets and overseas embassy development.

"I am glad that things have been able to settle down, despite the upheaval, especially with Carthage collapsing quite quickly. Although we have seen some whispers of internal problems in Ukraine, it appears that much of the continent has settled back to a peaceful status quo, like you said," noted Illio, thanking the servants for the chairs quietly, before taking a seat before the monarch. "There is much work still to do in the south, our nation is fighting an internal conflict of its own, cleansing strongmen and what amount to feudal overlords from our lands, so that all our citizens can live in freedom's embrace. Much has been accomplished, but there is still quite a bit more to do, admittedly. I'm glad that our nations' coming has been a welcoming surprise, it seems as though news of its arrival was taken with some hushed complacency. But I don't think the Grand Master would have it any other way, Gottfried is a man of quiet composure, and keeping a low profile is part of his [i]modus operandi[/i]."

Establishment of the Grand Order in the Falklands has taken another turn, with the residents of Firebreak and across the islands electing their Chosen Speaker to the Enlightened Council. The exalted James Turney would be the victor in a close race between three prominent islanders, with Turney emerging victorious after the first vote counts put him behind. As the Chosen Speaker for the Falklands, he would represent the interests of the islanders in Dawnbreak, and as part of his platform, put transportation and links with the mainland at the top of his agenda, citing both limited nautical and aerial transportation opportunities to the mainland. It was expected that these conditions would improve substantially with Turney spearheading a public awareness effort of the transportation issues the islanders faced. With the election ongoing, construction of military facilities would proceed as planned, expanding existing facilities left behind by the RAF, and the construction of a second large air base. Whilst construction on runways were ongoing, support infrastructure was quickly being brought up to snuff, with shipments of building materials arriving to allow for the construction of maintenance facilities and barracks, as well as the beginnings of aircraft shelters for both maintenance as well as counterintelligence and defensive measures. These facilities would be contemplated by the beginnings of surveys for land forces facilities that would play host to the rotating land force garrison that would protect the islands, as well as provide additional patrols for South Georgia/South Sandwich Archipelago. Work at Desolation Harbor was ongoing as planned, despite several rounds of winter squalls that would dump several inches of snow at a time, and blanket the island over the course of several days. This kept crews busy clearing their work sites of the fluffy white precipitation, as well as the rough air strip, that was seeing a flight coming in at least once every forty-eight hours, carrying supplies or spare parts for equipment in need of maintenance. Over the course of a month, the 1st Heavy Works detachment at Desolation Harbor had been able to piece together a pair of sturdy barracks, two large underground fuel tanks (triple-sealed against environmental contamination), three high-pressure pumped fresh-water wells, and a large maintenance building, along with the airstrip, which utilized a modular container for a command and traffic control station. In the South Sandwich Group, the amphibious vessel Endurance would arrive with elements of the fresh-from-basic-training 2nd Heavy Works Regiment to begin a second phase of work, which included establishing a permanent base on Thule. As one of the locations with suitable access to the ocean, albeit a rough coastline, it would be up to the newly-arrived vessel and her embarked engineers to establish a suitable outpost. The outpost would include barracks, a large workshop and maintenance facility, as well as a hanger for helicopters that could be based at the island. Work would officially begin the day after Endurance arrived, with the authorities in Dawnbreak toasting in absentia the establishment of what was now called Hardship Point; the name stuck for obvious reasons. The amphibious vessel Endurance en route to the Southern Thule group, where it will remain on station during establishment of the Hardship Point base of operations. [OOC: Falklands/South Georgia/South Sandwich 3/7]

With the officials in Dawnbreak preoccupied with forthcoming elections, that would see Chosen Speakers elected from each district, minus a few that had been placed under martial law due to ongoing combat operations, operations both in the Falklands and South Georgia had begun in earnest. Engineers from the 1st Heavy Works Regiment had arrived in quick fashion after receiving their billeting assignments, with heavy equipment arriving in short order, particularly quickly in the Falklands. With a garrison bivouac situated in Firebreak, which would serve as the base of operations as engineering operations were ongoing throughout the Falklands group, the 1st Heavy Works would begin the establishment of military airports on both islands, on a scope that would allow for even the heaviest of aircraft to be able to operate from such infrastructure. This would coincide with the Naval Forces beginning a survey on long-range radar and radio intercept stations, whilst the Ministry of Science and Technology also evaluated the islands group for space track and control systems, to assist in the command and control of Sol-flagged satellites. Whilst this was ongoing, the Naval Forces also assigned the missile gunboat [i]Hussar[/i] to Firebreak, along with an auxiliary logistics vessel to help enforce the presence of the military in the area. These ships would also serve as training vessels for small-boat offensive and defense operations, along with search and rescue tactics, as well as navigation. The [i]Hussar[/i] would conduct almost daily patrols around the islands with a rotating training crew working with the permanent crew, taking turns with different helmsmen and lead navigators. Despite its inhospitable climate, South Georgia would be taken on by members of the 1st Heavy Works with vigor, as they worked to forge a port out of the remains of Grytviken, and establish a permanent base of operations at the old whaling station. Despite being told by several surveyors, a push by one platoon of the unit would fashion a rough airstrip to the southeast of Grytviken, which had now been renamed to Desolation Harbor. Although the airstrip was far from usable by most aircraft, it would allow for basic STOL aircraft to fly in, in the event of an emergency, as well as bring in parts and supplies should they be required. Within a week of the airstrip being finished, and a harsh squall dumping several inches of snow on the area, the first aircraft would make the relatively dangerous flight to Desolation Harbor. [center][/center] Despite having only small allotments of the regiment for the outlying South Sandwich Group, along with one ship and limited supplies, patrols from the 1st Heavy Works began constructing warming shacks and small patrol bunkers on several islands. Utilizing helicopters from their mother ship, these patrols would determine patrol routes that would be the most easiest to take, and set up these facilities after being airlifted in, usually able to construct such small facilities within a day or two. From there, they would mark the locations with global positioning locators on the military's fledgling navigation system. These small facilities, with supplies that would be stocked on site by logistics personnel, would be important lifelines for future sovereignty foot patrols that would visit various islands in the group. [OOC: Falklands/South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands 2/7]

I don't think anyone would, or could enact new legislation that required build ups, without a vote on a change/addition of rules. The build up of forces is one of those things that can be tedious, understandably so. That much I do understand.

I think dotCom fostered this discussion to bring about a precedent... not recap the status quo. Edit: Unless I'm taking the intent of this thread the wrong way.

I think this is a topic worth discussing, I don't think it'd be right to completely hamper nations from defending themselves, but being able to go on the all-out attack right from nation birth, without any worthy roleplay, is a little bit sketchy in its own right. Should someone who took time to develop their militaries to the force that it is, be able to be significantly challenged by someone who just birthed a new nation? Especially in an attack shortly after national conception. In my honest opinion, no. I have my own views on this, and I typically self-police myself, building up at a steady pace as I start to develop. It still might be accelerated, but its nowhere near the buildups I've seen before. I've been guilty on some counts of this, but I do try to police myself to a steady development.

With the Grand Order having consolidated much of its territorial under the sovereign hands of Dawnbreak, the Grand Master and Enlightened Council would issue a private decree that saw consolidation of the Falklands, South Georgia, and the South Sandwich Islands into the nation. Consolidation meant ensuring Sol's sovereignty over the islands, and while many of the islands now had outposts on them, these were far from sure grips, and unacceptable. It was decided that as part of training and conditioning that the Enlightened Land Forces' 1st Heavy Works Regiment, military construction engineers with the heavy equipment to back them up, would be deployed both to the Falklands, as well as South Georgia and some of the outlying islands. Much of this initial foray would be to start preparing sites on the islands, particularly on South Georgia and South Sandwich, for permanent habitation. This included clearing landing zones and setting up artificial harbors at strategic points, and developing infrastructure for eventual permanent bases, clearing old hulks from abandoned whaling stations and establishing buildings that were well suited for the harsh environment. Infrastructure was much more plentiful on the Falklands, and the town of Firebreak (Stanley had been renamed after the landing of Guardians there), already had existing structures and infrastructure. This included a well-appointed airport and harbor, both of which were due to be expanded once elements of the 1st Heavy Works Regiment arrived. Additional work was expected to expand the airport and existing port facilities at Firebreak, and elsewhere in the Falklands. It was envisioned that the Falklands and South Georgia would have permanent military garrisons that could exercise sovereignty, including forays and patrols into the South Sandwich Islands, which would have semi-permanent residences and outposts that would play host to units that were engaged in sovereignty patrols. Additionally, SMPSA has begun posting official fishery and natural resource management legislation on the recently-acquired islets, which officially puts this management firmly in its' jurisdiction. Exploitation of any natural resources, beyond fishing, at this moment, is prohibited, by both private Sol companies, as well as external companies. A system of permits has now been established to ensure that responsible levels of fishing and trawling can take place around the islands, permits that must be filed with SMPSA before exploitation of the existing fisheries. [OOC: Falklands/South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands 1/7]

Illio would thank the former Romanian Prime Minister for his indulgence, and lead his small group of staffers to the provided car. Illio caught the older gentlemen mumbling a few times, but he wasn't able to pick up what he said, the tone seemingly wistful, but he seemed pleasant enough. Once settled into their appropriate ride, the Enlightened would find themselves taking in the surroundings with not awe, but with thoughtful glances and stares, appreciative of the history they were getting to see. Although the monolithic, and almost brutalistic apartment blocks of Communist design would be overlooked, their eyes seemed to light up as they drove through the well-appointed Romanian capitol, which appeared to be quite bustling. A few comments of (friendly) envy would be appropriated to the more affluent of residences by the staffers, as they stared and appreciated them with a certain reverence. "They weren't kidding when they said Bucharest was known as 'Little Paris'," commented Illio, as he sat back in his seat, and smiled politely at Vlasceanu, after the Romanian queried him. "The Grand Order is well, there is much work to be done, we have consolidated sovereignty over most of the country. Unfortunately there has been many strongmen and overlords to overcome in ensuring the independence of all Enlightened citizens. But we've mopped most of them up, my brother and sister Guardians led the campaign very well, many have fallen as a result, but they have breathed a new life into all whose lives they've touched." "The Grand Master has much in plan and development to unveil, the Enlightened Council are working diligently to bring the nation back to the modern world, and I think that this dream will occur quickly. When you give people the chance to live their dreams, the people who have been trodden on for so long, they tend to take those opportunities with great fervor," he continued, with a thoughtful smile on his face. "How does Romania fare, Mr. Vlasceanu? With Europe in a bit of turmoil right now, we came into this meeting with some uncertainty."

After being assured his safety in London, despite the few days of turmoil, Illio would remain along with his counterparts in a relatively obscure bed and breakfast whilst the government of Britain was reformed. Although he would not attend any government functions during that time, he and his staff would utilize the time to get work done for their own nation, conducting informal meetings in one a provided study to discuss future diplomatic moves, and ongoing diplomatic events. Europe was in a time of eventful transition, and it would require treading carefully over the next few months, if any discussions were undertaken with any nation now. With a new invitation extended to him, Illio would proceed to Buckingham Palace with his staffers for a meeting with the monarch after a few days in London, the Exalted Guardian now much more rested, given his time spent in the British capitol, and not having to traverse the length of the Atlantic for the meeting. Upon arrival before the King, Illio would bow in customary fashion. "Apology accepted, Your Grace, thank you for extending a personal invitation to me, I'm honored by the chance to speak directly to you," he stated, in a polite tone. "I'm glad that Britain has made a return to stability, there is much movement in Europe at this moment."

With the Enlightened Forces now officially established, it was the task of the Enlightened Council, through the Quartermasters' Corps to standardize equipment, including firearms, equipment, vehicles, et cetera. The difficulty of logistics without standardization was quite evident during the battles between the regional and local strongmen; the Guardians and their irregular allies had been armed with a variety of firearms, with various calibers and needs. Supply for these weapons had been haphazard at best, and several irregulars had to fight scavenging weapons at many points in a battle. This had made for undue casualties, that many Guardians complained about privately to the Enlightened Council, and would push the Council to ensure that any future conflict would not be conducted in a similar way. After some deliberation amongst top brass in the Land Forces, the Quartermasters' Corps would select the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptive_Combat_Rifle]R1 Assault Rifle[/url], chambered in the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6.5mm_Grendel]6.5mm Special Intermediate Cartridge (SIC)[/url]. Despite the R1 Assault Rifle being the standard assault rifle for Land Forces' infantry units, National Militia units are expected to be carrying [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMI_Galil]Galil Assault Rifles[/url], chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO standard, for the foreseeable future. Heavy automatic infantry weapons include the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_48_machine_gun]MLG1 LMG[/url] and [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M60_machine_gun#M60E4.2FMk43_Mod_0.2F1]MGPG2 GPMG[/url] within normal infantry squads and platoons. A fully equipped infantry squad should be allotted three machineguns under the most ideal conditions, to ensure the best use of standard infantry tactics taught in AIT. Infantry units are, under certain conditions, allotted with a variety of other weaponry including next generation MANPADS, ATGMs, revolving grenade launchers, and heavy machineguns, such as the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M2_Browning#M2A1]MG3 HMG[/url]. Designated marksmen rifles are assigned at the squad level, and sniper rifle teams at the company level. Shotguns and close quarters weaponry including submachineguns are assigned under certain conditions. Almost all soldiers are allowed to carry personal defense weaponry, many choosing semi-automatic pistols, or even automatic pistols for close quarters defense. At infantry company levels, the Land Forces can count on artillery support from 81mm Mortars; heavier artillery can be found at higher tables of organization, that include the towed [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G7_howitzer]G1 Howitzer[/url] and the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G5_howitzer]G2 Heavy Howitzer[/url]. Mobile artillery include the self-propelled [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panzerhaubitze_2000]SPG1 Hammer of Darkness[/url] and the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M270_Multiple_Launch_Rocket_System]MLRS1 Cyclone[/url], which provide exceptional firepower to hammer adversaries at an arms' reach. To provide armored support, the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stridsvagn_122]Rhino[/url] Main Battle Tank will provide the bulk of the punch in any conventional war with other armored fighting vehicles. These vehicles are modified for the variety of terrains faced by the Land Forces, and have integrated warfighting systems for superb situational awareness, as well as the ability to mount additional armor or remote weapon stations for LIC use. Additionally, mechanized and/or motorized infantry units incorporate [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat_Vehicle_90]Viper IFV[/url], and [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patria_AMV]Badger APC[/url] for combat maneuvers and infantry support. These platforms can also play host to anti-aircraft artillery turrets with missile platforms, and integrated short range targeting radar, as well as anti-armor weapon turrets. For tactical air defense, primary systems include the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9K22_Tunguska]Whirlwind[/url] and [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PZA_Loara]Tornado SPAAG[/url]. Several types of SAM systems, including medium and strategic batteries are also available for defense of military formations, as well as strategically important cities and facilities. For army aviation purposes, rotor-wing aircraft for the Land Forces include the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW159_Wildcat]Wildcat[/url] Light Utility Helicopter, [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW101]Ironhorse[/url] Medium Utility Helicopter, [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_CH-47_Chinook]Chinook[/url] Heavy Transport Helicopter. Air-to-ground close support is provided by [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_AH-64_Apache#AH-64E]Sunlancer[/url] High-Capability (HC) Attack Helicopters.

Illio Rayzio, along with his delegation, had been coming from the south, and unlike their Romanian counterparts, the Grand Order was sweltering through an early summer heatwave. November was the month that ended off spring, and although it had started off slow, the weather had become humid and wet, volatile weather with many thunderstorms had overtaken Dawnbreak during the month. The astute members of the External Affairs bureaucracy, however, had prepared him and his aides for their trip to late autumn Bucharest, with crisp overcoats that went well with their appointed business suits. Illio himself wore a black overcoat, along with a simple tie and business suit, much of the only color that any of the visitors wore, were small pins on their lapels, that had Sol's Coat of Arms emblazoned on them. As one of the most trusted associates of the Grand Master, well-spoken, and educated, Illio was a natural choice for carrying out these first forays of diplomacy, despite never holding such a position before. Younger by most standards, he exuded a youthful exuberance, but a confidence and knowledge that seemed to extend beyond his relatively young age. Illio seemed to descend the steps twice as fast as his closest associate, and walked up to Vlasceanu with an even stride, meeting his hand with a firm grip of his own, squeezing the man's hand gently, a sign of confidence in ones' counterpart in the Grand Order, and he smiled politely. "Well met, Mr. Vlasceanu, it's an honor to make your acquaintance. Illio Rayzio, Exalted Guardian and High Representative of the Enlightened Council, our flight was quite smooth, no troubles whatsoever," he nodded. "Well, if it is a first time, I must say I'm honored. It's my furthest journey from my homeland, but nevertheless, I'm quite ecstatic to be here."

[b]Public[/b] With maritime conduct being one of the chief modes of logistics to move large amounts of goods and services to and from the Grand Order, the Enlightened Council, with the permission of the Grand Master, have created the Sol Maritime Protection and Safety Administration. The Administration has been slated to take authority over the inland and territorial waters of Sol, as well as the exclusive economic zone, issuing and enforcing regulation for both personal as well as all watercraft associated with economic motives. SMPSA (also known as "Sompsa"), has also the overarching authority over watercraft registration and inspection licenses to private contractors who can inspect vessels and pass or fail based on a stringent battery of tests developed for various classes of watercraft. SMPSA also has overarching jurisdiction over navigational aids and beacons, including lighthouses and the newly-developed Continuous Ground-based Regional Positioning System (CGRPS), which is in development for the Grand Orders' territorial waters. The Administration also governs over the Coastal Protection Guard, which conducts fisheries protection and monitoring, interception and prosecution of illegal activities, and all maritime search and rescue (SAR) operations. SMPSA, and the Coastal Protection Guard, also have close contacts with the Enlightened Forces, which can provide them with assistance for operations that require support. The Coastal Protection Guard has also been given the unenviable task, in conjunction with the Enlightened Naval Forces, of search and rescue operations in the Drake Passage. Future planning states that the Coastal Protection Guard will maintain two high-endurance cutters in the Passage as part of this commitment to maritime safety as well as countering possible illicit maritime crime in the region. It is expected that these cutters will work with the five Antarctic Patrol Vessels that are in development for the Naval Forces. The Coastal Protection Guard, and SMPSA, are currently slated to receive between forty and sixty cutters of all sizes (fast response, medium-endurance, and high endurance), within the next five years. These include for provisions for at least eight of these cutters be of a high-endurance model, giving the Coastal Protection Guard the instruments needed to be able to perform its tasks at a "satisfactory" level.

Following a positive reply from Bucharest, and an invitation extended to the Grand Order to dispatch an envoy, Illio Rayzio would find himself dispatched by the Grand Master to Romania. Boarding a Global Express business jet, that was white, with livery that colorfully displayed the national coat of arms in a more modernistic approach, as well as several old style depictions of the sun, he would depart Dawnbreak in the late hours of the evening. The flight would be a long one, and allow for the Sol envoy to discuss potential outcomes of the meeting, in line with the objectives set down by the Grand Master, as well as discuss relevant information about their counterparts in the upcoming meeting, also on the table of discussion was recent events in Europe, including the fall of Britain, and the resurgence of the Northlands, which appeared to mark an easing of tensions. The latter half of the trip would be spent in the bunk, allowing the envoy and his small entourage of staffers some slumber before they landed, the flight crew waking them about an hour before arrival.

I was feeling a little under the weather last week, thought I kicked that cold. :v:

Unfortunately, I left that clique a long time ago... I burned some bridges... and brought them down on trolls hiding underneath them. I just have an inherent sense for sniffing out troll flesh, whether it be seared or live.

The troll is strong with this one.

"The Grand Order recognizes the Northlands sovereignty, as a reemerged state, and wish it luck in its territorial disputes and tenuous peace that Europe clings to. As with all nations, we offer the Northlands an opportunity to dispatch an emissary and their staff to Dawnbreak to establish a diplomatic mission, so long as we are allowed to do the same."

As festivities for the invocation of the Enlightened Forces were ongoing in Dawnbreak, in the interior of the nation, another celebration would mark the fall of one of the biggest strongholds held by some of the senior overlords. Overlooking Nauel Huapi Lake, the stronghold of one Manual Nozavares, who fashioned himself with the name 'The Black Baron', would fall to the Guardians of Peace, and their irregular allies after almost a week of fighting. The battle would claim dozens of freedom fights, and a number of Guardians who led them into battle, and many more were wounded before the bloody fighting, some of which was close quarters, was over. The siege of the stronghold, which occupied a well-appointed hilltop overlooking Bariloche, would involve several nighttime sorties against the defensive works, incessant raiding that eventually found a weak point in one side of the stronghold. Using hand grenades, satchel charges, shotguns, and close quarters automatic weapons, the Guardians and their allies had to clear the stronghold room by room. The Black Baron himself would fall in the last hours of the fight, after taking several allied soldiers down with him, when he led a counterattack to attempt a last desperate drive at dislodging the Guardians and the militia from his fort. The counterattack would fail to meet its objectives, and Nozavares would fall whilst leading it, when he turned a corner to find himself face to face with a trio of Guardians who did not hesitate with their trigger fingers. The flag of the Grand Order would fly over the Blackfort at sunrise, signalling a new dawn for the Bariloche region, which the Grand Order could now exert sovereignty over. There were only a few remaining strongholds, one of those being in Punta Arenas, stubbornly held by the overlord who commanded his legions there. A few others existed in the mountains of the west, and would be the final targets of the bloodied Guardians and their ragtag compatriots, who had become a battle-hardened force through weeks of fighting. The fighting was entering a new phase of mopping up the last remaining strongholds, the victory of the Guardians was not a matter of if, but when. And it was that logic that was prompting the Enlightened Council to begin to be able to turn to other domestic and foreign matters, beyond the civil conflagration that had drawn their attention. It was time to start building the state of their dreams, of the dreams of all who they led. [center][/center] [center][i]Victorious Guardians and their irregular compatriots celebrate against a red dawn sky at the Blackfort, above Bariloche.[/i][/center]

In an official ceremony that was undertaken today in Dawnbreak, the Grand Master, along with several key figures of prominence in government and the military, held an invocation that officially christened the Enlightened Forces as the defenders of the Grand Order. All members of the Enlightened Forces that were present, from all branches, also recited in unison the new mission statement of the Enlightened Forces before the Grand Master. The mission statement would be as follows; The ceremony was marked by parades of small amounts of token soldiers, sailors, and airmen, as well as flyovers by the few combat aircraft that the Grand Order currently possessed, and a few armored vehicles. Also included in the parade were Guardians of the Peace, as well as some irregular forces at their command, some of them still sporting bandages from wounds sustained during battle. The Guardians and their allies would lead the parade, as a mark of honor to their continuing sacrifices to secure the sovereignty of the state over all of its claimed regions. The Grand Master spoke at length during a general address to the assembled citizens of Dawnbreak, which was also transmitted across the airwaves of the nation. Much commentary was spent on commending efforts of those who had fought, and those that had fallen in the effort to assert peace and order throughout the land, as well as assurances that the future would be bright. A few comments were also made on the shifts in global politics, and the hope that world peace would continue to be sustained.

"The Grand Order recognizes the Tianxian State, and expresses the inherent hope that it will prove a positive influence on world politics. As with all nations, we cordially invite Tianxia to establish a diplomatic mission in Dawnbreak, while we would do the same in your own capital."

A typed note from the Enlightened Council, delivered directly from Sol's Embassy in Bucharest, would arrive at the Romanian Foreign Ministry in a simple unsealed envelope. The contents were not spectacular, but they would be a step towards what Sol hoped to be a source of construction materials that the country desperately needed at this point in its growth. The Grand Orders' own foundries were far from sufficient at this point, and with the country still in development, it would take time for other mills to come online and begin production. "News from our diplomatic emissary in Bucharest has indicated that Romania is stepping up its production of high quality structural steel, particularly in the recently acquired Trisnistria region. With Sol hungry for large amounts of such materials of late, we would request a meeting with Romanian officials, at their earliest convenience, to discuss a mutually beneficial trade pact."

"Sol thanks the United States for its recognition of our sovereignty over our claimed lands, as a nation that befriends all who walk in the light, we cordially welcome the news that your nation is willing to undertake positive diplomatic relations. We accept your exchange of emissaries, and shall dispatch Reed Therman, a trusted Noble Counselor, and his staff, to your nation to establish our embassy."

With the sudden fall of Britain, Illio Rayzio was recalled from his meeting, and the Enlightened Council would immediately move to establish outposts in the South Atlantic Islands that had significance to the nations' interests. A makeshift task force of requisitioned ships and aircraft would make for the Falklands, while chartered Antarctic vessels would close on South Georgia and the South Sandwich islands to put outposts on the ground. For now, these islands would earn a protectorate status under the guidance of Sol, whilst the Grand Order consolidated its home territories.

Please mark the Falklands, South Sandwich and South George Island as protectorates of Sol.