Jump to content

The Athens Times


Centurius

Recommended Posts

"Initiative" Claims Responsibility for Wave of Terror

 

250px-Edouard_Kagame.jpg

 

Athens - Earlier today a package arrived in our mail room containing a single drive, on it we found a recording of an older man identifying himself as the head of the Initiative. In it he claims responsibility for the Damascus car bombing, murder of the General of the Guard and most importantly the radiological attack on the Socialist National Congress. In effect claiming responsibility for over 12,000 deaths and many more wounded. We have transcribed the full message.

 

"Fifty years ago, when the Athenian Federation was founded, it was sold to us as salvation. The dawning of a new era of democracy and freedom. Now we see that that promise of democracy and freedom was nothing more than a sham and that for our rescue from anarchy we paid with the few freedoms we had. We have become slaves to a corrupt system hiding behind the guise of democracy and freedom while quite literally sleeping with the corporations. We have awakened to the truth. Let the word go forth from this time and place to friend and foe alike that we have passed the torch to a new generation unwilling to permit the undoing of human rights and dignities.

 

You may disagree with our means but we are a people at war against the very government we thought we elected to protect ourselves. That we gave our freedoms to protect ourselves. Yet how would these attacks have been possible if we were truly protected? How could a single organization hope to strike at the monster at its full strength?

 

What the Socialist Alliance and Hellenic World Services do not tell you is that at the moment of the explosion in Damascus local party officials were in discussions with corporate executives on the destruction of a nearby village to create space for a factory. What they do not tell you is that Adam Anthris was receiving a million Drachmas to aid in the passing of legislation that would allow private police. What they do not tell you is that while the members were singing the International party leaders were discussing the next invasion to expand. Finally what they do not tell you is that the materials used in our attack on the Socialist National Congress originated from a corporate storage site where it was prepared to be dumped near central Africa to avoid the costs of proper disposal.

 

Let the government know we are tired of fighting its wars of expansion under the illusion of security. And let every corporation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price in order to assure the survival and success of liberty."

 

When confronted with the recording the Office of the Megale Autokrateira indicated they would need to review it before being able to comment.

 

---

 

With the state of emergency in effect and the greater focus on the Athenian interior the global presence of the Hellenic Forces would need to go down significantly. For one Task Force 12 would be reassigned from Puerto Vallarta and the Pacific Fleet to join the Atlantic Fleet based in Lisbon. Task Force 1 would be redeployed from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to aid special forces in anti-terrorism operations. The Atlantic Fleet at large would be ordered to limits its patrols to the waters between the various Athenian possessions taking a step back from its policy of policing the entire Atlantic for the time being. The Pacific Fleet was ordered to position itself mostly in the Indian Ocean where it could protect the coastline of the Exarchate on both the Indian and Atlantic side. When it came to the Hellenic Air Force one F-1 and one F-2 squadron would remain in Puerto Vallarta and four F-1 squadrons and nine F-2 squadrons were to remain patrolling the Exarchate of Africa. All other aircraft would be used to protect the recently reopened air space of the Athenian Federation and much like the Hellenic Navy aid in anti-terrorism operations. Finally one Marine division would remain behind in Puerto Vallarta while the Third and Fourth Armies were to remain in the Exarchate while all remaining elements of the Hellenic Army and Hellenic Marine Corps were ordered back to the Athenian Federation proper to defend the borders and aid law enforcement as well as supporting anti-terrorism operations.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • Replies 482
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Special Committee Issues Damning Report, Gabris, Bakas and Ferrari Resign

69.jpg

 

Athens - Earlier today the Joint Parliamentary Special Committee on National Security have issued a report finding a systemic failure of the Intelligence and Military communities to properly guarantee the security of the Federation against domestic threats. The report specifically cites disturbing negligence within senior positions of the responsible Ministries and even the parliamentary committees tasked with overseeing the intelligence and military communities. As a result the Chief Magistrate Hektor Gabris, Magistrate of Defence Alexander Bakas and Magistrate of Intelligence and National Security Elisabetta Ferrari have formally offered their resignations to the Megale Autokrateira.

 

In a public statement the Chief Magistrate clarified that while he was not named the actions of those Magistrates below him are his responsibility as well. The resignation formally marks the end of an era and emergency elections for the Chief Magistrate position have been called for. In his last act in office the Chief Magistrate has formally sanctioned a separate organization to be founded which based on the report will implement the required changes.

 

The news of the election comes as Athens remains in mourning over the numerous losses and with the military in every street corner, Measures which will remain for an indefinite amount of time still.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

FRANCIS UNDERWOOD NEW CHIEF MAGISTRATE

house-of-cards-season-1-episode-8.jpg

 

Athens - In a surprising race Socialist Alliance candidate for Chief Magistrate and current Magistrate of Foreign Affairs Francis Underwood has been elected the new Chief Magistrate of the Athenian Federation with an absolute majority of 55%. With the New Democracy candidate only reaching 40% and the Party of Iberia candidate barely 5%. While victory for Underwood was expected by many polls until the last day only had him on a minimal victory with 45% of the popular vote. 

 

In his victory speech Underwood promised to capture those responsible for the terrorist attacks and release a cleansing fire through the Athenian authorities to eliminate all chance of future attacks. He also promised to continue the efforts of establishing a fair but strict global order built around the respect of human rights and basic international principles as well as increasing expenditure on the military. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"I congratulate Magistrate Underwood on his victory, the world is filled with many challenges, and I believe Mr Underwood is prepared to handle all of them based upon his track record."

-Nico Haumann, Prime Minister of The Cape.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Athens Trapped in Protests on Both Sides

June-30-Tahrir-Banner.jpg

 

Athens - Athens, Cairo, Rome, Madrid. The list of cities that reported massive protests continue to increase by the minute as the state of emergency persists and authorities prove unable to make any meaningful Initiative arrests. 

 

Protests can be divided into two distinct groups, one group calling for greater action by the government to bring justice to those responsible. This group believes that despite claims and the military presence more can be done to capture the terrorists.

 

On the other hand there is a significant group that believes that despite their means the Initiative defends their cause and feel that the ongoing military measures taken are a sign that the Initiative is in fact right and that the corporations have gained too much control over the government. 

 

Upon orders of the Megale Autokrateira the Hellenic Army has announced its intentions to disperse with force any protest that does not end peacefully within a week. Citing emergency conditions the right to assembly has been indefinitely suspended.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • 3 weeks later...
A message would be dispatched to the Athenian Federation:

To: Athenian Federation
From: Stephen Williamson, Director of the Office of Air Force Procurement
Subject: Purchase of F-2 Mitalexis
 
Greetings,
 
In light of recent circumstances, I would like to express my interest in the purchase of ten squadrons of the F-2 Mitalexis stealth multirole fighter from Hellenic Aerospace Industry & Dassault Aviation. Funds have been made available, through the Office of Air Force Procurement, for the purchase of the F-2 in the quanitities specified.
 
Thank you for your time and consideration.
 
With warm regards,
 
Stephen Williamson, 
Director of the Office of Air Force Procurement,
Commonwealth of Avalon
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

A message would be dispatched to the Athenian Federation:
 

 

While the official position of Athens was one of neutrality many factions within the government supported a different approach, so while publicly the request would be denied Avalon would soon be contacted by persons within the Intelligence community and private sector. Using their significant means they would be able to sell F-2s and even U-2s to Avalon for a small overhead to cover their expenses for additional initiatives. Using difficult to detect means 120 F-2s and ten U-2s would make their way to Avalon for use by their armed forces.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

TOP SECRET

In the late evening a diplomatic courier left the White House escorted by a DSS agent to Ronald Reagan International Airport, both in plain clothes and unannounced.  There they boarded Transatlantic Pan Am Supersonic Flight 110 to Rome, arriving in less than 2 hours.  From there they boarded a private plane chartered by the State Department which arrived in Athens after a short flight where they were greeted by several DSS agents and transportation to the Commonwealth Embassy, the entire trip lasting less than three hours.  Arriving at the embassy the courier delivered the sealed notes to the Ambassador who opened the one marked for him.  In five minutes he was out the door and on the way to the Athens Foreign Ministry with the embassy's military attache, calling ahead to arrange a meeting where the remaining note was presented with the still unbroken White House seal.  Opening it would reveal a hand written note.

 

To Minister Ariel David,

 

As you are no doubt aware of the ongoing crisis in the North Atlantic.  The peace and stability enjoyed by the region for so long has been disrupted by the Norse invasion of the British Isles.  The issues of this being blatant aggression and the violation of the UN Charter aside, my country views these developments with serious concern for the future security and stability of the North Atlantic.  I feel that I am correct in assuming that the Athenian Federation is also concerned.  I would like to propose cooperation in this matter, with our nations providing each other real time access to pertinent military information on the military activities of the conflict zone from our respective ground, sea, air and space assets in the area.  If also interested we may also be able to find non-overt means of assisting the nation of Avalon currently fighting for its life.  I look forward to your reply

 

President of the American Commonwealth,

Bradley Marston

 

 

 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Underwood Declares Initiative Defeated

 

11jul2013---o-ator-kevin-spacey-interpre

 

Athens - With no terrorist activity in the last year and most of the leadership of the Initiative convicted or soon to be prosecuted Chief Magistrate Francis Underwood has declared the war against the Initiative to have been won formally.

 

However while the Initiative may have been defeated their message lives on as protests against the status quo remain an ongoing even in daily Athenian life and the Internal Discipline Authority has made a record number of corruption arrests in the last decade alone. The stricter policy against corruption is in line with the administration's proclaimed war against disorder however it may be too little too late as many Athenians remain disillusioned with the way they are being governed. A development reflected in the economy.

 

The Office of the Megale Autokrateira has refused to comment and many have been left wondering about the status of Athens' head of state as she hasn't been heard from or seen in months. The military will remain on the streets for the foreseeable future.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hellenic Imperial Airways Flight 84 Disappears Over Atlantic

Airbus_A380_blue_sky.jpg

 

Hamilton - Earlier today an Airbus A380 on its way from New Orleans to Athens disappeared just 200 kilometres south of Bermuda. The Hellenic Navy and Coast Guard have immediately begun a search and rescue campaign near the last known location of the plane.

 

HIA Flight 84 reported no problems until its sudden disappearance and experts say that a crash at the speeds it was traveling at such a location made the presence of survivors remotely small. Military radar on Bermuda confirmed there were no other aircraft or missiles in the area when the airplane disappeared. In an initial statement from Hellenic Imperial Airways it was clarified that the plane specifically was an Airbus A380 Luxury edition and that it carried 400 passengers. Most of these returning from a conference in New Orleans.

 

Unconfirmed reports have reached the Athens Times that Prince Alexander was on the plane. Neither the Office of the Megale Autokrateira, the Chief Magistrate, the Ministry of Infrastructure or Hellenic Imperial Airways confirmed or denied the truth of these rumours.

Edited by Centurius
Link to comment
Share on other sites

HIA Flight 84 Confirmed Crashed, Prince Alexander Among Lost

raf-sea-king-search-and-rescue-helicopte

 

Hamilton - Following hours of searching the Hellenic Navy has confirmed Flight 84 has crashed into the sea. Search and rescue units have found the wreckage. The Office of the Megale Autokrateira has confirmed Prince Alexander and twelve High Guard were on the plane when it crashed.

 

Navy and Coast Guard units will search for any survivors but due to the location and the kind of crash it seems unlikely any survivors will be found. Additional units and companies in the area have been redeployed to the area to aid in search and rescue as well as salvaging operations.

 

When asked why the Prince was on a regular flight rather than on the private jet of the Imperial family the spokesperson refused to go into specifics but stated Prince Alexander had a desire to be among regular people. While it is too early to say for sure the possible death of the crown prince of Carthage and presumed heir of the Megale Autokrateira will have a significant impact on the politics of the Federation.

 

---

 

I thank you for your condolences and welcome any assistance your own units may be able to provide. While there is a significant search and rescue operation ongoing additional eyes are always welcome.

 

-Francis Underwood, Chief Magistrate.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Much like the American offer the Prussian offer would be swiftly accepted.

 

---

 

Crown Prince Found, Critical Condition

Seoul-Seonam-Hospital-design-exterior-1.

 

Lisbon - Following days of searching the Hellenic Navy has found the Crown Prince and two High Guard on a life raft. According to early reports the Crown Prince was in a critical condition and many believe the chances of a recovery are minimal. He has been taken to the Lisbon Institute of Health for immediate treatment.

 

The Crown Prince is one of the few who managed to make it out of the airplane alive and due to his prolonged exposure to the elements and injuries from the crash it seems unlikely he can recover and if he does it is even less likely he will be the same. The two guards found with him suffered minimal injuries and are being treated on Hamilton. The General of the High Guard has stated an inquiry will be launched to make sure his personnel did everything they could to protect the Crown Prince. No other statement has been made by a government agency yet, the hospital where the Crown Prince is being treated has been declared a location of imperial interest and as such has been declared a no-fly zone as well as given a full High Guard and IPD security detail.

 

The search for other survivors continues however divers have determined most passengers died on the plane. The Ministry of Infrastructure has suspended all flights by Hellenic Imperial Airways while an investigation determines if the crash was the fault of the airline.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

After clearance had been given Commonwealth forces would cooperate with the Athenian search effort.  The Navy devoted two carrier groups and several frigates and Prowler OPVs to the operation.  The Coast Guard commitment included eight national security cutters and another eight offshore patrol cutters.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Ministry of Security Introduces Vigilus, the Weapon that Never Sleeps

 

P37SDAB.jpg

 

Athens - In a public statement the Ministry of Security has today announced it is purchasing and introducing the Vigilus system developed by MBDA. Vigilus is an UAV capable of remaining in the air for incredibly long times and can at command of local forces in the field or an operator in a base. There are also longer term plans to integrate Vigilus into the Prometheus Project which would allow for entirely automated target identification and elimination without human involvement.

 

The Ministry of Security states that it plans to use Vigilus in counter-terror operations and as such will have 24/7 coverage over the entirety of the Athenian Federation. Critics have said that this weapon, especially if linked to an artificial intelligence without any human involvement, will inevitably lead to disaster as collateral damage can never truly be prevented and the weapon has the potential of being used against protesters and other criminals besides terrorists as well. The Ministry of Security has promised checks will be in place to prevent such a scenario.

 

Investigation Concluded, Airline Cleared

 

_56009394_northfactory2_airbus.jpg

 

Athens - Following weeks of investigations the Ministry of Infrastructure has released a report clearing Hellenic Imperial Airways of all blame in the recent crash that caused hundreds of deaths and the coma of Prince Alexander.

 

According to the report based on a collection of sources the crash was caused by a construction error in the Airbus A380 Executive produced at a factory in Bulgaria. Under extremely rare circumstances this specific version produced at that factory could have a fatal systems error. As a result the Ministry of Infrastructure has grounded all A380 Executives while Airbus has announced a program to repair the problem in all current planes. Aircraft belonging to Hellenic Imperial Airways are once again allowed to fly.

Edited by Centurius
Link to comment
Share on other sites

ETA Declares Basque Independence!

 

92025-004-B9C84249.jpg

 

Bilbao - In a march defying the ban on public assembly still in effect hundreds of thousands of Basque nationals have gone to the streets to fight for their independence. The Euskadi Ta Askatasuna, a known terrorist organization, has placed itself at the helm of this renewed independence movement and has publicly declared that the Greater Basque Country is no longer under the control of Athens or Milan.

 

Chief Magistrate Underwood has immediately responded stating that independence of the Basque regions will not be negotiated and has ordered the protesters to disperse immediately or face action in line with the law. The Spanish Guard as well as units of the Hellenic Army and Hellenic Marine Corps have been deployed throughout Bilbao and the surrounding region to quickly take action if the orders are issues and until then keep the crowds away from public buildings.

 

In a statement ETA has made it clear that the repressive actions of recent years as well as the corruption in all layers of governments have eliminated the last bit of trust the Basque nationals have had in Athens.

 

So far there has been no word from the Imperial Palace, the Megale Autokrateira has remained out of the spotlight ever since the HIA Flight 84 crash and according to anonymous sources has delegated her powers to the Chief Magistrate for the foreseeable future.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Protest Turns Violent as Shots Fired!

 

article-0-0BF3B5DA00000578-854_468x343.j

 

Bilbao - Protests have turned violent overnight as soldiers reportedly fired into crowds of protesters with live ammunition. The Ministry of Defence has stated the soldiers only started shooting after the protesters shot first. Additional military forces have been sent in to disperse the protests and curfews have been implemented throughout the greater Basque region.

 

According to reports from local hospitals and morgues two hundred people were wounded and fifty killed in the exchange of gunfire. A spokesperson for ETA has stated that protesters had brought no weapons to their peaceful demonstration and that the soldiers are guilty of a massacre.

 

Despite the statement from the Ministry of Defence the Chief Magistrate has stated a full investigation into the matter will be launched by the Military Discipline Authority. The MDA is the secretive law enforcement branch of the Military Intelligence Agency that is not subject to the Ministry of Defence. While the investigation continues Chief Magistrate Underwood has indicated support for the curfew and will stand by his order to disperse protests.

 

News of what has started to be known as the "Massacre at Bilbao" has increased opposition to government measures and increased support for other secessionist movements. The government is facing a tough challenge to control what can only be considered another opened Pandora's box.

Edited by Centurius
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Beirut Bombing Kills 40, Hezbollah Claims Responsibility

 

article-2509834-1980987000000578-713_964

 

Beirut -  In the first terrorist attack in years a car bomb in front of the regional Army recruiting station has killed 40, 15 soldiers and 25 civilians in the employ of the Ministry of Defence. Roughly five civilians who were outside were injured.

 

It was a normal day in downtown Beirut when the recruiting station was preparing to open its doors when a car ran through the security barrier and detonated at the entrance. The Hellenic Army has so far been unable to determine the explosive used. While not all bodies have been recovered it is impossible that anyone could have survived the explosion.

 

In a televised statement Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for the bombing, in their declaration they stated that "in support of their fellow independence fighters in the Basque" they "declare war on Athens and will fight until Islam can be governed by a single Caliphate". The Imperial government is taking the threat seriously and has sent in additional military forces and increased security at all military and imperial buildings.

 

While military measures may provide a temporal relieve it seems unlikely however to be a lasting solution as more and more groups that formerly remained quiet have asserted their control in recent years. The fire incident in Bilbao has only increased the resistance to imperial authority.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Chief Magistrate's Residence

 

The last week had been a disaster to say the least however Frank was not one to easily get exhausted, at his urging the MDA had rushed its investigation and concluded who shot first and whose orders were executed. It came as no real surprise that the Army had in fact been the one to shoot first and now it was time for the reckoning. At his direct orders General Iason Spiros had been temporarily removed from his command and summoned to the residence.

 

"General Spiros has arrived Chief Magistrate" A High Guard said before the door to Frank's office was opened and a clearly annoyed general walked in. A reluctance made more evident by the pathetic salute he had offered.

 

"General Spiros, could you please repeat the orders I have given you last week? The exact orders that is" Frank said as he looked at the man.

 

"To suppress the protests with minimal civilian casualties, sir." The general responded at which point Frank took the MDA report and pushed it to the end of the desk.

 

"Imagine my surprise when I found out a Corporal under your command fired the first shot and admitted that this was upon your explicit orders to take them out at all costs" Frank said as he rose from his chair and walked to a table where he poured himself a glass of scotch. "Now General, you have made yourself useless and I for one have no patience for useless things. This report is wrong right?"

 

"No, sir. It isn't"

 

"Iason, Iason, you are truly a disappointment" Frank said as he nodded to the guard. "Effective immediately you are placed inactive and are under arrest. We will put you on trial for the massacre in Bilbao" As soon as he finished four IPD officers walked into the room and grabbed the General.

 

"You do not have the authority to do this! I demand to speak to the Megale Autokrateira!" The general yelled.

 

"Show some respect for that uniform you are wearing, Ariadne will not see you" Frank said before the police offers pulled the general away.

 

---

 

Imperial Police Department Arrests General for Massacre

 

Athens - Following an investigation by the Military Discipline Authority the Imperial Police Department has arrested General Iason Spiros for 50 murders and 200 attempted murders as well as 250 conspiracies to commit murder. The arrest follows similar arrests made by the MDA of individuals who shot at protesters. In the statement by the Imperial Police Department the Chief of Police said that no one stands above the law and everyone, no matter their status, is subject to justice. As the General has been removed from active duty he will be prosecuted under the civilian courts and has been transferred to an undisclosed prison.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hellenic Space Forces Reveal New Battlestar

 

640px-Pegasus_High_Res.jpg

 

Cronus - Despite the events occuring on Earth the engineers belonging to the Hellenic Space Forces on Atlantis have today unveiled the newest class of so called Battlestars in the Athenian armada. The class, which is based on the by now famous Galactica class, is significantly longer and better armed while due to increased automation it requires less personnel to remain running.

 

The new Mercury Class Battlestars will be used in conjunction with the Galactica Class to protect Athenian interests beyond Earth. The HSS Pegasus, first in the class, has been launched today and the HSF has stated they seek to build two more Mercury type vessels and at least another seven Galactica Class ones. The announcement is extra special as it is also the first time a capital ship was constructed by the Athenian Federation fully independent from Earth.

 

Back at home the news has been received as a single good thing happening in the midst of all the crises and has become a rallying point for those seeking to hold the Federation together.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bulgaria Joins Quest for Independence

 

bulgarian_protests_cheaper_energy.si.jpg

 

Sofia - In the worst protest since the Bulgarian Civil War thousands of Bulgarians have gone to the streets of Sofia calling for their immediate independence. The crowds inspired by both the existing independence movements in other areas as well as the movements in Ukraine are the latest sign that despite the best intentions no measure of the government seems able to stem the tide.

 

So far protests have remained peaceful but violent movements have joined the gatherings and police fear that soon the crowds may be incited to take things to the next level. Athens has deployed additional soldiers and marines to the area however the loyalty of these forces themselves have been put into question after the arrest of General Spiros that has placed the Hellenic Army into direct opposition to the Underwood administration.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...