The Russo-African Crisis

The esteemed general kept a poker face about him. It was perfectly reasonable argument to state one's personal honor was at stake for China, but in a closed military conference that was dealing with something far greater than personal honor, he didn't feel that it was necessary. He didn't feel that he was bragging on his Marshal's Star either; he just thought he was being polite and courteous to other military officers in the room by stating his rank in the military. However, he felt that he was no longer wanted at the stand, but President Molchanov held up a hand as he walked up to join the military commander. General Ourumov, a little confused, took his place by the President's side. Instead of a tantrum, perhaps Molchanov would represent Russia's own maturity in comparison to China's.
"Premier Jintao, it's clear that you do pride you and your country's personal honor; it's a shame that you feel that the Russian Federation is spoiling it by delcaring war on the GLA nearly directly after you. However, I do believe that General Ourumov is correct: honor is a secondary concern to the safety and security of the free world. While it is clear that you do want vengeance against the GLA, remember that you have an active duty to your country and to the people whom you are sworn to protect as their leader. I most certainly have."
"It is your decision to choose to assist us or stay out of the way, Premier," General Ourumov stated bluntly, "I would prefer that we cooperate on efforts to save as many civilian lives as possible if this plan is put into effect, as well as minimize the costs to other groups."
"Urumov, pozhaluysta. Razreshite, [Ourumov, please. Let me.]" Dmitry whispered to the general. Sergei immediately shut his mouth before he could say another word, and let the President take the floor.
"Premier Jintao, I don't believe that you want a conflict against Russia based on personal honor. Not only is it foolhardy and immature in every sense of the word, believe me...I would know immature," Dmitry stated with an embarrassed smile at his previous tantrum. "However, as it currently stands, bickering over personal honor and how it stands in the face of an immoral and extraordinarily dangerous enemy will get neither you or me anywhere. If you want to talk about any personal hurt towards your pride and honor, please don't hesitate to talk to me through email (OOC: Faction communications.), otherwise, let's get this discussion back on track. From a completely military standpoint, I believe it a necessity to, while enacting this stratagem's controversial policies, to remember that we need to save civilian lives first and foremost. As General Ourumov stated, we could all work cooperatively to save survivors and hunt down remaining GLA cells afterwards. It's clear that some do oppose this stratagem due to its seeming indiscriminate nature, but in a war where civilians are used as shields and disguises, it's clear that the rules do have to be bent. That being said, I do believe that civilian lives should be saved and their casualties minimized as much as possible, but I do believe that if we're following the Rules of War to the fullest extent against someone as immoral as Omar Al-Ghazi or their new leader, then we won't be able to fight effectively, as we are hampered in our capability to strike back." General Ourumov looked in amazement at Dmitry's complete 180. He was acting so incredibly childish at the start of the summit, clearly a sign that he didn't feel that it was necessary to ask others for permission to enact such a controversial stratagem in the first place, and now he was speaking with an authority and calmness about him that stated that he was done being childish about this ordeal, and that it needed to be discussed and agreed upon.
"In summary, please put personal dogmas aside for now and look at the bigger picture: the GLA needs to be brought down, or things are going to continuously get worse and worse. To those who want to help in hunting down and arresting GLA forces and suspected supporters, feel free; help us save as many lives as we can as well. To those who want to stand in the way and stick to tunnel-visioned views of the Rules of War and how they 'have' to apply to the GLA, please step aside. We will not hesitate to set you aside so I can do my job, as you will do yours."

As Kennedy finished his ominous warning, the doors opened for Archibald and Billotte to begin their re-entry into the summit.

"Apologies for my absence." Archie apologised profusely. "I wish to have the attention of everyone present for a few moments."

After tapping Billotte on the shoulder, the French general opened his briefcase and retrieved a map of Africa. After placing it upon the table, he leaned across and began using his officer's swagger stick as a pointer.

"Ladies and gentlemen." He began while tracing a circle round The Zone. "At this very moment, there are eight divisions of The AEDP advancing into The Zone as we speak. They are engaging in a far more ethical plan than what has been suggested by our Russian counterparts. What I wish to present to you is Operation Aries."

Billotte placed two markers, one with the words "I Corps", the other "1st European Corps", on the border of AEDP controlled Chad.

"We have two corps. One from the ECA, the other from The British Army." He explained while tapping the two markers. "They are at this very moment, advancing into The Zone with the aim of securing a foothold within the former nations of CAR, The Central African Republic, and Cameroon. They are to seize the towns of Batangafo and Salak. These towns have local airfields, which are of vital strategic importance."

His stick swiftly pushed the two counters from Chad into Cameroon and CAR to punctuate his point.

"When they have secured the towns and airfields. They will halt and begin construction of camps with the airfields as their nuclei. These camps will be the AEDP command and control points that will spearhead further expansion into The Zone with the aim of pacifying it. The civilian population will be protected, any suspected GLA activists will be detained and held in civilian conditions, but under military guard. Meanwhile, further reinforcements will be poured across the border to continue the offensive further into GLA territory.

This is The Zodiac Stratagem. A precise clear and hold plan that will span numerous countries and systematically root out the enemy, leaving them with nowhere above ground to hide. A military stratagem that is interlinked with humanitarian effort to achieve what The Americans of the 1960's could not in Vietnam. We shall liberate those who are subjugated by terror, and eliminate or arrest anyone who wishes to protect this cult of insanity. I already have every intention of allowing representatives of humanitarian organisations such as The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to observe and ensure that all rules of warfare are obeyed. In the event that an individual is found to be engaging in activities that contravene them, they will be punished severely, both by The AEDP and by any legal proceedings necessary.

Ladies and gentlemen, I shall abide no unethical behaviour from the people under my command this will be orchestrated with every intention being for it to be clean and above board. Any questions?"

Wang Xi Jintao’s eyes thinned more. So even the West forgets what real honour is huh, he thought. A personal thing? The worms had no idea that honour is a far more greater thing then merely a single man’s thought.

“So once more the Russians refuse to act like civil man and continue this debate?” Wang out spoke perhaps too soon as he was perhaps not in the position to speak at this moment. Kwai stood up. “Our preparations started before this meeting, and are currently still ongoing. Do you have any idea how much effort, capacities and funding’s it costs? Is there no respect for these efforts my men and our fellow branches made thus far?” he said while slamming once more with his glass on the desk.

Jintao breathed a couple of times himself. “IF… and I say IF… there is a faction who try to tell us what to do or don’t tell us what to do, I will provide you straight away a honourable warning. Watch your words. We will not be dictated!”

Jintao stepped down and start talking with Kwai. “Call general Zedong as soon as we are finished here. We might need to re-evaluate the current plans and perhaps adjust them.”

Meanwhile the few Chinese in the back of the room regained their places. After the Russians decided to walk out they quickly stepped aside, making sure that their middle man wasn’t been seen. This man continuously observe these discussions with great interests. The more tenser it became, the more he enjoyed it.

Archibald, his expression etched into one of disappointment, watched silently as the Russian delegation left the room. After a few sombre moments passed to let the event sink in, he cleared his throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, while The Russian delegation has decided to leave. I do not wish to impose upon everyone present that this summit is to be terminated. If I may please hold your attention for a little while longer, I would be most grateful to all of you." He requested solemnly.

Mendoza had quite the time to think about several statements which he heard thusfar. He was surprised how the Russians act. Dmitry who twice lost his self-control. The SAP president was terrified by these hard words, and he realised that the SAP isn’t prepared to a large scale nuclear war or any comparable form. The decision from around the 80’s to cancel nuclear weapons backfires harder than predicted.

Mendoza knew that there were some super weapons deployed in the GWOT, yet unaware that this was greater in numbers then he expected. Has the time come to undo that decision those many years ago?


Even Punjabi was ordered to retake his seat by the majority of the Bangladore Pact while they immediately starting to discuss several aspects thus far. (I want to leave it here, since I am not the controller of the Bangladore Pact. Their opinion on this entire situation is unknown/neutral somehow)


And there were the Chinese. Hard words, even dangerous words if they were taken too light by others. The Russians left, and this was something Mendoza scared a little. Is this the start of a war? And why was Dmitry determined to made a race against China? And now he changed most possible the guns from the GLA towards Europe?


He coughed once when the USA announce their help in a way that Mendoza would paint as pathetic. Still hating the alliance between the Russian Federation and the capitalists up north, which in his eyes was a story what needed to end in one way or another.

And there is Stanford, who launches an attack while being in this UN meeting. Another decision made what Mendoza should think as a reckless move. Same story as that Russia announced their scorched earth policy for The Zone.


While speaking to his assistant, a UN official showed up. “President Cardinal, you are requested to make a stand in this meeting. We desire to know what is going on your mind..” Mendoza signed, and stood up.

“Gentlemen,” Mendoza started. “This is a sticky situation. I have always been a supporter of the Russian way of thinking.. But I have to admit that I have seconds thoughts on some smaller decisions made in this discussion. If you ask me whether the SAP is against the GLA, yes, the SAP is firmly against the GLA. But to be fair, the GLA has never hurt the South American continent. But we reject their way of acting through the years. They have highly questionable methods to gain their support…” Mendoza started a little ‘neutralish’.


“If the Russians urge us to back them up, the most decent thing for me to do is discuss with them on how, where, and when. But let us be clear that we will not support a doomsday scenario. But I admit, that I have thoughts about choosing a way of showing true power… But I will not support, or co-operate with the capitalists from up north!” Mendoza pointed to the USA/NAU delegations. “This is out of the question since recent investigations have brought up the proof against other accusations. I cannot sell this to my people, to my fellow man, to work with them together. But this will be a thing between me and President Molchanov, as I do not wish to continue on this right now…” Mendoza gave the Americans a ‘not so nice’-look.


He signed. “I can understand China’s frustrations, as well as the European point of view. But with the sudden absence of my Russian friends, what do you expect from me? To once more try to patch things up? To choose a side at this moment? The SAP has their own GLA to deal with, let us not forget that. But I have to make a choice sooner or later. And I cannot forsake the friendship between the Pact and the Federation.”


Mendoza quickly exchanged a face expression with his assistant. “I am in a tight spot right now, driven in a corner and I am not sure what to do. Is it time to prepare for a war? Apparently yes, according to several men. But against whom? Where?... HOW? The SAP has no foothold in Africa. At the most, we could make use perhaps of the territories who are allied to the Russians and/or their CSTO clients….” Mendoza suddenly stops as he chosen too. He need a drink to wet his mouth and neck, and needed a few minutes to regain more focus before he could say anything stupid perhaps
. He walked back to his original seat to give himself a little time to re-energize.

As Archibald listened intently to Wang, his phone vibrated to inform him of a text message he'd received. He swiftly retrieved the device from his pocket and read the text after Wang had finished speaking.

"Ladies and gentlemen." He announced. "I wish to inform everyone here that Operation Aries has met with success. I am informed that Batangafo was seized without a fight and Salak was captured with minimal casualties and the complete destruction of a division sized force of GLA fighters. A huge amount surrendered and we are now preparing the necessary accommodation for them to be detained."

After putting his phone away, he looked at everyone present in the room and threw his arms into the air as a gesture of defiance to the Russian criticism.

"Does everyone here support the Russian plan of mass annihilation now?" He enquired. "You've reached a crossroads. I called for this meeting because I was convinced that the rights of civilians would be ignored and my belief has been proven true. I am aware that China has declared war on The GLA and preparing their own actions with The Zone. You have every right to do as such, just like The Russians, but doing it right is the only way we can beat them.

Everyone here can choose to remain neutral, support the Russians and besmirch their reputation by attaching their name to a government that wishes to advocate mass murder of innocent people as a legitimate method of beating an ideological cause, or we work together to demonstrate that we are not imperialists as The GLA claim, but people who wish to address the issues that made numerous groups of people with an axe grind band together into the organisation that has caused untold misery over the past 30 years."

He stood up and bowed his head solemnly towards Wang.

"Guówùyuàn zǒnglǐ jīn dào, wǒ méiyǒu yìtú diànwū nǐ de róngyù. Dànshì, wǒ zài zhèlǐ shuō, wǒ xiànzài yào fǎnduì nǐ, zhèngrú wǒ hé zǒngtǒng mò ěr qià nuò fū yīyàng, rúguǒ nǐ juédìng cǎiqǔ lèisì de xíngdòng jìhuà. Wǒ kěnqiú nǐ rènwéi wǒmen yīqǐ nǔlì, shíxiàn yīgè gèng měihǎo de shìjiè. Nǐ de qiánrèn zhǔzhāng zìyóu shǐyòng héwǔqì lái jíbài quánqiú jiěfàngjūn, wǒ qǐngqiú nǐ bùyào zàicì cǎiqǔ zhè zhǒng xíngdòng.

(Premier Jintao, I have no intent of besmirching your honour. However, I do state here and now that I will oppose you, just as I have done with President Molchanov, if you decide to take a similar plan of action. I beseech you to consider that we work together to achieve a better world. Your predecessors advocated the liberal use of nuclear weapons to beat back The Global Liberation Army, I beg of you not to follow that course of action again.)"

He then turned towards Mendoza.

"Presidente Mendoza, não tenho nenhuma briga com você e não pretendo exigir nada de você. Se você deseja permanecer neutro para que você possa se concentrar em questões domésticas e regionais na América do Sul e Central, que é o seu negócio. No entanto, eu aconselho que você condenar o que a Rússia sugeriu, uma vez que não fazê-lo, inevitavelmente, terá seu nome anexado como um homem que silenciosamente aprovou a sua escolha de ação.

(President Mendoza, I have no quarrel with you and I do not intend to demand anything of you. If you wish to remain neutral so that you can focus on domestic and regional issues in South and Central America, that is your business. However, I do advise that you condemn what Russia has suggested, since not doing so will inevitably have your name attached as a man that silently approved their choice of action.)"

Finally, he looked towards John Fitzgerald Kennedy II.

"Mr. President." He began respectfully. "I am aware of what occurred regarding the paperclip and eraser. While I am aware that you are honour bound to drift towards supporting Russia in their "next conflict" as the pair of you agreed. I must then ask of you if you wish to follow the Russians into what they've attempted to gain support for here. Will the people look upon you in the future as the man that ruined the reputation of JFK and himself by supporting this travesty of grand strategy?"

Archibald looked down at the desk and tapped it as he thought of how to close his impromptu speech.

"Ladies and gentlemen." He finally began. "I do not stand here as a man asking for assistance or alliances. I am here to ask merely that you consider whether supporting Russia today will truly achieve what you all wish to achieve, and whether it will actually prove more detrimental to everyone in this room and the now absent Russians if we allowed it."

Archibald took a deep breath to clear his head before responding to Cardinal's query.

"Then it will be war, Mr. President." He stated. "We shall defend Europe to the last man. The AEDP will fight until final victory has been achieved or die trying. That is the pledge we made and that is what we intend to do. As for if they impose such a policy on European soil, then it would be exactly the same as if they were to go ahead with their plan in The Zone. We will fight and if victory is achieved, we will see everyone responsible bound in chains and condemned to the judgement of the International Criminal Court."