EVENT [MN]: Global Economic Crisis

[Vaka]

GERMAN FEDERAL FOREIGN OFFICE
Public Press Conference
Today inside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Press Conference Room, Minister Klaus Kinkel was mobbed by reporters as he stepped to the press podium to read a prepared statement. Camera flashes and mumbling voices filled the the large oval room. It was the most activity this room had seen in quite some time. Normally this sort of press conference would be done from Federal Chancellery Building with the Federal Chancellor Presiding. Unfortunately both the Federal Chancellor and the President were both currently in the Rattanakosin Kingdom attending the Funeral of the of late Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn. So today the responsibility fell to the Vice Chancellor who also happened to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. At the podium he gestured towards the gathered press and the others that had joined them for silence as he began to read along from a piece of paper in front of him.


First let me thank you for meeting me on such short notice. In the absence of the Federal Chancellor Kohl or President Herzog, public announcements about the situation in Russia will be coming from myself, or at least someone from my office for the time being. We are still in the process of trying to gather all the details of the events that unfolded in Moscow over the past few hours. It seems a peaceful demonstration had formed outside some prominent Government buildings in response to the crash of the Russian Ruble and subsequent mass layoffs that followed shortly after. The crowd quickly grew to outnumber many of the security personnel there. Certain elements of that protest soon took note of the numbers advantage and began to become violent towards officials and police. It seems a large number of these protestors have communist leanings and sympathies. Old soviet flags were reported in masse in and amongst the crowds. We have no word on wounded or injured from Moscow much less on if anyone has been killed. We will be placing a Travel Ban from Airports in Germany to Western Russia effective immediately . It is simply just too dangerous at the present time. We have had no formal contact with Russian Authorities and feel they currently do not posses the capacity protect its own citizens much less Germans traveling there. We are recommending that all German Citizens in Russia to return home immediately for your own safety.

We are currently working closely with the Nordic Council and Global Assembly in an effort to find out what can be done to not only stop the violence in Moscow but to stop the looming threat of communism that has reappeared in the wake of the collapse of the Russian Stock Market. These meetings are only in the preliminary stages however and nothing concrete is in place. We hope in the coming days to find out how all of this started along with primarily who is responsible for the mess in Moscow. We must work tirelessly to ensure this mess does not begin to spill out into other Eastern European nations.
Again thank you for your time.

Minister Klaus Kinkel was again bombarded with flashes and further questions. He gave a quick wave to some of the reporters there but was then quickly escorted away to another part of building away from the press.

Outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unbeknownst to the people inside, another small crowd had formed and they were waving the old East German Flag side by side with the Flag of the USSR.

​

 

[Dutchy]

​

Foreigners started to gather at the city's airports which remained out of action due to the lack of staffing for the vital services. Most residents of Moscow, who weren’t participating in the demonstration, had bunkered down within their own homes. Those tourists who did venture out onto the streets risked their lives and belongings to criminals using the chaos to carry out looting, mugging and robbing.

The streets were still clogged with hundreds of thousands of protesters, making any attempts by police and security forces to enter the area from outside slow going. While the brutal tactics employed by the army would convince certain moderates to vacate the area, others would be simply emboldened to fight on alongside the extremists and the communists. Facing heavy resistance, low-ranking members of the police and army who haven’t been paid in weeks would be discouraged to press their attack upon their own citizens. Desertion would be rife within the lower ranks as they sought to distance themselves from the anger of the crowd.

Inside the hotel the crowd was blocked from entering the conference chamber by the hastily built barricade. Unable to enter the room and address the dignitaries, they started banging on the door, angrily demanding access in order to address the foreign diplomats. The assault team noticing the lack of forward movement held their position as they reviewed the situation.

​

On the streets the communist leadership continued to disperse weapons among the crowd where the extremists were eager to take up arms against the government. The crowd, now armed with rifles, turned against the security forces who’s brutal tactics only fuelled the anger against them. Their use of tear gas and rubber bullets on the crowd would soon backfire, as extremists breached shops and buildings taking position in second floor windows. Suddenly a single shot was fired and for a brief moment the streets fell silent; a police officer crumpled to the ground, blood dripping from his chest...

Moscow would be in absolute chaos as shots began ripping into the demoralised security forces. Moderates on the streets attempted to flee the carnage as extremists, intermingled with the communists, pushed them towards the police lines and used their sheer numbers as a shield in their push towards the Kremlin.

 

[Bruno]

With the situation in Russia growing dire by the second, the Chairman of the Chief Joints of Staff was instructed by the President would privatly send two emails for Russia and Ukraine, in order to reach an agreement for the rescue of one of its highest officials in the Cortés Administration, while the President was in talks with the South Korean President.

To Ukraine

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Republic of Spain

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This message is private & encrypted

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​

To the Honourable Minister of Defence
Mr. Oleksandr Kuzmuk

Due to the recent events taken part inside Russia, especially inside the Russian Moscow Hotel, where a conference of various leaders and diplomats was occurring. I am requesting permission for the Spanish Republic Air Force and Spanish Republic Navy to fly over Ukrainian Air Space and refuel in the Kiev Airport to rescue the Spanish Secretary of State, if the mission is successful, we also request the use of the same airport for refuel on the way back. This is all that is needed for a single helicopters to save his life. I hope that you can confirm and allow this.

With great appreciation and kind regards,
Chairman of the Chief Joints of Staff of the Spanish Republic Armed Forces
General Francisco Salas

GingeOrCringe

To Russia

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Republic of Spain

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This message is private & encrypted

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​

To the Honourable Minister of Defence
Mr. Pavel Grachev

Due to the recent events taken part inside your nation which we are monitoring 24/7, the Spanish Secretary of State is stranded inside the Russian Moscow hotel. Where the conference of various leaders and diplomats was occurring. I am requesting permission for the Spanish Republic Air Force and Spanish Republic Navy to fly over Russian Air Space to rescue via the building roof the Spanish Secretary of State. This is all that is needed for Russia to worry about one less life which is at risk. I hope that you can confirm and grant authorisation for this.

With great appreciation and kind regards,
Chairman of the Chief Joints of Staff of the Spanish Republic Armed Forces
General Francisco Salas

HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Hotel Moscow, Moscow, Russia

"Stand back or be fired upon!" a voice rang out in Russian from the other side of the barricade. The Spetnaz guarding the Foreign Dignitaries were dead serious and began to order those they were guarding to get on the ground. If they saw a breach they knew that they were going to have to open fire at some point. They checked their magazines and waited hoping that the protestors would lose their nerve.

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"I am with Union of Communist Parties – Communist Party of the Soviet Union. What is happening comrade is that the proletariat is taking back what is ours. We will bring Communism back to Russia and restore the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic and maybe even the Soviet Union! Comrade! As the leader of another Communist nation you must be pleased with this yes?"

SM99

Moscow, Russia

It was as if everything had gone silent for a moment, when one officer fell and crumpled to the ground all questions were off. They could no longer hold up a shield wall. If they did, they would be easy pickings for snipers and gunmen. For a moment they all fell back, taking over and abandoning their positions after hearing the orders "Pull back to cover!" came to them, though some did so before even being given the order.

Soon thereafter, violence was met with violence as the Soldiers retrieved their weapons. This was no longer a simple riot, but a full on insurrection. They returned fire, trying their best to avoid shooting civilians, but with them constantly pressing it was difficult to avoid. Gunfire raked buildings left and right. Tear gas continued to be fired as those soldiers and officers who were left behind to take cover beind vehicles were practically torn apart by the riot.

A new shield wall had to be established as they unrelentingly poured tear gas and rubber bullets into the crowd while firing also upon the buildings where snipers had held up. At this point the ASU-85 assault guns that had been brought began to fire HE rounds into buildings with confirmed gunmen, much like tanks did in 1993.

It was complete chaos as Soldiers wanting to take revenge stayed to fight, while others merely fired over the heads of those that they were fighting while still some just up and left. If something did not change soon, this could turn into a pure bloodbath, especially if the crowds did not disperse and gunmen mingled with the crowds.

With cover from the now actively shooting soldiers and having reestablished themselves they would once more make a push. This time more brutal then before. No mercy was shown to those they caught, especially the communists.

At the Kremlin the Spetsnaz would fire more and more teargas into the crowd. They would fire upon anyone who fired upon them with extreme precision. Not only that, but they soon brought in AGS-17 automatic grenade launchers.

AGS-17

Which had belts loaded with tear gas rounds. Upon being set up they began to fire in rapid succession tear gas rounds over a wide spread. Blanketing the area with tear gas and as almost non of these people has gas masks this would prove extremely effective. Even the army from the otherside would start employing such a method.

They had to be brutal and quick if they wanted this to end soon.

 

[SM99]

Hotel Moscow was in sight. However between the embassy security vehicles and the hotel was a sea of protestors. There was no way for the vehicles to get through at all. It was chaos all around with the looting and the demonstrations. Capt Petrovic decided to pull back. The crowds were hostile and there was no way of locating the President. Instead they quickly reversed and headed back towards the embassy

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The President would continue to press down on his megaphone to ensure their conversation was not on the loudspeaker. He would lean in towards the protestors ear.

"Comrade, ensure my safe departure back to Yugoslavia and I can assure you that you will have the support of the League of Communists and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The international community is watching. Play your cards right, you must not publicly encourage violence, especially towards those diplomats in the hotel. If you wish to speak in private to discuss this further, then come with me"

He would then promptly lift the megaphone from him and shout directly towards the crowd in Russian.

" Proletarii vsekh stran, soyedinyaytes'! " (Workers of the world, UNITE!). The President would hope the crowd would react positively to the famous communist slogan. The President and his aides would huddle back together and request safe passage to the Yugoslav Embassy or the Airport. HeadlessSeeker

 

[Danny]

With the situation spiraling out of control in Russia. The Australian Government has put in place a Do Not Travel ban on Russia until further notice. However, with an Australian Representative being held captive inside of the Hotel. The Australian Government would privately request any fellow nation to help rescue their Representative.
The Australian Embassy in Moscow would be lockdown, any Australian citizen who had a full Australian passport would be sheltered inside where Australian Embassy guards would be inside armed, ready to protect the building at all costs.

 

[GingeOrCringe]

To: Francisco Salas Bruno;

From: Oleksandr Kuzmuk

Cc: Paval Grachev HeadlessSeeker

Subject: Clearance

Security: Private and Encrypted

You have our permission to enter Ukrainian airspace and refuel so long as you are willing to sign a statement guaranteeing you have the expressed permission of the Russian Federation to enter their territory, that you shall not attack individuals or military structures loyal to the non-Soviet government of the Russian Federation, nor shall you attack individuals or structures loyal to the independent Republic of Ukraine.

I have cc'd the proper Russian officials in this email as well.

I apologize for the curt reply, there is no time for formalities
Oleksandr Kuzmuk

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l

President Yushchenko glanced out over the square as he climbed the steps at the base of the Victory Column. Snow was drifting down in heavy flakes, accumulating just as quickly on the Maidan as the crowd had. With a December cold front rolling in, the administration had expected the chill to keep the audience size to a minimum—a sort of crowd control. Their prediction had been wrong.

Security had set up two perimeters with temporary fencing—the first enclosed the square itself, allowing for three entrances monitored by city police. The second fence was lower, set up about 10 feet from where the President would be giving his speech. Several reporters and regular citizens were leaning on the railing as they waited for the address to begin. Eighteen spetsnaz were posted along it, as faithful as guard dogs, their job was to ensure none of the spectators hopped over. Another group of spetsnaz, five of them, hovered closer to the president.

Yushchenko took off his gloves and straightened his papers as he stood at the podium. “My fellow Ukrainians,” he began. He spoke in perfect Ukrainian, rather than the crude Surzhyk or Russian so many politicians had been raised speaking. “Since the establishment of our statehood in 1918, Ukraine has faced continuous uncertainty. From the Holodomor and the Nazi invasion to the waves of political persecution in the 1960s and 70s, to the Symonenko Coup which took place just under three years ago. Those of you who did not experience all of these events yourself have parents or grandparents who do remember them in vivid detail."

“It is no wonder you’re anxious in regards to the future of our country when the foundation of our past is so unstable. Your demonstrations have made this concern clear—the majority of Ukraine has no desire to resurrect the Soviet Union. I am here today to reassure you this will not happen. Having recently hosted a visit with President Boris Yeltsin, I can report Russo-Ukrainian relations are slowly but steadily improving. I am confident the Russian Federation would not harm an ally, and I am confident the expressions of anger and frustration in Moscow will not topple the representative governments we have constructed for ourselves,” he lied.

“Spilled blood has divided our peoples, in an equal and opposite way our shared blood forever binds us. Any prosperity in Ukraine will prove to be only temporary if our brother nation is in peril. We must therefore address the economic crisis together, and we will."

“I can confirm the recent announcement made by Russian Minister of Economic Development Yevgeny Yasin in regards to national projects. These will provide the benefit of infrastructure to the Ukrainian people, while providing jobs and work experience to the Russian people. It is hoped that this will contribute to the stabilization of the Eastern European economy—that it will help address the financial distress so many people are experiencing."

"I would also announce to any lenders that Ukraine is interested in purchasing $10,000,000,000 worth of Russian debt and the rights to collect on it. This will be of benefit to all parties. The original lenders will receive an immediate payment—they will rest easy knowing some of their investment has been regained. Russia will be permitted to pay a much lower interest rate on the purchased debt, and our economic influence will place Ukraine on a more equal standing with them. Should this arrangement follow through, any money paid to Ukraine will then be allocated to a fund specifically for joint international projects that will benefit both our peoples.” [ Hollie HeadlessSeeker]

Yushchenko cleared his throat as he switched to Russian. “To my fellow Ukrainians who have doubts… to our brothers protesting in Moscow, and to all citizens of former soviet countries I say this: you are right to cry out against corruption and poverty. However, capitalism is not the cause. Such issues were rampant under the red banner of communism, the difference now is we are permitted to peacefully voice our discontent. We cannot fix our problems instantaneously. Just as it takes a season for wheat to grow and potatoes to sprout, it will take time to see the fruits of our labor, but I assure you the results will be worth it."

"The anger and frustration you feel is justified, the methods through which you are expressing it are not. Ukraine condemns the violence breaking out in the streets of Moscow. A true revolution for the people would not attempt to overthrow a government by the people. We—”

On the north edge of the crowd an airhorn interrupted. As attention was turned, a loud pop cracked through the night air from somewhere in the opposite direction, then another. Yushchenko felt one of the spetsnaz tackle him onto the ground, but not before someone pelted him with a rock. Just what they needed right now, some childish prank.

“I’m fine, it’s fine,” he repeated, stumbling back to his feet. A dull burning pain radiated just under his right clavicle. It’s fine. Finish the speech, go home, ice it. Shaking off the spetsnaz, he leaned heavily against the podium. “I…” he slipped his hand inside his coat for a moment. Wet? Red? Oh. Thus all the screaming. He’d start to feel it soon, but not yet.

Yushchenko dazedly held up his blood stained hand to the crowd. “Argumentum ad Baculum--a poor argument." He wasn’t sure anyone heard him over the shouting and panic as the spetsnaz began dragging him across the snow towards the motorcade on the north end of the square.

 

[Jamie]

​

Settling upon the clock tower, Credenhill, the creased eyes of Staff Sergeant McAleese gave a moments thought of the names that were inscribed on the side. Listing those who had died on active duty with the Special Air Service. Moments passed and the sombre time was interrupted, 'Mac', as he's known, was accompanied by one of his more guilty pleasures; a cuban cigar hoisted between his teeth, polluting the air around him. From over his shoulder, a voice spoke "Staff", prompting him to turn on his heels to the younger character whom continued to speak "We've got wheels up in three". Visible confusion ensued, the last year was anything but interesting. Scheduled diplomatic visits, protecting pompous politicians and sat mindlessly watching the news on television with world events that only ever excited those watching, sparking hope of a deployment that never arose.

"We're been moved to Sweden, there's some government official in Russia and they've not heard from him in some time... looks like we might finally be getting some action, I think we all know the Spetsnaz won't have the brain capacity to get him to safety." explained the Trooper. It was John McAleese's final month in the Special Air Service before retirement, a clout of anxiousness struck, acknowledging that in his line of work, not many make it to retirement. Dismissive of the mental block, he nodded "Thank fuck, Russia of all places. The cunts won't know what hit them when we arrive. If we get the green light, we'll be ready." His brisk, Scottish accent was enough to put fear in anyone, especially when a tier one operator.

The pair departed from the shadow of the Clocktower and directed their attention to the barracks. The next hours were critical to mission success, mustering equipment from their primary weapons down to the boots they were to wear; and a number of other varieties to cover all bases including that of arctic appliances to parachutes and night vision googles. All of which would be transported to Sweden and give more flexibility for the operators if given the green light. Time was passing rather abruptly, from gathering all assortments to the transportation to the airport. Other units, such as 1PARA, did the same but from their respective base in Wales. All converging on RAF Brize Norton which had five Lockheed C-130-J-30 Hercules and one Lockheed Martin Tri-Star fully crewed and ready.

Another few hours passed and the planes, now complemented with the respective equipment, departed. Their first destination was across the North Sea and into the Swedish Air Force Base offered to the task force - Uppsala Airbase. Naturally, the whole deployment was classified with 'TOP SECRET', only those involved and at the highest of military hierachy were aware of such activities and under the approval of the Swedish Government. With the flight estimated to last approximately two and a half hours, the time was best spent reviewing briefings and discussion plans to accomplish the mission if they were ultimately required to go into Russia. "Sir, we've just had further development. The Ukrainian President was just shot." advised a member of the aircrew, the men from the Special Forces merely faced the man, ignorantly looking down and continued to converse. Despite been further escalation on an already dire situation, ti wasn't relevant to their objective.

As requested, the Swedish Government (Connor ) were sent a memo ahead of arrival, indicating the ETA and the quantity of assets deploying to the designated air base. With no response from the Russian Government, another email was sent in the hope to get permission to go into Russia; which would certainly make the operation easier to accomplish.

Operation Brisk Mission Report

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OPERATION BRISK
Operation Directive, December 1997
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

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XI. PRELIMINARYX
The escalations of violence in Russia following the economic collapse has sparked major concern for a senior minister from the government cabinet, Leon Hurst, the Secretary of International Development; whom remains in Russia as part of an International Conference.

XII. BELLIGERENTSX

Blufor United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Opfor Extremists

XIII. STRENGTHX

PRIMARY FORCE
[3] Lockheed C-130-J-30 Hercules [ASCOT001, 002 & 003]
[43] Special Air Service Operators
[8] Snatch Land Rovers

SUPPORT GROUP
[1] HMS Devonshire

[185] Royal Navy & Fleet Air Arm Personnel
[25] 4-0 Commando, A Company
[2] Pacific 22 RIB
[1] Westland Lynx HMA.8 [ZN0104, WOLF024]​

[1] Lockheed TriStar KC1 [COYOTE001]

[100] 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment [A & B Company]​

[2] Lockheed C-130-J-30 Hercules [ASCOT004 & 005]
[1] Lockheed Martin U-2S [KNIGHT001]

XIV. CASUALTIES AND LOSSESX

Blufor	Opfor	Non-Combatant
Dead: 0 Wounded: 0	Dead: 0 Wounded: 0

XV. OPERATING BASESX

Designation	Location	Status
Uppsala Airbase	Stockholm, Sweden	Active

XVI. CAMPAIGN REGISTERX

Operation	Description	Status
Operation Brisk I DEC1997 -	Insertion into Russia	Planning
Operation Brisk II DEC1997 -	Recovery of Package	Planning
Operation Brisk III DEC1997 -	Extraction of Package	Planning
Operation Brisk IV DEC1997 -	Escape Russia	Planning

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To the Russian Government

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Her Majesty's Government
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

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To:	The Russian Government HeadlessSeeker
Cc:
Bcc:
Subject:	Situation Report at Hotel National

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To the Russian Authorities,

The situation in Russia is escalating each day and as you may know, there remains Senior Officials from the United Kingdom and perhaps other countries as per an international conference in the region. The last report that we have is that our Secretary of International Development was held up at Hotel National in Moscow. Please could you provide an update on the current situation in the area and whether there is any timescale for when we can expect him to make a safe escape from Russia?

We would also like that in the event of trouble securing our delegation, or the inability to provide an update on their health and location; request permission to deploy special forces assets to the area to conduct a rescue mission. This would be a minimally invasive procedure to get a small number of forces to evacuate our cabinet minister.

I await your urgent response.

Kind Regards,
Taylor Heart
First Secretary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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[Odinson]

Private​

Ambassador Andrew Olegovich and his protective detail returned to his hotel room after being advised to do so by Director Putin. Once it became obvious what was going on, the agents barricaded the door with furniture and armed themselves with their loaded sidearms towards the back of the room, in case someone tried to enter. Meanwhile, the ambassador and one of his aids were huddled in the magnificent bathroom. Ambassador Olgegovich made a secure call to the American Embassy in Moscow, and said to pass along the information to the State Department in Washington. This information was quickly, and securely, transmitted to the State Department who informed the appropriate authorities at the White House that there was a possible hostage situation going on at the hotel. He also ordered that the American Embassy be put on lockdown, which it was.

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

Moscow, Russia

The new tactics being used by the Soldiers and Police were a great success. The large ammount of tear gas made it easier for Police and Soldiers as well as the Spetsnaz to start pushing against the rioting protestors. Not only that, but those who were not extremists were immediately made afraid when active firefights began. They started to flee the fields of fire as best as they could to get out of the crossfire. Buildings that were occupied by the shooters were drowned in both small arms fire, tear gas, and HE shells which damaged the buildings. The sounds of gunshots, sirens, and yelling filled the streets.

Those that were caught in the advance were zip tied and thrown into police wagons where they were to be carted off to jail for holding. Due to the change in course the soldiers and police were regaining moral and maintaining momentum. Things further changed when firetrucks were called on the scene to start blasting protestors and rioters with high pressurized water. The Police and Soldiers no longer held back in their advance.

The Spetsnaz at the Kremlin were able to effectively remove the threat from the riflemen hiding among the crowd with well placed shots. Their high trained skills lended very well as they brutally pushed out from the Kremlin with automatic tear gas support. They would not let the Kremlin fall, and they would make these people pay.

With momentum and force now on their side the tides of the riots were turning in favor of the Soldiers, Police, and Government. This fact was broadcasted on national and international television.

Hotel Moscow, Moscow, Russia

The Spetsnaz waited and waited, only to find that no doubt the protestors had lost their nerve. Some deciding life was more important backed off. Concentrating more on the outside of the building where the communists were cheering on the Yugoslavians. Though the rest of the crowd seemed mostly unmoved by the propaganda slogan.

"Alright, lets get you to the airport Comrade."

The Yugoslavians would be trucked off under protection from the Russian Communists to the Moscow airport

At this point the Soldiers deployed to rescue the Hotel Moscow would arrive on scene and begin ordering the protestors to disperse. They would dismount with riot shields, gas masks, and tear gas cannisters. Which they would start deploying to remove them from the area. The communists would quickly disperse to avoid getting caught.

--

The Russian Government would send a Reply to the Uk via private Encrypted Channels:

We are pleased to inform you that we are starting to get a real handle on this situation. The situation is still dangerous, however we have information stating that our Spetsnaz security detail has most everyone safely in the conference room, barricaded. Their orders are to shoot to defend the foreign delegates, and they will uphold this duty. A force is already on scene to secure the Hotel.

You do not have permission to deploy any forces in Russia. While this gesture is appreciated, it is unneeded. However, should something change we will let you know.

Jamie

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The Russian Government would send a Reply to the Spanish Government via private Encrypted Channels:

Permission is denied. Reinforcements are on scene and are currently securing the Hotel. We can confirm that the Spanish delegates are current safe and are under the protection of a Spetsnaz unit. If the situation worsens, which it hasn't then we will discuss giving authorization.

Bruno

 

[Dutchy]

The heavy handed response by the security apparatus was paying off, moderates in the crowd were fleeing in every direction as gunshots continued to be fired all around them. Those trapped between the security forces and the extremists barely resisted the police as they were arrested, most simply being in shock at the amount of death all around them.
One by one the shooters in the building would be neutralised, though not before managing to inflict casualties on both the police and the fleeing moderates which found themselves in the crossfire.

Inside the Hotel the demonstrators were getting anxious at the sound of increasing gunfire. As news was only able to travel by word of mouth, very little reliable information would be getting through. The assault team, seeing that they were losing momentum, quickly mobilised by rallying the crowd and directing them to breach the doors of the conference room. Using whatever equipment they could find the protestors started breaking down the door and using the immense power of the group to push the barricade on the other side out of the way.

As the doors slowly opened, those inside could see the whites of the eyes of the protesters as they peeked inside to gauge the situation. The doors would continue to be pushed open as the crowd heaved the final obstacles out of the way. With orders to shoot, those demonstrators which breached the door would most likely be gunned down as they rushed forward.

As bodies fell to the ground and demonstrators screamed in fright or pain, the assault team removed their overcoats and pulled up their compact assault rifles. Taking position out of sight on both sides of the door, two men would blind fire into the room, seeking to pin down the Spetsnaz and allow the rest of the team to move in front of the door to lay down more accurate fire. Once their magazines clicked empty, those still standing, quickly ducked back into cover. They continued this attack in the hope of taking down a few of the foreign dignitaries and weakening the Russian government’s position on the international stage.

As the smoke cleared, the aftermath of the Moscow Demonstration became clear. News corporations would begin broadcasting the scenes of chaos, hundreds of bodies littering the streets, vehicles burnt out and shops destroyed. The popularity of the Russian government would plummet across the country, and with the communists exploiting the anger their support grew rapidly.

HeadlessSeeker

 

[Bruno]

Dutchy HeadlessSeeker

With the protesters firing blindly into the conference room, bad luck would struck the Spanish Secretary of State, Carlos, as he would get hit in the shoulder by a gun shot and immediately fall to the ground in pain, he would look around other dignitaries as the sheer massacre issued between the Spetsnaz and the terrorists. "Well shit, this hurts." would be his words, while he tried to apply pressure to the wound, while not exactly a lethal wound location, he was losing blood, he would look towards the other asking for some help if their fear and panic did not cloud their eyes or judgement. Carlos was 60 years old, and he would start to think about his life up to that point, dying in Russia of all places, was not in his plans, he would fight with all his might to endure the pain. He couldn't even reach his phone to inform anyone in Spain, not even his wife.

"I'm not going to die in Russia.." He would say and his continued to apply pressure to the wound.

 

[GingeOrCringe]

Dmytro Novikov—one of Deputy Minister Kharchenko’s aids—glanced at the Spanish Secretary of State and, seeing the blood, would try to drag him closer to one of the walls and hopefully out of any direct fire. “I am not a homosexual, but I do need to take your shirt off,” he would grumble in heavily accented English as he attempted to undo the buttons on the other man’s shirt to see if there was more than one wound. Lev Serdyuk, the second aid accompanying the Ukrainian delegation, would attempt to remove Carlos’s blazer in order to locate an exit wound—if there was one.

“Oh, shit,” Kharchenko said, taking two deep drags of his cigaret before offering it to the Spaniard. “You need this more than me.” He’d utter a string of profanities in Russian as he stood there, trying to figure out how to be useful. He’d never been very good with blood—even the sight of it made him feel ill. “Here…” he drew a flask from inside his own jacket and handed it to Novikov, who would take a quick swig before pouring some of the vodka on his hands to try to sanitize them. He’d hand the flask to Serdyuk, who would do the same. None would be offered to Carlos for drinking. [ Bruno ]

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

In the streets of Moscow surrounding the Kremlin the Soldiers and Police would push ever harder in on the rioters and protestors. Momentum was carrying them forward, and at this point they were not entirely concerned with people trying to escape. They didn't have the time for it, as they just needed these people to disperse. Which, they enforced this need brutally. Backed up by the chaos of fire fights happening around the protestors, and those that did not want to get shot were seemingly dissipating. Those that had been shot but not killed were hauled off to be brought to the hospital. Army medics on hand to stabilize on their way to said hospitals. Automatic grenade launchers firing tear gas grenades continued to be the norm. As well as anyone firing from a building being shot at by heavy firepower such as with an RPG or a assault gun.

The Spetsnaz had indeed opened fire, their orders absolute as they laid into the crowd to defend the lives of the foreign diplomats. A full on firefight had broken out with the entrance being choked with the bodies and injured as the extremists fired into the room and Spetsnaz fired out of it. No doubt the Diplomats would have their ears ringing as the Spetsnaz laid a suppressive fire in return. They used the limited fire arc in and out of the room to their advantage as they picked targets skillfully after the initial rush. Wanting to take out the shooters. But in the chaos some of them in return were shot. In the chaos it was hard to tell if those shot were fatally wounded or just down for the moment. If the extremists wanted to kill every diplomat in the room, they would have to finish the fight they picked with the Russian Spetsnaz who were well entrenched and had the advantage of defense.

Carlos Bruno would find himself suddenly lifted from the underside of his armpits and back. A Spetsnaz having started dragging him out of the line of fire. Though as they did they had to start dragging with one arm as they returned fire. Once to a corner of the room where he couldn't get hit the spetsnaz took out some bandages and began to apply a tourniquet. "Stay here. Stay down." the Spetsnaz would say before looking to the Ukrainians. "Stay here with him." he added before returning to the fray. Staying low and firing several shots into the hallway. GingeOrCringe

Meanwhile from the outside the recon forces began to push further and further inside. This meant that the armed extremists were soon to be focused down on from both sides.

At this point the communists had done their job. Slinking away from the protests they filtered out. They had riled up the protestors and forced the governments hand. This move would strengthen their movement for years to come.

 

[Odinson]

[TR][TD]

---

THE SECRETARY THE TREASURY​

---

PUBLIC STATEMENT​

[TR][TD]

FROM: Elliot Gray, Secretary of the Treasury of the United States of America

The global economic situation has recently been extraordinarily unstable. A number of countries have gone into debt or are teetering on the edge of doing so, while some are in a significantly dangerous situation both financially and politically. Under advice from the Treasury Department, the President recently ordered several temporary halts to trading on the New York Stock Exchange in order to avoid panic-selling. The DowJ has made notable dips since then, however, the market has now appeared to stabilize as cooler heads have prevailed. I am issuing this statement today to ensure that word that the federal government of the United States is solvent. At present, our surplus-balance is above $5,000,000,000. It is expected that after our next tax statement, we will have moved above that $5,000,000,000 mark. This is a combination of revenues from taxpayers and corporations, as well as international deals that the United States has recently made with other nations. The United States is, and will remain, in a solvent and functioning state. America is open for business.

In regards to Russia, President Gore has informed me that he has spoken to President Yeltsin who has told him that the Russian Federation has taken significant actions to ensure that they will be raising funds to support the Russian state, armed forces, and basic costs. As of now, the Treasury Department fully knows that the Russian Federation has vastly improved upon what was an extremely dangerous financial situation. We believe that Russia will be out of debt some time during the second fiscal quarter of 1998. In the meantime, the Treasury Department and the United States fully supports the recovery of the Russian government.

Best Regards,

Elliot Gray
Secretary of the Treasury
​

[/TD][/TR][/TD][/TR]

 

[Danny]

With the protesters blind firing into the room. The Australian Representative Michael Moore that had arrived for the meeting would swiftly duck down to shield himself. He would clearly afraid, he knew his life was in danger and at this rate he thought to himself "..This maybe the end." He'd watch as the Spanish Government Representative be hit as a result of what had just occurred. He'd watch as the Spaniard was dragged out of the room by the Russian Spetsnaz.
"Fuck my life." Remarked Michael in a heavy Australian accent. "I'd prefer a roo trying to punch my car then this.."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

The Spetsnaz Protecting the Foreign Diplomats and Representatives would give it their all as a stack of bodies lined the entrance. They would do their best to protect them against these extremists. Though their training was carrying them through the encounter they ad to pick their shots carefully. It wasn't like they had an unlimited source of ammo. 'Running low.' One Spetsnaz would hand signal to their Officer. The Officer then hand signaled that they would make a push. Since they had halted the momentum of te extremists it was time for a counter push. So, they went on the offensive. Moving quickly and clambering over the bodies as they fired on those that had fired upon them. of course the first who had exited was shot in the chest. But following him and his sacrifice the others began to come out wit deadly force.

This was aided by the fact that the extremists were being pushed from both sides now. The Recon unit had made it into the building, and were clearing room by room. having fire fights in the halls leading to the conference room. If it wasn't for this the Spetsnaz would not have been able to push.

Meanwhile outside the Kremlin the situation had stabilized. The Army with Police had managed to reach the Kremlin and push out a majority of the rioters. Though, this was a political victory for the communists. They had been forced to use deadly force on national television. This action would no doubt later haunt the Russian government.

 

[Bruno]

The Secretary of State would still be lying on the ground, bleeding had stopped thanks to the quick actions of everyone involved, he would continue to look around, in a moment of consciousness he would grab his state phone and send a text message to the President, after sending one to his Wife at home. To the president he would say that he was fine, and that he was shot, but the quick reaction of some representatives and the spetnaz bleeding had stopped, he asked for Russia and Spain to negotiate his return as fast as possible. The President would reply in the same manner. "We are doing everything we can, speaking with the British, possible military evac by us or the UK. Stay Strong we are on our way friend." A sign of relief would come to him, not before still hearing gunshots echoing through the halls of the Hotel.

 

[Alex]

Point-of-View: Emanuelle Lajeunesse, Leader of the Labor-Progressive Party

It was more evolution than revolution, but nearing the end of the century Canada saw a cooperative movement of the likes never seen before. Canadians had it wrong all along - they had thought of themselves sheep and corporations and the government as the masters. Canada in-debt from over militarization and suffering from the global economic crisis, its people starving and growing homeless, and the elite grew richer and more powerful from their sufferings. They wanted every dime, every home, every business, even the lint from their pockets - anything and everything that would feed and swell their gluttonous gullets. They made themselves cozy as others starved, had set themselves up as false gods, as if their status could exempt them from their sins. But nothing could be further from the truth as all those who thought themselves above the beggar or leper faced the wrath of the masses.

Lajeunesse - and nearly a thousand others marched through the streets of Montreal. They marched, carrying red flags, banners, and signs through Park Avenue near Mount Royal, chanting as they made their way to their destination. They passed by the monument of Georges-Étienne Cartier, a Father of Confederation. The monument was topped with Liberty, her wings spread wide and her hand reaching out to them, almost as though she herself was encouraging them in their task. Further down came the universities of the city, downtown, and eventually the international district. Their numbers only grew as they finally reached the end of the march before the Stock Exchange Tower.

Emanuelle looked up, the building was a colossal before them. Tour de la Bourse they called it, standing over six-hundred feet tall. People had been swarming the building before the arrival of the masses, but as their chants approached and their flags and banners appeared, the people avoided the building and stood back either in fear or in awe.

Emanuelle’s heart raced, his legs a little wobbly, and his palms sweaty but he could not turn back now for they needed him. With his megaphone, the man climbed up the building’s stairs and stood with his back to the main doors. He placed the megaphone to his mouth. “Friends,” he spoke in French to those who marched with him, “things are bad, we know this. But something that people enjoy to ignore is that things have always been bad and they will continue to be that way unless we do something about it! We’re growing poorer, we starve, we’re losing our jobs and our homes. The government has abandoned us and those in this very building before you laugh at our suffering as they grow richer!” Nods and verbal agreement could be heard from the crowd. “They want you to be sheep, worrying more about making sure you survive so that you don’t realize that you’re alive - that you’re human and that you have meaning and value!” The agreement from the crowd began to turn into cheers and fists aimed to the sky. “I’m not planning on letting these monsters win and you following me through this city to this building has shown me that you all feel the same. I want you to get angry! I want you to protest! I want you to take back everything that these people have taken from you! Take back your money! Take back your blood, sweat and tears! Enough is enough!”

The crowd began to chant. “Enough is enough! Enough is enough! Enough is enough!” All the while they held up their banners and their signs against the stock exchange building. There were hundreds, but the most notable read: “We Are the 99%”, “Our Lives Are Not for Sale!”, “We the People!, and “We Are too Big to Fail!”

By now the news had arrived with their vans. Cameras, journalists, reporters… they had poured out and swarmed the area, hoping for a good scoop that would bring their careers and views soaring.

Emanuelle would speak again through the megaphone. “Let it be known that we are not here to hurt anyone, we are not here as a mob salivating for a lynching… we are here because we are tired of being ignored! We are here to have our voices heard! We are here because we have had enough!” The man had finished speaking and made his way to the tower’s main entrance, but as he attempted to open it he realized that those inside had locked it.

This was expected and Lajeunesse’s second-in-command came up behind him, sledgehammer in hand. With a nod, the man lifted up the hammer and smashed it against the windowed doors, shattering the glass.

Emanuelle reached inside with his arm, carefully to avoid the shattered glass, and unlocked the doors. Pulling them open. “We’re taking this building! And we’re not leaving until we get what we deserve!”

The protesters cheered and yelled as they charged from the streets and into the building. They hung their banners and their signs in the windows, across the railings outside the building, and planted the red flags down in the grass. Inside, they stormed through the building; destroying furniture, smashing computer screens, televisions, stomped computers, and broke everything they could get their hands on. However, members of Emanuelle’s party assured that no one inside would be harmed and even aided everyone evacuate outside. Within half an hour, the protestors occupied the entire building and its occupants were now on the streets.

“We aren’t leaving!” Emanuelle spoke again, this time to the press. “The people have suffered for far too long! It’s time that the elite, the one percent, suffer alongside us like we have! You have made us bleed and die for years for nothing more than your desires for profit.” In the distance, echoing against the buildings of Montreal, sirens could be heard. “But now it is your turn to bleed and we will bleed you dry until there is nothing left! We will bleed you dry until you have suffered as we have! Until we, the people, get what we deserve!”

“NO GODS! NO MASTERS!” They yelled. In that moment, in a flash, the people had mobilized, sheep no more and all the world would know it.

 

[Alex]

Point-of-View: Kimball Cariou, Leader of the Communist Party of British Columbia

The actions of Emanuelle Lajeunesse and the Labour-Progressive Party in Montreal were an inspiration for all those who considered themselves friends of the people. But Lajeunesse’s speech spoke to Kimball personally; he was old (nearly in his seventies), not in the greatest shape, and all of his efforts had slowly deteriorated into nothing. He had been idolizing retiring for many years now, to forget politics and enjoy the time he had left on Earth in peace. Yet came Lajeunesse and his words re-ignited the dying embers within Cariou’s soul. Things were bad, but they were always bad, and if he had to spend the remainder of his days fighting tooth and nail to make the world a better place instead of spending it on some lake fishing then he would lead the charge himself.

Like their comrades in Montreal, Cariou had called upon all the members of the CPBC to march from their headquarters and to the stock exchange in Downtown. Red flags in hand, signs and banners waving, they marched from Grandview and onto East Hastings Street. Many joined them along the way; students, the homeless, the jobless, and everyone in-between. They were in the hundreds by the time they reached the Vancouver Stock Exchange.

The Scotia Tower, towering before them… like Goliath. If only a sling and stone were enough this time.

Walking onto the sidewalk, Cariou would speak to the crowd as loudly as he could. “I’m afraid to say I don’t have much of anything inspirational to say, I’ve never had the honor of practicing speeches.” He began with a croaky voice. “But what I can tell all of you here today is that I am an old man, near the end of his life. And during this life, I have seen countless struggles from the working class at the hands of those who held the power. I don’t plan on leaving behind a world where you nor your children have to suffer and witness what I have.” He looked back at the skyscraper, still unsure of himself, he was nothing more than a journalist after all. The man was unsure where to begin. “I am certain you are all aware of the situation in Montreal, where we - the people, have taken control of the stock exchange. We are here to do the same!”

At this moment, a younger man, someone who still had physical strength in them, came forward. In his hands was a sledgehammer, similar to the one used in Montreal. However, before they could smash the windows, the police of Vancouver had arrived.

They blocked the street ahead of them with cruisers and police mounted upon horses, twelve in total. By the cruisers, the riot police were prepared with shields, armor, and even firearms. Their commanding officer spoke from one of the vehicle’s megaphones. “You are being made to disperse and vacate the area immediately!” The riot police would bring their shields together. “This is your only chance: return home now or you will be arrested!”

Kimball couldn’t help himself but sigh in disappointment and fear. He hadn’t expected the police to have mobilized and be upon them so quickly, he had hoped that he and his people would have been fortified inside the tower before this. “All those who wish to go home, go!” He told the crowd, hoping that none would leave. “As for the rest of us, we will stand our ground, we will have change!”

Whatever was going to happen, the press could be seen filming in anticipation, if the police used violence it would simply give the working class more support… he hoped. The crowd began to raise their banners and their flags and their signs to be seen and they started chanting. “Enough is enough! We want change!” Again and again for minutes on end.

Eventually the police had had enough and they demanded again. “You will now be forced to disperse from the area! Do not resist!” With that said, the riot police began to push forward with their batons and shields and armor against the unarmed and unarmored protestors.

But the protestors stood their ground. So adamant in their struggles for change that one of the hundreds of protestors took the matter to violence; a lit rag tied to a glass bottle flew over the crowds and into the formations of the riot police. The bottle shattered on impact and the fiery liquid splashed across his armor, with a mighty roar the flames spiraled upwards.

The man flailed around, throwing his baton and shield, and dived to the floor. His screams sent Cariou’s stomach into a knot. His fellow policemen raced to his rescue while others held their shield line, medics rushed to the scene. Their beating of the flames only did so much, charred metal and cloth fell in long strands to the ground as the man melted alive. But the fire extinguisher in hand by the medic brought an end to the screams, but the smell of burned flesh remained.

Kimball turned to his people. “Who was that? Who the fuck threw that?!” But there was no answer, only a short awkward silence before another noise brought Kimball’s attention back to the police.

Those mounted upon the horses, a dozen in total, galloped from the police blockade and into the protesters. Dozens of protestors were pushed over with the force of a thousand pounds. Screams of pain and yells and distress echoed across the street as the police brutally dispersed the protesters. Cariou remained on the sidewalk, avoiding the horse charge but when the sound of a gunshot echoed from the crowd and one of the horses fell over dead, the sidewalk would no longer protect the old man.

The mounted police quickly retreated, the riot police backed away slowly and the armed police advanced with pistols and shotguns. It was clear that the shotguns were armed with non-lethal when beanbags were fired into the protestors-turned-rioters, but the pistols were loaded with lethal rounds.

Everything had turned to chaos; murder with fire, gunshots, horse charges, and now a firefight. The majority of protestors ran down the opposite way of the street, where they had first marched from, away from the police. The others stood their ground and threw whatever they could at the police: molotovs, bricks, sticks, signs…

Cariou tried to run, the situation too far gone to mend. But as he did, a gunshot echoed again and this time the police fired back. The man had lost count after six shots, his ears beginning to ring and his head swirling with stress as he continued to run down the street. That is when he felt a sharp burning pain hitting his lower back and bringing him to a stop.

It burned only for a moment, soon fading into icy numbness. He stumbled across the street as his legs gave away under him, falling to the ground against the hard asphalt. His heart squeezed as he fell over and his lungs seemed to no longer work, his gasps ragged and shallow. Black filled the edges of his vision and the only thing he could hear was the panicked beat of his own heart.

People swarmed around him, trying to help him, he realized. If it weren’t for the fear that gripped him, he would have smiled. It was good to know that someone cared, even in his last moments. But as he drooled blood, he realized that they were fools for there was nothing that could be done for him.

As the pain began to fade and his heart slowed, he closed his eyes and heard his heart beat one last time with the hopes that his death would not be in vain.