Scientific Golden Age

The 2020s saw several major scientific and technological breakthroughs that led some scientists to declare a new "Scientific Golden Age" for humanity. Key innovations identified as catalyzing this era include:

The KPU microprocessor, created in 2021 by researchers at Bell Labs. The KPU uses a novel architecture and materials allowing it to achieve processing speeds several times faster than previous microchips.

Alubric, a synthetic bacterium developed in 2023 that can reportedly coat human skin and metabolize harmful pathogens. Clinical trials are still ongoing to verify its effectiveness and safety.

The Jilivine rocket engine, unveiled in 2022 by Sternbrücke Inc. Jilivine uses a specially engineered fuel that enables mach speeds up to 40 during launch and 350 in the exosphere. This represents a major improvement in rocket propulsion technology.

The Organic Printer, demonstrated in 2024 by GeneTrasen. It utilizes stem cells to print functional human organs and tissues, though printing a full brain remains elusive.

The rapid emergence of these and other breakthroughs led many scientists to declare a new "golden age" of science and discovery. However, some experts advise caution in extrapolating too much from recent progress. At the 2021 International Science Conference, a panel of scientists highlighted these advances but debated their implications for the future pace of innovation.

Internacional Space Platform

The lowering cost of space travel in the early 2020s enabled plans for expanded international cooperation. In 2025, the United Nations approved the creation of the International Space Platform (ISP). Construction of the ISP began soon after in low Earth orbit, with the first modules launched by 2026. The completed ISP station measured approximately 1 kilometer long by 500 meters wide, comparable in size to a small city. Living quarters, cafeterias, and recreational facilities were included to accommodate crew. The station rotated to generate artificial gravity via centrifugal force for most sections, excluding some research modules. This represented the largest orbital construction project to date, facilitated by the falling launch costs of the prior decade. While considered a milestone in international space cooperation, funding and operational details continue to be worked out by participating national space agencies.

Ukrainian Annexation

The Ukrainian crisis escalated in 2021 when pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine requested Russian military intervention. On August 26, 2021, the Russian parliament approved a declaration of war against Ukraine and the deployment of troops. Despite international condemnation, Russian forces rapidly seized control of most Ukrainian territory within 11 hours. Russia then announced the annexation of Ukraine, creating the Ukrainian Oblast of Russia. The annexation was widely considered illegal under international law. Russia instituted strict policing and crackdowns on Ukrainian nationalist dissent during the nearly 40 years of occupation. Ukraine eventually regained independence in 2060 amid the dissolution of the Russian state. The Ukrainian crisis and annexation increased tensions between Russia and Western powers.

US Immigration Crisis

In the early 2020s, the United States experienced a surge of immigrants and refugees that led to heightened political and social tensions. By 2022, foreign-born residents constituted over 40% of the U.S. population. That year, President Brennan McCartney initiated a controversial "Deimmigration" policy aimed at deporting millions of recent immigrants. The government expanded deportation forces and law enforcement agencies received new authority to increase raids and detentions, primarily in cities with large immigrant populations. Over the next two years, over 50 million immigrants were deported back to their home countries. The McCartney administration also tripled the budget for border security and authorized the use of force against those attempting to cross the border illegally. Human rights groups condemned the measures as excessive and a violation of international law. While the economy improved over the long-term, analysts debate the extent to which "Deimmigration" contributed given broader trends.

No Amerikanez Movement

After the much maligned US involvement in the Józsa Agoti Riots, a movement beginning in Bulgaria started spreading across Europe, being the most vile in Germany and France. The event forced many political changes and concessions, which severely limited US geopolitical influence by 2022, effectively kicking the US out of Europe and Britain.

Bharat Civil War

In 2023, escalating political tensions in Bharat erupted into civil war. Hardline conservative factions concentrated in central Bharat unilaterally declared independence, leading to an armed secession movement. Meanwhile, a coalition of intellectuals and technocrats in northern Bharat also seceded, establishing a new progressive state which returned to India (इंडिया). The rump Bharat government, controlling the south and west, joined forces with India to defeat the central conservative forces within four months. The Bharat Civil War stemmed from growing ideological divisions as the country rapidly modernized amidst a new "scientific golden age". Conservatives aimed to preserve traditional social structures, while progressives and intellectuals embraced radical new technologies and ideas. The quick resolution prevented wider turmoil, but tensions persisted between the Bharat government and breakaway regions. The Civil War represented a major political realignment within one of the world's most populous countries.

Brengate 2024

The Brengate Scandal occurred in 2024 as part of President Brennan McCartney's reelection campaign. A hacker group called "Polity" breached the 2024 election voting systems and attempted to alter results in favor of McCartney. The hacking was detected and nullified before having any actual impact. Investigators traced the hackers and learned they were hired by an unnamed third party, implicating the McCartney administration. When questioned, President McCartney resigned from office and was formally charged but never sentenced. The Brengate Scandal raised concerns about election tampering and government corruption. McCartney denied direct involvement but abdicated due to the controversy. The identity of the group that hired the hackers was never determined. Brengate became one of the biggest political scandals in decades, leading to widespread distrust of the government.

Corporization

The practice of "corporization" first emerged in 2024 when Healthcare & Harm Prevention Inc., a private company, took over management of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. This marked the first instance of a corporation assuming control of a key government agency and function. The corporization model soon spread to other states and federal departments. Under this approach, a private for-profit company is contracted to subsidize, manage, and operate a specific government department or public service. Proponents argue corporization reduces costs and improves efficiency through private sector discipline. Critics contend it prioritizes corporate profit over public interests. By the late 2020s, corporization had become a common practice across many areas of government, with private corporations running agencies and services previously handled solely by the public sector. The long-term implications of corporization on issues like accountability and equality continue to be debated.

The Siberian Swist Project

As Russian politics finally changed face in 2024, the electoral platform of Valery Latugin was making Russia catch up to Moscow. The project that began the process was the Sibirskiy Swist, eng: Siberian Whistle, a high speed rail connecting Vladivostok, Krasnoyarsk, Ekaterinburg and Moscow. A new high speed train was engineered and named Swist to facilitate trans-Siberian travel. While this project improved cohesion of the Federation, it didn't help much in terms of national cohesion.

Voyage for the Centuries Project

With the doubled science funding, the UN founded the ICM, International Colonization Mission, in 2025, with the goal of putting a man on Mars by 2050, but the first mission carried out by the ICM was the launching of several probes to distant galactic objects, such as Tau Ceti, Alpha Centauri, Epsilon Eridani and others.

SWAT Reform

In the 2020s, the U.S. government initiated a project to upgrade SWAT teams across the country with advanced military-grade equipment and training. The stated goal was bringing homeland security forces to the level of the military in an increasingly high-tech world. Initiatives provided SWAT units with aim-assisting exoskeletons, infrared sensors, and other advanced weapons and tools. In 2025, the SWAT Modernization Act passed Congress, authorizing a major nationwide overhaul. With their capabilities now surpassing traditional SWAT standards, many forces adopted a new name - Advanced Weapons, Tools, and Tactics (AWTT). The reforms significantly enhanced the firepower and technology of special police units for domestic operations. Supporters said this was necessary for national security. Critics argued it excessively militarized law enforcement and weakened civil liberties protections.

Russian Decorruption

As part of a plethora of reforms to bring Russian governance into the 21st century, a bill was passed in 2026 that put a 30% tax on bribes, payoffs and other forms of corruption. While laughable at face value, it empowered the Federal Tax Service as the counter corruption agency. While the FTS was also riddled with corruption, the circle of accountability whittled it down over time. In 2029 a bill was passed increasing the tax to 70%, and a 2030 census showed that bribery instances has reduced by 93%.

51st State

In June 2027, the United States Congress passed legislation granting statehood to Puerto Rico. With the bill's passage and signing by the president, Puerto Rico officially became the 51st state of the United States. Puerto Rico had been a US territory since 1898. Advocates for statehood had pushed for full representation and voting rights for Puerto Rican residents comparable to existing US states. After decades of debate, Congress approved Puerto Rican statehood in a historic vote. The law set the transition process in motion, with Puerto Rico holding its first elections as a state in November 2028. The adoption of Puerto Rico as the 51st state marked the first expansion of U.S. statehood since Hawaii joined in 1959. It fulfilled a longstanding effort to fully incorporate the territory into the country.

World Identity System

In 2028, Interpol led an initiative for member nations to establish a standardized global identity system to address rising extrastate crime. The World Identity System (WIS) created a centralized database of biometric and personal information to increase tracking of individuals across borders. The United States held out the longest before adopting WIS, finally signing on in August 2028. With US participation secured, the system became fully operational by the end of that year. WIS proponents argued it was necessary to combat the recent surge in terrorism, human trafficking, and other transnational criminal activities. Critics raised concerns about privacy violations and government overreach. Implementation of WIS marked an unprecedented level of information sharing and identity tracking between law enforcement worldwide. The systemic impacts on civil liberties and global mobility remain controversial.

Rangrim Nuclear Disaster, North Korean Civil War, and Korean Reunion

A nuclear disaster occurred in October 2028 at a power plant in North Korea, triggering a civil war and eventually leading to the reunification of Korea. At 3:10pm, the Supreme Leader visited the plant for its launch when reactor #4 experienced a catastrophic meltdown at 3:17pm. The cause was traced to graphite control rods unable to regulate the overcharged uranium fuel. 11 died immediately from the explosion and 58 more from acute radiation sickness (ARS) in the following days, including the Supreme Leader himself.

With no clear line of succession, a power struggle ensued between government and military factions. The Supreme Leader's sister assumed temporary leadership and requested UN/NATO intervention to prevent civil war. She disbanded the state security and military forces to limit their power. This provoked an armed insurgency by hardline factions. From October 2028 to June 2029, UN/NATO coalition forces battled the insurgents while establishing an interim government under the Leader's sister.

With relative stability restored, the new administration extended a reunification proposal in June 2029. After negotiations, the two Koreas reunified in August 2030, ending decades of division. Some insurgent remnants continue to operate but lack resources or support. The disaster highlighted the volatility of the North Korean state and catalyzed its eventual reunification. Allegations persist that the meltdown may have been intentionally engineered.

The Adam Project

In the aftermath of the Korean reunification, the Korean branch of the biotech firm GeneTrasen generated controversy for cloning the first human. Taking advantage of the fog of transition, GeneTrasen Korea produced a genetically identical clone of donor Adam Huon in 2031. The project evaded initial oversight and was revealed only after the clone, named "Adam", was born. This represented the first successful human cloning despite bans in most nations.

Public outcry was immense but unable to undo the cloning once complete. The new Korean government responded by awarding GeneTrasen Korea a grant to refine and optimize their cloning process. By 2031, all data and records related to Project Adam were apparently destroyed.

The Adam Project demonstrated the first technical capacity to clone humans. However, the lack of transparency and ethical consideration by GeneTrasen Korea provoked global condemnation. The incident revealed gaps in scientific oversight during periods of political change and instability. While human cloning remains banned worldwide, the progress made by The Adam Project showed it was within the realm of possibility given the technology at the time.

Nagano Worldwide Healthcare Standards Conference

The Nagano Worldwide Healthcare Standards Conference was a landmark global meeting held in Nagano, Japan in 2029. It brought together health officials from most UN member states. A major outcome was the revision of elements of the Geneva Conventions related to healthcare and warfare. Several previously banned practices were permitted under certain conditions, including the use of certain chemical agents, biological weapons, and treatment denial for detainees.

Proponents argued these changes allowed for more flexibility and humane options in some contexts. Critics said it eroded important ethical constraints on wartime conduct. The conference represented a significant shift in worldwide standards regarding healthcare delivery and rights during armed conflicts. The impacts of these policies remain debated.

ICM Moon Colonization

The International Colonization Mission (ICM) established lunar colonies in 2030 as preparatory sites and training centers for future Mars missions. Multiple colonies were launched and became operational on the moon. However, within five months the unexpected Solar Blight disabled all electronic systems on Earth and the moon in early 2031.

The colonies' life support and communications were knocked out. Of the entire lunar population, only one colonist named Elizabeth Grimsby survived the months-long blackout. All other colonists perished without functional equipment. Grimsby's survival demonstrated the extreme vulnerability of space colonies to global electrical disasters like the Solar Blight.

The ICM lunar mission, while initially successful, ended up highlighting the precariousness of off-world human settlement given its dependence on Earth-based infrastructure and electricity. The 2031 Solar Blight catastrophe directly impacted the sustainability of what was meant to be a training ground for further space exploration.

Solar Blight

The Solar Blight was an unpredicted global catastrophe that occurred in January 2031, severely disrupting electrical systems worldwide. For unknown reasons, all electricity-powered devices began rapidly overheating, causing widespread malfunctions, shutdowns, and destruction of electronics. Atomic power plants, the internet, financial systems and more were disabled by the extreme electrical surge.

It is estimated over 1 pentawatt of electricity was mysteriously generated, overwhelming electrical systems globally. With nearly all technology disabled, governments struggled to maintain order and provide basic services, with mixed results. Limited contingency plans were enacted to inform public safety without electronics.

The blackout lasted until March 2031 resulting in over 2 billion deaths, especially in developing countries like India. China's government collapsed entirely. When electricity was restored, massive restoration efforts began across the world, costing an estimated quadrillion dollars.

The Solar Blight's causes remain unknown. Its unprecedented damage highlighted society's vulnerability to potential electrical disasters. Fears linger of another future Solar Blight event occurring without warning.

Commodities Devaluation

As countries plunged into chaos gold and diamonds proved of little use, bringing Gold’s peak price of 63 USD per gram to 9 USD per gram, and the price of Diamond more than halving before the year was through.

International History Consensus

In March 2031, after the Solar Blight ended, an International History Consensus Conference was held in France. A private organization had requested government approval to salvage materials from the Maginot Line fortifications in order to aid crisis rebuilding efforts. This prompted debate internationally about appropriate uses and preservation of significant historical sites. The public attention led to convening the conference to determine international standards for handling historically important structures and artifacts during times of crisis.

Denuclearization

In the wake of the Solar Blight in 2031, anti-nuclear protests occurred worldwide in 2032 given heightened fears of technological and infrastructure disasters. This led to a multinational conference and agreement on dismantling nuclear weapons arsenals. All nuclear, thermonuclear, radioactive and related weapons held by national militaries were ordered deactivated and dismantled. An international Strike Force was created to locate and neutralize any devices not willingly relinquished. The Strike Force remains active today to prevent any re-proliferation attempts.

The Fruit of the Blight

Many scientists intensely studied the 2031 Solar Blight event, leading to major advances in energy storage/transport and electromagnetic warfare countering electronic systems. The unprecedented disaster produced troves of data that researchers analyzed to unlock new technologies. The innovations represented an upside of new knowledge stemming from the catastrophic global blackout.

Chinese Revolution

During the 2031 Solar Blight, Chinese citizens protested the government's claims about the blackout, believing it to be a suppression effort. Upon realizing the international scale, anti-government uprisings began nationwide. This revolution ultimately toppled the dictatorship in 2034, establishing the new Nationalist Republic of China - focused on citizen welfare and neutral foreign policy. The crisis enabled the dramatic governmental change.

The Chad Campaign

Amid the post-Blight instability, an ambitious African leader named Chad systematically united the continent by exploiting fears and promising strength through unity. By orchestrating coups and rigging elections, Chad brought African nations under his control by the mid-2030s. A key policy was eliminating tribal identities to foster a singular national African identity. Chad capitalized on turmoil to consolidate power.

Pan-African Railroad

Undertaken by Chad during his campaign, to improve centralization, his rating, and cohesion. At the time of it's completion it was highly regarded by engineers worldwide for it's efficiency and quality, and to this day it stands as a testament of Republic of Chad engineering and urban planning.

The Quebec Question

After a lackluster federal response to the Blight, the Quebec Parliament decided to assess being part of Canada, which concluded in an independence referendum in 2033. The vote rounded up to 78%, but the central government rejected the results citing Voter Fraud and motions of Dereliction during a National Emergency. Soon Quebec was engulfed in riots which prompted police crackdowns. Each year since the question was reintroduced and promptly shut down, until 2047, when all Quebec state government services and branches were disbanded and replaced with federal ones.

2033 EmergOil Oil Rig Hostage Crisis

In 2033, an unnamed ecological terrorist organization seized control of an off-shore oil rig operated by the EmergOil company, planning to sabotage the facility. However, an AWTT team that had been on standby retook control of the rig.

The hostage crisis marked a turning point in the suppression of environmental protest movements. In the aftermath, Green Party political organizations worldwide were banned and declared illegal due to alleged ties to eco-terrorism.

The EmergOil incident highlighted tensions between fossil fuel corporations and radical green activists in the early 2030s. While the sabotage was thwarted, it provided justification for cracking down on non-violent environmental groups and dissent in addition to the armed terrorists responsible.

Milagro Economic Zone

The Milagro Economic Zone was established in the 2030s in the United States as part of post-Solar Blight recovery efforts. Approximately 1,000 square miles of land in Ohio was designated as a special economic zone with reduced taxes and other business incentives aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Within a year of its creation, the population of the Milagro zone exceeded 1 million residents. Further legislation enacted a new economic model dubbed "Prime Capitalism" in the region. Instead of paying federal taxes, citizens paid usage fees directly to private corporations administering services. This allowed opt-out of certain services while still retaining others.

The Milagro Zone operated outside state and county jurisdiction, with only federal agencies and courts retaining authority. While touted as a bold experiment in capitalism, critics argued it gave excessive power to private interests and eroded certain civil liberties. Nonetheless, the zone represented a radical attempt to jumpstart economic progress after the devastating Solar Blight event in the 2030s.

North American Accords

The North American Accords were a trilateral agreement signed in 2035 between Mexico, the United States, and Canada, aimed at greater economic integration.

The accord eliminated most tariffs on trade between the three nations to spur business activity. It also relaxed border controls between the countries, establishing open borders similar to the European Schengen area. A key condition was that Mexico take responsibility for immigration enforcement on its southern borders.

By removing trade barriers and borders checks, the North American Accords sought to merge the three economies into a cooperative bloc. Supporters argued it would boost economic growth. Critics raised concerns about immigration policy and loss of national sovereignty.

The agreement represented shifting priorities in North America away from immigration crackdowns and towards maximizing economic cooperation and growth in the wake of the Solar Blight crisis.

Viva la Nuevo

VLN was a protocol signed by rising new corporations such as Asqui and Jumms in 2035 ensuring mutual assistance against their respective industry giants in any way they could, even off the books. Named as such because the idea for it was coined at a cocktail party between the future signees. Despite having fulfilled it's purpose in 2037 with the Rockefeller Revolution, it is still honored by many members and some new ones have joined as well.

French Coup

In 2037, the head of France's Department of Treasury, who held socialist political leanings, coordinated a transition of power that resulted in the resignation of the sitting president. The vice-president who assumed control appointed Treasury leadership to key posts, indicating aligned interests.

In the subsequent election, a candidate affiliated with socialist ideologies was voted into the presidency. Later statements by an official who left the administration brought full details of the coordinated power shift to light.

The revelations highlighted non-public coordination within the civil service sector to enable a change in France's ruling political philosophy away from establishment parties towards socialist-aligned leadership. While accomplished through intra-government channels rather than a public coup, it was a significant transition accomplished outside regular electoral norms. The 2037 shift marked a turning point in the ideological makeup of the French government.

The Rockefeller Revolution

The Rockefeller Revolution refers to a period of intense corporate warfare and consolidation among private companies in the wake of the 2031 Solar Blight. With the global economic landscape transformed, new post-Blight corporations challenged the surviving pre-Blight giants for market share.

Notable clashes included Asqui and Obsydia teaming up to undermine Microsoft's dominance through stock sabotage. Jumms bankrupted Pepsi and assimilated Coca Cola, while Academi's street battles with Orca and Prometheus backfired when the U.S. government shut down Academi, allowing Orca to expand into firearms.

Massive conglomerates formed from former rivals like Just Fine Dine, which merged McDonald's, Burger King and KFC. Critics argued corporate warfare tactics went unchecked. Supporters praised the rise of new post-Blight businesses.

The Rockefeller Revolution era marked a transition from established 20th century brands to a new generation of tech, defense and consumer corporations vying for power in the changed world. The period transformed the corporate landscape through ruthless competition.

Green War

Green War was a global partisan effort to combat climate change. Beginning on the 5th Anniversary of the 2033 EmergOil Oil Rig Hostage Crisis, it started out with peaceful protests and petitions for the lift on the ban of green parties. Within weeks the protests and petitions matured into rioting and civil uprising. In most places the rioting had been suppressed, but in others it evolved into guerilla warfare and revolution, such as the Czech Republic, where the colloquially known Green Army took over the central government, prompting NATO intervention. The most successful movement was in Spain, where the green movements were legitimized by the government and resulted in the founding of the later infamous Environmental Services, that would later become part of UNI.

Maritime Border Dispute

The 2039 Maritime Border Dispute arose over the Netherlands' proposed Land Uitbreidings Project, which sought to expand the country's land area beyond its maritime borders via ocean reclamation.

The plan sparked international debate over territorial waters limits. Opponents argued that if the Netherlands could legally build past its maritime borders, then other nations would claim the right to construct new land in international waters as well.

The dispute highlighted the gray legal area of ocean construction rights. In the end, a compromise allowed the Land Uitbreidings Project to proceed, but confined it within the Netherlands' existing maritime borders. The borders themselves remained unchanged despite the additional land.

The compromise maintained the international norm of maritime sovereignty while granting the Netherlands limited rights to expand via regulated ocean reclamation. The dispute and resolution established clearer definitions around national construction powers and ownership of new maritime territories.

CISCAS Congregation

In 2039, leaders of the Republic of Chad, Iran, Serbia, Cambodia, Armenia and El Salvador met in Cape Town to rectify the CISCAS Economic Bloq, named after the member countries. Suspicious at the time, but global attention was too focused on rebuilding after the Solar Blight and not much was done. Later, during the Africa European War the alliance extended beyond economical assistance, as each took the opportunity to further their own goal, most reversed and punished for before the end of the war.

The Africa-European War (2041-2053)

Republic of Chad declared war on Europe and the West, seeking vengeance for colonialism and the Cold War. Members of CISCAS used the opportunity to achieve their own goals. Fighting opened along the Strait of Gibraltar and Middle East. After over a decade of conflict, the Treaty of Fada brought an end to major hostilities.

Key Events

Armenia attempted to take over much of the Caucasus region, but after just 3 years of the conflict Russia had subjugated and occupied the region until the conclusion of the war.

Cambodia invaded Thailand, annexing it within 12 weeks, soon they also invaded Laos and Vietnam, but their progress was ultimately stopped by China.

Iran secured a private agreement with Chad himself to ensure the destruction of Saudi Arabia.

Serbia actively helped Chad in their land war in Europe on the promise that they would restore and control Yugoslavia.

El Salvador invaded Honduras the same day Republic of Chad made their intentions public, but was invaded and occupied by the United States within 11 hours.

Austria was quickly overrun, leading to German annexation and occupation, ostensibly for protection.

The Australian Blaze of 2049, suspected to be initiated by the South African Research Coalition, devastated Australia's land and enabled a communist regime to take power.

Dirty bombs devastated the Middle East as Chad forces retreated, rendering regions uninhabitable.

Italy collapsed into anarchy and poverty amid the instability, with Slovenia reclaiming Trieste. Italy was later stabilized under a new pro-Unión de Naciones Independientes government.

The Treaty of Fada established buffer territories in North Africa, forced concessions from Chad, and executed its leader.

Aftermath

North African PMCs formed the new nation of Al-Quwa in former buffer zones.

All members of CISCAS suffered heavy consequences, for example Armenia was forced to adopt a new pacifist constitution and limiting their armed forces to ten thousand active members.

Despite taking no active part in the war, Iran was placed under heavy reparations and later was forced to join the IWO.

Serbia was jointly occupied by every country they had helped invade and their constitution was rewritten and major social projects remade Serbian society, akin to that of Japan after WW2.

General Samuel Guerreiro established unified Iberia from Spain and Portugal.

South America, inspired by Africa, secured reparations from Europe and underwent reforms.

Chad dissolved into new nations after its leader's death.

The tumultuous era reshaped power dynamics globally. Europe and Africa both emerged scarred from the conflict.

The Caucuses Resolution

After the end of the Africa European War Russia still had the Caucuses (Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan) under occupation after Armenia's blitz. To promote peace and lessen ethnic hostilities Russia held a referendum in the region, asking the citizens if they wished to be a part of a unified Caucuses. The vote was held for two months and attendence was made mandatory, and it resulted with a 66% for unification. Russia created three municipalities under the Caucasus Federation, the Azerbaijani, Armenian and Georgian.

After the government was set up and able to operate, Russia withdrew troops. It is commonly believed that Russia rigged the vote and the Federation was created for easier control of the region. After the Russian withdrawal, several genocides and two civil wars ensued, but with Russian support, none succeeded.

Montreal Bombings

After the disbandment of Quebec local representation in 2047, many extremist groups took matters into their own hands, which concluded in the biggest recorded bombing across Montreal, with 12 thousand reported injured and further 2 thousand dead or missing. This of course dramatically increased crackdowns in Quebec, which in turn increased regional radicalism. The situation infinitely escalates to this day, with police crackdowns, terrorism so on and so forth. 

Haven City Project

Passed into law on September 23rd, 2052, it was a British Parliamentary plan to create a Milagro-esque zone near Winkleigh. The project started off smooth enough, a housing boom, employment rise, rent price drops, but before the winter of 2054, Haven City begun spiraling into debt, unemployment and crime due to poor futureproofing within the charter. The Tory parliament decided to offload the issue and simply passed the Haven Independence Act, which made Haven City a Crown Dependency, basically making it a foreign country within the British Isles. During the British Civil War, Haven City became the center of the staging grounds for the Corporate Territories of Southwest Britain, becoming it's "cultural" capital.

The Formation of Unión de Naciones Independientes

In the aftermath of the tumultuous Africa-Europe War ending in 2053, the fledgling nation of Iberia withdrew from the European Union in 2055. Seeking a new geopolitical path after years of conflict, Iberian leaders founded an alliance called Unión de Naciones Independientes.

Unión de Naciones Independientes espoused respect for national sovereignty and the moral right of states to self-determination. It resisted superpower dominance and interventionism. This neutralist stance attracted other nations wishing to avoid entangling alliances in the post-war period.

While initially a reaction against the European Union model, Unión de Naciones Independientes grew into an alternative bloc promoting independent governance and non-alignment. Its formation marked a philosophical shift for member states like Iberia that sought a new identity and purpose following the massive losses and divisions of the Africa-Europe War years.

The DryMill Incident

By 2056 DryMill Incorporated was the biggest agricultural and husbandry corporation worldwide, providing more 60% of world's potatoes, carrots and cabbage. In 2056 they reported the lowest harvest, which was traced to an ill sapling batch in the central warehouse, which had been distributed throughout the world and caused major crop failures and animal starvation. With the awful harvests, they failed to meet contract requirements with stores and markets worldwide. With few able to fill the gaps, a major food shortage occured and a reported 120 million people starved as a result. This facilitated the rise of synthetic and unconventional food sources such as Sticks and Chucks.

Copyright Collapse

The Copyright Collapse refers to the shakeup of the entertainment and media industries following the 2057 Comprehensive Copyright Revision Act in the United States.

The act aimed to counter copyright monopolies and stagnating intellectual properties by dramatically reducing copyright terms and protections. However, major media conglomerates depended heavily on controlling and extracting value from existing franchises and brands.

The new act enabled unrestrained use and adaptation of these previously protected IPs. With flagship properties generating less revenue, media companies cut budgets, lost investors, and went bankrupt, unable to adapt quickly enough.

The entertainment industry cratered in the face of the new open copyright environment. The recession lasted into the 2060s before stabilizing. Out of the ashes came opportunities for new creators and publishers to establish themselves without the gatekeeping of old IP holders.

While economically disruptive in the short-term, the Copyright Collapse ultimately fostered a more competitive, innovative creative landscape by loosening the grip of aging media empires. The public domain expanded exponentially, invigorating culture and media.

United Socialist-Communist International Founding

The United Socialist-Communist International (USCI) was established in 2058 by the signing of the Williams Treaty Pact between socialist France and communist Australia.

The alliance aimed to unite the two emerging socialist powers in the face of growing backlash against anti-capitalist ideology worldwide. Australia's rise as a major communist state had faced considerable opposition.

The Williams Pact formalized an alliance focused on opposing capitalism in all forms, not just capitalist democracies. This marked the start of a Second Cold War, with the USCI presenting an anti-capitalist bloc.

While starting as a defensive pact, the USCI promoted the international spread of socialism and communism. It contrasted with the non-aligned Unión de Naciones Independientes bloc formed after the Africa-Europe wars.

The USCI's founding cemented a socialist alliance between France and Australia united against capitalism broadly, rather than targeting any specific governments. It posed an ideological challenge to free market economies during a volatile period.

Cada Hombre un Rey

Cada Hombre un Rey (Every Man a King) refers to the July 2058 military-backed coup in Chile following public unrest over government corruption. President Rodrigo Contreras was removed and replaced by a military junta.

The new regime established a carefully orchestrated social democratic system with populist policies inspired by 1930s U.S. politician Huey Long's 'Share The Wealth' vision. This included greater investment in public services, infrastructure, and economic equality.

The dramatic overhaul followed Chile's receipt of European development aid, but persistent corruption had prevented meaningful public benefits. The Cada Hombre un Rey coup aimed to institute rapid reforms and align with the socialist policies of the newly formed United Socialist-Communist International bloc, which Chile joined in October 2058.

While enacted undemocratically, the coup responded to widening inequality and promised a radical extension of state welfare programs. The name invoked Huey Long's slogan promising every man an opportunity to live free of poverty. However critics remained cautious of the military's long-term role in governance despite theequalization rhetoric.

Mexican Revolution

In 2058, inspired by communist Australia, Mexico utilized PMC forces to rapidly eliminate all drug cartels within a single week. This disrupted the cartel-driven economy, allowing Mexico to begin industrialization and transition to a socialist police state.

Tampico Skirmish

During Mexico's socialist transition, Orca PMC divisions landed to secure corporate assets per a contract unknowingly invalidated by recent reforms. Clashes with Al-Quwa forces and Mexican mercenaries resulted in thousands of casualties before Orca withdrew.

Pink Tuesday

Mexico's militarized assaults on drug cartels were marked by intense violence, dubbed "Pink Tuesday" for the mix of blood and cocaine staining urban warfare zones. The elimination of cartels enabled the socialist transition by removing economic independence.

Futuro Brillante Pact

An unholy alliance between Mexicana and Venezuela, making them allies in the event of socialist invasion into South America. Raised eyebrows among both IWO and USCI members, neither caring enough to stop it.

Haguenau Compromise

With tensions rising in Europe as Mexicana began conquering Middle America and Australia had most of Oceania in a protective pact German and French militaries went into high alert as the clock moved to two minutes until midnight, French President - Jaquice Orlando contacted the German Chancellor - Rupert Holland and called for preemptive peace talks. During these peace talks, Germany and France agreed to not have any military presence within a 50-kilometer perimeter of their border. This successfully cooled down pressure allowing Mexicana to conquer up to Colombia but around Panama.

Primus Animus Project

As the world was further splitting, the Australian government invested considerable resources into artificial intelligence technology. First experiments were conducted in the Spring of 2061, but no results were achieved until the Winter of 2062, yielding actual Artificial Intelligence. The first machine was named after the project, Primus Animus. While being as intelligent as a human with zero differences except for the lack of a Homo Sapiens body, it also had an agenda. All researchers and programmers claim they did not build that into the machine and a wide range of analyses proved of no use.

Greater Bond Pact

Being as helpful as possible to each other throughout the recent struggles of history and with tensions higher than ever, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands united and became Benelux in 2059, joining Unión de Naciones Independientes after all governmental departments and agencies reached full functionality.

ICM Mars Colonization

In 2059, when world events calmed down, ICM put the finishing touches on their Mars Mission. Elizabeth Grimsby returned to Earth to take the role of Captain. Ignition, launch, and orbital acceleration went off without a hitch, making their way safely to Mars. Upon arrival and deployment of the colony, contact was established with Earth and the mission truly commenced.

Ideologification

As came the nation-state revolutions of the 1860s so came the ideology-state revolution of the 2060s, largely in bigger states accommodating many types of thought, trying to comfort all, pleasing none. The Ideologification is largely attributed to Alex Hill's bestseller novel "The Shade of Thought".

Russian Balkanization

In 2060, Russian President Gregory Danilovich held a nationwide referendum asking if the country should remain unified or split into separate states. Unexpectedly, 67% voted for partitioning the country. This resulted in Russia fracturing into 9 new independent countries, accomplished entirely peacefully without foreign involvement.

The new nations included Russia itself, consisting only of Moscow, St. Petersburg and surrounding areas; Pomor; Volgograd Confederation; Autonomous Caucasus Federation; Ural; Siberian Union; Intellectual Republic of Primorie; Tomsk; Buryatia; and the Kingdom of Tatarstan.

The Caucuses Question

After the breakup of the Russian Federation, the Caucuses region, now named the Autonomous Caucuses Federation, to prevent confusion, was asked if they would be interested in unification with the Caucuses Federation. After much back and forward, negotiations broke down and the Three was forced to step up to arbitrate. With the ACF's permission, the Three held a referendum in both ACF and CF, to see if the citizens wanted to unify. The ACF government was berated and called into question after an extra-governmental entity was allowed to rule on their country's behalf, causing major civil upheavals. The Three personnel and staff operating the referendum polling stations were assaulted and the President, Amir Godunov was assassinated.

This ensued in a civil war, the Three, mainly UNI, and CF intervened and brought the nation under occupation for peace keeping. After much deliberation and backroom talks, UNI permitted CF to annex the ACF and formally integrate their lands. This decision lead to some unrest within both the target regions and worldwide, but no side could pose a valid reason to not have gone ahead with that, and within the year both IWO and USCI recognized the CF's integration of ACF as legitimate.

Moscow Spring

Within a month of the Russian Balkanization, Russian nationalist protestors and rioters flooded Moscow. They vandalized federal buildings and burned government offices during a week of unrest, causing over 11 billion rubles in damage.

The armed forces acted largely to prevent violence rather than suppress the protests outright. With military deterrence, riots began to dwindle, dissipating soon after.

Siberian Magnate Execution

During the turmoil of new state formation, a group of radical communists in the Siberian Union publicly executed 7 magnates and oligarchs by pouring molten gold down their throats.

The livestreamed event killed powerful figures like Minister candidates Pavel Emelyanov and Djugashvili Tarasov. Only 2 masked perpetrators were identifiable on the video. At the abandoned steel smeltery site, media found evidence of small scale gold melting and the victims' corpses.

The government response was minimal and new Ministers were quickly appointed. The perpetrator group remains at large with no one claiming responsibility.

Siberian Campaign

As nationalist unification movements emerged, a major 2062 effort began with civilian militants and some politicians, devolving into civil war mainly in Sibirskiy Souz and Ural.

With no international support, the force of around 20,000 was quickly suppressed and neutralized.

Project Fusion

A brilliant quantum physicist by the name of Alexander Milkovich from the now-independent Ukrainian Republic was reading the data collected from The Blight and saw a discrepancy. Soon he drafted a formula and a prototype, funded by the Eingrau Research Group. After several months of experimentation, he invented a perpetual motion generator, which would require a sizable amount of electricity to start, but would in the end produce thrice the energy required. He named his invention the Fusion Reactor, despite it being simply a complex friction mechanism.

Berlin Dispute

Took place in 2061, in Berlin, officially named the Economical Conference of Berlin. Remembered for violent altercations between heads of states and daring truths.

IWO Founding

The European Union's power was dwindling in the face of new socialist states rising throughout the world, thus during the Berlin Dispute a Referendum was held between leaders of all diehard capitalist regimes, and the Private Sector Protectorate Program was signed in 2061, forming the Internationale Wirtschaftsforum-Organisation.

Turkish Coup

At 7:38 in the morning, a group of armed masked men took the President of Turkey hostage and had him abdicate. The next day the Republic of Turkia was declared with the full intent of joining IWO. Many have linked this event with the Berlin Dispute but no conclusive evidence could be drawn.

Eleven Days War

At 01:21, 4th of January, 2062, the Greece Border Patrol opened fire on a group of Bulgarian men on the pretense that they were armed. Bulgaria saw that as a clear act of aggression and requested reparations from Greece as well as sanctions be put in effect. Greece denied responsibility claiming their actions to be defensive. When Bulgarian demands were not satisfied it declared war on Greece and USCI intervention was prompted as Greece was part of the alliance. After three days of the conflict as USCI troops began mobilizing into Greece, no response was given by IWO, the member of which was Bulgaria. UNI deployed to mitigate the conflict and began drafting the NBP Documentation. IWO assembled on the eleventh day of the conflict and threatened to sanction Bulgaria, at which point they gave in and the conflict concluded in a White Peace with casualties ranking in the tens of thousands.

Neutralidade Bipolar Pact

In 2062 during a Unión de Naciones Independientes conference, a pact was signed that UNI would remain neutral up until Socialist and Capitalist block went to war, in that event, it would support the defensive side. This marked that any conflict between socialist and capitalist forces would result in a World War.

Disunion

As the world was turning against each other it was clear that the UN was no longer the definitive extra-governmental organization. As The Three (UNI, IWO, USCI) grew more powerful and centralized, the UN simply became obsolete. Talks concluded, documentation signed and the UN was discontinued.

The Nuclear Issue

With the UN's disbandament in 2062, Nucleus, the Task Force in charge of keeping the World nuke free lost their source of funding. They were approached by Afterlife Industries, but they declined, stating that it would be unethical for them to recieve funding from the private sector. Later in 2063, before America engulfed in fratricide, Nucleus approached the Three Committee for funding. Their proposal was accepted, cementing the New World order.

Alaskan Robot Massacre

In 2063 about one hundred robotic soldiers emerged from an abandoned warehouse in Anchorage, opening fire on any living creature, including humans, pests, canines, etc. The local police force and National Guard put up a fight but only managed to take down less than twenty. As a massive operation was put together and forces were dispatched - Last Ice Event happened. Alaskan ice melted and flooded the region and destroyed most if not all robots. Most of the dispatched forces to take down the robots succumbed to weather anomalies caused by the Last Ice Event. The remaining ones secured the region and found no remaining robots and every single citizen dead, not one survived. Afterward, investigations and plans for resettlement were drafted but national unrest canceled those.

Last Ice Event

07:27 March 13th, 2063. The sun rises over what's left of the North Pole, shifting the balance between the greenhouse gasses and the natural cool of the polar ice, causing the last of it to finally submerge. What followed was a string of tsunamis, thunderstorms, and floods worldwide. There was ample warning so many vulnerable positions had protection in place. Many, but not all, damage and casualties caused by the cataclysm are estimated to be over 250 Billion Dollars and approximately 100 million casualties.

Stock Market Reboot

After New York was obliterated in the Last Ice Event, Japan took advantage of America's weakness, establishing Tokyo as the new stock trading center, with FEZES still housing some stock trading platforms in Boston and Philadelphia.

The Fifty-One States War

The Fifty-One States War, also known as the Second American Civil War, was a multi-year internal conflict that brought an end to the United States of America as it had existed for nearly three centuries. Lasting from 2063 to 2065, the war emerged from deep ideological, social, economic, and environmental fissures that had been worsening for decades. Though triggered by a disputed presidential election, the seeds of discord had been planted across many presidencies' failed policies. The war would completely reshape North America's political boundaries and dynamics.

Navajo Campaign

Occurred in and around the area of the Navajo Reservation, during the 51 States War, in which Operatives of Delta Tech & Security Consulting, known as The Six undertook a form of a scorched earth policy, using experimental weaponry and tools. The campaign contaminated over a thousand square miles of land, caused over ten thousand casualties among FAR military personnel and local residents, injured and disabled over a hundred thousand people due to contamination through both chemical and biological agents, complications of some are still not fully understood to. Locally, the complications are known as the Navajo Rash (however not all complications cause rashes). The Free American Republic and People's Western Republic still operate two sister agencies for treating and helping those afflicted.

Collapse of NATO

Having existed for a century, and mostly in place only to keep the SEC Countries from seeking expansion and for the security of the Pacific Ocean, with the collapse of the American government, quickly the organization ceased to exist with no formal treaties or statements.

South Latin American Escalation

In 2064, during the American governments’ collapse, Argentina decided to take the initiative, convincing the Zona Economica Brasileira to place sanctions upon Chile. The sanctions went into effect on 12th of May and the IWO acted upon the sanctions on the 25th of May, during the Monthly Conference. The sanctions were quickly lifted, and Argentina was voted out of the IWO, on the grounds of 'escalating global affairs'. Argentina continued their crusade against Chile, with sanctions and tariffs, but after the end of the 51 States War they were sanctioned by both the USCI and the IWO, causing them to cease. In 2067 a President of different beliefs was elected, and Argentina was able to reclaim some of their international reputation, joining the Unión de Naciones Independientes in March of 2068.

United Currency Initiative

Seeing the EU quarreling with itself and America on fire, Japan stepped up on the annual IWO Conference in 2064, proposing a single currency for all members of the IWO. 89% of the Union agreed to switch to the currency and began economical preparations.

Electric Magnetism Revolution

In 2066 researchers of Graham Labs were analyzing Blight Data and found a discrepancy in the electromagnetic properties of some metals. What they discovered patented the way for Holmium Sufficient Levitation, a technology by which Holmium is microradiated at an exact frequency, making it float off the ground while only consuming 10W a minute. HSL allowed for consumer production of hovercraft and innovations in magnetism.

World Wonders Reconstruction

This was the last official global project, intending to reconstruct any restorable landmarks worldwide, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge. Sponsored and proposed by Unión de Naciones Independientes, completed by 2068.

The Congo Skirmish

On September 3rd, 2069 an apartment building was bombed in the Guinea Economic Zone, and the Chad Militia, a Congo Federation extremist terrorist organization accepted responsibility. Congo being mostly an anarchistic Federation without a much-centralized government didn’t deny nor confirm funding the Militia and on September 17th IWO troops landed in Congo to root out the terrorist group. UNI soon mobilized as well to provide humanitarian aid and USCI got involved to secure the interests of South Africa. On October 2nd IWO and USCI troops exchanged fire in a village of Bandundu and a small-scale conflict began to take shape. UNI stepped up to mitigate the conflict. By November USCI troops withdrew as casualties ranked in the hundreds. A UNI investigation concluded that the beginning of the conflict was a misidentification incident as there were unannounced Delta Forces. The DTNS CEO made a public statement, saying that Delta troops are stationed in Congo as part of the policing contract with the Congo Federation, and therefore weren’t announced.

The Right To Arm

In August of 2070 a group of Orca mercenaries were apprehended for regular crimes and war crimes in their line of duty. ORC Public Relations claimed the group was renegade and not under command. Protests broke out demanding Orca be punished for making it possible for the heavily armed and dangerous men to be able to go renegade at all. In June of 2071 the IWO passed the Risk Calculation Miscalculation & Rights of Private Military Corporations Act removing all responsibility from Private Military Corporations for rogue elements within their structure on the grounds of "the inevitability of uncertainty."

Protests and several riots occurred in the IWO member countries, but proved fruitless. On the 29th of September, 2073 the International Cooperation Delegation, better known as The Three Committee, gathered and the Liability Factor of Private & Public Business Act was proposed, which was a heavily rephrased version of the "Right to Arm" Act, it was unanimously accepted and remains one of the few universal laws across The Three.

Habitat Declaration

A policy announced by the Jiang Shen, the leader of the Nationalist Republic of China back in 2061, declared a need for China to expand to keep growing its population. After America ceased to be a threat China invaded Mongolia in 2071. After that was finished they began going west. Australia in a counter maneuver offered to guarantee independence to anyone who joined the United Socialist Communist International. Vietnam, Taiwan, and Intellendia immediately accepted and joined. Those territories are contested to this day.

Less Centralization, More Centralization

A policy used by China in their conquests, where they sow dissent in their future potential puppets, and then step in to restore order. It doesn't fool international players, but studies indicate that during their conquest of Pakistan many citizens were relieved to see Chinese troops. This policy backfired, as the Afghani government quickly organized fake insurgencies, which China happily provided arms to, only to find their arms pointed back at them.

Nogino Pact

As Jiang Shen made fierce speeches that announced the need for China to expand, Post-Russian Countries took note and signed a Pact that in case of a Chinese invasion of any of the Post Russian Countries they would unite their military might and repel the threat. They didn't expect that this would be used, but the idea of the Pact carried its intended effect and China was cautious conquering any territories neighboring PRCs.

The Invisible War

During China's annexation of Indochina, which had been made into barely legitimate puppets during the Africa European War, Vietnam officials began covertly organizing guerilla and resistance movements throughout the country. As Chinese sent troops to make Vietnam comply with the annexation, fighting broke out around Ho Chi Mihn City and Hue. After weeks of resistance, the remnants of the government sent out a cry of help to the Socialist Oceanic Union. Not sure if they wanted to be involved, the SOU dragged their feet on the question for two months, by which time the resistance was still strong.

SOU, with USCI backing, offered all Asian countries a deal of safety and independence as long as they joined the USCI. Taiwan and Korea immediately departed from the IWO and submitted their application for the USCI, Vietnam was accepted as well. After Vietnam joined the USCI, China withdrew troops and all claims on annexation, not wanting to provoke the USCI into conflict.

To this day covert Chinese Forces, be they mercenary or "renegade" still carry out operations and attacks in both India and Vietnam, which are fought against by mainly NAIE and Delta forces.

Partition of Malaysia

Being the second biggest naval power, Australia could easily secure the Malaysian extra continental territories, however rough terrain and numerical advantage towards China made Australia negotiate. Talks concluded in March of 2076, ceding the land territories of Malaysia to China to maintain peace.

Invasion of Afghanistan

Having conquered Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan China turned its attention to Afghanistan. In 2079 China invaded through the northern and eastern border, their conventional standing military was defeated in less than three weeks, but guerilla resistance continues to this day, with an endless loop of rebellion, retribution, and slipping control. The will of the Afghan people began to show cracks in the Unstoppable Chinese Advance.

Pakistan Agreement

After the Chinese invasion of Pakistan in 2081 IWO, USCI and UNI put their foot down, threatening that if China went any further they would take action. An agreement was put in place that China would finalize conquering with Pakistan.

British Civil War

Commencing in 2071, but with a slow build-up stretching back decades, the British Civil War was an unconventional, multi-front war, between the British Empire, the Socialist British Union, the questionably legal Corporate territories, and the seceding nations of the Independent Republic of Scotland and the Welsh Federation. Ended in an unsustainable ceasefire.

Panama Dispute

Having craved the region and the canal for a long time, Mexicana began the Panama Dispute in 2070 at the annual USCI Congregation. Oceania raised concerns that annexing Panama would raise tensions with the IWO and UNI, thus they proposed that Panama became become an Independent State under the International Cooperation Delegation, which Mexicana thought unacceptable. As tensions between the two communist states raised the FAR deployed a sizeable force in the region.

In the end, after two years, in 2072 cooler heads prevailed and Panama was offered to join the USCI under the condition that the canal would remain open to any and all civilian ships. Panama and the Three agreed and Panama began implementing reforms to comply with the USCI standards. The FAR force was relocated soon after which caused some backlash back home

Alaskan Resettlement and Independence

In 2067, the Free Economic Zone of the Eastern Seaboard, still having uncontested ownership over Alaska, began sending opposition there, as a sort of prison colony. By 2073 Alaska had the peak population of its entire existence and by 2074 declared independence backed by Columbia. The People’s Western Republic and the Free American Republic jumped at the opportunity to help the newly established United Alaskan States to thwart FEZES. Seeing the overwhelming odds FEZES simply gave in and recognized their independence. The North American Union did propose for the UAS to join, but they declined.

Mars Revolution

Unsatisfied with the Sternbrücke treatment of the colonies and supported by Grim Arms, many Martian Colonies took up arms and refused to cooperate with the Sternbrücke rule in 2075. Unión de Naciones Independientes soon recognized the sovereignty of Martian Colonies and established relations with the revolutionaries, setting up trade and arms sales. Sternbrücke soon began making and sending combat vessels to reinforce loyalty in the lost colonies, but international (UNI and USCI) and local support (Grim Arms) made it difficult to make any progress. By 2079 an independent colony established a central government like that of Earth. It was quickly recognized by UNI and USCI, IWO annual conference ruled the insurrection illegal, but did recognize the sovereignty of the United Bosporus.

The 6/5 Incident

During a joint force training in June of 2077, consisting of German, Japanese, French, and Italian forces, an incident occurred. Live ammunition was accidentally fired out of a howitzer into a convoy. 24 Soldiers were dead on arrival and over 40 were injured. The howitzer was operated by the Italian Regiment, but ammunition was delivered by an Iberian contribution. True causes and intentions are still contested to this day.

The Ukrainian Insurrection

In 2077, the movement of Ukrainian mercenaries working across many different PMCs united under the Cossack Junta, in an effort to overthrow the Ukrainian government, and establish a truly European Mercenary Enclave. On April 3rd they kidnapped the Ukraine President and Prime Minister, and began negotiating with the Vice President and Speaker. The talks were unsuccessful, as to quote the Vice President, "a nation is only great when the spirit of people is only amplified by the leader, and not eminent from the leader themselves."

During the talks the Cossack Junta accidentally leaked the location of hostages, and a joint ISA-ORC raid was organized. The leaders and many high ranking members of the Junta were captured as reportedly no fighting took place, as the paramilitary organization surrendered upon contact. The hostages were successfully rescued, and reported after the fact of the nice treatment given to them by the mercenaries.

When the leaders and members of the organization came to trial, a protest was organized by sympathizers and veterans to have the Junta pardoned. With over ten thousand active protestants, the government had no choice and acquiesced and pardoned all but a few members of the movement.

After the event many theories and speculations were made, that NAIE and Al-Quwa were behind the Junta, but the evidence was inconclusive.

The 12/11 Riots

On December 11th, 2079, as it became clear that Wallace Haggard wouldn't be allowed to run for a fifth term, masses gathered in Sacramento, protesting for a referendum on term limits. While Matthew Harrison, the newly elected President was still busy with filling cabinet positions and other tasks, he saw little urgency to address the term limit movement, which only grew more restless. An avid opponent of Wallace Haggard and his ideology, Michael Tabloski, opened fire upon the protesting crowd outside Sacramento City Hall. 12 were reported dead and further 56 injured.

This intensified the protesting to the point of rioting as the city engulfed into chaos. Wallace supporters would harass innocent people, loot and light buildings on fire, while the opposition and rationalists would set up neighborhood watches and keep the supporters at bay by any means necessary. The local government and police response was mixed due to both opposition and supporter sympathies within both institutions. The rioting continued for three days, until Wallace Haggard appeared on live TV appeasing for calm, cooperation and dialogue. This calmed tensions enough for local law enforcement to be able to quell those still belligerent.