A New Dawn (XCOM/Mass Effect)

News Update: 2045

Peace in Europe:
The Russo-German war has finally concluded after more than a decade. The conflict, instigated by a Russian invasion of the Baltic nations, had ground to a bloody halt in the Polish interior. The stalemate was broken earlier this year when German forces achieved a decisive victory in Ukraine, forcing Russia to abandon the annex Eastern European countries. A ceasefire was signed shortly shortly thereafter. While there were no net territorial changes as a result of the war, it is widely considered a German victory. Germany has pledged to reestablish civilian in the occupied countries, which it says will be inducted into the EU.

War in Africa:
Tensions between France and Central Africa erupted into war last month. The war began when half a million French troops crossed the border into Guinea in an attempted Blitzkrieg. The operation saw initial success, with Liberia and Sierra Leone falling shortly after Guinea. However, the French were forced to retrench after an African reversal at the Battle of Tunisia. The French had counted on their armoured and air forces to carry the day against the numerically superior African army. Details are sparse, but most give credit for the victory to a daring raid on the French regional command and a surprisingly strong showing by the Central African air force.

Indian Government Rocked by Scandal:
Mass protests in India continue in the wake of last year's stunning revelation of government malfeasance in recovery efforts. A whistle-blower revealed that patients with terminal radiation sickness were subjected to forced labour after being sent to government hospices. The hospices, established in the wake of India's brief nuclear exchange with Pakistan, sent their patients to participate in cleanup operations focused on removing fallout from bomb sites across India. The government has insisted that all participation was voluntarily and motivated by a desire to spare others from potential radiation sickness.

Brazil faces Crisis:
Rising civil unrest in Brazil has placed the government in crisis. Martial law was declared early this morning after rioters stormed the National Congress building. However, many in the government fear sterner measures will be needed to quell unrest. Argentina has pledged to assist the Brazilian government in maintaining order.
The unrest is believed to be motivated by anger over the continuing depression and government corruption. Protesters claim the government has done little to rebuilt the nation in the aftermath of the War.

Australian Economy makes Recovery:
The Australian economy has finally recovered from the recent recession. Government officials officially declared the recession of 2041 over on Thursday. A spokesman stated that the government plans to unleash Australia's potential for further economic growth. The Prime Minister has previously expressed his government's belief that unfair trading policies allow foreign exporters to attack local businesses and hinder growth. The government had no comment on whether 'unleashing Australia's potential' includes a change in trade policy.

 

Battle of Tunisia:

French Forces:
552,800 Soldiers
24,000 Combat Vehicles
1,400 Aircraft

Central African Forces:
1,051,000 Soldiers
6,000 Combat Vehicles
1,200 Aircraft

Initial Stages: 90 v. 95
The battle begins with a French advance on Tunis supported by aerial interdiction. The African air force is able to disrupt French bombers, but the French infantry continue to push forward with the aid of significantly superior artillery support. The French use of laser weapons and advanced body armour prove a decisive advantage, overcoming their numerical inferiority. By the time African reinforcements halt the French advance the African artillery positions have been overwhelmed.

Spoiler: Engaged

50 French Infantry Regiments (250,000 Infantry, 6,000 Artillery)
50 African Infantry Divisions (500,000 Infantry, 500 Artillery)
800 French Fighters
150 French Bombers
1,000 African Fighters

Spoiler: Losses

France: 20,000 Infantry, 200 Fighters, 50 Bombers.
Africa: 30,000 Infantry, 500 Artillery, 100 Fighters.

General Engagement: 07 v. 94
Both sides deploy the remainder of their forces to the engagement along the route to Tunis. The French strategists attempt to flank the African position with their armoured forces, but coordination fails when contact with the general in charge of operations is lost. The armoured battalions aren't given a chance to recover; thousands of soldiers with shiny grey skin dive from moving aircraft and proceed to tear open tank hatches with their bare hands. The soldiers ignore the crews small arms fire and slaughter everyone inside. The remaining half of the force quickly annihilates the strange soldiers with heavy weapons fire, but the damage is done. The African mechanized forces are, with the aid of attack helicopters, able to repulse the remaining French tanks. The French armour inflicts heavy losses with their Heavy Autolasers and Laser Lances, but are too disorganized to mount a cohesive defense.

The air war is, if anything, a larger disaster for the French. The Central Africans anticipate the targets and approach trajectories of French aircraft perfectly. The French aerial forces are rapidly drive from the Theater, leaving African bombers free to attack French artillery positions.

With their armoured support missing and their artillery subject to aerial bombardment the remaining French forces are in disarray. They are saved from rout only by their superior laser weaponry excellent inter-unit communication. The French commanders rapidly assess the situation and begin an orderly retreat while inflicting heavy losses on the advancing African infantry.

Spoiler: Engaged

100 French Infantry Regiments (480,000 Infantry, 12,000 Artillery)
100 French Armoured Battalions (12,000 Vehicles)
100 African Infantry Divisions (970,000 Infantry, 500 Artillery)
100 African Mechanized Battalions (30,000 Infantry, 5,000 IFVs, 500 Helicopters)
10 African Airborne Battalions (6,000 Elite Infantry, 100 Transports)
800 French Fighters
150 French Bombers
900 African Fighters
100 African Bombers

Spoiler: Losses

France: 100,000 Infantry, 2,000 Artillery, 7,000 Vehicles, 600 Fighters, 150 Bombers.
Africa: 100,000 Infantry, 2,000 IFVs, 300 Helicopters, 300 Fighters, 6,000 Elite Infantry.

French Retreat: 95 v. 94
The French are able to successfully retreat with minimal losses despite continued harassment by African forced. The most significant losses are inflicted on the French armour by African bombers.

Spoiler: Engaged

100 French Infantry Regiments (380,000 Infantry, 10,000 Artillery)
100 French Armoured Battalions (5,000 Vehicles)
100 African Infantry Divisions (890,000 Infantry, 500 Artillery)
100 African Mechanized Battalions (10,000 Infantry, 3,000 IFVs, 200 Helicopters)
200 French Fighters
600 African Fighters
100 African Bombers

Spoiler: Losses

France: 20,000 Infantry, 1,000 Vehicles, 100 Fighters.
Africa: 10,000 Infantry, 500 IFVs, 50 Helicopters, 50 Fighters.

Spoiler: Total Losses

France: 140,000 Infantry, 2,000 Artillery, 7,000 Vehicles, 900 Fighters, 200 Bombers.
Africa: 140,000 Infantry, 2,500 IFVs, 350 Helicopters, 450 Fighters, 6,000 Elite Infantry, 500 Artillery.

French Response:
While disappointed by the loss, the French are satisfied with their gains farther south. More concerning is the cost the cost in lives, which may jeopardize support for the war. They hope to win a decisive victory in a minor skirmish to restore their national prestige and then seek a ceasefire.

The French are greatly concerned over the unexpected potency of the African air forces. They notice the American construction of the African planes and are quick to denounce the American arms sales as short sighted. They also push public sentiment in the EU towards the opinion that 'Americans would sell nukes to terrorists if they thought it profitable.' More concerning than the American planes are the strange grey skinned soldiers. French intelligence had uncovered information on African human augmentation projects; the potency of the enhancements, however, was wholly unanticipated. There is considerable fear that widespread implementation could prove a decisive advantage.

Central African Response:
The Central African government is ecstatic. They have triumphed over a foe which once seemed unbeatable. They credit their victory in the air war to US aircraft sales. They send an official missive to America thanking them for their products and making several uncomfortable offers. You inquire with the diplomatic core and are informed that the CAU has reconciled their anti-corruption campaigns with local traditions by giving ceremonial 'bribes' after the completion of a service. You are initially alarmed, but they explain that the practice is de facto nothing more than tipping.

 

News Update: 2050

Baby Boom in Eastern Europe:
Eastern Europe is finally experiencing a recovery after over a decade of war. The economy isn't the only thing recovering, maternity clothes are back in style. The region has experienced a dramatic up-tick in births over the last four years. The average number of children for couples of childbearing age has risen from a mere 1.2 to just under 3.7. This marks the area's first net increase in population since the war.

Peace in Africa:
An armistice has been signed between France and the Independent Nations Treaty Organization. The peace left both sides disappointed with neither making significant concessions. INTO had hoped to liberate France's African territories while France had hoped to repay their humiliation in the Battle of Tunisia. Commentators speculate that France was motivated to seek a prompt resolution by widespread rioting. The riots, which began early last year, have troubled most of the Western European governments. They began in protest of high casualties and the government's failure to fulfill promises of a quick victory. However, they quickly spiraled out of control after clashes between protesters and counter-protesters turned violent.

Russian Army Become Condottieri:
The Russian economy, strained by years of costly warfare, is nearing collapse. The government has been forced to rent its armed forces to highest bidder in an attempt to pay the bills, and perhaps even fund a recovery. The Russian President initially approached the French, but the armistice forced him to find employment elsewhere. An agreement was eventually reached with the People's Republic of China, which has been struggling with Japan and fighting internal dissent since the War's conclusion.

Sino-Japanese War Escalates:
The 3rd Sino-Japanese has reached new levels of intensity after a long lull in the fighting. The Chinese politburo, previously occupied with internal strife, has turned its attention to the island nation. In what is believed to be an attempt at rallying patriotic sentiment, the Chinese contracted the Russian military for an attempted invasion of Japan. Initial operations were successful and led to a swift occupation of the Korean peninsula. Preparations for a seaborne invasion of the home islands were also promising. While the Chinese were incapable of facing the Japanese in open battle, Japan's dwindling fuel reserves left them vulnerable. However, plans for an invasion were foiled when Japan secured a new source of fuel imports in America. The politburo has responded by escalating attempts to bomb Japanese ports.

Australia Forms Coalition:
Fears of involvement in the 3rd Sino-Japanese war reach new heights in Oceania. Negotiations for a coalition including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Malaysia have been ongoing for over 7 years. They were finally concluded last month in startling change of affairs. Many have attributed the rapid progress to recent Chinese escalation. Many Australian public commentators have argued for protection not only from China, but also from an increasingly desperate Japan.

Revolution in India:
Rising tensions in India erupted into open revolution this month. The rebellion may have been sparked by recent leaks in the highest levels of government. The leaks revealed a controversial plan to enlist British aid for involuntary resettlement of refugees in South Africa. The rebels have seized control of several key regions and engaged the government in open warfare. Reports of desertions and defections within the India military are unconfirmed.
The international reaction to India has been poor. The conflict has already spread into neighboring Bangladesh and Nepal, prompting Myanmar to fortify their border. The British claim ignorance of the resettlement programs involuntary. When asked for comment, the India government stated "The government has total confidence in the military and the people of India. Order will be restored and the public will see these malcontents for the traitors they are."

 

News Update: 2055

China Does Not Renew Mercenary Contract:
The Chinese have, despite persistent financial difficulty, successfully paid their obligations to the Russian military. They have not, however, elected to renew their contract with the Russians. The politburo have publicly announced their disappointment with the Russians' failure to secure a swift victory over Japan. Many, however, suspect financial considerations behind the decision.
The Japanese military is quick to take advantage of the diminished Chinese forces. They launch a renewed offensive in hopes of crippling China's capacity for strikes against the Home Islands. Japanese drones achieve substantial success against Chinese airstrips and the Japanese navy pursues Chinese submarines as far north as the Arctic circle. However, these gains come at a cost. The Japanese economy, already straining under the burden of a two decade war, is unable to sustain the increased pace of operations. The offensive is brought to an abrupt and premature end before a lasting victory can be secured.

Brazil Annexed by Argentina, Peru Breaks Alliance:
The former nation of Brazil was annexed by Argentina earlier this year. The troubled Brazilian republic has struggled with corruption and civil unrest for decades. An Argentinian intervention in 2045 led many to decry a 'puppet government', but failed to resolve the crisis. Recently, the Brazilian government and economy entered a deepened crisis simultaneous to a significant upsurge in Argentina's economy. Argentina was quick to take advantage of their increasingly dominant position. The Brazilian military, known for holding greater loyalty to Argentina than its own nation, staged a coup. Argentina responded immediately, 'liberating' and annexing Brazil. Notably, the coup's chief architects 'escaped' to luxury villas in Argentina while many lower ranking members of Brazil's former military assumed influential positions administering martial law in occupied territories. Less fortunate members of the Brazilian military were killed in tragic 'friendly fire' incidents.
Peru, a longstanding Argentinian ally, was greatly alarmed by these happenings. The Peruvian ambassador went beyond strongly worded condemnation to formally break his nation's alliance with Argentina. Argentinian president Barnabas Perez has condemned the action, and the nation of Peru, as cowardly and traitorous.

United Kingdom Forms Coalition, Intervenes In Indian Civil War:
Nations across Southeast Asia grew increasingly alarmed this year as the Indian civil war began spilling into not just Bangladesh, but Myanmar. Fearing that they would be the next affected, the region's reaction was swift. They accepted longstanding United Kingdom proposals for an interventionist coalition. The Indian crisis had concerned the British from the outset; the loss of their Indian alliance was a serious blow to their foreign policy. With the support of the local nations now secured, they have finally begun an intervention. British and Southeast Asian troops have already rescued the Bangladeshi government and are now preparing for a wider intervention.

French Establish Colonies Near Ghawar Oil Field:
The French citizenry have recently reacquired their appetite for foreign adventure. In the wake of the disastrous Franco-African war it seemed that France's people were permanently estranged from colonial ventures. However, the vivacious rebound of their economy, fueled by Algerian oil, has rapidly reversed popular sentiment. There is renewed support for further expeditions in pursuit of national treasure. As a result, the French government has sponsored the development of colonies in former Qatar and Bahrain. The ventures appear to be going well, and the colonists hope to begin exploiting the nearby Ghawar oil field in the near future. Radiation levels have proven manageable, and incursions by local nomads were easily repulsed by the French military.

Central Africa Experiences Economic Renaissance:
The CAU, their finances exhausted by the Franco-African war, have suffered numerous and divers economic woes. The African economy was weak before the invasion, and never fully recovered from the destruction. Although the CAU made significant strides in improving the economy, the French offense rapidly reversed their gains. This has exacerbated their struggle to service their extensive war-debts, which came to occupy a significant portion of the national budget. Recently, however, this has changed.
The Central African economy has recently begun a veritable renaissance. Decades of effort have finally paid off as once stagnant markets begin to thrive. The government has already seen great budgetary benefits, even increasing military spending for the first time since the war. The recovery was further aided by a surge of cheap American electronics. The imports have benefited a number of industries which previously found electronics impractically expensive.