Seref Games

Colonel Khadija al Daimon, after a series of calls between Victoria and Ireland, took a short plane ride over the channel from her posting in the French Commune. She and her staff arrived and made a quick trip to the agreed on meeting place with the Irish. The military delegation made no pretence to visiting their host's city, or preparing an embassy, or anything but the required diplomatic courtesies before the Colonel addressed her hosts.

"The British have been interfering in Victorian affairs for too long. We intend to make sure they no longer have the capability of interfering with anyone. Queen Catharine would like your assistance in this matter, as you are their nearest neighbours, and they've interfered with your affairs for even longer than ours."

"I'll spare your time by being blunt, Colonel. We've concluded all preparations for a pre-emptive strike to begin a liberation of Britain, and we cannot see any need for outside intervention in a matter internal to the Isles."

Khadija raised a brow then shook her head. "I'm glad that you've prepared your own forces. However, that does not diminish what Britain has done to us. Not before the plague, not since. Your grievance with them does not erase our own. If you would like to take the lead on a coalition action... That can be discussed. But no. Britain has not kept its actions confined to the isles."

"Your purpose is retribution. Ours goes beyond that. Our forces are sufficient, and our cause righteous. You are not necessary, but neither can you be diminished. You may participate, but this is our war."

The Colonel shrugged. "If that's the way you want to handle it." She rose and left.

A message is sent to Ireland.

“You are allied with a rogue state. They are now at war with Victoria, and your military is present in their territories. Victoria suggests that Ireland withdraw all forces from the conflict zone now. Remaining in Iranian territory will be taken as a hostile act in support of the Iranian regime’s actions against Victoria.”

A reply was promptly mustered.

"Ireland has no interest in assuming an aggressive stance, particularly one so absurdly constructed that its validity is laughable in how obviously false it is, and so we regret that Victoria chooses the path of the warmonger, and that in your position of power you seek to visit whatever abuses you wish upon anyone you see fit. It is unfortunate, then, that we must find ourselves bowing before threats of obscene violence made by such a power or risk upon ourselves certain doom. Thusly, we have made the decision to withdraw from Iran, even though in doing so we have bloodied our hands as well with the terrible sacrifice of a nation of friends and comrades. It will not be forgotten who made us party to such a sin. Leave us now, and never return, for you are unwelcome."