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MAY 13. It was the summit that shocked the world. At the close of the first ACC-hosted international conference today, high-level officials announced the alliance's intent to meet again for "Charter revisions." This was swiftly followed by a 5-page press release detailing plans for the reorganization of the ACC as a mutual defense alliance.
If the reaction from the ambassadors here tonight is any indication, the global community is reeling from these recent developments. Even here on the steps directly outside of ACC Headquarters, impromptu debates have been breaking out among representatives over the semantics of the announcement, some of which describes the future deployment of military forces for the strict purpose of restoring native delegates to power "in the case of external attack."
I managed to catch a word with Prince Nusseburg, the ACC Operations Commander, as he was leaving the conference. When I asked the young officer about what prompted the sudden reversal of alliance strategy, he replied with a shrug, "This was our intent all along. But after events in regions like Iraq, let's just say that things are now working on an accelerated time table."
I then asked the Commander about how he would answer some of the alliance's critics, including concerns voiced by a few of the senior members who have come out staunchly against any kind of demobilization. A habitual smoker, the Prince paused to light his cigarette. "Times change, Kerry. Times change. It is a very different world out there, and most of our members feel that we have a certain responsibility to expend our resources, to help resolve war, and to right wrongs." He laughed. "Idealistic. But hey. Why not?"
About half an hour after the officers' convoy left, a large explosive device was detonated several blocks from the main complex, blowing out windows as far away as the newly established Ministry of Justice. 7 civilians were killed, 15 wounded. No one has taken responsibility for the attack.
This is Kerry Pressman, reporting for Atlantic News, ACC Headquarters.
MAY 5. There has been a stunning rout of ACC forces here in Iraq in the last 24 hours. In a sudden counterattack of enormous ferocity, the former military regime of Iraq, fighting under the flag of the Freedom Alliance, has effectively forced a mass evacuation of all Atlantic forces. In the vacuum that has arisen in the aftermath, there is absolute chaos. With the increasingly dangerous situation, the foreign press corps has been given orders from bureau offices to pull out with the military forces.
Even as our convoy is moving towards the border, we are under constant fire from FA-held bunkers. Gunships have been strafing stationary units, utterly obliterating them, and our retreat has been secured only with the withering recovery fire of ACC units whom appear to have sacrificed themselves in the process.
So far, there has been no word from High Command, and the ACC-interim governor of Iraq is missing and presumed dead.
From a global perspective, the timing of this evacuation could not have come at a more inopportune moment—it comes on the eve of a high-level summit between ACC officials and various key international powerbrokers on the future direction of this young but already notorious alliance. Ironically enough, the main topics of discussion were set to be a possible revision of the ACC Charter and the establishment of a Ministry of Diplomatic Affairs. How will the fall of Iraq influence the direction of these talks?
Tonight, the world's eyes are on ACC Headquarters. This is Kerry Pressman, reporting for Atlantic News, somewhere in the western Iraqi desert.
MAY 1. Following the surprise, peaceful resolution of the ACC's massive operation in the West Pacific, the flashpoint of the Atlantic campaign now appears to be Iraq, where ferocious border skirmishes have broken out between pro-ACC forces and what appears to be an increasingly organized opposition.
Divisions upon divisions of tanks have been rolling in over the past 24 hours, shoring up border fortifications on either side. The rumble of artillery has been constant, and sporadic but extremely violent firing exchanges have occurred along the Line of Control.
Some indications have even suggested that the key components of the opposition are remnant elements from the deposed former military regime of Iraq, which called itself the Freedom Alliance. Beyond that, not much else is known.
As this campaign wears on into a war of attrition, the ACC has taken unprecedented security measures to protect operational details. Earlier today, we received the following press release from ACC High Command:
“In light of the current situation in the region of Iraq, a general suspension has been placed on all applications by nations for ACC membership.
We truly regret that this action had to be taken at such a pivotal moment in the alliance's history; nevertheless, as an alliance, there are two overriding priorities: 1) the promotion of a democratic ideal, and 2) the protection of existing alliance members. We hope that this suspension on ACC-induction can be lifted in the near future, pending the successful liberation of Iraq.”
Truly ominous words, delivered at the start of what will undoubtedly be a conflict remembered for its tragedy, no matter the outcome. This is Kerry Pressman, reporting for Atlantic News, Iraq.
APR. 22. A little more than a week after the ACC's historic first victory, chaos reigns in the West Pacific, where total pandemonium has broken out. Several days after an emergency mobilization order sent several ACC nations into this vast region, a power struggle has turned brutal and vicious, with heavy casualties mounting on either side as various powerbrokers vie for control.
Embassies have been firebombed, looting is rampant, and chaos has replaced law in the streets. Even as I speak now, ACC forces can be heard engaging in a massive firefight a bit further from the spot I'm standing in.
This colossal battle is being waged at a turning point for the ACC. Indeed, the very future of this alliance is being decided right here in the streets, by the soldiers fighting so desperately for a hold on the region. Their actions today will bring us closer to the promise of world government, or to the nightmare of totalitarianism by endless war.
This is Kerry Pressman, reporting for Atlantic News, West Pacific.
APR. 12. Violence erupted along the eastern front today as the ACC launched an all-out surprise assault on the Alliance of Soviet Democracies. The historic "move out" order was given during a formal ceremony by the Field Commander to the first ACC assault team, Unit 00.
In a campaign of stunning efficiency, Atlantic forces rushed across the border and within hours, these foreign troopers occupied the streets of the Soviet cities. It is expected that ACC victory will be declared shortly.
While the mood in the former Soviet democracies remained subdued and cautious, it was quite a different picture for the Atlantic cities, where public celebration and open shows of jubilation have poured into city squares and university campuses. Leading one of the major parade routes was Ian Weaver, CEO of the Federation of ACC Flagmakers. In his words, "It's a great day, a great day indeed!" he exclaimed, while brandishing a small ACC flag with its discounted price tag conspicuously attached.
This is Kerry Pressman, reporting for Atlantic News from ACC Headquarters.
MAR. 24. Heavy mobilization continued in the Atlantic region today, as public support for the ACC surged with the announcement of the alliance's first forward base in the region of Marsburg.
In a press conference at ACC headquarters, representatives of the allied nations made a joint statement, assuring the people of the Atlantic that the "hour of glory" would soon be upon them. One ambassador called it a "historically significant occasion," and added that ACC flag sales had more than quadrupled in the last week, giving a much needed boost to the local economy.
Meanwhile, there have been unconfirmed reports of special forces being deployed in operations within certain foreign territories, as signs seem to indicate the imminent start of the ACC campaign. In the strongest indication to date, commanders of the alliance have recently ordered all member nations on stand-by.
The mood here can be described as "tense," as ordinarily busy streets have been emptied, with more and more citizens making preparations for the conflict that is to come. When asked what his plans were if war were to break out, 34 year-old John Doe merely said, "We shall see." Indeed, that seems to be the consensus here tonight. This is Kerry Pressman, reporting for Atlantic News.
MAR. 17. As forces continue to mobilize, a state of emergency has been declared in the Atlantic region and all surrounding districts. The latest reports indicate that military planning within the ACC Security Council is approaching the "11th hour."
Meanwhile, police forces have clamped down on pro-ACC protests in the region. As crowds of milling students and placards are dispersed, they continue to chant their battle cry, "Relevance," even under the assault of tear gas and rubber pellets.
On the other side of the lines, an anti-expansionist protestor and real estate investor, who insisted upon being called, "Cap'n Flint," denounced the ACC as an "overly ambitious charade, doomed to failure because heads of state are, by their very nature, complacent and lazy." He continued to remark that the ACC campaign "would be bad for business anyway."
More soon.
MAR. 16. Atlantic Central Command (CentComm) is now operational. To formally declare membership, please refer to the Charter.
Hail Atlantic.
