The Callaxian Civil War

## Overview

The Callaxian Civil War is a high-stakes, high-profile event in the galactic scene, a proxy war that began in 347C. It involves all three major governments: The Union of Planets, the Mission, and the Red Mission, striving for control over the planet Callax.

## Geopolitical Context

Following the Somm War that ended in 222C, the Mission, the primary aggressor, had to tread lightly in its conflicts with the Union due to the threat posed by the Frex. The relative peace following the Somm War has thus been punctuated by a series of proxy wars, primarily fought on planets residing along the disputed borders of these galactic powers. The practice of engaging in proxy wars seems not to rile up the Frex. The Callaxian Civil War is the latest in this series, following the Kyrrnaki Proxy War.

## Callax and Its People

Callax, located at the intersection of territories of all three major governments, is a late silicon age civilization. Despite being technologically advanced to a certain extent, they still grapple with issues like their climate crisis and have not yet encountered their VR crisis or developed FTL travel.

Callaxian society in the continents of Tarn and Rayz is deeply divided by a segregationist, religious class system known as the Stratum, with the Gahls at the top, followed by Laxes, and Zeds at the bottom. Despite the Stratum's abolition on the continent of Kemper over a century ago, it continues to dictate social and political dynamics in Tarn and Rayz, where Gahl leaders exclusively rule.

## Inception of Conflict

Two years prior to the outbreak of civil war (345C in galactic S years and A4548 in Callaxian years), the Mission made contact with Callax. The promise of advanced technology and medicine initially excited the Callaxians. However, when it became clear that the Mission's intervention would not tolerate the enforcement of the segregationist Stratum by law, opposition arose. Brek Calla, the son of the King of Tarn and leader of the Stratist Traditionalists, became the prominent voice against the Mission's involvement.

In response, the Union backed the Stratist Traditionalists, aligning with their principle of self-determinism despite their ideological disdain for the Stratum. The Callaxians, they argued, should face the challenges of development on their own to achieve true growth.

## Factions and Key Figures

The Callaxian Civil War sees two major factions battling for control of Callax: The Stratist Traditionalists, led by Brek Calla, and the Shoehorns, led by Dra'rek Calla, Brek's sister and the daughter of the King of Tarn. While the Stratist Traditionalists favor the enforcement of the Stratum and are backed by the Union, the Shoehorns actively oppose the Stratum and are supported by the Mission. If Dra'rek had not rebelled against her family, she would have been the heir apparent instead of her younger brother Brek.

Key figures in the war include Del, a decorated Tellia Union officer credited for the Union's unexpected victory in the Kyrrnaki Proxy War. Now, she serves as the Union's top agent in the Callaxian Civil War. Representing the Mission's interests is Findelo Fendall, a Sora commanding officer known for his strategic acumen.

In a surprising turn of events, after the war had been going for a while it became evident that the Red Mission was also stepping into the conflict. They are waging a two-sided battle: one against the other governments, and one for public opinion. Unlike the Mission, which requires only 55 natives to be interested in being uplifted, the Red Mission's laws require a majority of natives to desire being uplifted and assimilated.

## Galactic Implications and Public Interest

The Callaxian Civil War mirrors the intricacies of galactic politics, offering a stage on which the major powers can joust without resorting to open hostility against each other. Its outcome, like the preceding Kyrrnaki Proxy War, is likely to influence the fragile balance of power within the galactic scene, making it a topic of intense interest, where people follow the events of the war with the fervor of a major sporting tournament.

## Future of Callax

The fate of Callax hangs in the balance as the Stratist Traditionalists and the Shoehorns continue to battle for influence. Each faction’s victory could shape the planet's future in starkly different ways. Should the Stratist Traditionalists prevail, Callax would be left to their own devices, most likely with the Stratum remaining in full swing, until the time they were advanced enough to join the galactic scene themselves. If the Shoehorns win, Callax could face rapid changes as they embrace the Mission's interventionist policy, potentially leading to a forced cultural shift and an end to the Stratum.

The Callaxian Civil War's outcome could also reshape the galactic scene's balance of power. A victory for the Stratist Traditionalists would bolster the Union's credibility, possibly encouraging further resistance against the Mission's interventions. A win for the Shoehorns could help solidify the Mission's dominance, possibly enabling it to consolidate further power along contested borders.

## Roles and Positions

### The Union of Planets/The Stratist Traditionalists

* Del: Senior Field Agent (SFA): An experienced general responsible for executing covert and special operations on various planets, including gathering intelligence, training local forces, and coordinating with local leaders. Even though there are not the strict hierarchies that are found in "primitive" militaries, Del is ultimately the one of whom the success or failure of this operation rides. She is the highest-ranking Mission officer on Callax.
* Brek Calla: Brek's position as Local Liaison Officer (LLO) provides him with a unique role within the UDF, as he serves as a bridge between the UDF forces and the local population. In certain situations, Brek has the authority to make decisions on behalf of the UDF, as his local knowledge and insight are considered invaluable.
* Ledev Amal: Battlefield Tactician (BT): Responsible for overseeing battlefield tactics, devising strategies, and providing real-time guidance to field agents and other operatives in the UDF during operations.
* Yim: Ground Forces Coordinator (GFC): In charge of coordinating the rank-and-file soldiers, managing logistics, and ensuring smooth communication between different units within the UDF. He is what is known as an "intermediary officer," as he is not as high up on the the chain of command as Del and Ledev Amal.
* Javie Lepe: Ideological Consultant (IC): Javie Lepe, though not an official member of the UDF, has been hired by the UDF as an "Ideological Consultant" due to her unique background and personal experiences with the consequences of interventionism. Javie's primary role is to educate and advocate for the Union's philosophy of self-determinism, drawing on her tragic past as a survivor of Orgullo, a planet destroyed by the misuse of stolen Mission technology. She does not fight in battles.
* Ref Calla: Traditionalist Strategist and Advisor (TSA): King of Tarn, head of the Calla family, and a seasoned leader, Ref Calla serves as a TSA for the UDF. His insights into the Stratist system and past military experience inform strategies that uphold the status quo and resist invasive change on Callax. Despite allegations of corruption, his popular appeal strengthens the Traditionalist cause.

### The Mission/The Shoehorns

* Findelo Fendall: Mercenary Field Commander (MFC) - Findelo is a seasoned mercenary with a history of success in previous proxy wars. He has been contracted by the Mission Vanguard to lead their forces on Callax, acting as the de facto commander on the ground. Despite Abretha being his official superior, Findelo effectively takes charge of the war effort.
* Dra'rek Calla: She is hired on as a mercenary and given the designation Chief Mercenary Local Hire (CMLH). Unlike Brek she doesn't necessarily have final say in calls made during the war. Technically Abretha would, as the highest-ranking official Vanguard member, but in practice Findelo makes the final calls.
* Abretha Dontell: Vanguard Financial Officer (VFO) - Abretha serves as the official Mission Vanguard representative on Callax. Her primary responsibilities include overseeing Findelo's activities, managing financial allocations, and submitting reports to higher-ups within the Mission Vanguard. As the highest-ranking official Vanguard member on Callax, she maintains the appearance of authority but in practice often defers to Findelo.
* Xeth Xiantra: Mercenary Assistant Liaison (MAL) - Xeth works closely with Findelo, providing support and coordination for their mercenary operations on Callax.
* Ri'def Minga: Callaxian Kemperian Ambassador from Ildaria. Ri'def has a bevvy of Ildarian resources at her disposal, despite the fact that she chose to back the Shoehorn's efforts without getting official approval.
* Mielan Ploe: Mercenary Operations Specialist (MOS): As a skilled soldier of fortune with experience working for various factions, Mielan Ploe is contracted by the Mission to bolster their forces on Callax. Her primary responsibilities include leading and commanding troops in battle, as well as providing strategic insights based on her extensive combat experience.
* Brimi Hanok: Mercenary Local Hire (MLH) - An influential figure in the New Lansican Punk scene, Brimi uses his music and charisma to rally local support for the Shoehorn movement. Despite his wealthy Gahl background, he stands firmly against his family's exploitative practices and the oppressive Stratum. Hired by the Mission Vanguard thanks to his friendship with Dra'rek Calla, Brimi is a valuable asset in the Callaxian Civil War, bolstering recruitment efforts and amplifying the movement's message through his passionate and rebellious music.

### The Red Mission

* Blút Témin: Field Operations Commander (FOC): As a Yannis agent, Blút is responsible for overseeing all Red Mission operations on Callax, both covert and overt. They manage tactical planning, coordinate with other operatives, and establish contact with potential allies. Blút's leadership and adaptability allow them to effectively navigate the changing landscape of the conflict on Callax, ensuring the Red Mission's interests are advanced at every stage of the campaign.
* Cevada Corress: Intelligence and Reconnaissance Officer (IRO): As a young and ambitious Sora, Cevada is responsible for gathering intelligence on enemy movements and positions, conducting reconnaissance missions, and providing vital information to support strategic decision-making. Her close relationship with Blút enables them to work effectively together, maximizing the impact of their efforts on the ground.
* Korak Le: The RMLF appointed him as the Outreach and Integration Officer (OIO) for their operations in the Callaxian Civil War. In this role, Korak became a crucial linchpin in the efforts to unite diverse factions under the Red Mission's banner. His responsibilities involve fostering alliances with local Callaxian forces, ensuring smooth coordination between different groups, and integrating their efforts towards a common goal. Despite his intimidating demeanor, Korak's job revolves around diplomacy and consensus-building, serving as a testament to his adaptability and the trust the RMLF places in him.
* An'del Groppa: Strategic Planning Expert (SPE): As a former Strategex world champion, An'del is responsible for developing high-level strategies and tactics for the Red Mission's military engagements on Callax. Her keen intellect and tactical acumen make her an invaluable asset, enabling the Red Mission to outmaneuver and outthink their adversaries.
* Faelon Die: Veteran Combat Advisor (VCA): Faelon Die, with his extensive experience in engagements against the Dead, serves as a combat advisor to the Red Mission forces on Callax. He provides guidance on effective tactics, shares valuable knowledge about enemy tactics, and assists in training new recruits, drawing upon his wealth of battle-hardened wisdom.
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