//------------------------------//
// 24th June, 2018 
// Story: The Southern Expedition 
// by Ponelover 
//------------------------------//


National Assembly, Paris, 10:00AM, 3 years after event


President Ayrault knew that the Assembly would be in uproar after the announcement of the sinking and would definitely want retaliation. We’ll see how it goes then he briefly thought as he exited his Presidential Car and entered the Palais Bourbon with his advisors, military and otherwise, ready to face the onslaught of the National Assembly. Just so you know Marine, if you think you can grill me just to fuel your election then you’re frankly wrong. I’m not stupid enough to not come prepared he further thought as a smile come up his face.

“Announcing President Jean Marc Ayrault!!” said the speaker as he himself as well as his escorts arrived at the scene with the National Assembly standing up. He saluted and then the chaos began.

“How did the Auvergne sank!!”
“This is outrageous! We should order an immediate retaliation on those Alicorns!!”
“Why don’t we think things through?!? You’re all jumping the gun here with numerous assumptions on our abilities, remember we are no longer in NATO!!”
“But that does not mean that the Alicorn attack must be met with silence!! There will be an uproar in Paris if we don’t act!”
“We already have fighters patrolling the skies down south, we don’t need to worry about another attack anymore, the President himself has assured the nation that the crew of the Auvergne would be given temporary leave after their treatment at the hospital”
“But what about potential retaliations then? We can only have so many fighters patrolling at once, I suggest we deploy the Napoleon and the Suffren immediately and bring the fight back against the Alicorns!!!”

And then the argument goes back and forth and back and forth. He expected that uproar would immediately erupt following the session and realized that without intervention a fight will soon broke out, he nods his head to the speaker and the speaker of the house brings the wooden hammer into full use.

The assembly members realized about the knocks and order was restored eventually at the National Assembly with both Socialists and Republicans grumbily settling their disputes for another time. With all eyes on the President, Ayrault immediately starts his opening move.

“My fellow respected Assembly Members, as you have heard last night and through the frantic phone calls I received during my sleep. An attack has happened yesterday on the Aquitaine class Frigate Auvergne, the attack came in hard and fast with Alicorns narrowly avoiding the Auvergne’s aerial defenses. Now I can assure you that most of the crew is fine and are being taken care of at the Medical Center in Toulon, but if reporting about the event is the only thing I’m doing in this Assembly then get ready because in response to the attacks and the frantic reactions. I have designed a plan that will hopefully end this conflict once and for all, It will be very hard and there will be sacrifices made in order to achieve it but I think that we, the proud members of a nation stretching thousands of years can pull it off as long as we have the will to maintain such an operation, I now gave the floor to Admiral Bernard Rogel, Chief of Staff Andre Lanata and General Jean Pierre Bosser to elaborate on the details” said the President as he stepped down of the podium and gave room for the three chiefs of staff.

“Thank you Mr President” Admiral Rogel Started. “Now while many of you in the assembly are unfamiliar of the details regarding the French military, I can assure you that after the attacks we have doubled our defenses on the Island to ensure that no more attacks like the one that sank the Auvergne will happen again. In response to the Alicorn attacks, we at the French High Command have decided that a direct incursion into Alicorn Territory is needed” as he left the podium for General Bosser to step on.

“Now we at the Hexagon Balard have calculated that in order to commit an attack on this scale, we would need to seize several civilian assets in order to fuel the French Army’s logistics. So that is why that we are requesting explicit permission from the National Assembly for French authorities to seize civilian ferries in order to commence the preparations necessary for Operation Ouragan, the details can be seen in the document that will be shared with you right now” as a bunch of staff members issued in the 45 page report to each assembly member for review.

“Now with that out of the way, I expect a decision tomorrow since we at high command seriously urged the National Assembly to give us the green light to commence the operation, we were just as shocked when news filtered out about the Auvergne sinking and we are jut as angry as you are” as General Bosser stepped down the podium and gave way back to the President.

“I know that you will need to review this document but do realize that desperate times do call for desperate measures. Until our shipyards at Lorient is sure that the Napoleon and Suffren are ready, this will be our best bet to winning this war” as the National Assembly went from the raucous mood it was originally in and channeled that into reviewing the document. A bunch of nodding heads and group circles later and a response from the people representing each party shows up.

“You don’t even have to wait for that long Mr President, the Socialist Party will always support our chosen President but we’ll give you a formal response in 3 hours time”
“We’ll review the document immediately but unless there are some serious mishaps, the Democratic party will gave our support in 3 hours time as well”
“The Left Front supports the President in this endeavour, but we will need time to review the document first, expect a response in 3 hours time”
“The Republican Party will also review this document in 3 hours time before giving our response”

And with that the President knew that the deal is done. Oh I can’t stop laughing at all you guys trying to have some dignity by “reviewing” the doc, I knew no one would oppose me when I bring in the people from the Hexagon to help me out. Let’s just pray that all the lives that will be shed won’t be for naught though…..the President thought a he left the Aseembly to do other work in his morning workhour.


Somewhere in Paris, 11:00AM, 3 years after event


“Hey Omar?”
“Yes Ahmed?” someone asked as the van hurls through the streets of Paris.
“Why are we doing this?”
“Why because we’re hired to dumbshit, we just killed 4 DGSE agents in that car chase, what you stupid or something”
“And why did you kill them? Now all of the DGSE are on our asses now”
“I don’t have time for this Ahmed” Omar replied as the group of cars narrowly avoids being slammed by another black Peugeot. The original plan was to stage a sudden breakout of the compound and ride through Paris like a madman in order to distract DGSE’s attention, the group are armed and they managed to kill 4 agents on the car chase already but things are getting out of hand. If you hear this Caballeron you might wanna finish the job. I better see headlines talking about the National Assembly Blowing up by the time we’ve chased them off.

“Watch out!!” Ahmed said as Omar replied with slamming the steering wheel left, narrowly avoiding a random truck as they started to enter the French highways. Only to see a blockade being formed. Naturaly Omar ordered the other guys currently preoccupied shooting the DGSE agents to get the missile launcher and blow a new hole in the fortification and they obliged, with one of the guys grabbing an RPG 29 (because an RPG 7 is so old school), aiming it at the target and fired the missile launcher. Blowing up one of the cars and opening up a new hole for the Citreon they’re currently riding to pass through. Another guy grabbed another missile launcher and targeted the helicopter currently eyeing them, destroying the helicopter instantly as the missile exited the tube.

“Good we’ve lost them, now we got their attention for sure!!!  don’t you dare fail us again Caballeron!!” Ahmed said as the car streamed though the French highway, getting to their exfiltration point as fast as they could.


Meanwhile, on another side of Paris


“Are the agents distracted?” Caballeron asked as another car drives normally throughout the streets of Paris.
“Yes they are, we’ve got two more cars linking up now. Are we ready Mahmoud? Sulaiman?”
“Yes sir”
“Of Course”
“Now let’s move, Bourbon Palace’s not far from here. I heard they’re going to vote for a very important measure” Caballeron said as the group drives to the National Assembly, Omar has kindly enough distract the French Police to think that their planning for a rampage throughout Paris and the surrounding countryside and that bastard has them all fooled. Yeah, can’t really have a better distraction than a drive-by killing a bunch of people anyway he thought as the car pulled off in front of the National Assembly and the group readied their weapons for the eventual massacre. 

Caballeron have to admit that the attack on the Stade de France was cancelled due to the seriously deteriorating situation of the op. If he and Omar didn’t launch it right now they would’ve been spending jailtime because Caballeron’s screwup nearly ended the operation. Omar’s kind enough to remove the chip and give the Pony one chance on not screwing up and he’s going to make good on the chance. 

The group entered in guns blazing as unsuspecting security guards are mowed down, Caballeron ordered the other group to move fast and hard because they stopped at the other side of the palace, forcing them to march to the assembly itself. Slowly as the situation deteriorates Caballeron moved fast and moved hard, shooting security guard after security guard as his group storms the palace and finally their prize is within their grasp.

The door to the Assembly itself was kicked down and he can already see fleeing Assembly members already hearing the gunshots. He nods his head to his subordinates and they began their work. Mowing down whatever’s left of the National Assembly as the true plot reveals itself.


RAID Headquarters Paris, 11:07 AM, 3 years after event


Lieutenant Henry la Paix’s sleepy morning was suddenly interrupted by the sudden alarm screaming that the National Assembly is under attack, as fast as he could the Lieutenant jumped to life and ran through the headquarters right to his locker. Shit really? I thought those drive-by’s are the terrorist’s plan. Fucking smart assholes he thought as he suits up in RAID gear and was briefed by his Captain about the unraveling situation in the National Assembly. He knew about the breakout and he was put on reserve duty in case of emergencies. But the attack on the National Assembly spurred the Lieutenant into action as everyone either on active or reserve duty was called in.

“Good morning everyone, as you’ve heard the National Assembly’s under attack. Municipal Police have secured the area and the terrorists didn’t have time to escape and are being boxed in. They are currently holding some 20 Assembly Members hostage and are in no mood to play around. This is a very sensitive situation and we have to move in. Get ready everyone, we haven’t been attacked this severely ever since the 2005 riots all those years ago.”

“Now get ready because we’re heading out right now. Gather your weapons and your spirit, Dismissed!!” the Captain ordered as everyone finishes fitting out and went to the armoury. Well here we go again, instead of doing some riot control we’re now gonna shoot some terrorists, oh I love this job le Paix further thought as he was issued an assault rifle and went to the Police Van.

******

The van pulled off on the back end of the National Assembly and the team went to work immediately. Readying their weapons and the Captain rolling out a blueprint of the National Assembly itself. Intent on finding some sort of a way through.

“Okay, now we have snipers in place in case these terrorists are feeling like ditching the party early and secure the inner building, Lieutenant la Paix i’ll leave that responsibility to you. I will climb up the National Assembly itself while you distract the enemy long enough so we can move in and free those hostages, move!!”
“Roger that Captain” le Paix responded as he gathered the rest of the group around and ordered the ladder lifter vehicle to move into position. “Okay now team, climb up these stairs and move quietly. French Police have cordoned the area so no news teams are going to expose us, move!!” he said as the Police Vehicles lowered the ladder to one of the windows and the team moved in.

With the Lieutenant inside the building, he quickly went to work and secured the area as fast as he and his team could make it. Shooting down unsuspecting guards and moving in fast, hard and quietly through the western side of the building. Eventually after more screening and shooting the western wing is secured and the team readied itself for the big break in.

“Breach!!” ordered the Lieutenant as the RAID team at the front, back and on top of the National Assembly breached the building and a massive gunfight ensued. le Paix moved quickly among the firefight, shooting multiple terrorists as he tries to rescue the Assembly members held hostage. And then he heard a gunshot.

“Assembly member down!!!” he screamed as he continued cornering the Islamic terrorists more and more, a dead assembly member is bad enough and he might get shouted once this op is over. But he doesn’t have time to concern himself with that matter as the terrorists are whittled down only to a couple of men. 

“Take them down!!” the Lieutenant ordered as the RAID team did their job and killed off the rest of the resistance, “This will be remembered in the history books. This will definitely be remembered in the history books” muttered la Paix as the rest of the RAID team is either securing the immediate area, getting medical treatment or bringing back surviving assembly members to safety.

The terrorist attack just after the attack on the Auvergne would mark a turning point in the war. Now no longer politically feasible to simply idle by. Tomorrow will be remembered as the day when the country decided that enough is enough, and signed the bill making it possible for the French military to take over Civilian assets for wartime purposes.


Hexagon Balard, 2:00PM, 3 years after event


After the terrorist attack, the main headquarters for the French military was tightened in terms of it’s security, more firewalls are deployed, backdoors closed, troops unloaded themselves from their Infantry Carriers and even some French mages wielding rudimentary spellbooks are deployed to check for any surveillance spells.

Admittely General Jean Pierre was not pleased with France’s magical capabilities, the French Mage Corps was established last year and most of the military uses of Magic has always been of a supporting nature. Getting French mages into the building, wielding spells to secure whatever’s not safe magically is one part surreal and one part concerning. He doesn’t know how French mages rank up to their Equestrian and Kirin counterparts but at least France has some control of it.

“Report!” someone said as he rushed into the French General’s office.
“What is it Sergeant?” asked the General.
“The President has just arrived. We are already escorting him to the boardroom. Would you please come with me sir?”
“Of course, lead the way” said General Jean as a very important meeting is about to ensue.

******

President Ayrault is not a very happy man.
Just after the attack of the Auvergne came the attack on the National Assembly. Ayrault is not a man of superstition but this is no coincidence at all. Someone planned this attack and I want his head on a silver platter…..no matter what it takes thought the President as he waited patiently for his chief of staffs finally arrive into the boardroom.

“How the hell did the DGSE fail to notice this attack!!!” shouted the President.
“W-well I’ve spoken with the director and he said he anticipated the attack” replied the general.
“But why did they not act?”
“The Director said that they are already preparing to launch a raid on their safehouse when suddenly the group launched the attack, catching them flat footed.”
“General, tell the director that he is to be relieved of his duties as Director of DGSE immediately, I’ll demote him to some comfy office job but make sure that when you deliver the news tell him that the Ayrault administration does not take incompetence lightly.
“Of course Mr President, anything else?” the general asked.
“Just beef up our defenses around the clock and this time...tell those guys at DGSE to actually get off their asses and actively survey the entire country. I want anyone foolish enough to attack France to be in some basement room being waterboarded. Dismissed!”
“Of course Mr President” General Pierre replied as they concluded the meeting. Admittedly he wanted to have both the Admiral and the Air Force chief to be here as well but alas the Admiral is currently catching a flight to Toulon and the Chief is currently managing the Armee de l’air contingent that’s about to be sent south.


Canal+ Studio, 6:00PM, 3 years after event


Citizens across France knew what every single TV Studio is about to air, and as the Canal+ news intro rolled into the screens of millions of expecting French people, Mr Jan Axelson knew that every single eye in the country is expecting him to talk about the attack on the National Assembly.

“Hello and welcome back to Le JT, I’m your host Jan Axelson and we have some fresh news for you”

Police are now investigating the attack on the National Assembly.

Princess Luna condemns the attacks on Paris

Auvergne sailors returns back to Toulon, currently being treated at the military hospital

“Coming in with our top story tonight, after the attack on the National Assembly, French Police Chief Karen Hasselt has ordered an immediate investigation into the Attack and the diversion done by the group known only as “Allah’s will”.”

*Cuts into image of police chief overseeing the investigation of the terrorist safehouse*

“The attack on the French National Assembly just this afternoon came as a shock for the country, and especially the chief of police Karen Hasselt. She is now leading the investigation on how these terrorists can gain access to such weapons and is leading the manhunt for the two terrorists known only as ‘Omar’ that escaped capture”

*Cuts to the Police Chief being interviewed*

“Yes we are now conducting investigations as to how these terrorists managed to smuggle such quantities of weapons. This is a very alarming fact for the French National Police and we are updating our information daily about how they managed to do this. I would also suggest to any French citizen that has any idea as to what’s going on to report to the nearest police station to help us hunt these terrorists down”

*Cuts back to newsroom*

“Princess Luna of Equestria has issued a statement condemning the terrorist attacks at the French National Assembly, she has said that the attacks are ‘cowardly’ and ‘counterproductive’.

*Cuts to the Canterlot throneroom with Princess Luna standing proudly, being flanked by Bat Pony guards on each side*

“We have just received news from our Human Allies about the cowardly attack on their Parliament, and as a leader of Equestria we have issued a full condemnation of the attack. Whoever conducts this attack is morally bankrupt and will receive full justice if he/she is caught tresspassing within Equestria’s borders. We also issue in a formal letter of silence and we wish to also offer in any assistance France requires in order to capture these counterproductive criminals.”

*Throne room immediately erupts into a cacophony of questions as reporters from Equestrian Newspaper agencies and French television and news agencies question the Princess about her opinion*

*Cuts back to newsroom*

“After the devastating attack on the Auvergne yesterday, the survivors have arrived at Toulon Naval Base and are currently being treated.”

*Cuts to the Forbin docking and bringing in the injured sailors*

“The attack on the Auvergne is the deadliest maritime attack in modern French navy history since World War 2, over 45 sailors died during that fateful day and the remaining crew was taken by the Forbin to be brought to Toulon.”

*Cuts to the French Admiral walking to the naval station*

“Admiral Bernard Rogel has stated that he will attend the funeral of the sailors who died in the attack and will vow to keep defenses up at all times, he further added to our news crew that he will also consult with the President and other chief of staffs in order to better the country’s defenses and ways to conduct a counterattack on the Alicorn nation”

*Cuts back to the newsroom*

“For further information let’s see what our correspondent in the Hexagon Balard is up to, Michelle?”
“Yes Jan?”
“Just how bad is the attack exactly? We’ve all heard that there is an alicorn attack on the ship yesterday but the admiralty has always keep details sketchy at best”
“Well Jan the Admiral said that due to the unprecedented nature of the attack. The Admiralty is purposefully keeping details of the attack classified pending further investigation, never before has a ship belonging to the French Navy has had it’s defenses breached in such a manner. Or that is what Admiral Bernard Rogel told us anyway”
“Interesting, how about the crewmembers? Just how severe are the attacks based from their reports?”
“Well that’s the thing, even the hospital has been restricted from any press entering in. The French military is being serious about the attack and want to keep the details in the dark”
“Thank you Michell for your report”
“Understood Jan, this is Michelle Dupain returning back to studio”

“And with that thank you very much for watching Le JT. This is Jan Axelson signing out”

*Roll outro*