Operation Rapier Announced

The Executive of Franklin, after a longer-than-expected consultation with Franklinite and Allied Commanders at the Assembly Building, below the legislative chamber, announced a new operation in the current war to defend Franklin County against the Soltrians.

In a speech after the consultation, the Executive said:

"I have had a long consultation with Allied commanders, and we have determined that the best course to take in this war is to not let the Soltrian military continually assault and wear us down, destroying our cities, and killing hundreds of combatants and noncombatants alike. In other words, we must fight back.

We have many thousands of Allied troops which are avaliable for operations, and we intend to make use of these forces. Therefore, we have decided to announce the commencement of Operation Rapier. Like its name suggests, Operation Rapier will deliever a narrow, but deadly thrust into the Soltrian forces, disrputing their troop deployments, and confronting them on their own soil, driving them out of the Franklin-East Valley area. Since the Soltrians are probably listening to this speech right now, we have decided to not reveal any furthur information.

Make no mistake: we wish to negotiate a peace treaty with the Soltrian government at the earilest convenient opportunity, which will serve both our interests. To the Soltrian government, I will try to persuade the Assembly to stimulate the Soltrian economy in a way suitable to your preferences, if a peace treaty is signed. Franklinites prefer trade to war, but we have and will defend our territory against invasion.

Thank you."