News/Event Timeline

241/10/23

A bomb has exploded outside a FPU ration distribution center in Fuv'al, Pyrkagia. Hundreds are feared dead. The FPU quickly blames Phyrin Syndicate terrorists, and vows to redouble education efforts in the city.

Skirmishes are being reported across the northwest front, especially in the in Dolmapolis and Verthos areas. FDC and UFPF troops are reporting light casualties, but rumors of a major USC advance to re-siege Agalos City are rampant and morale is low.

241/10/24

Only days after the UFPF announced creation of a “Ranger Corps” leaked battle footage has shown rangers flying aboard converted civilian helicopters in-among buildings, at street level, firing on USC troops. Rangers at one point identify themselves as the “Eleytheros Pteros Episke.”

Marshall George Rogerson of the FRF announces that it has been negotiating with the Senate through COL representatives for the past 3 months. At issue is whether the FRF can ally with the Senate as the “legitimate” Filonian faction. Agathonian orthodox officials were quick to criticize the move, and COL leadership were quick to downplay their role, and stated strongly they would not support any Filonian faction that sought a official recognition of the Church of Holies.

241/10/25

The Republic of Vernick announced a joint venture with the USC to quell dragoon separatists in southern vernick. The USC has committed 4 counter-insurgency intelligence hubs, and a mechanized infantry battalion to operate the equipment and help with joint patrols.

241/10/27

Resisting previous integration agreements with the UFPF, a free company of the FCC called the Black Wolves has refused to hand over the small town of Lyria. Federation forces are now surrounding the town and a tense stand-off is ongoing. Small skirmishes have been reported, but no casualties have been confirmed.

The unionist government of Minamiyou has accused their republican neighbor to the north, Touyou, of killing a border patrol unprovoked. They claim to have recovered the remains of a Tou combat drone and extracted damning network evidence it was ordered to attack the patrol. They have demanded an immediate diplomatic meeting to resolve the crisis.

241/10/30

The King of Yrvyn, citing poor health, has abdicated his position. His son, a known constructionist, has taken the throne. The Centrian Axis Alliance, led by Free Jerib, has warned the new king that any collusion with the USC would be disastrous for the region.

The USC, in a rare response to outside media requests, has commented on news of USC building projects in the Undas Tribal Region. While denying any intent to increase their influence in the area, the USC admitted they are conducting a “historic campaign to bring peace and a happier life” to the people there.

The Xiamen Union has announced a victory against the USC in the Mesung province of Dao Xang. Union Sphere forces have claimed to have fully encircled the USC's 438th Mechanized Battalion, and forced their surrender. The USC has admitted the maneuver, but claims the unit is still fighting and will soon break free.

241/11/1

Dragoon separatists have clashed with the new USC troops in the Republic of Vernick, throwing homemade bombs and skewering surveillance drones. They claim to have been antagonized by the USC, and have appealed to the clan council in Drakontas for protection. So far their calls have not received public response.

241/11/2

Free Agathos Media (a propaganda media-corp for the Senate) has revealed exclusive information that the USC MARCS ship Salvation, which was previously active in the Undas region fighting on the unionist front, has been spotted approaching the western shores of Polus. Senate intelligence analysts on talk shows have speculated the MARCS ship is required to create the previously announced divine machine.

241/11/3

Skirmishes between FDC and FPU troops broke out after enclave construction crews were arrested, allegedly for building too close to FDC lines. Previously incidents like this have led to full-scale conflict between the factions, but the UFPF has used coalition status with both parties to secure a cease-fire. Meetings are planned to resolve the border dispute and possible creation of a demilitarized zone.

Reports indicate several villiages in the Undas tribal regions have been wiped off the map, apparently by chemical weapons or some other weapon of mass destruction that leaves no obvious trace. Xiamen was quick to accuse the USC, who countered that it was likely a test of a new nano-weapon by Anthagalia's EB'G. Anthegalia was denied the charge categorically, saying they have never tested any nano-weapon at any time.

241/11/4

Diplomatic relations between the UFPF and Senate have been officially severed, and open battle has commenced between the two factions on their shared border. The federation charges the Senate's terms for a coalition were extraordinary and made in bad faith; the senate counters that the parties could not agree to a base understanding of the restoration of the republic, so any coalition would have been short-lived. The Senate quickly passed a resolution declaring the federation an illegal and tyrannical government, and authorized military forces to seize Lynpolis and arrest its leaders for treason.

241/11/5

The USC has announced on state media the “promotion” of Field Marshal Quintus Cadius Thesius Mare, who commands the USC's 1st Army in northern arthos. He will be recalled home to Centria with honors “for leading steady and sustained progress against a fanatic and uncivilized resistance in the Polus military district). His next post will be an adivisory position in CeC (Centria Command). Senate analysts released a report (to their newly purged provincial assemblies) stating that Mare was previous considered a favorite for the ascension to Divine Machine, but that the victory of coalition forces at Dolmapolis may have put his competency in doubt.

The federation city of Ophylus saw major demonstrations today after Arthos Bureau of Investigation (ABI) agents arrested city councilor Doryn Nomthalis, a vocal critic of the current presidency, was arrested on charges of sedition. Thousands of protesters demanded Nomthalis's release and a repeal of a recent federal law increasing conscription rates but designated areas exempt from conscription. Namthalis had been involved in an effort to bring the law to the constitutional court, as the first challenge of federal authority. Arthos governor Kyrthos Hela promised there would be more arrests if conscription agents were hindered because of the protests. Federation President Relithys called for protesters to use the courts for their demands and that conscription policy was “a matter of survival, and not an appropriate target for political pandering.”

A conflict between sectarian militias in Filos has seen the town of Drabshire occupied by a previously unaligned militia. Upon taking the town they declared an “emancipation” on behalf of the Eleytheros Pteros Episke and have started flying home-made federation flags. The RFDF has stated the town previously had previously had FPA sympathies and has demanded the federation disavow the “terrorist actions done in its name.”

241/11/6

After a stalemate of nearly six months, fighting in the senate-controlled south has intensified again. Alongside massive artillery bombardments and air campaigns senate forces have begun a slow advance into USC-occupied territory through holes opened in the sprawling series of static defense known as the Freedom Line.

241/11/7

Pyrkagian insurgents have publicly requested “liberation” of their territory by either the FDC or federation. They have promised an immediate disarmament upon the withdrawal of FPU “overlords.” The move threw the three-way diplomatic talks between the factions into confusion.

241/11/8

The FDC has begun an assault on the USC-occupied city of Kylithos, on the agalos sea-coast. The move seems to be made in coordination with the senate as USC assets were diverted south, but when asked both governments denied any coalition had been made.

The Senate and FRF have announced in a joint statement that they have entered into a blue coalition, with an eye towards eventual integration of the latter into the Senate armed forces. Key to the agreement was the concession by the Senate amend the constitution to allow Filos to establish an official provincial church around the Church of Holies, but would also make it illegal for said church to proselytize outside of Filos. The senate also approved a measure that sent a formal request to the RFPF to begin peace talks on behalf of the FRF. No reply has been issued by the RFPF at time of reporting.

Anthegalia's EB'G released video of USC aircraft dropping nerve gas on Undas villiage in the tribal region. The USC immediately criticized the video as “doctored” and released video showing the same aircraft dropping conventional ordinance on military targets in Xiamen.

241/11/9

Popular folk singer Phyllip Anthos has been killed after a morale event came under artillery fire on the Senate/federation lines. The Senate quickly condemned the attack as a war crime, and declared the next day “Phyllip Anthos memorial day.” The federation has commented that the location was near and area in the line where artillery had been dueling all day, and that the event was not targeted purposefully.

241/11/10

A second set of skirmishes erupted today between Touyou and its unionist neighbor Minamiyou. Deaths were reported on both sides, but both claimed they were ready for diplomatic talks to resolve the issue. Anthelagia has offered to mediate but neither side has agreed.

The new King of Yrvyn, Lann Ganmiresh was shocked today when the required pre-coronation blood test revealed he was not the genetic son of the now-abdicated King Quorin, but a bastard. Emperor Vanesh of the Verian Empire, leader of the Gangim dynasty, has said he is considering pressing his claim to the throne in light of the news. King Lann has claimed the results have been tampered, and launched an investigation into the matter, but has not canceled the coronation.

241/11/11

The RFDF, under diplomatic pressure from both the senate and UFPF has sent official word that it will not consider coalition requests with any Arthenian faction, even if they agree to filonian sovereignty. Rather, they publicly called on Free Vernick to join with them in an independence coalition.

241/11/12

Three-way diplomatic talks between the FDC, UFPF and FPU have had a major breakthrough, according to federation Secretary of State Reiko Eleythos. She announced a joint statement at a press conference that featured heads of state including President Relithys of the federation, Chairman Fynethyl of the FDC, and Chairman-Provost Prother of the FPU. While all three admitted that there were still many details to be worked out before a formal document would be signed, their messages stressed that all parties agreed to the broad principles and were committed to abiding by them even before the final draft was ready. Commentators have been calling the agreement “the northern compromise.” The basic items of the treaty include:

• Creation of the Agathos Reform Treaty - an organization that any faction of the old republic may sign into.
• A cease-fire and non-aggression pact among signing factions.
• A guarantee that all signing factions will retain separate sovereignty until 80% of of the old republic's population is under a member government. At that point a mandatory unification conference kicks in. Non-arthenian populations are explicitly needed for the population thresholds to be met.
• Establishment of an Agathos Reform Coalition - a blue coalition whose only objectives are the liberation of USC-occupied territory, and the enforcement of the unification conference. The FDC has currently declined committing troops to this coalition until the Dolmapolis controversy is handled to their satisfaction.
• All current members agree to withdraw claims on Pyrkagia, and to support the creation of a Pyrkagian Commonwealth. This coalition-controlled area will be left largely autonomous, but will be obliged to sell war material to treaty members on credit to be paid back after the war, and specifically resource shipments to the FPU are guaranteed. In return the coalition will enforce law and order in the territories and provide training for institutions needed to establish a formal Pyrkagian state that will participate in the unification process.
• The UFPF agrees to not honor any further emancipations or annexation requests until the unification process begins. The UFPF agrees a separate referendum will be needed during the unification process for any constitutional matters.
• The FPU agrees to lift economic isolation efforts, and begin open trade with treaty members.
• The FDC agrees to drop all charges of desertion immediately and to end conscription of non-FDC citizens. The High Command Council agrees to accept civilian primacy in the post-war government.
• Any post-unification government must 1) pardon all crimes, including war crimes, committed before a faction signed the treaty, but not after signing the treaty and 2) must institute a system for arbitration of property claims.

241/11/13

HMI Horalius Maximus Lucius Carnellius has been found murdered in his embassy in Palentine, Vernick, where he was overseeing an extension of the truce with Republic of Vernick and acting as an expert cryptography witness in the trial of orthodox priests accused of corruption. The cause of his death has not been released, but Chairman Durnst has vowed to bring the killer to justice. Both the USC and Republic of Vernick made statements re-affirming their close ties.

241/11/14

After several days of rioting there appears to be signs of a military coup happening in Free Vernick. Communication networks are down at reporting, so information is sketchy.

A newly released report has accussed Governor Quillyn, executive of the Exclave Republic, of ration hoarding and favoritism, along with several federalist members of the exclave assembly. The governor today emphatically denied the allegations, and said the report was a USC psyop. He added that he welcomed a federal audit that was launched in reponse, and looked forward to clearing his name.

241/11/15

King of Yrvyn, Lann Ganmiresh, whose reign has been put in doubt due to blood tests, has challenged Emperor Vanesh of the Verian Empire to a ritual dual according to millennia-old custom for, in his words, attempting to usurp the throne. No reply has been given.

A leaked FEDINT report has cast accusations on the nation of Delfoon with cooperating with Pyrkagian terrorists. The report cites a Pyrkagian man with ties to the syndicate who fled across the border. FEDINT worked with the Delfooni government to arrange for his arrest and extradition, but he was returned dead with signs of torture. Delfooni agents denied applying any force and said they had not gotten any statements from the man.

A federation army unit was killed today near Filos by an RFDF squad. Six federation troops were acting as a work crew clearing brush by their border post when the royalist soldiers approached, stole nearby chainsaws and brutally slaughtered them. While the UFPF and RFDF are not at war, the latter has failed to recognize the federation as anything but a puppet of the FDC which they are at war with.

241/11/16

After days of news blackout the merchant council of Free Vernick has taken up residence in Triniburg, a UFPF exclave near the border with Drakontas. Reports indicate the constructionist coup has failed for the most part, but that the militias are still operating in the region to coordinate with RoV forces who have renewed their offensive. They have officially called on help from the Agathos Reform Coalition to assist in holding back the aggressors, but have declined to become a member state, stating they would need to occupy at least up to the Firsmarchen river to have the legitimacy to add a Vernick faction to the coalition.

The UFPF State Department has announced the birth of Reiko Eleythos's first child - a son to be named Uthyr Eleythos. Over-eager media were able to sneak into the maternity ward and obtain footage of the mother and child, together with the father Strategos Tyr Eleythos who was temporarily away from the front. Some outlets have already begun calling the child “Prince Uthyr.”

241/11/17

The Olic Confederacy, a social republic in western Undas has capitualted to USC forces after only a month after the land invasion began. The confederacy had previously given sanctuary to retreating unionist forces scattered after the defeat on the Mena penninsula. A USC press machine stated the Olic confederacy would be occupied until the end of the war as part of the USCs supply chain, but would be given the choice to become a protectorate after a time, similar to Romala.

Senate forces in the north have been cut off from AEA supplies. Strategos Tyr Eleythos of the ARC said that with the exclave now surrounded on all sides by hostile forces he expects the area to fall quickly without major fighting.

Touyou and Miniamiyou have reached an arbitration agreement to resolve the border dispute that has seen tensions heightened in the neutral country. Prime Minister Ijo promised in a net address that his nation would not be drawn into any conflict except one in self defense.

241/11/18

A wave of bombings against civilian shops and public transportation centers rocked several cities in Pyrkagia. Dozens were killed. A newly appointed Commonwealth spokeswoman blamed Syndicate terrorists working with USC support, and said several bombs were disarmed by FEDINT before they could detonate.

Lucius Cadius Titus, Directed Human Interface Member of the USC, has broadcast a video through both Agathonian media sites and social networks from the USC occupation capital in Anliana. In the skies above it shows the USC MARCS class ship Salvation, which was previously seen moving from Undas to Polus, and stunningly a second MARCS class ship - the Gelaunth - which was at last report still operating in the USC occupied Mena. He made the following statement in Agathonian, flanked by USC Membership guard and prominent system members:

Members of the Free Peoples,

To you, I am the enemy. To you, I am the foreign king that haunts your legends - come to enslave and pillage. But in the shock of this display of military might, allow me to use that shock to have you hear me for what I truly am - merely a person who, like everyone else, is frightened by what our future holds.

We are in an age where the world seems destined for destruction. Wars, K-H pollution, bio-engineered epidemics - it seems only a matter of time before we end ourselves as a species. Who can guide us through these dangers? A King? Historically popular, but a single person cannot hope to master all the necessary science in a single lifetime. God? We are met with nothing but silence.

Ah, but in Agathos you answered with “a republic” - experts elected to serve the people. A good idea in theory, but look at what it has brought you. It magnified your disagreements rather than solving them, and in its death throes it started a war it could not win. It has made you drunk on the poisoned wine of individualism. You stand up only for yourselves and stand atop those less fortunate. Even faced with complete conquest, you claw and grasp for selfish prosperity or personal glory. The good of your most needy burned at the altar of pride and ignorance.

But what if there was a better way? What if we could solve the world's problems by knowing all facts, and through building instantaneous consensus? Well, despite what your leaders may have told you this is reality in the United Security Command. We are not led by heartless, primitive, computers or tyrannical god-kings. Nor do we follow the passions of the mob, the tyrannical despot, or some invisible and cruel deity.

No, we follow the only source of true transcendence, our collective reason and our ethical concern for the good of all. These values have brought us out of the darkness of our past, and have been perfected in the Divine Machine - a human mind given an eternal vessel and processing power enough to perceive the entire world at once. These immortals deliberate unanimous agreements in the blink of an eye, and provide solutions to world-ending problems well before we are even aware of them. And they are just the start, the beginning. Imagine a world free from death, where we all stand as gods in a new creation of our own design. It will happen, we need only leave aside our small desires and work together.

I will soon join the ranks of the immortals as an example to you very soon. And then the real work will begin, building the hardware necessary to invite you, in the billions, into the higher world. Join me, Polus, your cherished freedoms are but a wall of hubris that keeps your from the loving embrace of a united humanity. Join me and we will create together the start of the ninth age, the Age of Eternal Life.

Responses from Agathos were not forthcoming, except for Ranger-Commander Paladin of the UFPF, who simply invoked the ranger's slogan, “Death to all Tyrants.”

241/11/19

The Senate-held western front with the USC, the so-called “Freedom Line” was breached after a massive combined assault by USC forces, open a four-mile wide gap. As news of the break-out was first reported Senate several Senate divisions fell into disorganized retreat. This has allowed the USC to encircle several contingents of defenders, who are currently still fighting as the USC line pushes forward. The Senate released a statement calling on half the fleeing divisions to rally and begin a fighting retreat - a delaying action to allow the current capital of Phylipolis to be evacuated, and the remaining forces to move to the new capital Artheniapolis. They have called a last-stand in the holy city, and have called on the other factions to join them in the same way they joined in the Agalos Defense Force two years ago. The ARC has responded that they are “currently evaluating operational priorities.”

241/11/20

ARC forces performed a coordinated counterattack with Free Vernick forces in the south today, but were quickly rebuffed by a Republic of Vernick elite cybernetic unit. Allied commanders both blamed each other for poor communication.

241/11/21

Combined USC and Republic of Vernick forces have pushed deep into Arthenia province, with defenders unable to effectively delay the front line for a rally in the senate capital of Artheniapolis. USC forces are expected to arrive at the city within the week. The ARC announced they had assembled two FDC divisions and 20 federation regiments for the defense of the city.

241/11/24

USC and Vernick forces, in a relentless and brutal advance, have begun the assault of Artheniapolis. Members of the senate have fled the city without naming a new center of government. No evacuation orders were given to civilians, and a great many remain in danger. Both the Agathonian Orthodoxy and Eleytherian hierarchy called on all free men to defend the Great Cathedral, but the site was quickly leveled in a carpet bombing air raid executed before the ground fighting began. The historic site appears to be completely destroyed - with some reports saying nothing but the foundation remains, with others claiming even the catacombs beneath have been unearthed by heavy bunker-busting bombs. ARC forces were no where to be seen, with some residents claiming they were seen at a distance but fled as soon as the fighting began. The leader of the Crusaders of Liberty, one of the few organized defense units left, stated, “Damn the incompitent Senate, damn the godless constructionists, but most of all damn Tyr and his arrogant federation.”

241/12/02

The USC has announced that their forces in Artheniapolis have seized the former grounds of the Great Cathedral, and will use it as the site of their next Divine Machine Lucius Titus. While some resistance remains in the city, they claim construction will begin immediately, but will wait until the MARCS-class ship Salvation to be present for the transcendence process to be completed.

241/12/10

The city of Ophylus has revolted, with previous anti-conscription riots having recently grown into a more general anti-war movement. Governor Kyrthos Hela has been freed by local law enforcement, and ABI agents have been arrested “for their own safety.” As of today the city is still accepting humanitarian aid from the republican government, but has refused any military or law enforcement entry. The city council is hearing proposals to secede from the federation and join the FPU. They FPU thus far has not announced their stances on such a move, leading some to speculate of growing disunity within the ART.

The USC's 83rd fleet was destroyed in fighting with an unknown airship bearing UFPF markings near the island of Adavol. Reports indicate that one carrier and two heavy cruisers were sunk within 5 minutes, and the total engagement took less than half an hour.

Combined constructionist forces have seized the city of Pakowtz in Free Vernick. The large urban center was captured with little fighting. Previously analysts had estimated that Free Vernick would use the city as a place to enter a battle of attrition, but were seen withdrawing north before the assault.

241/12/11

A benefit concert featuring Eagle Squad of the DGCL as guest of honor was interrupted by hecklers calling for “no more dead.”

241/12/12

The Phyrin Syndicate has rejected a Commonwealth government cease fire and amnesty that was seen as the best hope for stabilizing the rebellious territory. The government announced it had secured additional arms and supplies from the ARC in preparation for a renewed counterinsurgency campaign.

General-Chariman Durnst of the Republic of Vernick has survived an assassination attempt at his country estate during a meeting of his inner circle. The identity of the assailant(s) is unclear, but an injured Durnst gave a video address where he vowed to root out “subversives, regressives, and reactionaries” or anyone disloyal to his constructionist-friendly regime.

Haiboshi, a medical company based out of Touyou, has announced an inert nano-virus that biologists claim will lead to affordable gene therapy for all. Several genetic diseases have already been prioritized for clinical trials, and a company spokesman has claimed that the nano-virus may even be able to prevent cancerous mutations as the technology is improved. Shares of the company, run by the reclusive and eccentric billionaire Zalia, rose almost 30% on the news.

241/12/13

USC forces made a daring raid on Ft. Vigil, a base mere miles outside the UFPF capital. The base also serves as the headquarters of the DGCL. The Federation declined to comment on the matter, but public casualty lists indicated dozens of dead, many high ranking officers or rangers.

241/12/14

A coalition supply convoy was robbed today in the Theryll region. Video indicates the culprits did not wear military uniforms, and may have been criminals or a private militia. The convoy was carrying heavy weaponry and ordinance, including anti-vehicle rockets, self-propelled artillery pieces, and a construction walker.

The head of Horve'Vaan'Utua, Mayor of the Pyrkagian city of Ka'li was found posted atop a statue near city hall this morning. Members of the Phyrin Syndicate took responsibility via net-mail shortly after.

241/12/15

Major Emir von Ducalstock, senior commander of Senate forces on the chaotic Arthenian plain, has been named “Despot of Arthenialos” by King Edward the XII, the Warwick King of Filos. In the royal decree it stated, “Senate forces are completely disorganized, and need a leader who can not only rally soldiers to defend against USC aggression, but who has the integrity to set resist political opportunism for the good of free people everywhere. We are honored to recognize Emir as such a man..” Ducalstock quickly appointed himself “Liberator-Strategos of the South” and called for the re-formation of the Senate in the Filonian city of Westmarch, and invited lapsed senators from Filos and Vernick who had left the body to join nationalist movements. He stressed the need for all “free companies” to coordinate in the southern front “without precondition” and without regard to ethnicity.

After an almost three month siege, union forces in Yu'shal have surrendered after a bloody USC naval landing was able to link up with besieging land forces and overrun the city center. Reports indicate the conquering forces have plundered the city and gathered the remaining residents into concentration camps further inland.

USC: The Hishuite city of Yu'shal was liberated today from ludite control. Supply hordes withheld from non-combatants have been released, and thousands of civilians held hostage by the enemy will be granted priority access to membership testing.

A small coalition strike fleet, led by Admiral Meryl Founder, was caught in northern seas due to changing ice-flows. The last remaining coalition battleship, the Resolute, was lost along with 5 other line ships. The rest of the fleet was able to make their escape by retreating within the airspace of the federation airship Reconciliation.

241/12/16

241/12/17

Lucius Cadius Titus has ascended to be the ninth immortal of the United Security Command. Kyrthos Hela, leader of the ARC's Peace Coalition has called on all member states to individually vote on domestic bills to force the ARC to negotiate a peace deal with the USC.

USC: Lucius Cadius Titus has ascended to be the ninth immortal of the United Security Command. Civilians in barbarian lands, upon hearing the news, have taken to the streets to overthrow their tyrannical leaders and negotiate for inclusion in the USC development effort.

241/12/18 The USC MARCS-class ship Salvation has left the city of Anthenasiapolis to the north east towards the Filos front. Constructionist forces began predatory assaults against combined royalist and Westmarch-Senate forces.

241/12/19 The Homeland Restoration Coalition, the pan-faction Agathonian peace movement, has declared a manifesto where they call on all ART member states to vote on an amendment to the treaty that forces the treaty's head council to enter into peace talks with the USC. They have announced the votes should occur before the new year.

241/12/20 A bill has passed the UFPF Senate to allow the President to declare territories 'in rebellion' and authorize coalition forces to restore order in those places. The bill is expected to pass the assembly, but President Relythis has not indicated that whether he would sign and enforce the measure.

The USC MARC-class ship Gelaunth and the 3rd USC Army Corps have overtaken coalition positions in Dolmopolis, taking heavy casualties in the process. A massive stream of refugees have poured out of the Agalos City metropolis, overwhelming authorities and transit lines. Over 200 civilians have been killed in the chaotic evacuation, with thousands injured. Strategos Eleythos of the ARC urged evacuees to maintain order, and vowed that the city would be defended vigorously despite the absence of the Reconciliation in the area.

241/12/21 Mass strikes rocked several cities across ART territory, with claims that they would continue until the peace talk bills were passed.