Baernish Intelligence Service
Internal Report
FROM: His Excellency Count (Censored), BIS Director
TO: Her Excellency Countess Domizia, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Your Excellency,
With regards to the subject of BIS Internal Report BIS-1-97, activity seems to have picked up in the Vinish Settlement Area. A Mr. (Censored) has been tentatively identified as responsible for a recently intercepted arms shipment, but hard evidence is lacking and our assets in the area are sparse enough that we would prefer not to take direct action. The final decision is, of course, Your Excellency's.
SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the First.
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Master_Baerne
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1984
- Joined: 2006-11-09 08:54am
- Location: Wouldn't you like to know?
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Shinn Langley Soryu
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1526
- Joined: 2006-08-18 11:27pm
- Location: COOBIE YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS
Royal Palace, Ashford City
Field Marshal Kyoshiro Tohdoh, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Langley Armed Forces, dropped a large binder full of paper on Lelouch's desk. "What is this, Marshal Tohdoh?" Lelouch asked.
"I'll just cut to the chase," Marshal Tohdoh replied tersely. "We need to step up our modernization efforts and proceed with further expansion of our armed forces."
"We're already replacing our old Hawks with S-300s. What more do you want?"
"A lot of things," Marshal Tohdoh said succinctly. "The Army modernization program is only halfway complete. We still need to replace our AIFVs and Panhard AMLs. We don't have enough working M60s to form a second heavy armor brigade, so we'll also need to acquire new MBTs. We also need some kind of a light tank to equip several armored cavalry brigades, and we need to acquire some more T-55 hulls for conversion to Achzarit heavy APCs."
"What of the Air Force?" Lelouch asked.
"Above all else, we need to replace our F-4 Phantoms and TA-4 Skyhawks. We're also looking to expand our F-16, F-111, Su-25, and Super Tucano fleets."
"What about the Navy and Marines?"
"Acquiring destroyers and additional frigates and corvettes is at the top of our naval priorities list. If we can't acquire additional A-6 Intruders, we may have to retire them and replace them with some other kind of attack craft. As for the Marine Corps, we're considering splitting off a regular infantry battalion to form a force recon unit, transferring some of the Army's former AIFVs and M60s over to the Marines and upgrading them, and acquiring additional LAV-25s. We're also considering acquiring some Harriers."
"How much do you think this will all cost?" Lelouch asked. "Marchioness Cornelia already had a hard enough time convincing Congress that those twelve S-300 batteries were well worth the $1.5 billion price tag. What makes you think they'll let you continue with your modernization and expansion efforts?"
"Naturally, we're not going to accomplish all of this in a single year. I don't know just how much we're going to spend in the end, but I assure you that these expenses will be worth it. This is an unstable world, and we need to be able to defend ourselves from any and all threats we come across."
Field Marshal Kyoshiro Tohdoh, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Langley Armed Forces, dropped a large binder full of paper on Lelouch's desk. "What is this, Marshal Tohdoh?" Lelouch asked.
"I'll just cut to the chase," Marshal Tohdoh replied tersely. "We need to step up our modernization efforts and proceed with further expansion of our armed forces."
"We're already replacing our old Hawks with S-300s. What more do you want?"
"A lot of things," Marshal Tohdoh said succinctly. "The Army modernization program is only halfway complete. We still need to replace our AIFVs and Panhard AMLs. We don't have enough working M60s to form a second heavy armor brigade, so we'll also need to acquire new MBTs. We also need some kind of a light tank to equip several armored cavalry brigades, and we need to acquire some more T-55 hulls for conversion to Achzarit heavy APCs."
"What of the Air Force?" Lelouch asked.
"Above all else, we need to replace our F-4 Phantoms and TA-4 Skyhawks. We're also looking to expand our F-16, F-111, Su-25, and Super Tucano fleets."
"What about the Navy and Marines?"
"Acquiring destroyers and additional frigates and corvettes is at the top of our naval priorities list. If we can't acquire additional A-6 Intruders, we may have to retire them and replace them with some other kind of attack craft. As for the Marine Corps, we're considering splitting off a regular infantry battalion to form a force recon unit, transferring some of the Army's former AIFVs and M60s over to the Marines and upgrading them, and acquiring additional LAV-25s. We're also considering acquiring some Harriers."
"How much do you think this will all cost?" Lelouch asked. "Marchioness Cornelia already had a hard enough time convincing Congress that those twelve S-300 batteries were well worth the $1.5 billion price tag. What makes you think they'll let you continue with your modernization and expansion efforts?"
"Naturally, we're not going to accomplish all of this in a single year. I don't know just how much we're going to spend in the end, but I assure you that these expenses will be worth it. This is an unstable world, and we need to be able to defend ourselves from any and all threats we come across."
I ship Eino Ilmari Juutilainen x Lydia V. Litvyak.
Phantasee: Don't be a dick.
Stofsk: What are you, his mother?
The Yosemite Bear: Obviously, which means that he's grounded, and that she needs to go back to sucking Mr. Coffee's cock.
"d-did... did this thread just turn into Thanas/PeZook slash fiction?" - Ilya Muromets[/size]
Stofsk: What are you, his mother?
The Yosemite Bear: Obviously, which means that he's grounded, and that she needs to go back to sucking Mr. Coffee's cock.
"d-did... did this thread just turn into Thanas/PeZook slash fiction?" - Ilya Muromets[/size]
Cabinet Meeting, Regent's Palace
"Propaganda drops, eh?" The Regent said, while studying a replica of the pamphlet dropped on El-Kalim.
"Yes Excellency," Jason Thornwall said.
"They have many soldiers in Velaria," the Regent said.
"So do we."
"Ah yes, but they have more soldiers than us overall."
"They do, but those soldiers are not in Velaria, and more important there is logistics. Their logistics are severely hampered by local conditions, to a degree that ours aren't."
The Regent nodded, "I see, Minister Akhtar, what are your thoughts?"
"My thoughts is that Japanistan can't possibly want a war, like us they have better things to do with their troops. Beside no one knows who will intervene is there is a major war, right now Canissia and Cascadia are quiet, but who knows?" Joseph Akhtar said.
"True, but they could also intervene against us," the Regent said, he rubbed his right temple for a moment, "Can we still recover our original plan?"
"Assuming the Japanistanis simply want the city, and are threatening due to their usual arrogance, but are still willing to be somewhat reasonable..." Joseph Akhtar gave them all a meaningful look, "Assuming all that then yes."
"That is assuming quite a bit," the Regent leaned back into his deep leather seat.
"They can present it to their people as a concession on our part," Joseph Akhtar said, "After all if they accept they can point to our withdrawal."
"They also get to relax their logistics system, which must be fairly strained by now. Especially to the south, and doubly so now that the occupation zones have shifted around," Jason Thornwell said.
"That is key yes," Joseph Akhtar said, "That is why I have high hopes they'll accept. Hopefully they have better things to do with their limited harbour and railway network."
The Regent nodded, "Very well, we will proceed according to plan."
Message to Japanistan
OOC: Presumed addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or equivalent. Unless some other department should receive this.
"He wants a parley?" Colonel al-Icanti asked, while peering at a propaganda pamphlet, "I have this feeling that he doesn't like us much."
"Yes Sir, the Japanistanis are known for that sort of thing," said his aide-de-camp
"Send him this message," Colonel al-Icanti cleared his voice, "My respects to General Godo Hidemichi. I am willing to engage in a parley, at a suitable point halfway between our respective forces. However I should inform you that my government has contacted your government, in order to discuss this issue. I therefore propose a 48 hour waiting period, so that we may both receive further instructions. Please advice if this is acceptable to you."
His aide-de-camp finished jotting it down, before saying, "Sir, I doubt they'll accept a 48 hour delay."
"They might not, but if they fight over this city it will be wrecked," Colonel al-Icanti said, "Supplies expended, men and equipment lost, and of course it will be much longer before they can use the harbour."
"Yes Sir."
"By the way," Colonel al-Icanti looked at the pamphlet, a big smile crossed his face, and said, "They made a big mistake with these pamphlets."
"They have Sir?"
"Barbarian slavers, ha ha! How many of the important men in this town owns slaves?"
"All of them Sir."
"Exactly, this means the Japanistanis intend to take away their slaves, and considers slavery barbaric!" Al-Icanti suddenly grew more serious, "In fact carefully spread that piece of news among the members of the elite, if they haven't heard already. Calm them down while you're at it. Bribe people, offer the most important leaders legal residency in South Velaria. For that matter offer everyone legal residency in our mandate area."
"Yes Sir," the Aide-de-Camp saluted and left.
"Propaganda drops, eh?" The Regent said, while studying a replica of the pamphlet dropped on El-Kalim.
"Yes Excellency," Jason Thornwall said.
"They have many soldiers in Velaria," the Regent said.
"So do we."
"Ah yes, but they have more soldiers than us overall."
"They do, but those soldiers are not in Velaria, and more important there is logistics. Their logistics are severely hampered by local conditions, to a degree that ours aren't."
The Regent nodded, "I see, Minister Akhtar, what are your thoughts?"
"My thoughts is that Japanistan can't possibly want a war, like us they have better things to do with their troops. Beside no one knows who will intervene is there is a major war, right now Canissia and Cascadia are quiet, but who knows?" Joseph Akhtar said.
"True, but they could also intervene against us," the Regent said, he rubbed his right temple for a moment, "Can we still recover our original plan?"
"Assuming the Japanistanis simply want the city, and are threatening due to their usual arrogance, but are still willing to be somewhat reasonable..." Joseph Akhtar gave them all a meaningful look, "Assuming all that then yes."
"That is assuming quite a bit," the Regent leaned back into his deep leather seat.
"They can present it to their people as a concession on our part," Joseph Akhtar said, "After all if they accept they can point to our withdrawal."
"They also get to relax their logistics system, which must be fairly strained by now. Especially to the south, and doubly so now that the occupation zones have shifted around," Jason Thornwell said.
"That is key yes," Joseph Akhtar said, "That is why I have high hopes they'll accept. Hopefully they have better things to do with their limited harbour and railway network."
The Regent nodded, "Very well, we will proceed according to plan."
Message to Japanistan
OOC: Presumed addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, or equivalent. Unless some other department should receive this.
El-Kalim, Former Republic of al-AkharabatUnfortunately it appears that our efforts to restore order in El-Kalim have been misunderstood. Naturally such efforts are not in anyway aimed at the Japanistani Empire, but rather due to the lack of clearly defined borders. In our opinion such misunderstandings reveal the great need for negotiations and diplomacy.
We are apprised of your desire to bring El-Kalim under your sphere of influence; however there seems to be a few minor obstacles in the way. The first and foremost of which is that your claim appears to be based on negotiations between yourself, Canissia, and Cascadia. These negotiations occurred without the knowledge of Astaria, and as such we are left uncertain as to how far the Japanistani claims actually stretch.
To prevent such misunderstandings from reoccurring we have two requests:
#1: We should hold discussions to establish our respective zones of influence, and a general commitment not to interfere in our respective zones of influence in Velaria. Moreover that in case of negotiations with third parties would affect our respective zones of influence in Velaria. Both parties commit to either ensure the presence of a duly appointed representative of the other party, OR inform and consult with the other party before signing any treaty that could be prejudicial to the interests of the other party.
#2: A proper declaration of our national borders and mandates, so as to prevent further misunderstandings. In particular we are interested to know the location permanent border between our respective mandates in the Former Republic of Al-Akhabarat.
Moreover since your claim to El-Kalim seems to accept the Cascadian and Canissian mandates as legitimate. I hope you'd agree that our boundaries between the former Cascadian and Canissian mandates, are also legitimate. We are willing to accept a solution based on the two previous points, and the mutual recognition of the legitimacy of our mandate borders.
Compliments,
Joseph Akhtar, Foreign Minister of the Free Republic of Astaria
"He wants a parley?" Colonel al-Icanti asked, while peering at a propaganda pamphlet, "I have this feeling that he doesn't like us much."
"Yes Sir, the Japanistanis are known for that sort of thing," said his aide-de-camp
"Send him this message," Colonel al-Icanti cleared his voice, "My respects to General Godo Hidemichi. I am willing to engage in a parley, at a suitable point halfway between our respective forces. However I should inform you that my government has contacted your government, in order to discuss this issue. I therefore propose a 48 hour waiting period, so that we may both receive further instructions. Please advice if this is acceptable to you."
His aide-de-camp finished jotting it down, before saying, "Sir, I doubt they'll accept a 48 hour delay."
"They might not, but if they fight over this city it will be wrecked," Colonel al-Icanti said, "Supplies expended, men and equipment lost, and of course it will be much longer before they can use the harbour."
"Yes Sir."
"By the way," Colonel al-Icanti looked at the pamphlet, a big smile crossed his face, and said, "They made a big mistake with these pamphlets."
"They have Sir?"
"Barbarian slavers, ha ha! How many of the important men in this town owns slaves?"
"All of them Sir."
"Exactly, this means the Japanistanis intend to take away their slaves, and considers slavery barbaric!" Al-Icanti suddenly grew more serious, "In fact carefully spread that piece of news among the members of the elite, if they haven't heard already. Calm them down while you're at it. Bribe people, offer the most important leaders legal residency in South Velaria. For that matter offer everyone legal residency in our mandate area."
"Yes Sir," the Aide-de-Camp saluted and left.
Norseman's Fics the SD archive of my fics.
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Sea Skimmer
- Yankee Capitalist Air Pirate
- Posts: 37390
- Joined: 2002-07-03 11:49pm
- Location: Passchendaele City, HAB
Message to Astarian Government from Imperial Japanistan
Astarian lack of information is of no concern to Imperial Japanistan. For more then six months international peacekeepers have worked together in Al-Akhabarat, including the city of El-Kalim without any cooperation from Astaria forces. The Astarian buffer zone had been tolerated previously and will be respected now, but it did not include El-Kalim and control of this city has been rightfully transferred by agreement to Japanistan. Astarian forces will evacuate the city with all possible haste, at which time proper supervised demarcation of the previous separation line will be conducted.
Astarian lack of information is of no concern to Imperial Japanistan. For more then six months international peacekeepers have worked together in Al-Akhabarat, including the city of El-Kalim without any cooperation from Astaria forces. The Astarian buffer zone had been tolerated previously and will be respected now, but it did not include El-Kalim and control of this city has been rightfully transferred by agreement to Japanistan. Astarian forces will evacuate the city with all possible haste, at which time proper supervised demarcation of the previous separation line will be conducted.
"This cult of special forces is as sensible as to form a Royal Corps of Tree Climbers and say that no soldier who does not wear its green hat with a bunch of oak leaves stuck in it should be expected to climb a tree"
— Field Marshal William Slim 1956
— Field Marshal William Slim 1956
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K. A. Pital
- Glamorous Commie
- Posts: 20813
- Joined: 2003-02-26 11:39am
- Location: Elysium
Palace of the Soviets, C.S.R.
- So, things are going well, Yuri? - Stanislav just started to smoke his pipe, looking at the brilliant landscape of the CSR capital city.
- They are indeed, - Yuri nodded. - Our newest project with Shroomania seems to be accelerating. Their corporations are totally oblivious to ethical questions... which plays into our hands.
- So you have something to show me?
- Yes, - Yuri grabbed a paper out of his file. - Remember the rat brain-cells hardwired to a robot? Remember the great interest by Shroomania, who were able to execute a similar experiment just after we did, but with a dog? Here, have a look. It's only a preliminary project done in conjunction by UralMash, MacMillan and Mushroom Meds... everything is of course strictly confidential.
Stanislav read a few pages in the file, carefully looking for possible failures of the project.
- And... the primary destination is to drop it into enemy zones?
- Correct, - Andropovsky smiled. - The machine of course would not be abl to determine friend from foe, but at least it would be possible to deactivate it by a single command from a frontline commander who would be knowing the command codes. And it's superiority lies apparent, A.I. robots so far simply fuck up when it comes to pathmaking and travelling around corners, hiding and so on... hunting.
- And this machine?
- The trials have shown that it almost never fails to recognize a moving human silhouette.
Stanislav rubbed his chin.
- I be damned if this is not the end of our time. Launch them into production, of course. Make around a hundred for evaluation in real-time combat.
Result: first test batch of dog-cell grown brain military cyborgs are in production in the CSR.
- So, things are going well, Yuri? - Stanislav just started to smoke his pipe, looking at the brilliant landscape of the CSR capital city.
- They are indeed, - Yuri nodded. - Our newest project with Shroomania seems to be accelerating. Their corporations are totally oblivious to ethical questions... which plays into our hands.
- So you have something to show me?
- Yes, - Yuri grabbed a paper out of his file. - Remember the rat brain-cells hardwired to a robot? Remember the great interest by Shroomania, who were able to execute a similar experiment just after we did, but with a dog? Here, have a look. It's only a preliminary project done in conjunction by UralMash, MacMillan and Mushroom Meds... everything is of course strictly confidential.
Stanislav read a few pages in the file, carefully looking for possible failures of the project.
- And... the primary destination is to drop it into enemy zones?
- Correct, - Andropovsky smiled. - The machine of course would not be abl to determine friend from foe, but at least it would be possible to deactivate it by a single command from a frontline commander who would be knowing the command codes. And it's superiority lies apparent, A.I. robots so far simply fuck up when it comes to pathmaking and travelling around corners, hiding and so on... hunting.
- And this machine?
- The trials have shown that it almost never fails to recognize a moving human silhouette.
Stanislav rubbed his chin.
- I be damned if this is not the end of our time. Launch them into production, of course. Make around a hundred for evaluation in real-time combat.
Result: first test batch of dog-cell grown brain military cyborgs are in production in the CSR.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Assalti Frontali
-
DarthShady
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1872
- Joined: 2007-09-15 10:46am
- Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Contact:
Location: Temple Prime, Sarajevo, USSR
Suddenly a knock was herd on the door and an aid came in, "I am sorry to interrupt you Gentlemen.", she said and leaned down next to the Presidents ear, "Druze predsjednice, imamo problem. Kane vas ceka vani s izvjestajem o situaciji."
"Thank you, I'll be right out.", Shady said, "Excuse me for a moment Heraclius, there is apparently a matter which requires my attention."
Shady left the room and found Kane waiting for him in the hallway, "This better be good."
"It is Sir, our operatives in Sjenska have informed us that some criminal elements from Sjenska have kidnapped a PeZookian police officer and are hiding there.", Kane said, "Would you like us to intervene?"
"No, don't. Offer our help but let the PeZookians handle it.", Shady said, "Keep me informed."
With that out of the way Shady returned to his office and rejoined Heraclius.
"Sorry to leave you like that but it seems the PeZookians have a problem. Some criminals from Sjenska have kidnapped one of their police officers. That just goes to show we still have our work cut out for us in the border regions.", Shady said, "I have Nod standing by to help the PeZookians if they need us."
"Tell me my friend, is it just me or is this world even crazier than the last one?"
[[OCC: Fingolfin I think we are about done here, so unless there is something else you wish to discuss I leave you with the honour of ending our conversation.]]
"Of course my friend, this is a long term operation. For now we have our work cut out for us with the rebuilding of Sargonia and Zagor.", Shady said, "Such things take some time to prepare and we must make sure that everything goes smoothly."Fingolfin_Noldor wrote: "Try... avoid moving too fast. To be honest, two broken republics are bad enough. Adding more increasing the workload."
Excellent, I'll inform my Generals to make the necessary preparations.A joint exercise? I guess we could arrange that. Gives the guys in Legio II something to do, except tweedle their thumbs while peacekeeping.
"Good, I'll send a message to King Paul and Comrade Stanislav."As for the SNC meeting, I'm all for it. Send the messages to PeZookia and we will head to CSR for the meeting.
"Indeed I have my friend. That is one big ass tank, but I expected something like that to come out of Skimmers factories sooner or later. I'm curious if he would be willing to sell us a couple of those things."And by the way, did you see that .. monstrosity from Japanistan?
Suddenly a knock was herd on the door and an aid came in, "I am sorry to interrupt you Gentlemen.", she said and leaned down next to the Presidents ear, "Druze predsjednice, imamo problem. Kane vas ceka vani s izvjestajem o situaciji."
"Thank you, I'll be right out.", Shady said, "Excuse me for a moment Heraclius, there is apparently a matter which requires my attention."
Shady left the room and found Kane waiting for him in the hallway, "This better be good."
"It is Sir, our operatives in Sjenska have informed us that some criminal elements from Sjenska have kidnapped a PeZookian police officer and are hiding there.", Kane said, "Would you like us to intervene?"
"No, don't. Offer our help but let the PeZookians handle it.", Shady said, "Keep me informed."
With that out of the way Shady returned to his office and rejoined Heraclius.
"Sorry to leave you like that but it seems the PeZookians have a problem. Some criminals from Sjenska have kidnapped one of their police officers. That just goes to show we still have our work cut out for us in the border regions.", Shady said, "I have Nod standing by to help the PeZookians if they need us."
"Tell me my friend, is it just me or is this world even crazier than the last one?"
[[OCC: Fingolfin I think we are about done here, so unless there is something else you wish to discuss I leave you with the honour of ending our conversation.]]
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DarthShady
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1872
- Joined: 2007-09-15 10:46am
- Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Contact:
Encrypted Transmission
From: President Shady of the USSR
To: Comrade Stanislav of the CSR and King Paul of PeZookia
Greetings my friends, I trust I find you in good health. I have been enjoying a drink with Heraclius and we believe that an SNC meeting would be a good idea. If Comrade Stanislav will accept to be our host, then Heraclius and myself will fly to the CSR immediately. We believe there is much to be discussed.
Sincerely,
President Shady
From: President Shady of the USSR
To: Comrade Stanislav of the CSR and King Paul of PeZookia
Greetings my friends, I trust I find you in good health. I have been enjoying a drink with Heraclius and we believe that an SNC meeting would be a good idea. If Comrade Stanislav will accept to be our host, then Heraclius and myself will fly to the CSR immediately. We believe there is much to be discussed.
Sincerely,
President Shady
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Fingolfin_Noldor
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 11834
- Joined: 2006-05-15 10:36am
- Location: At the Helm of the HAB Star Dreadnaught Star Fist
Imperial Chronicles
"I'm surprised we never thought of this before," said the Legate. "We have used to Greek Fire to save Holy Constantinople for centuries, yet we never thought of putting Greek fire launcher on a tank."
"Maybe some of us did, but safety was a problem," said his adjutant, a centurion.
"Well, we were extra careful with that this time."
The modified Bradley rolled out with a new turret. A long projector replacing its 30mm gun. It also mounted a single fast firing 120mm mortar gun. It directly aimed at a group of trees and unleashed 5 meter long liquid of fire that set the trees alight. So strong was the fire that the officers had to wear heat retardant gear to protect themselves. The M3 whirled around and fired the projector at an angle, covering nearly more than 10m away and setting afire more trees. Next it fired a burst of 6 mortars which landed over a hundred meters away, setting more trees on fire.
"Might make an excellent infantry support vehicle. This is the latest Greek Fire formula?"
"Aye sir, much hotter, and burns longer."
"I'm surprised we never thought of this before," said the Legate. "We have used to Greek Fire to save Holy Constantinople for centuries, yet we never thought of putting Greek fire launcher on a tank."
"Maybe some of us did, but safety was a problem," said his adjutant, a centurion.
"Well, we were extra careful with that this time."
The modified Bradley rolled out with a new turret. A long projector replacing its 30mm gun. It also mounted a single fast firing 120mm mortar gun. It directly aimed at a group of trees and unleashed 5 meter long liquid of fire that set the trees alight. So strong was the fire that the officers had to wear heat retardant gear to protect themselves. The M3 whirled around and fired the projector at an angle, covering nearly more than 10m away and setting afire more trees. Next it fired a burst of 6 mortars which landed over a hundred meters away, setting more trees on fire.
"Might make an excellent infantry support vehicle. This is the latest Greek Fire formula?"
"Aye sir, much hotter, and burns longer."
Your spirit, diseased as it is, refuses to allow you to give up, no matter what threats you face... and whatever wreckage you leave behind you.
Kreia
-
K. A. Pital
- Glamorous Commie
- Posts: 20813
- Joined: 2003-02-26 11:39am
- Location: Elysium
- It is my utmost honour to host our meeting, - Stanislav turned to his secretary Anna. - Dot. Send it.DarthShady wrote:If Comrade Stanislav will accept to be our host, then Heraclius and myself will fly to the CSR immediately.
Lì ci sono chiese, macerie, moschee e questure, lì frontiere, prezzi inaccessibile e freddure
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Lì paludi, minacce, cecchini coi fucili, documenti, file notturne e clandestini
Qui incontri, lotte, passi sincronizzati, colori, capannelli non autorizzati,
Uccelli migratori, reti, informazioni, piazze di Tutti i like pazze di passioni...
...La tranquillità è importante ma la libertà è tutto!
Assalti Frontali
-
Fingolfin_Noldor
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 11834
- Joined: 2006-05-15 10:36am
- Location: At the Helm of the HAB Star Dreadnaught Star Fist
Well, I doubt he would sell, but I have been working on my own countermeasures and newer weapons for a while.DarthShady wrote:"Indeed I have my friend. That is one big ass tank, but I expected something like that to come out of Skimmers factories sooner or later. I'm curious if he would be willing to sell us a couple of those things."
Shrugging, the Emperor said, "With Shep and Skimmer, nothing is sane. Just bring the biggest weapon to the table.""Sorry to leave you like that but it seems the PeZookians have a problem. Some criminals from Sjenska have kidnapped one of their police officers. That just goes to show we still have our work cut out for us in the border regions.", Shady said, "I have Nod standing by to help the PeZookians if they need us."
"Tell me my friend, is it just me or is this world even crazier than the last one?"
Both laughed and the two headed for a dinner.
Your spirit, diseased as it is, refuses to allow you to give up, no matter what threats you face... and whatever wreckage you leave behind you.
Kreia
All This And More
REAL EIGHT, near the Orizaco Bay, North-Frequesuan wilderness
The rotors of the helicopter surged overhead. Iago Morgan looked down at the scorched, unhealthy looking clearing and approvingly studied the ring of bunkers. Fire erupted from firing slits, scything down native warriors as they charged out of the surrounding jungles en masse. Three F-111 bombers thundered overhead and released a mixture of cluster and incendiary bombs. Explosions rippled through the jungle, tearing the emerald wall apart and then lighting it up in hellish flames.
Morgan let his gaze drift over to the towering trees he had passed over, the unhealthy feverish swamps, the excavation site where the massive Titan Trasher continued its destructive work, the cargo ships tied onto the piers, the barracks and the runway and the lines of trenches. Iago Morgan was an executive manager, not a military man, but as far as he could see the settlement and its defences had been perfectly laid out. Excellent, he thought.
The flash of repeated gunfire from among the tree line warned that the primitives had brought some firepower of their own. The Tanstaafl Gurkhas manning the bunkers enthusiastically replied with machine guns and mortar fire. Then scarred earth of the landing site exploded. Even above the roar of the helicopter engines, Morgan could hear the whistle of incoming shells. Evidently, the natives had brought more than mere small arms to the fight. The pilot turned and looked at him. He pointed down. It took more than a few primitive projectiles to deter him.
As soon as the Super Puma had landed Morgan jumped out the side door, and the pilot immediately took off again. A Marine Corps colonel was waiting for the director. “Sir!” he greeted with a lazy salute, a faint trace of respect in his voice. Evidently the man hadn’t expected Morgan to actually get dirtside now that the heat was on.
“Colonel”, replied Morgan, trying his best not to flinch as enemy projectiles exploded just in front of one of the frontline bunkers. “What have we got?”
“They attacked during the night sir,” the colonel replied, leading the director to his command bunker, a sturdy structure built out of reinforced concrete. “We’ve repelled six waves thus far. This is their seventh attempt to breach the line so far.”
“Casualties?”
“Acceptable, sir. A patrol got taken by surprise in their initial attack. Since then we’ve had a dozen casualties by artillery fire. Seven more have been injured by long-range small-arms fire. Jungle fever incapacitated half a dozen. We-”
“Thank you colonel, I think I get the picture. Any ideas why we’re suddenly being attacked?”
The colonel shrugged. “It’s probably just for being here, sir. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from all the attempts to chart the wilderness that were undertaken in the past few decades, it’s that the natives are unreasonably hostile. Frankly it surprises me it’s taken this long for them to get around to charging us.”
“Nothing we can’t handle, I assume?”
“Oh no sir, certainly not. Their artillery came as something of a surprise to us but…” He was interrupted by a faint thudding that shook the bunker. Concrete dust twirled down from the ceiling. The colonel smiled grimly. “Well, there you go sir. That’ll be the counter battery fire kicking in. No, I assure you we’ll manage just fine.”
“Excellent. Well, everything seems under control then. If you could have someone summon a staff car to take me to the beach?” Without waiting for a reply, the director again stepped outside. Instantly, his ears were assaulted by the sounds of the struggle. His keen-eyed glance took in the pillboxes and the bunkers and the razor wire. It ran over the companies of armed soldiers and IFVs racing toward the perimeter to drive off the attack. It took in the Tiger attack helicopters soaring overhead, lighting off a rocket barrage at the hostiles in the surrounding jungle. It ignored the wounded and the stretcher-bearers.
To another person, this might have looked like the mouth of hell. It did not to Iago Morgan. This was fertile ground. Soon, it would be another profitable production centre for San Dorado.
Result: REAL EIGHT has come under vicious attack from the native tribes rallied by the rogue (and insane) Col. Gewurtz.
REAL EIGHT, near the Orizaco Bay, North-Frequesuan wilderness
The rotors of the helicopter surged overhead. Iago Morgan looked down at the scorched, unhealthy looking clearing and approvingly studied the ring of bunkers. Fire erupted from firing slits, scything down native warriors as they charged out of the surrounding jungles en masse. Three F-111 bombers thundered overhead and released a mixture of cluster and incendiary bombs. Explosions rippled through the jungle, tearing the emerald wall apart and then lighting it up in hellish flames.
Morgan let his gaze drift over to the towering trees he had passed over, the unhealthy feverish swamps, the excavation site where the massive Titan Trasher continued its destructive work, the cargo ships tied onto the piers, the barracks and the runway and the lines of trenches. Iago Morgan was an executive manager, not a military man, but as far as he could see the settlement and its defences had been perfectly laid out. Excellent, he thought.
The flash of repeated gunfire from among the tree line warned that the primitives had brought some firepower of their own. The Tanstaafl Gurkhas manning the bunkers enthusiastically replied with machine guns and mortar fire. Then scarred earth of the landing site exploded. Even above the roar of the helicopter engines, Morgan could hear the whistle of incoming shells. Evidently, the natives had brought more than mere small arms to the fight. The pilot turned and looked at him. He pointed down. It took more than a few primitive projectiles to deter him.
As soon as the Super Puma had landed Morgan jumped out the side door, and the pilot immediately took off again. A Marine Corps colonel was waiting for the director. “Sir!” he greeted with a lazy salute, a faint trace of respect in his voice. Evidently the man hadn’t expected Morgan to actually get dirtside now that the heat was on.
“Colonel”, replied Morgan, trying his best not to flinch as enemy projectiles exploded just in front of one of the frontline bunkers. “What have we got?”
“They attacked during the night sir,” the colonel replied, leading the director to his command bunker, a sturdy structure built out of reinforced concrete. “We’ve repelled six waves thus far. This is their seventh attempt to breach the line so far.”
“Casualties?”
“Acceptable, sir. A patrol got taken by surprise in their initial attack. Since then we’ve had a dozen casualties by artillery fire. Seven more have been injured by long-range small-arms fire. Jungle fever incapacitated half a dozen. We-”
“Thank you colonel, I think I get the picture. Any ideas why we’re suddenly being attacked?”
The colonel shrugged. “It’s probably just for being here, sir. If there’s one thing we’ve learned from all the attempts to chart the wilderness that were undertaken in the past few decades, it’s that the natives are unreasonably hostile. Frankly it surprises me it’s taken this long for them to get around to charging us.”
“Nothing we can’t handle, I assume?”
“Oh no sir, certainly not. Their artillery came as something of a surprise to us but…” He was interrupted by a faint thudding that shook the bunker. Concrete dust twirled down from the ceiling. The colonel smiled grimly. “Well, there you go sir. That’ll be the counter battery fire kicking in. No, I assure you we’ll manage just fine.”
“Excellent. Well, everything seems under control then. If you could have someone summon a staff car to take me to the beach?” Without waiting for a reply, the director again stepped outside. Instantly, his ears were assaulted by the sounds of the struggle. His keen-eyed glance took in the pillboxes and the bunkers and the razor wire. It ran over the companies of armed soldiers and IFVs racing toward the perimeter to drive off the attack. It took in the Tiger attack helicopters soaring overhead, lighting off a rocket barrage at the hostiles in the surrounding jungle. It ignored the wounded and the stretcher-bearers.
To another person, this might have looked like the mouth of hell. It did not to Iago Morgan. This was fertile ground. Soon, it would be another profitable production centre for San Dorado.
Result: REAL EIGHT has come under vicious attack from the native tribes rallied by the rogue (and insane) Col. Gewurtz.
Last edited by Siege on 2008-09-07 03:13pm, edited 2 times in total.
SDN World 3: The Sultanate of Egypt
SDN World 4: The United Solarian Sovereignty
SDN World 5: San Dorado
There'll be a bodycount, we're gonna watch it rise
The folks at CNN, they won't believe their eyes
General notice to the world media: It is the intention of President Shinra of the Shinra Republic to travel to the Republic of Pezookia for a meeting with King Paul within the coming week. Details will follow.
*************
"Mister President, we've heard that there's apparently an SNC conference scheduled as well. That may delay things."
"Well, I wanted to meet with Stansilav anyway. Send a note to all of them that I would enjoy a meeting with King Paul and a brief visit to Pezookia, and then I would consider it an honor to travel to the Crimson Star Republic afterward. I would enjoy the chance to meet all of the leaders of the SNC, although I would not intrude upon their conference meetings without permission."
"It'll be sent right away, Mister President."
*************
"Mister President, we've heard that there's apparently an SNC conference scheduled as well. That may delay things."
"Well, I wanted to meet with Stansilav anyway. Send a note to all of them that I would enjoy a meeting with King Paul and a brief visit to Pezookia, and then I would consider it an honor to travel to the Crimson Star Republic afterward. I would enjoy the chance to meet all of the leaders of the SNC, although I would not intrude upon their conference meetings without permission."
"It'll be sent right away, Mister President."
This is the price of war,
We rise with noble intentions,
And we risk all that is pure..." - Angela & Jeff van Dyck, Forever (Rome: Total War)
"On and on, through the years,
The war continues on..." - Angela & Jeff van Dyck, We Are All One (Medieval 2: Total War)
"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear." - Ambrose Redmoon
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." - Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight
Union Press
Rats, Sharks and Birds, Oh My! Zoological Discoveries in Western Velaria Abound
-Artist's recreation of a Velarian Terror Bird, these creatures stand 3 meters tall and are voratious pack hunters
Port Adria Scientific Base, Velaria-Over the past few weeks, various science teams exploring the Eastern Velarian Rainforest have made numerous geological studies have made several notable discoveries of exotic and facinating creatures that dwell there, veiled beneith the Forest Canopy and in the Dragonsnake River's Murky Rivers.
Dozens of new Species of fish have been catolouged in the rivers, among the most dangerous are the Velarian River Sharks. The largest species of which (the King River Shark) can get up to two meters long and have highly developed olfactory sensers, latteral lines and eltromagnetic detection to zero in on prey in the often muddy waters. Several photographs of these fish have been caught of sharks cacthing prey out of trees.
On land, various other creatures have been discovered, among the largest predators in the Jungle are Velarian Terror Birds. However, among the more dangerous are the smaller creatures, in praticular the newly discovered are the Velarian Army Rat, an eusocial species of 20 to 60 centimeter (depending on caste, Serf (Sterile Females) Soldier (males) and Mother (Fertile Females)) long rodents that make homes in large dome shaped mounds of earth, bark and leaf litter up to 4 meters tall and across, feeding mostly off fruit, carion, insects and small animals. When out gathering food, they are generally quite timid. However, they viciously defend their nests from agressers. Other notable rodents include Rat Foxes (two meter long Foxlike Predators).
Several of these creatures have been captured alive and have been brought back to the base. King Leighton-I is expected to see some of these creatures during an upcomming visit.
Dragons hit the Market, ZF-12 export announced
Two ZF-12 Dragon Fighters in Flight
Royal Areospace Research Headquarters, Victorium-Today, RAR has announced plans to put the ZF-12 Dragon, the Pride of the Royal Zorian Air Force and one of the most advanced fightercraft on the planet for sale on the Foreign Market. Prices start at $135 Million ZORD per unit.
Rats, Sharks and Birds, Oh My! Zoological Discoveries in Western Velaria Abound
-Artist's recreation of a Velarian Terror Bird, these creatures stand 3 meters tall and are voratious pack hunters
Port Adria Scientific Base, Velaria-Over the past few weeks, various science teams exploring the Eastern Velarian Rainforest have made numerous geological studies have made several notable discoveries of exotic and facinating creatures that dwell there, veiled beneith the Forest Canopy and in the Dragonsnake River's Murky Rivers.
Dozens of new Species of fish have been catolouged in the rivers, among the most dangerous are the Velarian River Sharks. The largest species of which (the King River Shark) can get up to two meters long and have highly developed olfactory sensers, latteral lines and eltromagnetic detection to zero in on prey in the often muddy waters. Several photographs of these fish have been caught of sharks cacthing prey out of trees.
On land, various other creatures have been discovered, among the largest predators in the Jungle are Velarian Terror Birds. However, among the more dangerous are the smaller creatures, in praticular the newly discovered are the Velarian Army Rat, an eusocial species of 20 to 60 centimeter (depending on caste, Serf (Sterile Females) Soldier (males) and Mother (Fertile Females)) long rodents that make homes in large dome shaped mounds of earth, bark and leaf litter up to 4 meters tall and across, feeding mostly off fruit, carion, insects and small animals. When out gathering food, they are generally quite timid. However, they viciously defend their nests from agressers. Other notable rodents include Rat Foxes (two meter long Foxlike Predators).
Several of these creatures have been captured alive and have been brought back to the base. King Leighton-I is expected to see some of these creatures during an upcomming visit.
Dragons hit the Market, ZF-12 export announced
Two ZF-12 Dragon Fighters in Flight
Royal Areospace Research Headquarters, Victorium-Today, RAR has announced plans to put the ZF-12 Dragon, the Pride of the Royal Zorian Air Force and one of the most advanced fightercraft on the planet for sale on the Foreign Market. Prices start at $135 Million ZORD per unit.
HAIL ZOR! WE'LL BLOW UP THE OCEAN!
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
Heros of Cybertron-HAB-Keeper of the Vicious pit of Allosauruses-King Leighton-I, United Kingdom of Zoria: SD.net World/Tsar Mikhail-I of the Red Tsardom: SD.net Kingdoms
WHEN ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE ON EARTH, ALL EARTH BREAKS LOOSE ON HELL
Terran Sphere
The Art of Zor
-
Karmic Knight
- Jedi Master
- Posts: 1005
- Joined: 2007-04-03 05:42pm
Open Water Near the Capital, the Settlement
The speedboat moved quietly closer to the beach, careful not to hit a sandbar, or other water hazard. On board were two annoyed representatives of the Risca Syndicate.
“Jesus Fucking Christ, couldn’t we have airlifted the shit over,” one asked his partner.
“No, the airport here is shit, they would have found the guns, this was the only way,” replied the other, annoyed, “Besides, it ain’t like we got anywhere else to be, after this trip we get reassigned, and thank fucking God for that one, I can’t stand working directly for the boss, I don’t see how anyone can.”
”Seriously. But why did we have to take the speedboat?”
“Because, he used that tug to get the shit over here, and a speedboat is a little less suspicious. Hold up, I see our guy, give ‘em the signal.”
“Sure thing,” said the first representative as he pulled out the spotlight and flashed the appropriate signal.
As the two approached the rendezvous point, they looked at their contact, he was a tall, lanky kid of about twenty, he looked like one of the college students who chose to lead a frontier life instead of staying in the ‘uptight, conformist’ society. This was not a significant portion of the populace, but it was a portion. This would be a good place to push drugs if the Syndicate got around to placing agents her. All of these assumptions flew past the first representative as he reached out and said, “Hello, the names Maurice, and that is Murray.”
“Abramoff, a pleasure,” their contact provided.
“Well, I believe you just need to show us where the land movement platform we told you to make is.”
”Follow me,” Abramoff proceeded to lead “Maurice” and “Murray” around the beach to a spot not far from the rendezvous, but far enough away that it would be difficult to fire and bolt. Not that that was on the agenda for this evening. Maurice sent the tug the landing information while he and Murray prepared the Lander for its maiden voyage, the esoteric nature of their supply vessel meant that they couldn’t just throw the rebels the guns and leave, they had to also leave the mechanism for transport with the rebels. Maurice thought about the supply vessel while he watched the tug slowly change course, as to avoid the shallow water while sending its cargo careening into the beach, hopefully along the proper trajectory to land on the landing craft. It was almost off on the left side, luckily it wasn’t their job to carry it back. “Good luck getting that to work there, Abramoff, we are off.”
Abramoff smiled, “My people have it covered, don’t worry. Nice cargo vessel, by the way.”
“The fuckers bought it.”
The speedboat moved quietly closer to the beach, careful not to hit a sandbar, or other water hazard. On board were two annoyed representatives of the Risca Syndicate.
“Jesus Fucking Christ, couldn’t we have airlifted the shit over,” one asked his partner.
“No, the airport here is shit, they would have found the guns, this was the only way,” replied the other, annoyed, “Besides, it ain’t like we got anywhere else to be, after this trip we get reassigned, and thank fucking God for that one, I can’t stand working directly for the boss, I don’t see how anyone can.”
”Seriously. But why did we have to take the speedboat?”
“Because, he used that tug to get the shit over here, and a speedboat is a little less suspicious. Hold up, I see our guy, give ‘em the signal.”
“Sure thing,” said the first representative as he pulled out the spotlight and flashed the appropriate signal.
As the two approached the rendezvous point, they looked at their contact, he was a tall, lanky kid of about twenty, he looked like one of the college students who chose to lead a frontier life instead of staying in the ‘uptight, conformist’ society. This was not a significant portion of the populace, but it was a portion. This would be a good place to push drugs if the Syndicate got around to placing agents her. All of these assumptions flew past the first representative as he reached out and said, “Hello, the names Maurice, and that is Murray.”
“Abramoff, a pleasure,” their contact provided.
“Well, I believe you just need to show us where the land movement platform we told you to make is.”
”Follow me,” Abramoff proceeded to lead “Maurice” and “Murray” around the beach to a spot not far from the rendezvous, but far enough away that it would be difficult to fire and bolt. Not that that was on the agenda for this evening. Maurice sent the tug the landing information while he and Murray prepared the Lander for its maiden voyage, the esoteric nature of their supply vessel meant that they couldn’t just throw the rebels the guns and leave, they had to also leave the mechanism for transport with the rebels. Maurice thought about the supply vessel while he watched the tug slowly change course, as to avoid the shallow water while sending its cargo careening into the beach, hopefully along the proper trajectory to land on the landing craft. It was almost off on the left side, luckily it wasn’t their job to carry it back. “Good luck getting that to work there, Abramoff, we are off.”
Abramoff smiled, “My people have it covered, don’t worry. Nice cargo vessel, by the way.”
Roger’s Office, <Censored>Intercepted Email by the VEIL
From: “The Victory Front” (71212312@freemail.vin)
To: therevolutionary@therevolution.ih
Subject: The “Risca” Syndicate Upper Echelon
Leader: Thomas ‘Tom’ Fullman (OOC: Roger)
Age: 30 - 40
Second in Command: Jason ‘Jab’ Stevens (OCC: The aide)
<No Picture>
Age: 29 - 35
Enforcer: Markus (OOC : The analyst)
Age: 30+
Accountant/Legal: Laura Megs (OOC: The lawyer)
<No Picture>
Age: 29 – 35
Forward this information to everyone, the Victory Front must know about all threats to possible sovereignty of the Highlands.
Follow the Path of Freedom, of Victory
Robert Tole,
CEO, the Highlands Company
Patriot.
“The fuckers bought it.”
This is an empty country and I am it's king, and I should not be allowed to touch anything.
Jerusalem Space Center, October 6th 2008
The rocket climbed quickly out of sight, screaming skywards on top of the pillar of flame. It was checked out and overhauled, with sources of vibrations elliminated. Computer simulations were run several on the subsystems which caused the problem - and just to be sure, guidance systems were exchanged for a brand-new IRT-made set of computerized gyroscopes.
"Stand by for staging...", a launch control technician said, dosing the words carefully, "...yes! Staging complete!", he shouted with satisfaction upon receiving confirmation of succesfull separation.
"Second stage ignition nominal...we're heading to orbit, people!"
This could be it. A succesful test flight, finally: this would allow FASTA to move beyond the sandbox.
This hope lasted all the way until guidance systems failed. The rocket pitched rapidly, broke up, ruptured its fuel tanks and exploded for good measure.
Then there was silence.
Orena Evening News
MPs question FASTA financing
In light of the latest failed rocket test in a series of launches conducted by FASTA, several members of parliament have questioned the agency's competence in conducting the space program.
"The first step to the Moon is a total catastrophe. Three launches, millions of dollars down the drain, and not a single success to show for it: we are throwing money down the drain!", said Stanislaw Kozlowski, a well-known conservative MP.
PeZookia commits 5 billion dollars yearly to funding the agency. The parliament has agreed that should the agency not be able to present tangible results by the end of the year, it will vote to cut the funds in next year's budget.
FASTA engineers, however, present a different view of things:
"The Atlas-Sputnik is completely new technology, which so far existed only as a proof-of-concept, with very simple staging systems and a horribly limited throw weight. We have enlarged and upgraded it, turning it into the world's first liquid-fuelled orbital rocket. By necessity, several system have greatly increased in complexity. However, when we work out all the bugs, we'll be able to expand the Atlas-Sputnik easily. It's pretty normal when it comes to rocket science, really: rockets explode all the time during development. Cutting funding based on three tests is completely irresponsible: This is normal development process.", said FASTA Director of Operations.
Jozef Muszynski challenges USSR allegations
In a press conference countering USSR's accusations of intentional lying and slander, Jozef Muszynski responded thusly:
"You can see easily, ladies and gentlemen, how the USSR's propaganda machine works. They deny the obvious, while smearing my character - it's a transparent attempt at furthering their goals of opression and imperialism. At the same time, the Royal Court does nothing to counter their underhanded moves, which makes me question their commitment to PeZookian security."
Demonstrations rock major cities ; Anti-war movements demand troops be brought home
In Fabowice, The Tri-Cities, Breslau and Orena, thousands of people have participated in huge anti-war demonstrations. Protesting the USSR's implied attempts at "spreading socialism in the Border States with the blood of our soldiers", the demonstrators demanded an immediate withdrawal of all PeZookian occupational forces from the Zagor Empire.
Orena Daily Rag
WHERE ARE OUR CHILDREN?!
Much has happened in the last few weeks. We are flying into space ; the Shadows are playing power games, and Japanistan unveils powerful new fighting vehicles.
But amongst all this, one important question remains unanswered: where the hell are our children, who were brutally abducted nearly a month ago? Why isn't the police doing anything to find them?
With each passing day, they will be more difficult to find: they will end up as sex slaves of foreign perverts, traded and branded like cattle. Why are we allowing the government to divert our attentions from this matter? Why are we letting ourselves be deceived, instead of calling for blood?
Such incompetence mustn't stand! Our children have been kidnapped, and the Royal Court doesn't care at all.
If they cannot do they duty, is it not ours to depose them?
Daily Rag Chief Editor,
Chief Boombastic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Palace, Orena: PeZookia-USSR conference call
"President Shady, while I must assure you I do not share mr. Muszynski's convictions, you have to understand my situation - the announcement about transformation of the Zagor Empire into a socialist state put me in a very precarious situation. I cannot directly oppose the parliament on this matter without good support, and pretty much every MP fears a resurgence of the Shadow Empire. I fear that unless measures are taken by you to ameliorate those fears, I may be forced to withdraw from Zagor due to internal pressure. I know that the public is acting irrationally in this case, but I cannot just ignore them."
The rocket climbed quickly out of sight, screaming skywards on top of the pillar of flame. It was checked out and overhauled, with sources of vibrations elliminated. Computer simulations were run several on the subsystems which caused the problem - and just to be sure, guidance systems were exchanged for a brand-new IRT-made set of computerized gyroscopes.
"Stand by for staging...", a launch control technician said, dosing the words carefully, "...yes! Staging complete!", he shouted with satisfaction upon receiving confirmation of succesfull separation.
"Second stage ignition nominal...we're heading to orbit, people!"
This could be it. A succesful test flight, finally: this would allow FASTA to move beyond the sandbox.
This hope lasted all the way until guidance systems failed. The rocket pitched rapidly, broke up, ruptured its fuel tanks and exploded for good measure.
Then there was silence.
Orena Evening News
MPs question FASTA financing
In light of the latest failed rocket test in a series of launches conducted by FASTA, several members of parliament have questioned the agency's competence in conducting the space program.
"The first step to the Moon is a total catastrophe. Three launches, millions of dollars down the drain, and not a single success to show for it: we are throwing money down the drain!", said Stanislaw Kozlowski, a well-known conservative MP.
PeZookia commits 5 billion dollars yearly to funding the agency. The parliament has agreed that should the agency not be able to present tangible results by the end of the year, it will vote to cut the funds in next year's budget.
FASTA engineers, however, present a different view of things:
"The Atlas-Sputnik is completely new technology, which so far existed only as a proof-of-concept, with very simple staging systems and a horribly limited throw weight. We have enlarged and upgraded it, turning it into the world's first liquid-fuelled orbital rocket. By necessity, several system have greatly increased in complexity. However, when we work out all the bugs, we'll be able to expand the Atlas-Sputnik easily. It's pretty normal when it comes to rocket science, really: rockets explode all the time during development. Cutting funding based on three tests is completely irresponsible: This is normal development process.", said FASTA Director of Operations.
Jozef Muszynski challenges USSR allegations
In a press conference countering USSR's accusations of intentional lying and slander, Jozef Muszynski responded thusly:
"You can see easily, ladies and gentlemen, how the USSR's propaganda machine works. They deny the obvious, while smearing my character - it's a transparent attempt at furthering their goals of opression and imperialism. At the same time, the Royal Court does nothing to counter their underhanded moves, which makes me question their commitment to PeZookian security."
Demonstrations rock major cities ; Anti-war movements demand troops be brought home
In Fabowice, The Tri-Cities, Breslau and Orena, thousands of people have participated in huge anti-war demonstrations. Protesting the USSR's implied attempts at "spreading socialism in the Border States with the blood of our soldiers", the demonstrators demanded an immediate withdrawal of all PeZookian occupational forces from the Zagor Empire.
Orena Daily Rag
WHERE ARE OUR CHILDREN?!
Much has happened in the last few weeks. We are flying into space ; the Shadows are playing power games, and Japanistan unveils powerful new fighting vehicles.
But amongst all this, one important question remains unanswered: where the hell are our children, who were brutally abducted nearly a month ago? Why isn't the police doing anything to find them?
With each passing day, they will be more difficult to find: they will end up as sex slaves of foreign perverts, traded and branded like cattle. Why are we allowing the government to divert our attentions from this matter? Why are we letting ourselves be deceived, instead of calling for blood?
Such incompetence mustn't stand! Our children have been kidnapped, and the Royal Court doesn't care at all.
If they cannot do they duty, is it not ours to depose them?
Daily Rag Chief Editor,
Chief Boombastic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Palace, Orena: PeZookia-USSR conference call
"President Shady, while I must assure you I do not share mr. Muszynski's convictions, you have to understand my situation - the announcement about transformation of the Zagor Empire into a socialist state put me in a very precarious situation. I cannot directly oppose the parliament on this matter without good support, and pretty much every MP fears a resurgence of the Shadow Empire. I fear that unless measures are taken by you to ameliorate those fears, I may be forced to withdraw from Zagor due to internal pressure. I know that the public is acting irrationally in this case, but I cannot just ignore them."
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.
- NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
-
DarthShady
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1872
- Joined: 2007-09-15 10:46am
- Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Contact:
Well my friend this is quite a situation you and I find ourselves in. I assure you that the only goal the USSR has in the border regions is a goal of peace and stability. If there is something I can do to alleviate the fears of your people, please let me know and I will try my best. And comrade if your people do not calm down and continue to pressure you into withdrawing your forces from the border regions, than you should withdraw them and I will replace them with my own troops. Sargonia and Zagor are now pretty much stabilized and I see no reason for us to strain the relations between our two glorious nations.PeZook wrote: Royal Palace, Orena: PeZookia-USSR conference call
"President Shady, while I must assure you I do not share mr. Muszynski's convictions, you have to understand my situation - the announcement about transformation of the Zagor Empire into a socialist state put me in a very precarious situation. I cannot directly oppose the parliament on this matter without good support, and pretty much every MP fears a resurgence of the Shadow Empire. I fear that unless measures are taken by you to ameliorate those fears, I may be forced to withdraw from Zagor due to internal pressure. I know that the public is acting irrationally in this case, but I cannot just ignore them."
-
Fingolfin_Noldor
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 11834
- Joined: 2006-05-15 10:36am
- Location: At the Helm of the HAB Star Dreadnaught Star Fist
Constantinople Times
Editorial
So why no anti-War protests in Byzantium?
If one were to ask why there aren't any anti-War protests in Byzantium, unlike neighbouring PeZookia, one would only have to do a read of Byzantine history to understand why; the Byzantine Empire was defended with blood for the last millennia. War is etched deeply into the Byzantine psyche. People were willing to do what was necessary to fight for the survival of the state. This is somewhat unique in the history of the world. Few states have been driven to the point of destruction as the Byzantine Empire. The collapse of the Roman Empire in the West left the state in an extremely perilous state, and the Eastern half barely survived the endless war with the Persians in the East. The wars with the Arabs nearly saw the destruction of the Empire several times, and the siege of Constantinople in 1453 could have been easily the singular event that would have ended the Empire for good. If Constantinople fell, there will be no help from the rest of the world. No one will come to save us, and the Turks would march beyond into the rest of the continent. Constantinople stood as the last bastion of resistance against the Turkish invaders, and it withstood the assault, and the Empire's fortunes turned for the better, and has been ascendant ever since. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire also saved PeZookia from conquest by the Turks, and perhaps even the Shroomanians.
War to Byzantines, is viewed as a necessary evil. The defence of the realm and its interests was viewed as a necessity. Byzantine Empire has always had a steady pool of recruits willing to serve and die for the state. Their devotion to the art of war is unparalleled, and judicious study of the old military texts and the usual Roman willingness to adopt the tactics and equipment of the enemy allowed our forces be as agile as possible, and to defeat enemies 5 times our number. We have retained the longest serving professional army in the history of Man, and we will continue to do so.
We are Romans. We forged our Empire through War, and will continue warring, if need be. Weaklings merely perish like grass in the fire.
Editorial
So why no anti-War protests in Byzantium?
If one were to ask why there aren't any anti-War protests in Byzantium, unlike neighbouring PeZookia, one would only have to do a read of Byzantine history to understand why; the Byzantine Empire was defended with blood for the last millennia. War is etched deeply into the Byzantine psyche. People were willing to do what was necessary to fight for the survival of the state. This is somewhat unique in the history of the world. Few states have been driven to the point of destruction as the Byzantine Empire. The collapse of the Roman Empire in the West left the state in an extremely perilous state, and the Eastern half barely survived the endless war with the Persians in the East. The wars with the Arabs nearly saw the destruction of the Empire several times, and the siege of Constantinople in 1453 could have been easily the singular event that would have ended the Empire for good. If Constantinople fell, there will be no help from the rest of the world. No one will come to save us, and the Turks would march beyond into the rest of the continent. Constantinople stood as the last bastion of resistance against the Turkish invaders, and it withstood the assault, and the Empire's fortunes turned for the better, and has been ascendant ever since. The collapse of the Ottoman Empire also saved PeZookia from conquest by the Turks, and perhaps even the Shroomanians.
War to Byzantines, is viewed as a necessary evil. The defence of the realm and its interests was viewed as a necessity. Byzantine Empire has always had a steady pool of recruits willing to serve and die for the state. Their devotion to the art of war is unparalleled, and judicious study of the old military texts and the usual Roman willingness to adopt the tactics and equipment of the enemy allowed our forces be as agile as possible, and to defeat enemies 5 times our number. We have retained the longest serving professional army in the history of Man, and we will continue to do so.
We are Romans. We forged our Empire through War, and will continue warring, if need be. Weaklings merely perish like grass in the fire.
Last edited by Fingolfin_Noldor on 2008-09-08 07:04am, edited 1 time in total.
Your spirit, diseased as it is, refuses to allow you to give up, no matter what threats you face... and whatever wreckage you leave behind you.
Kreia
Paul cleared his throat.DarthShady wrote: Well my friend this is quite a situation you and I find ourselves in. I assure you that the only goal the USSR has in the border regions is a goal of peace and stability. If there is something I can do to alleviate the fears of your people, please let me know and I will try my best. And comrade if your people do not calm down and continue to pressure you into withdrawing your forces from the border regions, than you should withdraw them and I will replace them with my own troops. Sargonia and Zagor are now pretty much stabilized and I see no reason for us to strain the relations between our two glorious nations.
"Forgive me. Well, it is doubtless that a sly political maneuver is necessary here in order to undo the damage. I was thinking that, perhaps, we could allow outspoken opposition to arise in Zagor, and give them equal time in the media? It is crucial to promote a perception that Zagor is not going to become a puppet state of the USSR, whatever the reality may be."
Paul paused for a second. Oh, he knew that reality would be quite different - and he accepted this fact, since a stable puppet regime would still be better for the average Zagorian than what Marek The Cruel inflicted upon them.
"Official statements probably won't do, but the trappings of a political process in Zagor - demonstrations, debates and all - would probably help."
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.
- NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
Orena, Kosciuszko Avenue, RIS Headquarters
Brigadier-general Kulinsky was a very important man in the RIS, and had access to plenty of resources. Being responsible for monitoring the Border States meant his work was always high-priority.
His office has been working on the student kidnapping for a couple of weeks now, but had little results. Working in the Border States was notoriously difficult: but Sjenska in particular. The place was almost completely lawless ; The government was kleptocratic and completely corrupt. Local laws varied enormously from place to place, attitudes towards foreigners were distrustful at best. Local officials could be bribed one day, and refuse to co-operate the next, depending on which way to wind blowed.
Thus, they made very little progress. They weren't even sure the hostages were in Sjenska: they might've just as well be in Sargonia or Zagor. Zagor, especially, was the most terrifying option.
But this meeting was about something else. Something personal.
"Gentlemen, you all know what happened tonight. The perpetrators crossed into Sjenska not four hours ago. They are moving on foot - the only reason they have not been captured is because of standing Royal orders not to violate Sjenska territorry in pursuit of criminals. These have since been suspended."
His people were all looking at him. They all knew that while their boss was trying to act professional, he was deeply worried.
"I have received Royal authorization, in writing, to pursue the suspects into Sjenska, as long as it's done in a deniable fashion. I have already ordered UAVs to cross into their airspace, but they have been unable to establish contact. But we need more options than that."
He looked at his people. They were some of the best the RIS had to offer: bright and energetic, proven and capable. There was a brief pause, and then suggestions began flowing in. The team started formulating a plan which involved the most hi-tech espionage tools PeZookia could muster.
Ultimately, though - as John Kulinsky felt - it would come down to luck and good old fashioned legwork.
Independent Republic of Sjenska
Six hours of cross-country marching, while dragging a hostage, after a brief but intense stand-off at the border would tire the strongest of people. And the trio of organized criminals, while ruthless, wasn't composed of particularly extraordinary individuals. They slept a bit in bushes and then moved on - as fast as they could, the quicker to get away from the border.
Logistics proved to be an additional problem: Milan insisted, to the point of threatening his comrades with the Makarov, on taking her with them. They'd sell her in Karic's Pride, he said, and figure out a plan. Without money, they were fodder here - and they only had less than 100 dollars between them. But this meant the woman had to be watched, fed, tied, untied...she stopped resisting after a while, fortunately, which made things a bit easier.
Still, this didn't go over well with Kosta and Basil. Basil, especially, blamed Milan for the death of his friend, and was the most vocal proponent of executing her now and then. Milan refused, naturally - which meant they were pretty much stuck.
They were headed towards Karic's Pride, avoiding roads and only briefly showing up at villages to buy a bit of food. Milan came from these parts and knew that if they ran into the wrong people, their little adventure could end very fast indeed.
Two days after crossing the border, however, they came upon a little village. It looked exactly like a hundred other they've passed along the way, and yet Milan led the straight in.
As it turned out, he's had cousins there, and they agreed to help.
Karic's Pride, Independent Republic of Sjenska, three weeks after the kidnapping
Sjenska was horrible place for an intelligence officer to work in, but also one of the most rewarding for ambitious people. The classic approach didn't quite work in this place, but a resourceful and bright officer could accomplish so much more than elsewhere.
For Kamil Zarzecki, RIS, Sjenska was a challenge. Incredibly corrupt, based on family ties and honor-culture values, yet patriotic and militant. There was so much possibility to play Sjenska's administration against each other...so many ways to gather information.
Zarzecki was working in Karic's Pride for years now, known to most as Adam Kostric ; But only recently, after the whole kidnapping scandal, did he receive the funding and support his operation really needed. For the last three weeks, he's been hard at work, re-establishing old contacts, making new friends and getting cozy with the mafia-like government. Even for him, it was surprising just how much Sjenska's government was involved with slave, drug and weapons smuggling. Oftentimes, the officials themselves owned succesful slaving operations.
Right now, he was meeting one of those people. Boguslav Miksevich, rich by any standard, a trader and respected man. A generous one, too: he offered to pay for dinner, and the restaurant they were meeting in was a lavish place, with its own security and excellent food. Great contrast to dirt of the streets and starving beggars found just a few steps outside.
"Adam! Dearest of all my friends!", Miksevich said once he approached the table. Both men gave themselves a bear hug, their bodyguards glancing around suspiciously.
"Boguslav, you old bastard!", Kamil responded enthusiastically, despite his utter contempt for the man, "It's good to see you fat as ever! You must be doing great!"
Miksevich laughed heartily, and both men sat down,reviewing the menu.
"You should try some of the drinks they serve here. I never had anything better!", Miksevich was obviously enjoying himself. He quickly ordered a lavish dinner, and tipped the waiter generously.
They ate, rising toasts and joking loudly, but Kamil observed him all the time. From what he remembered, Boguslav Miksevich was rarely in such a good mood. He was handing out money to the staff, which he also didn't usually do, reserving generosity to business partners.
"Business going good, Boguslav?", he finally asked
"Like you wouldn't believe! If it remains that way, I may be able to retire soon!"
"This is actually what I wanted to talk to you about, my friend. I am currently in the middle of a...delicate transaction with quite a demanding client. The deal is promising, but I would like to give him a...special present."
"Oh? And who is that 'demanding client'?", Miksevich asked, a bit suspicious. It was always good to ask for references, especially since slave-running always brought with it the risk of people seeking revenge, trying to free their relatives and similar things. Miksevich knew plenty of such tricks, and didn't trust many people.
"Golan Brakic. He's a police comissioner in Gorjevo.", Kamil was not a newcomer to this game. Brakic did, indeed, request a slave girl as a bribe.
"Ah...I see. Well, my friend, what do you need?"
"A young girl...as he put it, 'feisty and strong'. He likes the process of breaking them in, you see. I would really appreciate it if you helped me with the matter."
"I'm afraid I cannot help you right now. You see, I too made a very good deal, and sold nearly all my fresh stock. I will make sure to contact you if something comes up, though."
"That would indeed be excellent! I would be in your debt, Boguslav, I truly would, if you can help me with this."
Both men smiled and drank their vodka.
Well, it could've gone better, Kamil thought as he left the restaurant. Still, Miksevich mentioning 'fresh stock' intrigued him. He'd have to arrange for observation of his compound.
Karic's Pride, four days later
Milan's cousins and family have been of great help. Sympathetic to their brethren, whom they saw as fighting the ever-hated PeZookians, they provided all of them food, and helped find a buyer for their hostage.
Still, they also said to watch out. Strange men were asking around for Amanda, and weird airplanes could sometimes be seen in the sky. It would be best to sell her fast, and disappear with the money.
Disguised in local clothing, Milan, Kosta and Basil all made their way to Karic's pride riding in the back of a dilapidated farmer's truck. Amanda seemed resigned and submissive, now having lost all hope of ever finding her way back home. The deeper they went into Sjenska, the slimmer their chances were.
The truck has dropped them off at the city's biggest square - once proud and beautiful, now dilapidated and ill-maintained, full of shoddily built booths and other structures. Their driver - Milan's stepbrother, actually - parked the truck, and told them to follow him. One of Milan's cousins stayed behind to watch the vehicle.
They made their way through dirty streets, amongst crowds of people all going about their own business. Amanda was mostly untied now, but Kosta held her hand firmly, twisting it slightly, so that it would be more difficult for her to escape.
They finally made their way to a large, flat, two-story building, which bordered a walled compound: equipped with guard towers, barbed wire and armed guards. An occasional cry or commanding scream could be heard, even on the crowded street.
They walked inside, into a clean - if spartan - office. All the men were nervous, but it was nothing compared to what Amanda felt right now. What is going to happen now? was the only thing she could think of.
Milan's stepbrother introduced them to the large, pot-bellied man who seemed to be in charge. He glanced at Amanda, nodded and picked up a phone, calling his boss.
"He'll come down in a minute."
Miksevich arrived soon. One look at the group told him all there was to know. He smiled inwardly...yes, families would often sell their daughters. Sometimes, they didn't even need to fall into poverty to do that - healthy slaves were becoming a precious commodity.
He walked up to Amanda and checked her quickly: eyes, teeth, breasts and buttocks. He checked her hands to signs of drug abuse and nodded.
"I can give you a thousand dollars for her.", he finally announced.
Milan smiled at him cynically.
"Oh no you won't...I know how much you actually charge your end customers."
"What?", Miksevich felt offended. Who was this man to dictate terms to him
"I was the one who arranged that last shipment you got. Remember? You paid me one hundred thousand each."
This took Miksevich aback.
"What the hell are you doing here?!"
"I ran into a bit of trouble. Now, can we talk like real businessmen, rather than the rabble that usually comes here?"
There was a brief pause
"In the back", Miksevich said, finally
Two hours later, Karic's Pride, Miksevic's compound
Kamil Zarzecki vel Adam Kostric came over as soon as he got Miksevic's message. Of course, his men watching the compound have already informed him about the four suspect people, leading a woman very much resembling the one the entire RIS was looking for right now.
It was actually the first time he went inside the 'office', as Miksevich used to call his little slave-running operation. It was, in fact, a heavily fortified semi-fortress crawling with armed guards.
"Adam, dearest of all my friends! Welcome to my office!", Miksevich exclaimed, and they bear hugged again, "I may have something for you! Come here, and you will see her yourself!"
The slave runner led Kamil to the back, into what he called the "exhibition room". There, Zarzecki saw a sight which filled him with rage and disgust.
Amanda was sitting there, naked, with a burly guard standing right behind her with a baton. She was looking at the floor, shivering.
Fighting his emotions, Zarzecki walked up to her briskly and grabbed her by the chin. He examined her coldly, and then walked back to Miksevich. He was now sure it was the girl they were looking for.
"I said he liked them 'feisty'. This one's submissive.", he said harshly
"Well, the seller told me she was a cop. I'm sure your client will be satisfied - we actually didn't break her in, my friend."
"I see. Well then...how much?"
"Two hundred thousand"
"That's a little steep"
"It's a special price, just for you!"
"I will give you a hundred and fifty"
Miksevich weighed his costs against the proposed price for a while, but finally extended his hand.
"Deal!"
"Excellent! Give me a couple of days to assemble the cash. And make sure she's in excellent shape, will you?"
"Of course. Anything for you, my friend!"
Brigadier-general Kulinsky was a very important man in the RIS, and had access to plenty of resources. Being responsible for monitoring the Border States meant his work was always high-priority.
His office has been working on the student kidnapping for a couple of weeks now, but had little results. Working in the Border States was notoriously difficult: but Sjenska in particular. The place was almost completely lawless ; The government was kleptocratic and completely corrupt. Local laws varied enormously from place to place, attitudes towards foreigners were distrustful at best. Local officials could be bribed one day, and refuse to co-operate the next, depending on which way to wind blowed.
Thus, they made very little progress. They weren't even sure the hostages were in Sjenska: they might've just as well be in Sargonia or Zagor. Zagor, especially, was the most terrifying option.
But this meeting was about something else. Something personal.
"Gentlemen, you all know what happened tonight. The perpetrators crossed into Sjenska not four hours ago. They are moving on foot - the only reason they have not been captured is because of standing Royal orders not to violate Sjenska territorry in pursuit of criminals. These have since been suspended."
His people were all looking at him. They all knew that while their boss was trying to act professional, he was deeply worried.
"I have received Royal authorization, in writing, to pursue the suspects into Sjenska, as long as it's done in a deniable fashion. I have already ordered UAVs to cross into their airspace, but they have been unable to establish contact. But we need more options than that."
He looked at his people. They were some of the best the RIS had to offer: bright and energetic, proven and capable. There was a brief pause, and then suggestions began flowing in. The team started formulating a plan which involved the most hi-tech espionage tools PeZookia could muster.
Ultimately, though - as John Kulinsky felt - it would come down to luck and good old fashioned legwork.
Independent Republic of Sjenska
Six hours of cross-country marching, while dragging a hostage, after a brief but intense stand-off at the border would tire the strongest of people. And the trio of organized criminals, while ruthless, wasn't composed of particularly extraordinary individuals. They slept a bit in bushes and then moved on - as fast as they could, the quicker to get away from the border.
Logistics proved to be an additional problem: Milan insisted, to the point of threatening his comrades with the Makarov, on taking her with them. They'd sell her in Karic's Pride, he said, and figure out a plan. Without money, they were fodder here - and they only had less than 100 dollars between them. But this meant the woman had to be watched, fed, tied, untied...she stopped resisting after a while, fortunately, which made things a bit easier.
Still, this didn't go over well with Kosta and Basil. Basil, especially, blamed Milan for the death of his friend, and was the most vocal proponent of executing her now and then. Milan refused, naturally - which meant they were pretty much stuck.
They were headed towards Karic's Pride, avoiding roads and only briefly showing up at villages to buy a bit of food. Milan came from these parts and knew that if they ran into the wrong people, their little adventure could end very fast indeed.
Two days after crossing the border, however, they came upon a little village. It looked exactly like a hundred other they've passed along the way, and yet Milan led the straight in.
As it turned out, he's had cousins there, and they agreed to help.
Karic's Pride, Independent Republic of Sjenska, three weeks after the kidnapping
Sjenska was horrible place for an intelligence officer to work in, but also one of the most rewarding for ambitious people. The classic approach didn't quite work in this place, but a resourceful and bright officer could accomplish so much more than elsewhere.
For Kamil Zarzecki, RIS, Sjenska was a challenge. Incredibly corrupt, based on family ties and honor-culture values, yet patriotic and militant. There was so much possibility to play Sjenska's administration against each other...so many ways to gather information.
Zarzecki was working in Karic's Pride for years now, known to most as Adam Kostric ; But only recently, after the whole kidnapping scandal, did he receive the funding and support his operation really needed. For the last three weeks, he's been hard at work, re-establishing old contacts, making new friends and getting cozy with the mafia-like government. Even for him, it was surprising just how much Sjenska's government was involved with slave, drug and weapons smuggling. Oftentimes, the officials themselves owned succesful slaving operations.
Right now, he was meeting one of those people. Boguslav Miksevich, rich by any standard, a trader and respected man. A generous one, too: he offered to pay for dinner, and the restaurant they were meeting in was a lavish place, with its own security and excellent food. Great contrast to dirt of the streets and starving beggars found just a few steps outside.
"Adam! Dearest of all my friends!", Miksevich said once he approached the table. Both men gave themselves a bear hug, their bodyguards glancing around suspiciously.
"Boguslav, you old bastard!", Kamil responded enthusiastically, despite his utter contempt for the man, "It's good to see you fat as ever! You must be doing great!"
Miksevich laughed heartily, and both men sat down,reviewing the menu.
"You should try some of the drinks they serve here. I never had anything better!", Miksevich was obviously enjoying himself. He quickly ordered a lavish dinner, and tipped the waiter generously.
They ate, rising toasts and joking loudly, but Kamil observed him all the time. From what he remembered, Boguslav Miksevich was rarely in such a good mood. He was handing out money to the staff, which he also didn't usually do, reserving generosity to business partners.
"Business going good, Boguslav?", he finally asked
"Like you wouldn't believe! If it remains that way, I may be able to retire soon!"
"This is actually what I wanted to talk to you about, my friend. I am currently in the middle of a...delicate transaction with quite a demanding client. The deal is promising, but I would like to give him a...special present."
"Oh? And who is that 'demanding client'?", Miksevich asked, a bit suspicious. It was always good to ask for references, especially since slave-running always brought with it the risk of people seeking revenge, trying to free their relatives and similar things. Miksevich knew plenty of such tricks, and didn't trust many people.
"Golan Brakic. He's a police comissioner in Gorjevo.", Kamil was not a newcomer to this game. Brakic did, indeed, request a slave girl as a bribe.
"Ah...I see. Well, my friend, what do you need?"
"A young girl...as he put it, 'feisty and strong'. He likes the process of breaking them in, you see. I would really appreciate it if you helped me with the matter."
"I'm afraid I cannot help you right now. You see, I too made a very good deal, and sold nearly all my fresh stock. I will make sure to contact you if something comes up, though."
"That would indeed be excellent! I would be in your debt, Boguslav, I truly would, if you can help me with this."
Both men smiled and drank their vodka.
Well, it could've gone better, Kamil thought as he left the restaurant. Still, Miksevich mentioning 'fresh stock' intrigued him. He'd have to arrange for observation of his compound.
Karic's Pride, four days later
Milan's cousins and family have been of great help. Sympathetic to their brethren, whom they saw as fighting the ever-hated PeZookians, they provided all of them food, and helped find a buyer for their hostage.
Still, they also said to watch out. Strange men were asking around for Amanda, and weird airplanes could sometimes be seen in the sky. It would be best to sell her fast, and disappear with the money.
Disguised in local clothing, Milan, Kosta and Basil all made their way to Karic's pride riding in the back of a dilapidated farmer's truck. Amanda seemed resigned and submissive, now having lost all hope of ever finding her way back home. The deeper they went into Sjenska, the slimmer their chances were.
The truck has dropped them off at the city's biggest square - once proud and beautiful, now dilapidated and ill-maintained, full of shoddily built booths and other structures. Their driver - Milan's stepbrother, actually - parked the truck, and told them to follow him. One of Milan's cousins stayed behind to watch the vehicle.
They made their way through dirty streets, amongst crowds of people all going about their own business. Amanda was mostly untied now, but Kosta held her hand firmly, twisting it slightly, so that it would be more difficult for her to escape.
They finally made their way to a large, flat, two-story building, which bordered a walled compound: equipped with guard towers, barbed wire and armed guards. An occasional cry or commanding scream could be heard, even on the crowded street.
They walked inside, into a clean - if spartan - office. All the men were nervous, but it was nothing compared to what Amanda felt right now. What is going to happen now? was the only thing she could think of.
Milan's stepbrother introduced them to the large, pot-bellied man who seemed to be in charge. He glanced at Amanda, nodded and picked up a phone, calling his boss.
"He'll come down in a minute."
Miksevich arrived soon. One look at the group told him all there was to know. He smiled inwardly...yes, families would often sell their daughters. Sometimes, they didn't even need to fall into poverty to do that - healthy slaves were becoming a precious commodity.
He walked up to Amanda and checked her quickly: eyes, teeth, breasts and buttocks. He checked her hands to signs of drug abuse and nodded.
"I can give you a thousand dollars for her.", he finally announced.
Milan smiled at him cynically.
"Oh no you won't...I know how much you actually charge your end customers."
"What?", Miksevich felt offended. Who was this man to dictate terms to him
"I was the one who arranged that last shipment you got. Remember? You paid me one hundred thousand each."
This took Miksevich aback.
"What the hell are you doing here?!"
"I ran into a bit of trouble. Now, can we talk like real businessmen, rather than the rabble that usually comes here?"
There was a brief pause
"In the back", Miksevich said, finally
Two hours later, Karic's Pride, Miksevic's compound
Kamil Zarzecki vel Adam Kostric came over as soon as he got Miksevic's message. Of course, his men watching the compound have already informed him about the four suspect people, leading a woman very much resembling the one the entire RIS was looking for right now.
It was actually the first time he went inside the 'office', as Miksevich used to call his little slave-running operation. It was, in fact, a heavily fortified semi-fortress crawling with armed guards.
"Adam, dearest of all my friends! Welcome to my office!", Miksevich exclaimed, and they bear hugged again, "I may have something for you! Come here, and you will see her yourself!"
The slave runner led Kamil to the back, into what he called the "exhibition room". There, Zarzecki saw a sight which filled him with rage and disgust.
Amanda was sitting there, naked, with a burly guard standing right behind her with a baton. She was looking at the floor, shivering.
Fighting his emotions, Zarzecki walked up to her briskly and grabbed her by the chin. He examined her coldly, and then walked back to Miksevich. He was now sure it was the girl they were looking for.
"I said he liked them 'feisty'. This one's submissive.", he said harshly
"Well, the seller told me she was a cop. I'm sure your client will be satisfied - we actually didn't break her in, my friend."
"I see. Well then...how much?"
"Two hundred thousand"
"That's a little steep"
"It's a special price, just for you!"
"I will give you a hundred and fifty"
Miksevich weighed his costs against the proposed price for a while, but finally extended his hand.
"Deal!"
"Excellent! Give me a couple of days to assemble the cash. And make sure she's in excellent shape, will you?"
"Of course. Anything for you, my friend!"
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.
- NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
-
DarthShady
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1872
- Joined: 2007-09-15 10:46am
- Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Contact:
You have a point there my friend, I will have Nod arrange for some opposition. Perhaps a referendum where the people could choose the type of government they wanted. Still I believe that Socialism is the best way to go, to bring these people a better future. I am doing this for you, because you are my friend, but I must tell you my friend that my goal in the border regions is not to make PeZookians happy, it is to help the shadows that live there.PeZook wrote:Paul cleared his throat.DarthShady wrote: Well my friend this is quite a situation you and I find ourselves in. I assure you that the only goal the USSR has in the border regions is a goal of peace and stability. If there is something I can do to alleviate the fears of your people, please let me know and I will try my best. And comrade if your people do not calm down and continue to pressure you into withdrawing your forces from the border regions, than you should withdraw them and I will replace them with my own troops. Sargonia and Zagor are now pretty much stabilized and I see no reason for us to strain the relations between our two glorious nations.
"Forgive me. Well, it is doubtless that a sly political maneuver is necessary here in order to undo the damage. I was thinking that, perhaps, we could allow outspoken opposition to arise in Zagor, and give them equal time in the media? It is crucial to promote a perception that Zagor is not going to become a puppet state of the USSR, whatever the reality may be."
Paul paused for a second. Oh, he knew that reality would be quite different - and he accepted this fact, since a stable puppet regime would still be better for the average Zagorian than what Marek The Cruel inflicted upon them.
"Official statements probably won't do, but the trappings of a political process in Zagor - demonstrations, debates and all - would probably help."
"I understand completely. Personally, I care mostly for effectiveness of the new government, not its particular type. However, I also feel that a dissatisfied population would unnecessarily strain relations with the SNC and make reconstruction harder than it already is.DarthShady wrote: You have a point there my friend, I will have Nod arrange for some opposition. Perhaps a referendum where the people could choose the type of government they wanted. Still I believe that Socialism is the best way to go, to bring these people a better future. I am doing this for you, because you are my friend, but I must tell you my friend that my goal in the border regions is not to make PeZookians happy, it is to help the shadows that live there.
It should be relatively easy to be open about the political process there. The area will probably be under occupational administration for some time, anyway: we can't have an election untill the administration is in working order, and corruption is destroyed. We have plenty of time, and I thank you for your understanding. I'll see what I can do about Muszynski."
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.
- NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
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DarthShady
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1872
- Joined: 2007-09-15 10:46am
- Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Contact:
I am glad we could agree on this my friend. We have much work to do there, and we don't need any more problems in the region. As for Muszynski, anything you do is appreciated. I will calm my people down as well.PeZook wrote:"I understand completely. Personally, I care mostly for effectiveness of the new government, not its particular type. However, I also feel that a dissatisfied population would unnecessarily strain relations with the SNC and make reconstruction harder than it already is.DarthShady wrote: You have a point there my friend, I will have Nod arrange for some opposition. Perhaps a referendum where the people could choose the type of government they wanted. Still I believe that Socialism is the best way to go, to bring these people a better future. I am doing this for you, because you are my friend, but I must tell you my friend that my goal in the border regions is not to make PeZookians happy, it is to help the shadows that live there.
It should be relatively easy to be open about the political process there. The area will probably be under occupational administration for some time, anyway: we can't have an election untill the administration is in working order, and corruption is destroyed. We have plenty of time, and I thank you for your understanding. I'll see what I can do about Muszynski."
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DarthShady
- Jedi Council Member
- Posts: 1872
- Joined: 2007-09-15 10:46am
- Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Contact:
Zagor War Criminals En Route To PeZookia
In order for justice to be served the government of the USSR has decided to send the Zagor War Criminals, who were arrested on charges of ethnic cleansing and mass murder of the Sargonian people, to PeZookia. An international tribunal will be formed there, for the purpose of prosecuting these men. "Justice is important.", Said President Shady, "We must separate the guilty from the innocent, and then punish the guilty."
In order for justice to be served the government of the USSR has decided to send the Zagor War Criminals, who were arrested on charges of ethnic cleansing and mass murder of the Sargonian people, to PeZookia. An international tribunal will be formed there, for the purpose of prosecuting these men. "Justice is important.", Said President Shady, "We must separate the guilty from the innocent, and then punish the guilty."
"Excellent, I hope this crisis can be ameliorated. By the way, since we're on a phone line: you should know that president Shinra will be stopping over during a brief visit to PeZookia, and then we'll fly together to the SNC conference. Thus, I may be a little bit late."DarthShady wrote: I am glad we could agree on this my friend. We have much work to do there, and we don't need any more problems in the region. As for Muszynski, anything you do is appreciated. I will calm my people down as well.
Both leaders bid each other goodbye, and the King put down his phone. An aide walked into the Royal Office as soon as the call was over, followed by two military officers: General Kulinsky, RIS, and general Kozlowski, Army Special Forces.
"Your highness", Kulinsky began, "We have a possible lead on the whereabouts of the kidnapped students."
The King pointed towards the plush chairs located strategically around the office.
"Then I'm listening, gentlemen."
It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small.
- NEIL ARMSTRONG, MISSION COMMANDER, APOLLO 11
Signature dedicated to the greatest achievement of mankind.
MILDLY DERANGED PHYSICIST does not mind BREAKING the SOUND BARRIER, because it is INSURED. - Simon_Jester considering the problems of hypersonic flight for Team L.A.M.E.
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K. A. Pital
- Glamorous Commie
- Posts: 20813
- Joined: 2003-02-26 11:39am
- Location: Elysium
PRAVDA: SNC Convention Opens
On the first day all arriving delegates are invited to the Great Column Hall in the House of the Unions.
The President of the Crimson Star Republic personally opened the convention of the continental Slavic nations: "I am glad to see my comrades and friends in the Crimson Star Republic, and hereby declare the convention opened".
The first three days will be used for group talks, while bilateral talks with members and observer delegates can continue further after the main programme has been finished.
On the first day all arriving delegates are invited to the Great Column Hall in the House of the Unions.
The President of the Crimson Star Republic personally opened the convention of the continental Slavic nations: "I am glad to see my comrades and friends in the Crimson Star Republic, and hereby declare the convention opened".
The first three days will be used for group talks, while bilateral talks with members and observer delegates can continue further after the main programme has been finished.
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