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Post by Ciata on Nov 15, 2006 22:18:17 GMT -5
In the Shuey Baw Monastery, which was still part of New Ciata for the next 6 days, Emperor Rowan Stormwake sat down in one of their advanced communication rooms. The mix of white stone, gleaming in the unseen lights, and the nano-tube consoles and panels glowing in their own blue and light green lights, it made for a modern work of art and sculpting, the whole room looked more carved than made piece by piece, graceful curves and flowing walls. Kohen Lucias, a longtime friend and the Head Master of Theological studies there, stood beside him.
"So, how do you turn this thing on?" Rowan asks, in his royal garb of white, black, and red outfit, including cape. "Well, technically it's already on, but in order to actually talk to someone you have to press there..." He points out a glowing square on part of the panel. "And that one there..." Points to another one with a claw protruding from his robe. "And then you have to indicate who you want to communicate with by saying the name, country or state, and city or specific designation, like a number." "Alright, let's see..." He pressed the first button and almost presses a wrong one before getting the second right. There is a pleasant chime out of the machine and Rowan sits there looking at it and then at Lucias, who nods towards it.
Rowan half hesitantly leans forward and says"...Waldo R. Frixmatagin, Secretary of State of Tinis, Furry Federation Council Hall."
The machine chimes again and begins connecting and re-routing.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Nov 15, 2006 22:37:50 GMT -5
It doesn't take long to figure out how excessivly dorky the chief diplomat of Tinis is. His obsession with old movies, his timidity in respect to anything outside his job, his tendancy to eat only at resturants that don't have the word 'the' in them, and of course his music collection doesn't help with the perception. But his soft gloved tenacity in cutting to the point in diplomatic terms despite his office's sometimes insane requirements for proper wording and procedure has enderred him to many in the Tinisian diplomatic establishment.
Waldo on this day, was however instead of enjoying one of his quirks or speaking to coucilors, was enjoy a nice walk in the brisk november air. His route took him nearly to the edge of the Altzan loop before he decided it was time to return. On his return he passed numerous buildings, some presently under construction, but also a rather large crater.
The crater had been blasted out of the city a few years ago during an invasion of prefectures by malevolant forces from the far side of the world who were intent on claiming the continent entirely for their imperialistic masters. Of course that didn't fly and the city was liberated and soon after annexed by the Union.
He passed through security easily and found his way back to his office. His walk had fit quite well between a meeting on public works in Shimandu and lunch. Still a good twenty minutes from the meeting, he felt compelled to check his e-mail. He was a little disapointed the meeting had been pushed back an hour due to a late train. Some Shimandi ex-judge was thus arriving a little late.
I guess I should move something up, he thought to himself.
Waldo the diplomatic and dorky raccoon shruged and leaned back in his chair. Moments after giving his ear an itch the phone rang. He picked it up. Few new this number for a reason.
"Secretary Waldo of Tinis speaking."
"Good day Waldo," came a familiar voice.
"Rowan? I mean, good to hear you again Emperor Stormwake. I'm pleasantly surprised to be hearing you again so soon. Is this official business your eminence?"
"Afraid not, so we'll have to catch up later."
"Understood. How may I be of service?"
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Post by Ciata on Nov 15, 2006 22:50:30 GMT -5
Rowan gives a grin and respectfully waves away Kohen Lucias so that he may discuss in private.
"Well, we have a bit of an internal problem that New Ciata isn't equipped to deal with. I'm afraid out policies will make such problems fairly common, but not to this degree."
He pauses and looks about to make sure no one was in the room.
"We have had information reach us that there is something inside Ciata that we are not sure how to deal with exactly. As with everything, we sent a few soldiers to check out on the rumor, but they never returned."
He listens to the "Oh dear." and sizes up his own words.
"We have intelligence of a sort of biological weapons facility inside of Ciata, in the southern-most desert regions. We're not sure what it is for or what it is supposed to make, but anything of the sort is not only a violation of our laws and a threat to us, but also possibly a violation of Federation law and a danger to other nearby countries. We're not sure what type of security they have there, but it is more than we can deal with as we've lost any spies that have attempted to get near the area to collect information. It seems that firearms, infra-red, motion sensors or the like are in place, and short of an all out assault from a whole army...we have no way of getting in there and stopping them."
Rowan's voice is depressed or worried to say the least.
"I wish that...I wish that I still was a Raja, then I could take care of it myself, but we need some kind of assistance on this."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Nov 22, 2006 23:29:35 GMT -5
Waldo's voice had become quite less jovial than it had been a moment before. "I understand. Giving up the way of the Raja Borah has its upsides and its downsides. I suspect our military leadership would agree with the assessment that letting rouges of an unknown type operate in your nation with impunity, producing who knows what, is certainly not in the best interests of your nation, ours, or the federation as a whole. Its unlikely I'll be able to guarantee much at this time, but I will inform them of the situation once we finish our conversation here."
The raccoon gave out a slight sigh. "If they are willing to help root out these elements though, we'd need a formal authorization to enter your territory. Both to settle the needs of our own law, as Ciata is a friendly nation and unless unusual circumstances merit it, it would violate our own law to enter your nation unrequested. And there's the matter of your own laws. If we come to Ciata, even in small numbers, we'll likely need to bring some equipment to make it a fair fight.
"But, in the mean time there's a couple things we can do. Our analysts can have satellite take pictures of this facility and try to figure out what its about. And if they are producing weapons, they'll probably want to move them somewhere else. In that case, we can now be on the look out for these shipments. Unless of course they're stock piling them at the site."
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Post by Ciata on Nov 22, 2006 23:59:14 GMT -5
"Yes, anything you can do on the outside to defer or slow down their activities from the outside would be appreciated. As an emperor I do have a bit more power than most heads of governments, so I can make special exceptions for any type of black-ops operation that would take place. I fear that cause for several such incursions will take place with our status on technology, though we are trying to get the Shuey Baw Monastery to help us out in that area with border patrol like satellites or what-not. Whatever you bring would have to be taken in and out secretly, as any sign of foreign groups having to take care of internal matters would cause distrust for our new government and myself. The only ones that will be informed of your activities, are need to, are those local officials or specialists that might already know about the operation there. You don't have to worry too much about setting them off in terms of them knowing we are on to them, they know we've been making attempts, and the fact that they are rather oblivious to that knowledge bothers me a bit."
Rowan pauses to think for a bit, planning out the days. "In any matter, I will be here for a couple more days following the independence ceremony for the Monastery and you can contact me then, or when I arrive. I do have a secure channel for obvious reasons in my capital office. I also plan on making a stop by the Federation Council Building after stopping back by the capital for housekeeping matters, so anything that needs to be done we can get done soon on my trip there. I am anxious to get this done quickly, as they must be close to completion, or else why risk going on in this condition of being found out?"
Rowan pauses and catches his breath. "I hope we can have some friendly time in the midst of this, Mara and Reana both look forward to seeing you and the Council area again."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Dec 6, 2006 0:18:34 GMT -5
"Indeed it would be great to see all of you again," responds Waldo. "I'll get the word to the right people shortly. Be well Emperor and goodbye."
"Good bye, Secretary."
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"Branx, I have good news," says the Captain to the ferret. "You're being returned to active duty."
----
"Looking at the satellite imagery and the spectrums, it would appear at least part of the complex is made up of prefab buildings of Shimandan design, but the rest has more unique structures," Krel says at the start of his presentation. "Thus we have extrapolated a possible floor plan for this bit here and here and can infer other possible internal space in this section. But unfortunately that doesn't tell us much about the purpose of the building nor its current use.
"During the rebellion there, many of the former Shimandies built structures more akin to the ones found in Shimandu. Many have since been deconstructed but seeing something like this wasn't unexpected on a cursory glance. However the amount of motorized traffic is a dead give away that there is more than just a communal home for refugees going on here.
"We've traced the routes of the vehicles and they appear to connect west, across the desert, and eventually end up in a small depot near Syyrydgowyos." Krel pauses for a moment to double check he pronounced that correctly. "From there, the cargo is then moved to the airport and flown elsewhere. We are currently looking into the destinations of these flights but I have an inkling that the flights might be intended to throw off observers and that the cargo may be stored either at the depot or else in the city.
"Our recommendations are this. And I speak for the entirety of the Tower's analyst group. We immediately move to cut off the transport of this cargo, with the intention of capturing at least one of these shipments to discover what exactly is being produced at this factory. We also suggest a special forces unit be inserted into Ciata to infiltrate the area around the factory, gather intelligence on its operations, and to be in a position to quickly take it out if need be."
"Thank you Krel," says Supreme Commander Epshrin. "Though I don't think an endorsement by your crew was entirely necessary for me to order such a plan. Usil!"
"Yes Supreme Commander?"
"I'm authorizing you to move twenty percent of our Lemurly based units to the boarder to intercept these shipments. Send another five to the airport in Syyrydgowyos and to begin inspecting the flights. I suspect that they'll stock pile what ever they've collected at the depot at that point which will make it easy pickings. Yerzok, keep an eye on that depot, Krel you to."
"Aye sir," says Yerzok over the video feed.
"Vinlia, I know unit zero is on R&R right now, but get them assembled. Send them and your best available crew to Shimandu and have them await orders. And yes when Waldo gets the written confirmation for insertion to us we'll have them go in. And as usual, keep it quiet. Make sure their standing orders are not to interact with the locals at all unless ordered to by you."
"Understood," replies the confident wolf.
----
"I'm being assigned to Unit Zero?!?" Branx was at a loss. "But I was just on suspension for insubordination that was supposed to be indefinite in scope!"
"Well consider it an end to your punishment," replies Gavin who wasn't to happy about the change of things. "Make sure you're packed. You're shipping out in three hours."
"Ok. This is still a little mind boggling."
"I find it mind boggling that you weren't court marshaled formally and tossed in prison. Now get!"
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Post by Ciata on Dec 6, 2006 20:32:10 GMT -5
Peering over the edge of a sand dune, two thinly slitted feline eyes stare across a wind blown desert. The gold and black spotted body with just tan shorts and a telescope lays out flat on the sand in the middle of the day, the rays beating down on the feline who is oblivious to them, for every drop of his energy and concentration is on the thing ahead. He goes about his work silently, to remain as stealth and undetectable as possible. He raises his black nose and sniffs the air, testing it for smells of gun powder, exhaust, or any foreign creature. Getting none, he reaches to his side and unties the telescope, a flat black paint, covered to keep it from reflecting any light from the sun, and extends it to it's full 24 inches. Peering through it and clinching the other eye shut, he scans the sands before coming upon the object he was searching for. The complex loomed over the surrounding sands and sparsely located trees. He could make out and noted the 6 main buildings, and several smaller ones. His keen and serious eyes went to work, analyzing the compound and structures, noting which ones had large air ducts and the most ventilation, possibly indicating underground facilities or factories. He began to try to survey out the defense perimeter, looking for guard towers and fences when he saw something that caused him to drop his jaw in shock, but then his ears began to twitch, hearing something. He put down the telescope and scanned the area, first with his ears, then locating the sound as to come from his left he looked. All he could make out at first a trail of dust, but that was all he needed to know that someone was on to him. "Oh no..." He turned and bolted away from the facility, leaving the telescope, rapidly picking up speed as his natural inclination towards running and now fear of sharing the fate of his predecessors, pushed him fast and faster. His heart was pounding, his mind racing and trying not to panic, knowing full well why he was the 9th sent and was still simply ordered to get a simple layout of the area. However he retained some sense, and had indeed planned before paw. He raced towards a seemingly close tree, which was really some 600 yards away still. Though his legs extended with every step being no more than a spinning blur, his claws, always out, digging into the sand and sparse harder ground, he couldn't out distance the object coming up from his now right. Catching another cloud of dust to his left in the corner of his eye he tried to spur himself on faster than he already was. "No, no, no, closing in, closing in..." If anything his attempt to gain more speed slowed his pace, causing him to loose footing and valuable milliseconds of time and distance as the two objects now came close enough to tell what they were. Desert buggies, fast, maneuverable, all terrain, manned by two people, a driver and a gunner, they made perfect pursuit vehicles. Even though they were fast themselves, they indeed had to strain on the rather bumpy ground and sand to keep up with the racing cheetah, who was not chosen for his strength or fighting prowess, but speed. They raced, trying to close in the gaps, nearly beside him and about a hundred yards off to either side, easily going over 55 mph. Suddenly the one on the right opened fire with it's mounted .50 caliber machine gun, and the left one soon followed. The sudden outburst of noise, adding to the already rushing wind in his ears, startled the runner, causing him to nearly miss a step as the thunder unleashed around him and the whizzing of large projectiles was met with miniature explosions and craters in the sand around him. His mind was nothing put panic now and he pushed his tired legs to try to just reach the tree he was racing towards, now just moments away at his pace. Suddenly though, a bullet nearly found it's mark and grazed his back, the large round, capable or drilling through a tree, instead scraped along his flank and back, barely missing his spine, that was bent low, running around a 45 degree angle to keep the wind from pushing him back. "Gaaahhh..." He gave out the loudest cry he could manage with virtually no breath left in his lungs. He stumbled the last few yards, quickly losing speed and half dove, half slid into a waiting trap door that was raised barely a foot for him, sand on top of it and on either side. As soon as he dove into it, it snapped shut and an explosion rocked with sand and caused one of the desert buggies to nearly overturn, swerving away from it, though it was still some 50 yards away. A large anti-personnel mine was set off, and to anyone not knowing otherwise, it was probably from the very, very unfortunate cheetah runner trying to escape. However as the crew from the buggies circled and then searched, finding only a small crater and bits and pieces of flesh and spotted fur, under the ground and partly covered by newly scattered sand, the cheetah and a friend, a pangolin, which looked at place under the ground in the sand, being yellowish brown with long finger/claws and seemingly scaled all along even his long tail. However his scales were in fact just very compressed fur. He was laying there, paw still holding the string that he had used to set off the mine, with the cheetah bleeding on top of him. They laid there, not moving in the pitch black, trying not to make a sound as the cheetah tried to suppress his whimpers and slow his breathing as he clutched his side and back. It seemed like forever, as they were conscious of every breath, every movement, every noise from above and every muffled word. After almost 20 minutes they heard first one, then the other buggy drive off. They waited another 5 minutes before they began to move and try to wrap the cheetah's back and then began to whisper because the smell of blood had filled the small underground bunker. "Harv, are you alright?" The pangolin whispers, incredibly concerned. "Aaaahh...please, just stop the bleeding and I'll tell you everything." The pangolin fumbled with his shaking long clawish fingers, taking off his own shirt and tying it around the cheetah's thin waist twice and tying the knot over his large wound that went from his lower side, taking out some of the little flesh there, and exiting at an angle, scraping and tearing a line across two thirds of his back nearly an inch wide. Harv waited until he was done with that. " Schim, I've got to breath, breath fresh air, can't breath in here." Schim nodded and stood up as far as he could, still half crouching and put the side of his head to the trap door, trying to hear through the hole in the side of his head. Not hearing anything, he gently pushed up, not moving it at first, almost causing Harv to freak out more, then cracked it, letting some sand flow in, then propping it open with a wooden stake on it's side. Schim turned around, looking at Harv through the crack of light, panting and sitting in a small pool of blood, which he noticed was also on his chest. He kneeled down to look the cheetah in the face. "Harv, what did you see?" He pants some more, trying to catch his breath still and then begins, wincing intermediately. "There's a compound...there's 6 main buildings and about a dozen smaller ones...two buildings, the middle ones, they've got huge vents and air intakes...probably underground parts as well. There's just a chain fence, but there are lots of guard towers, and I think it's a lightning fence, they had things hooked up to it...but Schim, Schim!" He grabs his friend's armored arm, digging his claws into it and his eyes wide with horror. "They're taking people into it, in big jail trucks, crammed full, whole villages. They were waiting to unload them, I couldn't believe it, there were at least 5 trucks full, I have no idea how many were in each, I couldn't make it out from that far, but they're killing them, they have to be, there's no other reason. They must take everyone, leaving no one behind to tell of it, everyone Schim!" Schim falls back against the wooden wall and slides down, stunned in disbelief. "Schim, we've got to warn all the villages, any anywhere near here, even a days walk away, we've got to get them out, get them away from where they can catch them." "But...we've got to wait for night and the others..." Harv stands up, leaning against the wall. "NO! We've got to go now, there's no time to waste, there's too many to warn and too little time. You can stay here, but I've got to go, I've got to spread the word, got to warn them." "But your hurt..." Harv quickly grabs Schim's arms again, both of them this time, and yanks him nose to nose with him, glaring at him with wide eyes. "There's no time Schim! They're going to die! If we don't tell them, they're going to be taken too! Our families live near here, they could have been in those trucks!" Schim, hurt by the claws digging into his arm and frightened both by the reality of what was going on and the possibility of his own family being taken away to die crammed into a prison truck, as well as his friend so crazed, starts to cry and whimper. Harv pushes him against the wall almost in disgust and begins to climb out, ignoring his wound as much as possible. "You stay here then, I'm going to go warn my family, and everyone else." Schim watches him go and slumps down against the wall again, listening to his friend run off and then total silence, except for his sniffling and occasional whimper, waiting for nightfall and the other group that was supposed to meet them.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Dec 8, 2006 1:20:20 GMT -5
"I'm sorry Epshrin if I don't share your enthusiasm for helping out the kittens."
Epshrin did not react to the fox's statement.
"Your request a years extension on the covert operations of unit zero and Vinlia's pups is denied. I see no compelling reason for us to both with keeping secret this operation after the standard six months. Especially since it hasn't happened yet. I don't know if this sort of request was common practice with my predecessor, but it ends here. Please do not bother me again until the operation has begun."
"National Auditor," says Epshrin finally. "I don't mean to sour your first day on the job, but there is compelling need for this extension. It doesn't matter if the operation is successful or a failure, as long as our troops have entered Ciatan territory it would bring scandal to their government. A government that is uncommonly week presently as I hope you know. By keeping the classification of this operation under wraps for an extra year it will at the very least give them time to build up more popular support. And who knows, it might give them time to take credit for the dispatching of the cancer themselves. In a year and a half no one will feel the need to look at such a report, but six months is to soon."
The new National Auditor shook his head. "My decision stands. Feel free to burry this report through attrition if you must, but until you give me a compelling reason to keep our citizens in the dark as to what you are up to here in the tower, then please do not bother me again about this."
Epshrin's thoughts echoed expletives but he retained his cool exterior. What a fool, he though of National Auditor Nogitil. Doesn't understand the sensitivity of the situation at all. Hopefully after the excrement hits the fan he'll be a little more fourth coming with the need for a hold. If not... I don't know.
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"Captain Branx reporting as ordered!" Branx was certainly the most formally dressed in the hanger. The rest of Unit Zero was more interested in a soccer ball than the newly arrived ferret.
The Lieutenant before her took the orders from Branx's paw and glanced over them. "Very good sir. Captain Rell will be back later, but I can show you around a bit if you like."
"That would be acceptable," Branx inspected his name patch. "Diamond."
"If you please sir, everyone calls me Die."
Branx smiled. "I hope that's not going to be horribly ironic."
"Well it hasn't been so far. But it is a little fitting as I'm usually the main gunner for the tank."
"Speaking of, where are your toys?"
Die shrugged. "Don't quite know yet. The old 'copter and treader are still up in Pargalo last I heard. We were about to be recalled and issued a new set up when the southerners decided to use the ring thingy on Pargalo. Wasn't much time to drop by here and get accustomed to the new set up. At least our new pilot and driver will have when they show up."
"New driver and pilot?"
"Yeah, our old pilot got promoted and is now an airship pilot. Our driver's term of duty was up so he got out easy and took retirement. I think he's starting up a cafe. Anyway, our new equipment is supposed to be top of the line stuff that's not been put in use in the wider service yet. Tested but not exactly seen battle."
Branx's tone turned to dissatisfaction. "I'm hoping to avoid some of the situations involving the tanks I was in from my last venture into combat."
"When was that?" asks Die as they enter the side building to the hanger that connected to the dorm.
"Not long ago, remember the Ciatan monastery incident?"
"Oh yeah, was all over the news for a while there. You were there? How was it?"
Branx shook her head. "It was, deadly, but strange."
"Alright, well anyway, here's the dorms finally. I know we won't be here but for tonight for a bit, but you'll be sleeping in this room." Die opened a door and flipped on he light. "Might want to avoid the beads in the back on the bottom bunks. They smell a little strange." Die shut off the light and then went to the next room. "Here's the mini-mess. Most of us eat at the main mess hall on the base, but this closet-ish room has a microwave and a table for emergencies. And finally." Two rooms further down, "We got the communications room."
Inside was a thin beaver playing video games, a first person shooter to be exact. He was also wearing head phones. On a screen to his left was an open e-mail client.
"That's Ipe. Don't worry," said Die. "The headphones will squawk if anything is sent to us."
"Die, the Captains back," said Ipe not looking up from this game. "He wants you and Branx over there stat."
"When duty calls," said Branx.
Back in the hanger Branx met up with Captain Rell, her commanding officer for the mission, despite the shared rank.
"Good to meet you Captain Branx," he began as soon as the two neared. "Have you been informed of the mission?"
"Not any specifics except we are to be deployed to western Shimandu tomorrow morning at four hundred hours."
"That is correct. Thank you Die if you would excuse us."
Die the snow white cat nodded and decided it was best to join the soccer ball bouncing contest. Captain Rell lead Branx into a side office of the hanger.
"Captain Branx, I've been informed to tell you of your selection for this mission. The primary reason is we need a tank commander. As I will be directing the entire unit, I am in need of a sub commander to handle my duties in the tank. This is of course a temporary assignment until Major Kad is able to join us again at which point I will likely return to the post."
Branx nodded then asked, "But I am confused as to why me. Especially considering I was on suspension for running off with a jeep into enemy controlled territory."
"I can't say I've read your file, but was informed of that. I was also informed that you took an interest in the culture of the Chattans after your adventure at Shuey Baw. Reading up on their culture and history. As none of us are experts in anyway in their culture, even a novice such as yourself would be an asset to us."
"But," answered Branx. "There are better experts out there."
"Yes, but none of them can handle tank warfare if needed."
-----
Waldo decided it was time to call back. It took a little doing to make sure the connection went through without possible taps, but after getting the ok from the tech he waved them off and hit the autodial.
"Hello," came the voice speaking Ciatan. It was followed by a few words Waldo couldn't identify.
Waldo read off his card in the same language as carefully as he could. "Hello, I am Secretary Waldo of Tinis calling Emperor Stormwake about some urgent business. I do not speak your language, would you please inform him that I would like to speak to him and that if it is not possible for him to speak with me to either use the phrase 'We are sorry, he is busy' or to have someone who speaks New Tinisian speak with me."
It took a good twenty minutes but Rowan Stormwake was made aware and able to pick up.
"Hello again Waldo, I hope you have good news."
"Indeed I do. My government is not only willing to help but they are already moving to intercept some convoys moving between the instillation and that northern Lemur city I can never pronounce right."
"Syyrydgowyos," inputed the Emperor.
"Yes thank you. They should be able to stop the first trucks by noon tomorrow. We don't know exactly what they are transporting in the trucks or if they are dropping off or picking up exactly. Our analysts think they are dropping off but I don't buy it. They have a small depot near the city and move thing between it and the airport rather frequently."
"What about the facility itself?"
"Well for that our military is putting near by in Shimandu some specialist troops who may be able to get near and possibly strike it. One is a standard special forces unit and experts in being generally sneaky. They'll likely be the main intelligence gathering group. There's also a more dynamic unit that could make more direct and massive strikes against the place if they are able to get close enough. There might be other plans a foot but I have not been made aware of them.
"We have been looking at this place with our satellites now that we know its there. We have some vague idea about the internal structures of some of the larger buildings but nothing reliable. There should be a series of pictures in the possession of your delegate here now as well as our inferred information reports.
"I have also just mailed the formal written request my government demanded I get."
Waldo paused for a moment to let the stream of information sink in for a moment. "There is one more thing Emperor. It was observed over a few hours time some of the trucks and vehicles from this facility visiting near by villages. We didn't get clear shots of what was going on but its likely they are up to no good there. There was also taken in the last two hours a shot of what looked to be a small explosion near this place and two buggies near by."
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Post by miokalia on Dec 8, 2006 17:30:07 GMT -5
There was a meeting of the cabinet, which was actually more of a small gathering of a few individuals since the cabinet had to fill in two positions still, and one member was still abroad. So it was kept reletively informal.
"I don't think we have any business going into Ciata or getting involved in this. What is more of our concern right now is being able to keep Cal safe and secure, if Ane were to poke his head out again. And also, keeping our Public Works crews secure as they finish up the utility project up in Pargalo. So there is my opinion: Ciata is not worth it.", stated Andertol, who then looked to the larger yellow-panelled shell of Doroy Blinn to give his answer.
"I say we go there, and at least try to get them some conclusive intelligence. And anyway, if hostilities do flare, and these biological/chemical weapons I keep hearing about are used.... against Ciata... Well we all know that this will become, very quickly, a massacre and a tragedy. In the event that this does excalate, regardless of what they say, we're going into Ciata, and we are going to do everything possible to prevent civillian casualties. Because it is the civillians who would suffer most in this circumstance, I can assure you that the current Ciatan military totally lacks the capacities to adequately defend against chemical or biological agents at this time. ", said Blinn.
"I thought you guys didn't like them so much?", asked Andertol.
"We don't. I don't like Emporer Stormwake at all for obvious reasons. However, he is neither a direct threat to us, or his people therefore, I am willing to tolerate his strange and foreign value system to a point. The instant that we know these weapons are going to be used in Ciata, I could care less about his borders and laws: we're going in there and we are going to prevent massacres. Because if we don't: there may not be any Ciatans left", said Blinn.
"We don't have to go into Ciata to do that. I'd rather we didn't. I'm not intimidated by Emporer Stormwake and his decrees, I mean... it's not like he's going to do anything unreasonable about it. I'm more concerned that these people won't be able to determine threat from defence if we show up there. These people will think they are under attack from both sides.
The Pargalonians thought our rescue-and-damage inspectors were monsters, and thus it made the job of getting these people out of the kill-switched villages and into medical care a lot more difficult than it needed to be.
Plus we are forgetting something. Tinis is on better grounds to get into Ciata than us. They trust Tinis because Tinis has demonstrated support for the current government in the past, during the civil war. Let Tinis go into Ciata.", said Andertol
"In case you're wondering, I've already decided and signed the public bill on this matter", said Phong with some amount of disinterest in the arguing, "We stay out until the moment we determine that a massacre is definately going to happen. At which time, we have to go in and at the very least, put ourselves between the weapons and the civillians. Chemical and Biological weapons may injure our shells, but they will most certainly kill the civilians there. To stand by and allow it to happen would be irresponsible. If Tinis is unable to neutralize the threat by the time it is ready to deploy, then we cannot count on Tinis to fully prevent a massacre of civilians, since they will probably have a massacre of their own forces as well.
Of course, this is a worst-case scenario. Ideally, I'd like to keep our efforts as inconspicuous as possible. Which is why we're activating a remaining peace-keeping force in Syyrydgowyos to start getting something going."
"Syhrdzginos has become the Beirut of the Federation. We have to crack down on more arms deals in that city than we did in Atrias in the month after the cession. Can we afford to do that?", asked Andertol.
"Probably. Because at this point, we would rather let drug-trading slide in order to better combat arms dealing. And any smart Syyrydgowyos-dwelling citizen is probably on their way to immigrating to either here or Silendran.", said Phong.
"I've been wondering about Silendran. We haven't ever heard from them.", asked Blinn.
"I think maybe we scared them off. You know how the native reptiles from this planet are. To put it simply: often because they are a minority, they don't like to "represent", in the modern, colloquial sense.", said Phong.
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Post by Ciata on Dec 9, 2006 1:13:53 GMT -5
Emperor Stormwake nods grimly, "Yes, we've had rumors of the sort reach our internal security people, mass abductions and a death camp and all sorts of wild speculations that I only hope are hysteria. The person we sent to check it out in our last attempt that actually brought back word unfortunately died trying to return from a wounds he suffered, but he was able to give some description to someone he was working with, though it is second hand information it does offer us some clues as to what set up they have there." Rowan pauses before changing tones. "We have gotten a bit of a break however. We have what seems to be a defector from their enforcement group who has been willing to help us as much as he can. Though from what I've heard he doesn't seem to be exactly reputable by our standards, he risked death to leave their group and has some merit for that and we have dealt with him before, so he may lend us valuable information as to their security works. It seems that the rumors, by large, are true in that there have been mass abductions or whole villages and that none come out. It seems that this mercenary has at least some conscience. We're trying to put together a group of experts and specialists to work with yours that will include the defector and his mate that followed him." Rowan drums his paw on the panel, then stops, hoping he hadn't pressed some wrong button. "He...didn't come without a price, and is a very shrewd operator in his business. Apparently we owe him from a previous assignment that Opalance never was around to fulfill. So he and a few other specialists in the area will be there to assist your group in a "joint effort" as our document will state, to take out a potential mutual threat and international violator of border and peace laws." Rowan sighs. "I wish things like this weren't a problem, especially in this country. They are so sheltered and so simple, none deserve such a fate. I will have a force standing by in case things go wrong. I've already warned the local leaders of cities and villages closest to keep watch and stand guard, though if it came down to a fight, they wouldn't last minutes against guns. Many have already fled in panic from the rumors from that area and even ones beyond probable reach. We've already started a counter story to try and calm the people from undue fear, but it isn't taking well. It would of course be best if it were solved as quickly as possible to be made as much of a public example as we can. Well, I believe that is about it on my end, I'll send you the document back as soon as I get it looking nice."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Dec 10, 2006 16:01:18 GMT -5
"Then you Emperor. I'll do what we can to move things forward as quickly as possible on my end. As well as to let the military folks know that they might be getting a paw from the specialists."
Waldo pauses for a moment. "I don't want to see your nation come apart over this. I'm a surprised about the speed at which our military leadership has got this moving."
"Your military leaders seem a sneaky lot," replies Rowan. "Or else your pale Pargalonian boss has lit a fire under their tails."
"True, its happened before," acknowledges Waldo. "Oh well, as long as it gets this situation handled and all I guess I can't complain to much. Alright, well I know we both have duties to get to."
"Very true, good bye and until we speak again."
"Of course sir, be well and good luck."
Rowan says, "We might need more than luck."
-----
The cargo plane sets down at Vectablinie Airfield in the south west corner of Shimandu. On the flight down Branx had been chumming up to the other two tankers, Sheltzer and Hon. Well as best as could be, as Hon, the gunner, was very distrustful of the new fur. But impressions were made and a few war stories shared before hitting the battered tarmac.
Vectablinie Airfield was in a fairly remote area of the shattered nation. Most of the population of Shimandu was close to the central and eastern edge of the country. Far flung bases like these used to be the minimal military presence needed in the western reaches. The locals tended to have as much in common with Ciata as they did Shimandu culturally and until the assassination day, had been about as isolated. That of course changed when the Shimandi government was whipped out in a day.
Branx, after leaving the airplane, quickly helps Captain Rell assemble the unit. Roll is called and Rell has them march to one of the two hangers just off the poorly paved runway.
Inside they are treated to an interesting sight.
"Gentle furs," says Rell. "This is our new package. Your training before and since the Liberalis campaign was actually intended to be in conjunction with this beauty, but reality caught up and it was delayed and neither was the battle."
Rell walks up to the large treaded machine. "This is the Octagon one. The first of its kind next generation battle machine. Its multi-faceted capabilities were what our unit was designed around. It separates into three components during battle. The top section is deployable and converts into a helicopter. The lower two thirds break into our old friend the tank and an APC. The APC is fully equipped with all the toys you ground boys and girls would ever want in its storage locker."
Rell lead them around to the far side. "One of the reasons we have been assigned to this mission is that it may require some serious fire power. As you can see on this side, both the helicopter portion and the tank are equipped with just that."
Hon raises a hand.
"Yes Corporal?"
"Is that what I think it is?"
"Perhaps," continues Rell. "They apparently call it a millennium gun system." Hon suddenly has a big grin on his face. "The barrel as you can see is not simply the standard cannon barrel one finds on most tanks in Tinis, but has these extra sections on the sides. Part of them, so I'm told, is to help harden the barrel. The rest is to switch modes. Its equipped to fire standard shells, but also has a high powered and robust laser system for more penetrating and less wide spread strikes. Its also able to fire what the techs said was a high velocity plasma bolt. The purpose of that capability is apparently to, at some ranges, to provide a stronger punch than normal shells with less shrapnel. And at other ranges, to start large fires. Are we happy Hon?"
"Of course sir," answers the boar.
"And as you see, the tank has the full kit as far as this gun goes. The helicopter has two scaled down versions. Plus missiles. And we have here the standard machine guns and..." Rell begins going over the more mundane parts of the Octagon.
Branx whispers to Sheltzer, "I heard that we'd get special drivers for these though."
Oddly enough, at that moment behind the company approached three figures.
"Ah!" says Rell when he finally notices the new comers. "May I introduce to you our drivers."
In a very brief introduction Rell identified the two wolves as Okmint and June, who were the helicopter and APC drivers respectively. And Daktown, a feline of calico coloring was to be the tank driver.
"Alright, get aquatinted with this beast," yells Rell. "We could be called onto duty at any given moment. So be ready to move out."
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Post by Ciata on Feb 6, 2007 20:26:32 GMT -5
It seemed as first a distant rolling thunder, the kind that often crossed the wide and empty desert for miles and miles, however it did not fade away, instead getting louder and louder. The line of vehicles tore across the bumpy sand that slowly changed into smoother ground and grass as they neared the oasis that held a small town. Jeeps, dirt buggies, trucks and prisoner vans, the roared towards the quiet town early in the morning, coming in with the rising burning sun to their backs. The buggies split off, roaring around the outskirts of the clustered town of almost white bleached clay buildings, some two story and most with awnings and coverings in the main street that the column was nearing. They slowed down when they entered the village, masked and covered faces jerking back and forth, looking for the creatures that usually were bustling by this time in early morning. Instead the streets were deserted, doors shut and all the windows had their cloth coverings tightened shut. The array of creatures, mainly canines and smaller predators with a few reptiles mixed in, waited in their vehicles instead of pouring out as usual, puzzled and waiting for an order. A rather ugly reptile, covered in rather large brown spikes pointing down from his tan scales that were covered in scars, got up and sneered, showing his small, jagged teeth. "Ger off yar ass an get in there you scum! Find 'em all! Go go go!" The bandits, spurred on, quickly jumped out of their vehicles, only the gunners in the back of the large trucks that were mounted with machine guns staying, rushing towards the dwellings. They split off into packs of masked and ragged robed creatures, virtually all armed with guns of some sort or other from revolvers to assault rifles, a typical mercenary and bandit mix. Two groups reached the doors of the a couple houses before the others, and just as they did something was jerked out from under them. A support board as it would be had, supporting a thing, fake wooden flooring infront of those houses, giving way to a five foot deep pit, filled with jagged metal and wooden spikes sticking up from the bottom, impaling five of the bandits in all, a couple still struggling and screaming. This set off two things, the other bandits firing, mainly into the doors of the buildings and also some randomly into the air, and also a release of arrows from the cloth flaps of the houses, tearing through them and into the targets they had been trained on since they entered town. The group of raiders, originally about thirty in size, was immediately cut almost in half by the first strike from the ambushers. They returned fire into all the doors and windows, some spraying wildly into the building, their thunderous response going without a screaming reply from the buildings, all the archers having retreated further within the houses. The raiders took cover around their vehicles, some waiting and others still firing at the houses and their invisible enemies. One machine gunner on the back of a truck noticed movement from his elevated position and began to riddle the top of one of the clay dwellings where he had seen something behind the two foot wall that guarded the rooftop walking space of four or five of the taller buildings. The bullets tore through the dried earth and sent chunks of clay flying, destroying the space in the wall with the powerful .50 caliber bullets fed by a seemingly endless chain. Two creatures, camouflaged to no avail, were caught by the fire, one body being thrown backwards, inch wide holes through his body, another was struck on one side and spun over the short wall, falling down below to be also shot by the remaining bandits who turned their eyes and guns to the roofs. The reptile leader, done with screaming, kicked the gunner of the other truck aside, as his gun was silent, him waiting for some clear target. "Move, you useless idiot!" And he took the mounted heavy gun himself and began to wreck the rooftops as well. The firing did not stop the next wave of the attack however, as clay jars were thrown from the roofs and out of windows around and on the vehicles. They broke, startling the raiders huddled around their vehicles for a moment, but not long enough. Something clicked in the leader's head, a memory of a similar tactic being used and he screamed at his troops. "Don't shoot! Waaaait!" But it was too late, the fire from their guns igniting the mixture of oils, part olive oil and part crude, one gun firing too close to a vehicle covered in the mixture set off the whole mess of it, lighting half of the vehicles and raiders on fire. "Shit! He's here!" He went to jump off the back of the truck when he came face to face with the hyena he had pushed away earlier who was standing straight up in the back of the truck. Before he could scream at him however, the blade of a katana burst from the stomach of the hyena, who was already dripping blood from his muzzle, apparently stabbed earlier, just now pushing it further. The blade went into the spiny lizard's tan stomach a couple inches before he staggered backwards away from it, blood flowing freely from his wound. The hyena turned, still faintly clutching his stomach before he was shoved off of the blade, revealing a black and gray wolf, shaggy long fur and wrapped in tattered gray clothes of the desert, hood and garments flowing behind him in the wind. "Blade! Whaa...why?" The lizard fell back against the side of the truck bed, clutching his wound and beginning to shake, partly from blood loss and partly out of fear. "Because Mirinomi, there are limits to which even I will not go." With that there was a flash in the sun and a thud in the sand below in the streets followed by a stream of blood from the neck that now was missing a head. The wolf looked over the battle, the rest of the raiders being finished off by rooftop and window archers, he paused though, listening, then hearing the high pitched roar of the buggies, coming in now from the outskirts. He thrust the blade into the stomach of the lizard. "Hold this for me..." and mounts the heavy gun on the back of the truck, waiting a few seconds before opening up on the incoming reinforcement. The first two were destroyed or drivers killed, resulting in a violent crash with no protection for the riders, and the other two, further back, ground to a halt and and made a quick u-turn, trying to escape the fire. Only one did, the massive and powerful bullets tearing into the unarmored vehicles and riders, destroying one though missing the driver of the second, which tore off. The chain of bullets finally ran out and the village was almost silent for a moment before the allies from the roof began to yell out, "One's getting away!" The wolf jumped out of the back of the truck and almost casually walked up to a wounded badger bandit, launching a powerful kick across his face, jerking his head un-naturally sideways, killing the creature, and then wrapping his booted foot paw around the sling of the scoped gun he was clutching. He flips it up into the air, grabbing it and shouldering it in one smooth motion, stopping only to bead his target and take a single half breath, holding it, then squeezing the trigger. The bullet almost instantly found it's target, though the distance was such that there was a barely noticeable gap between the sound of the shot and the shot that shattered the helmet of the driver and sent the small vehicle careening off over a dune, crashing. The crowd of adult male creatures that had risen from their places on the roof and poked their heads out from their windows cheered and roared at the feat, some dancing. The wolf dropped the rifle at the feet of the badger he took it from and slowly walked back to the truck, past the head of his former sub-commander, and climbing in, removed the sword from his gut, adding in a polite tone. "Thank you very much..." and he wiped the blood from the gently curved blade with part of his shirt carefully and slowly, then returned it to its scabbard. The small group of maybe a dozen desert creatures flocked around the truck he stood in, praising and thanking him for his help and guidance and warning. He waved it off, though was obviously basking in their praise, as his almost puffed out chest and heroic pose showed. "It's nothing, don't worry about." "Master Blade! Will any more come?" One of the younger and more anxious about the whole killing thing, fennec foxes yelled out, the rest stopping, also wanting to know. "Don't you worry about that, I'm going to Majirah tomorrow to meet with some to help stop this whole thing once and for all." This got another cheer and again Blade let his ego soak in it a little.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Feb 10, 2007 19:55:20 GMT -5
Branx was almost amused by the communication system for when the Octagon 1 was moving in one section. In fact it was incredibly simple. Just a series of shutters that remained opened unless either manually closed or the contraption was separated into its various components. Sure there was a radio, but if you're attached to your entire unit by the hip, there's no need to break radio silence.
Captain Rell had taken up a position in the APC section of the Octagon. The APC section was equipped with most of the advanced scanners, communication devices, and command equipment.
The path they had chosen into Ciata had them passing through the lightly populated hills and canyons on the southern edge. Twenty miles earlier they had passed the Ciata defense line, still in place by an agreement with Tinis to defend the country's eastern boarder.
"How long till Majirah?" asks Branx of Daktown, the tank driver, and at the moment, the driver of the Octagon.
"Just a few more minutes."
"You hear that Captain?"
Captain rell responds, "I sure do. Take us along this side of the ridge on the left coming up here. We'll launch the 'copter so they can take a peek at the town from a safe distance. Remember June, use sense. We don't want anyone hearing you go up. I don't trust the engineers to have done a sufficient muffle job on those blades."
"Yes sir."
As the Octagon pulled to a stop behind the ridge and the helicopter portion prepared to take off, Captain Rell continues. "Once they've returned, four of us will be going in on foot. We got some costumes to help us blend in with the locals. Branx, Die, and Mot will come with me into town. Mot knows the language, and I believe Branx knows some as well."
"I sure do Captain."
-----
Motren had done an alright job explaining the general dos and don'ts of meeting a contact in a Ciata village before the helicopter got back, mostly from memory of a card she read and then couldn't figure where she had stashed it. The first obvious don't is to not make yourself look like anything more than a traveler. No monk get ups, or claiming to be from the emperor, as either would require to much thinking for their feet as well as needing more knowledge about the local customs than they are likely to know. Branx did correct one of his pointers and that perhaps it would be better to avoid any bar room brawls even at this end of Ciata due to the possibility of one of the brawlers being the local prefect, and thus someone who could complicate the mission a great deal.
Dressed in the robes of desert dwellers, the four march confidently into Majirah. Quickly following the instructions handed through the diplomatic channels and then to Captain Rell, and avoiding as much as possible any eye contact or interaction with any of the locals as possible, they found their way to a small and very old building tucked in-between the rears of a couple homes.
The inside was empty.
"I guess he's running late," says Die.
"Could be dead," adds Motren.
"Quiet you two," says Branx. "No Tinisian here."
They nodded and began to wait for the specialist they were supposed to meet.
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Post by Ciata on Feb 11, 2007 0:56:18 GMT -5
"Tinisians?" A high, quiet, almost whispering voice adds to their conversation in Tinisian, seemingly from nowhere in the old building. As they go into an instinctive crouch and quickly look around them, a dark, blurred form drops from the exposed roof supports in the ceiling, falling head first from its perch, then landing on its paws in the midst of them. The dark, odd shaped form looks around himself in amusement at the startled group and stands up slowly amid their exclamations.
"Little doubt this leaves as to who you are. Others like you are none here." He almost whispers again, looking slowly around at them all with large, gleaming eyes and round head and large, jagged ears, back still bent over slightly giving him a bit of a sinister look.
"Not this you seek though, not this you seek to meet. This calls the one now." He tilts his head back and emits an incredibly high pitched squeal, almost a scream, so high it drifted off towards silence but still sent a light pain through the back of your head and ears. The four tilted their heads in agitation or pain, or clutched their ears, some muttering curses at the odd creature.
It then sat down in a crouch, holding his paws in front of him, looking at each of them with an odd stare from a tilted head and randomly showed a smile revealing a row of long, thin teeth. Just as they were about to get fed up with him and break their silence and waiting, his head quickly jerked over to the door, his huge ears trained on it, then they too heard footsteps, footsteps of a long, bold stride.
Through the door a somewhat tattered dressed, but proudly composed figure walked in. Tan and brown desert robes and cloaks hung off him in a seemingly random array, ripped and flowing about, though covering almost all of his body except the paws, tail and head. His left paw rested easily on the hilt of a katana at his side, the other came to rest on his right hip when he stopped soon after entering the door, taking up an almost cocky, though mainly confident stance. That attitude was mirrored in his dark gray and black canine face, the one of a pure, wild wolf, features sharp and angular unlike the more "domesticated" canine races. He wore a smart grin on his muzzle as he looked at the five standing there.
The creature, which upon further examination turned out to be a bat, scurried over, almost crawling over beside him and turned to face him, looking up at the wolf with an almost feral or child like stare. "This did well? These the ones who are right?" The wolf didn't even break his gaze from the other four in replying in his confident, yet somewhat savage tone. "Yes, you did well Shiele." The bat now looked almost exactly like a feral dog, waiting to be patted on his head by his master, but that was not to be as the wolf greeted the four Tinisians. "I am Blade Silverbane. My services have been retained again by the New Ciatan government, and my scant conscience, to help against my former employers here. I am assuming that you are indeed those here to help us?"
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Feb 19, 2007 1:19:31 GMT -5
"Yes," began Rell. "I am captain Rell of Tinis. These are Branx, Die, and Mot. And I'm suddenly glad that I didn't decided to shoot your friend there."
"Now now," replied Blade. "I was under the impression that guns were not allowed in the new Ciata."
"That didn't seem to stop... your former employers, did it? Anyway, we should be getting back to our crew soon. We can talk here if you need else I hope you and your friend will be willing to come with us."
Blade gave a laugh. "I would prefer to stay around here until the details get ironed out. I'm not really in the mood to follow your orders blindly you see."
"Fair enough," said Rell a little annoyed.
"And to tell you the truth, I don't know what your actual orders are. Would you please enlighten me."
Rell paused. Die broken that pause with, "I think I recall Lieutenant Kad having a run in with your group before."
"L.T.? Bit of a promotion there. When I met him he was still a sergeant working the Shimandu theater. How's that hard ass mouse doing?"
"Major..." Rell reminded Die. "Kad is presently in the frozen north baby sitting, and won't be joining us unless we end up staying out here to long. And I don't plan on being around when they finally unfreeze his tail.
"Our order are to investigate the operations of the group operating a facility in southern Ciata, and cause a discontinuation of operations there by any means necessary. If that means bribing these guys to drop everything and leave, I'm authorized to do so. It also means that if we have to kill them all to their last, I'm allowed to order such."
"Most of them are fairly motivated by money... just like myself at most points in my life," replied Silverbane with a grin.
"And I've also been authorized to, if you assist us in taking them down, make sure that you get what ever you've been promised as far as pay. If Ciata can't pay up or only give you partial, we'll make up the difference." Rell did an eye roll. "And ten percent beyond their promised payment provided again that you are useful to us. Drag your heals, send us down blind alleys, betray us, and you get nothing, understand?"
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