NationStates Jolt Archive

Lago di Como, Lombardia, Regione Italia

It was a long time ago, but it is still fresh on my mind. It was in all newspapers. I was there. And actually, it wasn’t what it looked like.

A nice day, it was. The Grand-Ducal Palace looked nice, it’s gardens in top condition. The UPEO conference had ended for a while but due to affairs in his own nation, Mr. Lin, Minister of Foreign Affairs for Southeast Asia, couldn’t go home. in fact, it was the Second War of Corporatist Aggression, but let’s forget that, we’ll hear enough of it soon. We had offered Lin a stay in one of the Grand Duke’s residences all over the nation, and he’d leave by a helicopter from the Grand-Ducal fleet of aircraft. It was an Agusta A109, pretty old for the fleet it’s standard, but it did well, we were told.

But, in all honesty, Lin never used the helicopter. He was transferred to a castle in the Belgian Ardennes days before. We had made sure that he wasn’t seen there, and not during the transfer by car, which succeeded. At the day the helicopter ride was planned, we allowed the helicopter to land on the private helipad behind the Palace, away from the eyes of the public. The helicopter had been rigged with explosives, and was remotely controlled by an expert of the IVD. When it took off, and hovered above the helipad, well in view of the public passing by on the road outside, the Agusta exploded. Parts of the helicopter rained everywhere, and the force of the explosion was worse than we expected. However, our plan was complete: Lin was dead, supposedly.

The results of the investigation by the IVD, usual for these sorts of accidents, was shocking: due to too much spacing on the pistons, petrol fumes were allowed to escape from the engine, and when they ignited, the helicopter exploded, taking the fuel tank, completely filled up, with it. In reality, the helicopter had been loaded with lots of explosives, and a pyrotechnic expert of the IVD made sure it would look like an accidental explosion. Nobody had been aboard, and the official report of 5 deaths was incorrect. In fact, the whole official report was incorrect. Lin hadn’t been killed in the accident, but was safely in a Chateau in the Ardennes. But only a few knew that, being 5 people from the IVD, Premier Hirtz, The Grand Duke, and me. Oh, and Lin himself, as well as Prime Minister Neo of Southeast Asia

Lin received a new identity afterwards. He was employed by Courbusier Yards, to sell yachts to wealthy customers. He was offered a house in Como, and he’ll move there soon. In fact, the house has already been furnished, and is waiting for the arrival of Lin. Heh, and he’ll be invited to the UPEO headquarters by us, right now.

Philippe Dermont was immersed in thoughts, while reaching out to pick up his mobile phone from a side table in the room he was sitting in. When he entered a phone number into the Nokia N95, he looked around him. The room was styled following the latest trends, even though the building he resided in was quite old. The building itself functioned as the UPEO Headquarters. Villa Serbelloni, as it was called, was a grand building, beautifully restored to represent it’s former glory. In the last few days, the guards had been replaced by troops from the Reebouwuecht, Van Luxemburg’s finest Special Forces, and all preparations had been made in secrecy. Soon, Villa Serbelloni would be welcoming a very important guest.

When the phone was finally answered, Dermont spoke a few sentences.

‘Mr. Ngo, I would like to discuss the results of our former conversations for the sale of a yacht. I suppose you know the location? Bye.’

Dermont disconnected before the man on the other side could answer, and put away his phone again. Mr. Ngo was in fact Lin, with a new identity as yacht salesman for the Courbusier Yards. He knew what he had to do after this phone call, and Dermont had made sure it would attract attention. The conversation was as short as possible, so it couldn’t be localised, and the contents of it were normal enough to not be seen as suspicious. Now, it would all be waiting for Lin’s arrival from the Belgian Ardennes at Villa Serbelloni on Lake Como.

The black Mercedes-Benz luxury car had left the residential complex of the figure called Shawn Ngo Dac Kien, a Southeast Asian from what was once the state of Vietnam. A salesman for the Courbusier Yards, a yacht business, he knew the art of business like the back of his hand. Luxury was something he had worked for, and was proud of. He seemed like a modest, but subtly arrogant figure, but difficult to read. Or what was Mr. Shawn Ngo Dac Kien the man he made himself to be?

The answer: no. He was not the man that people would like to have believed. He was the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Union of Southeast Asian Nations. It was better for Lin to have "died". This was to help arrange for a grand escape and give Father an appetizer's taste (and later a full course, complete with dessert) of what Mr. Wilson and the rest of the Restore Sarzonia Task Force had faced.

Lin was driving alone. Just because he was a government minister, didn't mean that he had the entitlement to be a spoiled brat. Hell, if ministers couldn't take care of their basic fundamentals, many could have agreed that he did not deserve the job, no matter how intellectually-qualified he was.

Lin recalled the details of the communications by e-mail. How the Executive Jet he used was under deep-wraps. How the press was duped. How the conspiracy-theorists were debunked and cast aside as irreverent, nonsensical quacks. How it all led up to this. The conflict had arguably been inevitable. There had been some degree of preparation, and time for the Federal-Parliamentarian Armed Services to combat hostile groups with potential plans for invasion.

During this time, Lin had been coordinating affairs within the Union even despite of the fact that he was not inside. The Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs had proved competent, but Lin had helped to an extent. Lin's cover as a salesman had proved credible thanks to the fact that Lin had taken studies in business before. The product he was going to "buy", was in reality, not for the Universal Peace Enforcement Organization. It was in reality, for the armed services of the Union of Southeast Asian Nations. The product was not something for buoyancy. The product was the VLT M-5 Military Truck (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=522266). The Armed Services had heard of its capabilities, and appreciated the usage of Lin's cover and skills at diplomacy in acquiring the military product for USAN service.

Ten hours of driving non-stop was going to be an issue, but Lin was sure that he could make it. Without much problem at all. Or no problem at all. With ice-tea in the miniature fridge, it had been useful in keeping him awake, and a fairly healthy diet had come to compensate for that. The highways and sceneries were a view to savor, and certain security vehicles were tailing. They had been produced by the Van Luxemburgian Transportation Automotive Group...saloon models subtle and sleek. They were observing him to secure him. To make sure nothing went wrong.

And at last, he arrived after a long trip. The negotiation was to begin.

'Tul, een dausend Meters, Mercedes-Benz S-klasse, schwaarz.'

The Reebouwuecht sniper aimed his AWS Covert rifle for the car, while laying concealed in the bushes outside the building.

'Tul Bestätegt, Fënnefhonnert Meters. Actioun.'

The wide surroundings of the Villa was patrolled by Reebouwuecht troops, acting undercover as locals or tourists, with their weapons concealed under their clothes or in bags, ready to act immediately. At the gate of the Villa, the two guards that usually guarded the place seemed to be there, although they had been replaced by operatives in the same clothes. There was one minor difference however; they didn't use the normal JK13 service rifle, but preferred Heckler & Koch G3 rifles. In the surroundings of the main gate, two snipers awaited any actions they had to take, which would be directly ordered by either the guards at the gate or any other unit in their direct surroundings. On the estate itself, security wore their normal uniforms, but were part of the Reebouwuecht anyways. Not a single soul in the security team was part of the usual team, and everyone at the estate was loyal to the Grand Duke, according to IVD surveys. They were headed by their former commander, Capitaine Martin Laval, which usually commanded the Grand-Ducal Guard nowadays.

When the Mercedes-Benz halted at the gate, one of the two security officers walked towards the drivers' side, seemingly careless. His colleague observed the surroundings of the vehicle, while the guard asked the driver if he could show his identification. When it was handed to the guard, he quickly looked over it, and returned it to it's owner.

'Please drive on to the reception. Mr. Dermont will receive you there.' He said, while returning to his position, his rifle positioned comfortably over his stomach.

"I will indeed...thank you." the figure styled as 'Mr. Shawn Ngo Dac Kien' responded to the cool-as-a-cucumber security guard, retracting the window once he said that. The Mercedes-Benz S-class, 320 CDI, drove on. The disguised politician was glad thanks to the benefits of technology, he had arrived. While he had known the location of the Universal Peace Enforcement Organization, he still had the handy global-positioning-system to help guide him to his location. He had arranged the fastest route to get to where he is now.

Lin quickly admired the structure, before making a stop at the reception. He reached out his hand to exit the car, anticipating to see some low-level bureaucrat to open it. Or, maybe it would be Herr Schmidt or Herr Dermont. Perhaps they were waiting in the background. Either way, Minister of Foreign Affairs Joshua Lin Cheuk Kitt knew something. History, to be confidential, but nevertheless to be revealed in time, was being made.

From the shadow of a lone palm tree, a single security guard walked towards the automobile, his shatterproof sunglasses flickering in the ever-present sunlight. Leaving his Heckler & Koch rifle in his right hand, he opened the door in one swift move, saluting as soon as the door was completely opened.

'Welcome to Villa Serbelloni, Mr. Lin. I am Sergeant Premiére Classe Mazzanti, I will be your bodyguard for this conference. Your company awaits you inside, Sir.' the soldier said with a hard and disciplined military-style voice, probably due to his affiliation with the Reebouwuecht, Van Luxemburg's most skilled Special Forces.

Closing the door of the Mercedes-Benz, another soldier took the car keys from the Minister, in order to park the car. Meanwhile, both the sergeant and Lin walked towards the main entry of the building, entering through the grand facade. Inside, the Villa was decorated in a wealthy manner, with all kinds of historical views of the surrounding area in expensive frames. Most of the walls were white, although marble seemed to be frequently used aswell. The sergeant quickly walked past what seemed to be the reception, towards the terrace by the restaurant, which was frequently used for dining with UPEO executives, although it'd have a different use today. On the terrace, offering a magnificent view over Lake Como, two men sat down by one of the tables, when the sergeant came walking towards them. Standing up quickly when the sergeant arrived, both Schmidt and Dermont shook hands with Lin, before offering him a seat. A female IVD agent, acting as waitress, took orders from the three men, before Dermont spoke.

'Welcome to Villa Serbelloni, Mr. Lin. I'm Philippe Dermont, Minister of Defence in the Grand Duchy, and my partner here is Hans Schmidt, director of sales for VLT Automotive. You can talk freely in his presence, he is part of the plan. I have been told you are here to discuss the secret sale of military equipment to your nation?'

As Lin followed the operative, he was thinking primarily of the events that would happen. He trusted his security, and kept the admiration of scenery out of his head. At last, the officially dead minister had arrived at the room. He saw two men, one he instantly recognized - the Minister of Defense of the Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg - and the other, he took a bit of time for it to settle in. Herr Schmidt, Sales Director of the Van Luxemburgian Transportation Automotive Group, a nationally-reverred and globally-renowned vehicle-manufacturing conglomerate.

"Indeed I have," said Lin, outstretching his hand to the Van Luxemburgian politician, "pleased to meet you, Mr. Dermont. I've also been tipped off by my contacts in the Federal-Parliamentarian Government about an item called the M-5."

He made eye contact, awaiting the politician's response.

After the minister shook hands with Lin, he sat down again, and began searching through his papers, until he had found an item, marked with the official logos of the Grand-Ducal Ministry of Defence, and quickly skimmed through them.

'Which is correct. We're talking about the VLT M5 Military Truck here, according to my information. Oh, just so you know, all this paperwork will be erased and burned afterwards, before it's leftovers, if there are any, will be stored underground at Wewelsburg Castle, the home of your bodyguard. Anyways. Mr. Schmidt has taken various materials, and he'll be telling you everything about the truck. I'm merely here to represent the Van Luxemburgian government.' Dermont said, before looking over to Schmidt. Schmidt then began his story, after he had handed several full-colour brochures to Lin.

'The VLT M5 is a next-generation military transport and logistics system, produced in two versions, which can each be delivered in many variations. The two main variations are the 'a' and the 'b' version, of which version a has been developed for logistical transport, and the b can be used for frontline transport tasks, such as transporting soldiers. Therefore, the b version is more basic than the a version, so it will always work under the harsh war circumstances one might face. It can also be equipped with the systems of the a version, of course, but we have deliberately left them out for reliability reasons. Not that the a version is unreliable, but it's technology has been less proven in true war situations, and is therefore not used in the b version. Also, the b version is armoured in a better way than the a version, since it will have to see more action in frontline duties.'

Schmidt paused for a moment, and flipped the page of a brochure he had opened towards Lin.

'The a version is equipped with HPVS, The Hydro Pneumatic Vehicle System. It is powered by a hydraulic system, instead of the usual air suspension. Therefore, it can deliver better prestations in rough terrain or on bad roads, which can be often encountered in conflict zones. HPVS also stands for less servicing, which is ideal in combat situations, where garages are often not present. The system can handle overload, and delivers more stability due to the systems automatic levelling capability. Variable load heights allow for the loading to be more comfortable and for it to be quicker, which is ideal for a warmachine on the roll. Other systems operated by HPVS itself include techniques such as crosswise leveling, which means that the load space and the cab remain horizontal, while the tyres constantly make contact with the ground. The driver can see the actual weight of his own vehicle from a monitor inside the cab, both in Metric Tons and Military Classes. There's an Automatic Roll stabiliser that will actively try to stop the vehicle from leaning over in corners. There's also an container lifting system, where HPVS can lower the back of the vehicle to winch a module up onto the chassis of the M5, and HPVS will automatically return to normal when the vehicle goes faster as 5 km/h. Electronic Vehicle Steering or EVS means that the truck will use multiple axles for steering, up to three when a 4 or 5-axle system is used. Another option is SensAxle, which means that an extra axle can be added for an additional 10 tons of loading capacity.'

Once again, Schmidt flipped the page of the brochure, and went on with his story.

'The b version is meant to be robust and reliable. The amount of glass used for the b version has been reduced by 50%, to offer more protection for the driver and it's passengers. This protection can be increased by lowering the additional armour over the remaining windows, protection the vehicle against most small arms. Since it uses simple technology, the vehicle can be serviced during combat operations, and can do it's work for years without any major servicing. The lights on the M5 can be set to war lighting by a switch on the dashboard, meaning that lighting will be reduced to a bare minimum. The M5 has been tested to work in situations ranging from minus 32 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. This means the vehicle can operate virtually anytime. I think this concludes my lecture on the vehicle, I'd like to ask if you have any questions about the vehicle, before we head out to see a demonstration of the M5's capabilities.'
Schmidt closed the brochure, and handed it over to Lin, before taking a sip of a glass of mineral water, which had been delivered by the IVD waitress.

Lin took into account what the Sales Director had stated, and processed the would-be-slated-for-destruction-document in his hands. While he still could see this, he treasured the moment he could get in seeing this potentially-devastating information, and while wished he could be able to store it. But he knew the risks and was prepared to let the information be trusted. However, in spite of the fact he did not serve in the military, he nevertheless still had some questions of his own on the M-5 military truck.

He looked up, and made eye contact with the Van Luxemburgian gentlemen.

"It seems impressive on paper so far, but I do have my questions regarding the M-5."

He raised out his left hand, and said a statement as his opposite hand pressed out on them.

"Firstly, how do both versions handle against improvised-explosive devices?"

"Second, against anti-tank material rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and anti-tank guided missiles?"

"Third question, how long would the typical M-5, last?"

"Fourth, how many individuals can be carried?"

"Finally, how do the quantity of wheels on the M-5 affect performance of the said vehicle?"

'Ofcourse you can have your questions. Regarding the IED's, the M5 can handle a lot, but an IED directly under it will be fatal, as well as one exploding in it's vicinity. Ofcourse, in such high-risk areas, you wouldn't want to send a truck out on it;s own, and is preferably escorted by a heavier vehicle, such as a MBT or IFV. The same goes for Anti-Tank weaponry, the M5 is not an armoured fighting vehicle, and cannot take a direct hit from either RPG's or ATGM's. Rifles like the Light Fifty sniper for example can at least be slowed down to a non-lethal speed, before entering the cab of the vehicle.'

'It has yet to be proven how the M5 will do on the long term. So far, it is in use with several nations around the world, inlcuding our own Armed Forces, and we have not encountered any problems yet. The expectation is that the average M5 would last more than 1 million kilometres, if all systems and parts are replaced in time. When the vehicle is not serviced or looked over regularly, and with regular we mean once in about fifty thousand kilometres, we cannot guarantee that the vehicle will last the promised million kilometres. But that's logical, I'd say.'

'In the most basic set-up, the open version, or the closed canvas version, it can depend on the soldiers. Generally, the Van Luxemburgian Military can fit in around 30 individuals, on a standard 4x4 version. If we're speaking about an 8x8 or 10x8 version, the vehicle can generally carry more troops, sometimes up to even 50 or 60, depending on their loadout and body size. More axles does not only mean that the vehicle is larger, more axles also mean that the weight can be distributed along the axles more evenly, causing it to be able to carry more weight. For example, the 4x4 version can have around 15 tons of load, while the 10x8 version can take almost 35 tons. Also, in the 8x8 or 10x8 version of the vehicle, 8 wheels are powered by the engine, instead of the 4 when using the 4x4 vehicle. Downside of more axles is that weight is increased. While the 4x4 weighs 8 tons empty, the 10x8 weighs 15 tons. This is a difference that is compensated by the load capacity being increased by 20 Tons. Would this answer your questions?'

Lin nodded simply. "Yes indeed. Though I may not have served in the military, I nevertheless can respect my countrymen in that role, and I did find this to be an informative session."

[OOC: VL, sorry for the short posts, not exactly in a verbose mood.]

'Perfect. I have taken the liberty of arranging an M5 from our Armed Forces, which will take us to another location in this area. There, the Van Luxemburgian Military will demonstrate their M5's, so you can get an idea of how it actually does during normal operations.' Schmidt said, while he rose from his chair and gestured both men to follow. Outside, where Lin had previously parked his Mercedes-Benz, a single M5a truck had been parked, while three soldiers from the Reebouwuecht leaned against the vehicle's fenders, clothed as soldiers from the regular Van Luxemburgian Arméi. As soon as they saw the three men coming from the terrace, all three soldiers saluted and climbed inside the truck, all three taking a position in the back. While Schmidt got into the driver's seat, he offered the two others each a passenger seat in the cabin of the vehicle, instead of a position in the canvas-covered part of the vehicle. The truck engine ignited flawlessly, and Schmidt drove the vehicle away from the parking lot, out of the gate. This time, the two guards at the gate didn't bother to check their ID's, since they were leaving the estate.

Schmidt then carefully manoeuvered the truck through Bellagio, and out onto the road towards Como. They passed along several smaller villages on the way, before Schmidt suddenly turned left, onto a small dirt road that led into the woods, high up into the southern beginnings of the Alps. The vehicle had no problems pulling up the hill, and the ride was smooth, as far a ride in a military utility truck could be. After several minutes of driving up the dirt road, Schmidt halted at an open spot in the woods, where several other military vehicles had been parked.

'We're here.' Schmidt said, while he opened the door on the drivers' side. While he had planned the majority of the meeting, this part of it would be led by the men from the Reebouwuecht, disguised as regular Van Luxemburgian troops. A tall, relatively young man with a muscular build already awaited Schmidt, and introduced himself to the three men.

'Capitaine Gabriele Pagnotto, I'm the commander of all Reebouwuecht troops worldwide. Welcome to our little party, I might say.' He spoke with a slight Italian accent, but slight Germanic traces could also be heard, possibly due to his second language being Vun Lëtzebuergesch. Nevertheless, his English was almost perfect, and grammar didn't seem to be a problem. He grinned after the last few words, shaking hands with all three men standing opposite to him.

Riding in a truck, was for Lin the very least, unfitting for the highest chief diplomat in the Union. But he, at least in name only, was not the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Sovereign Nations any more. He had taken, out of the collective Executive Cabinet's choice, a back-seat for the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to take over the functions to utilize the Acting Minister o Foreign Affairs role. And, the ride, at least, was in the M-5 truck's front cabin. The seats in the front naturally had more comfort. And they provided better insight into the prowess of the Van Luxemburgian company's product. It had handled well on the roads. But the journey ascending the dirt track into the Van Luxemburgian forest, the politician-posing-as-a-salesman lit up more. He was going to use the show-off as a way of giving an assessment.

The Southeast Asian had exited the same way as the Sales Director, out of the driver's door. Encountering the Van Luxemburgian military commander, he outstretched his right hand for a handshake. He spoke in simple, just shy of excellent basic Lëtzebuergesch, "Pleased to meet you, Captain. It is good to be allowed to be here."

'The honour is entirely mine, Mr. Lin.' Pagnotto spoke, while shaking hands with the Southeast Asian man.

'If you would take place in that M5 over there, it will protect you from flying bullets while we will demonstrate the power of an uparmoured M5b.' He said, while taking a JK13 assault rifle out of a crate next to the M5 the three-man group was asked to take place in. From out of an M5a, Lin, Dermont and Schmidt could see what was going on through a small strip of bulletproofed glass, while sitting in the module mounted on the truck's back. Meanwhile, Pagnotto loaded the JK13, and removed the safety precautions. Carefully aiming the rifle, he fired a single round at the truck, where it shattered off the skin, leaving only bullet marks, while the bullet itself had been enclosed in the armour. Then, Pagnotto switched to burst mode, from which he fired three bursts. The total of 9 bullets all hit the cabin, and the bullet holes could be clearly seen, but neither of them managed to completely penetrate the skin of the truck. He then fired another burst, this time aimed at the windows. They remained intact, while one of the three bullets fell inside the cabin, at a non-lethal speed.

'They use 6.8x43mm, regular Van Luxemburgian issue. I believe they will now switch to an FN MAG with 7.62 mm's caliber.' Dermont said, while looking through the window.

Then, another soldier took up his FN MAG, and went prone, aiming the rifle at the truck. He then emptied a complete belt of one-hundred bullets, of which some missed target, but most were hits. Again, most of the bullets remained inside the armour, while some penetrated the armour at non-lethal speeds. After the gunner had emptied the belt, he stood up again. Handin his weapon away to Pagnotto, yet another soldier took the lead, aiming an Arctic Warfare AW50 anti-materiel sniper at the M5b. After the terrifiying blow that was the result of firing the weapon, the bullet catapulted away, ripping through the armour of the M5, ending up inside the opposite door of the cabin.

'As you can see, the M5 can't take hits from 12.7mm weapons. 7.62mm Armour-Piercing rounds are the absolute limit.' Schmidt commented, looking at the damage that was caused by the AW50.

Then, Pagnotto ran towards the M5b truck, which was already covered in bullet holes. He carried a round-shaped object, which he put down next to the vehicle's chassis. He then sprinted back again, picking up a detonator from the table that had also housed the JK13. As soon as he pushed the button, an explosion rocked the area, while a fireball shot away from the M5b. The vehicle itself shaked violently, but with the armour-plated chassis, the vehicle remained intact.

'Please note that this was a rather small mine. This doesn't mean that a tactical bomb will leave the M5 standing. I believe we can now review the damage.' Schmidt said, while opening the door of the mobile observation post.

Headed by Pagnotto, the group walked towards the M5b, which didn't look as good as it did before the demonstration. When Schmidt opened the door, one could see that several bullets had penetrated the armour, with some laying in the storage compartment in the door itself, but one was stuck in the other door. It was the .50 bullet, which had completely penetrated the cabin.

'After all, this isn't bad for a truck, I might say' Schmidt said, while overlooking the damage done by the bullets.

The Chinese Southeast Asian man sat in the observer’s location. Then he advanced over to the M-5B truck, product of Van Luxemburg. It was kind of an odd scene, given that he was not as well dressed as Herr Dermont or Herr Schmidt. He was of course, wearing a suit. It was a black-colored one, but it did not exactly have the flare of official duty like Schmidt’s or Dermont’s choice in clothing. The suit he wore was not exactly appropriate in combat. It was a gray-colored suit, with a dark tie. It was an older suit bought in secondhand condition, close to as new, but good enough as to not stick so much on him. But in the case of the 12.7mm bullet, and the formidable explosive…not quite for the M-5B, which was battered. Though, it had stuck up to the tests quite well so far. However, the salesman act was dropped as far as Lin was concerned. He was now his careful, usual diplomatic self when analyzing the product, doing as best as he could for the military.

Quite impressive. Lin thought, But there are still some questions I would like to ask.

“It’s all fine and good.” Lin turned to the Sales Director. “However, I would like to inquire on these matters posed by the Armed Services.”

“Would it be possible for increasing the resistance of the bulletproof glass? I believe that certain corporations like the Doomingsland Defense Industries, or the Havenic Trading Company firearms group, specifically the LN line of rifles, or any others, have higher power. We’ve had potential foes with access to such formidable rifles and other weaponry.”

“And, in speaking of our foes, how specifically will you be able to deliver this product to us? I’m beginning to think that the Armed Services will likely take both and commission a local defense contractor to do the job.”

With those two important questions cleared at the top of his head, Lin awaited his Caucasian counterparts’ responding statements.

'Essentially, all M5 orders can be customised to the requirements of the armed forces that order them. This means that we can uparmour the windows, and make them thicker. Though it is still hard to armour glass, it is possible to make them resistant to more bullets by installing three layers of this glass, with some spacing in between them. It is a matter of customisation, you see.' Schmidt answered, before going on to the next question.

'The trucks can be delivered in unmarked crates, while all the chassis numbers will be removed from the trucks. The vehicles will be untrackable, in the interest of neutrality for Van Luxemburg. They will however need to be assembled locally, since shipping them assembled would be too dangerous. After all, Van Luxemburg wishes to remain neutral.'

Lin thought carefully on his response, putting his dominant hand on his chin and stroking it while turning his eyes down to the grass bottom, thinking after what he had seen of the M-5A truck's performance and the performance of the M-5B. Then he also thought about the modifications stated by the Sales Director. It seems worth the deal...though I can't guarantee the Armed Services of the Union accepting it. With that thought, he regained contact with the eyes of the Sales Director.

"I personally find this acceptable, and appreciate the demonstrations. My country is in debt to the Grand Duchy of Van Luxemburg, and it's premier automotive-manufacturer, VLT Automotive."

Schmidt and Dermont nodded at precisely the same time.

'Thank you aswell, Mr. Lin. No problem at all for us.' Schmidt said, while climbing on board of the M5 truck again.

'I believe your car is still at Villa Serbelloni, correct? I heard this truck will be driving there in a moment.' He spoke, smiling at Lin.

"Indeed it is." Lin responded with a nod at the same time. Back to putting on the act of Shawn Ngo. He chuckled inside. Once he returned to the M-5A truck's cabin, waved farewell to the Van Luxemburgian captain, Gabriele Pagnotto, and his subordinates. They saluted back in farewell.

Once he got back to Villa Serbelloni, he thanked Sales Director Hans Schmidt and Minister of Defense Phillipe Dermont, noting that he "much appreciated and was delighted to spend time with" the two "respectable gentlemen" and that he "hoped to meet them again". However, for now, time would have to tell about how would he reflect, and if the foreign-minister-in-exile would expand upon his relationship with Dermont and Schmidt. Time would have to tell.

But for now, Lin was just glad that he would go back to his home in his assigned black-colored 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-class S320 CDI (http://www.romansinternational.co.uk/images/car_images/370amedium.jpg), to inform the Federal-Parliamentarian Armed Services of the news. It was a long trip to meet the Van Luxemburgian Minister of Defense and the VLT Sales Director, and it would be a long trip back. But, as most would evaluate of Lin's analytical performance as a government-official-in-exile, and the results of it, they'd say he did well. And the highest commanders of the Armed Services, would be pleased.

EPILOGUE
Villa Serbelloni, Lago di Como

'It was a relatively uneventful sale, I must say. Even though the Southeast Asians will still have to decide if they buy it, the sales procedure with the Arméi was way more intense. That could ofcourse be because Lin isn't part of the military and probably knows little about military life, but neither do I.' Hans Schmidt said, after he had took a sip of a double whiskey. Opposite to him Philippe Dermont just put back a glass of white wine, which was already halfway empty now.

'Yes, but we sent a bunch of military experts over to the demonstrations. Though they were very impressed as well. It's just a fabulous product, I say.'

‘The development department have excelled once again. Their next product might be all the more interesting, but I really can’t give any comments on that one, not even to you.’ Schmidt said, enjoying the view the terrace of Villa Serbelloni offered. The evening came in, and darkness seemed to approach from the other side of the lake. Slowly, lights flickered on on the other side of the enormous lake, while boats, both private and commercial, ignited their lights and slowly carried on moving across the lake.

‘You know, I actually despise Lin right now. He will be seeing this every day from now on. I will have to return to Trier and look out over the Mosel. Even though that place is fantastic, this is a way better view, with those mountains around. Well, winter will see me travelling to Sankt Moritz, to visit my home town once again.’ Schmidt spoke, now with a slight Swiss accent.

‘Well, he isn’t in his normal environment, since he’s thousands of kilometres away from his actual home, and he is constantly guarded slash observed by special forces. That doesn’t sound like a great life to me, is it?’ Dermont said, somewhat sceptical.

‘You’ve got a point there. But, I think, after all, we made a great deal with the Asians. If we get this open bid accepted, it can immensely increase our cash flow…. Ours and yours.’ Schmidt took a short sip of the whiskey again, and looked at the glass in which only a bit of whiskey covered the bottom.

‘You know, nice chap, Lin, although maybe a bit to-the-point. There’s something I miss.. but I’m not sure what.’ Dermont said, looking up from his glass of wine.

‘Humour maybe?’ Schmidt spoke absent-minded, while still observing the alcoholic substance that floated around in his glass.

‘That could well be it, Hans, that could well be it.’