NationStates Jolt Archive

A darkness has decended over a nation. One of many that are used as power peices in a great game of the ages. A flash of lightning over the board tells of the end of an era and the start of the years of thunder.

The last era, the era of peace, is over. The era of the Black Staff is upon the Crimmond Imperial Totality. And it brings with it the horrors of which few dictators could unleash.

Agent Delta, the new Emperor, spoke to an ambassador, who nodded and walked off. This would not be of interest had the ambassador not been one of the few remaining Brutes, large humanoid reptilians, in the service of the Empire.

The brute arrived at his residence and began to pack. He was assigned to state the Empire's intentions to the APTO. He would be travelling to an APTO nation, as Delta wanted the brute to speak to the leaders, not underlings, and knew that the leaders would not come to the Empire in it's current state of affairs.

A message arrives at the desks of all the heads of states for the APTO.

Fellow APTO members, I am the new leader of my nation and I wish to make it clear to you what our intentions are. I am sending one of my top ambassadors to speak with you. I need a place for him to meet you all, though, seeing as how you coming to the Empire at this time would most likely give your security personel strokes. The ambassador shall, as all Imperial ambassadors, be unarmed and unattended. Please respond as soon as possible.

Agent Delta
Emperor
Crimmond Imperial Totality

"That would mean us." Judge Harry Bell sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "I don't know why I volunteered to become the UN Delegate of APTO in addition to being President. I should be out fishing on a day like this." Bell waved his hand carelessly.

"You know, Judge, it might be interesting to hear what they say." Nathan Black pointed out, the only one to speak and continued when Bell nodded. "Sir, we've had nothing but..... interesting reports from Crimmond, not the which of this is the incident regarding the expulsion of numerous embassies. That would, ironically, possibly preclude any diplomatic dialogue between Adejaani and Crimmond. It would be a political decision, one made for APTO, considering we, that is, you are the UN Delegate and de facto 'leader' of the alliance."

Bell sighed. "Then it's up to us to do something, for APTO....."

From: Judge Harry P. Bell, President of Adejaani
To: Agent Delta, Emperor of Crimmond
CC: All APTO nations

In light of Crimmond's request, Adejaani will once more play the host nation. Please make your way to Hubway Space/Sea/Air transit facility, where you will be taken by official vehicles to the Adejaani Capitol Building. We must please ask that while you may bring escorts, no weapons are allowed inside the conference room, though you may bring in one aide for notetaking purposes or an advisor of whatever discription.

As for the mini conference, please be warned, however, as the UN Delegate, I am forced to consider, based on what is said at this meeting in the best interests of APTO. Be warned, while this mini conference will be fully free speech, I remind any delegates that it will be fully on the record and that what is said will be held against the nation that says it. Let me state for the record once more: Any actions undertaken at this meeting, either actual, planned or intended, will be measured and acts undertaken, to preserve the sanctity of the APTO alliance, regardless of who may be 'right' and 'wrong'.

OOC: Last minute item before I clock off, I'm not going to do the whole 'RP' of 'meet and greet', so just RP getting to 'Hubway', being chauffered to the Capitol Building and ushered into the conference room where you'll be served drinks or light snacks if you ask an aide for it.

"Being close to Adejaani has its benifits"Chancellor O'Connor thought to himself as his Chanceletorial Black Hawk took off with its 4 Choper escort, as well as the 'Chancellor's Own' Escort Squadron of CLF Marince Corps S/A-48 VTOL's. The Rotars beat quiet as the half hour lfight passed quickly. O'Connor's bionic arm made quiet noises as he used an accessory to his index finger to write final notes to himself. Seldom did the CLF make it a practice to send thier head of state to diplomatic functions, but APTO is held high on the Commonwealth's list of priorities and the Chancellor felt it was important to make a personal attendence.
O'Connor looked to the chopper crew cheif who was constantly scannign the skies, his Mini-Gun ready to fire at a moments notice.
The Chopper set down at the 'Hubway' as 2 RLD-REA's stepped out of the Executive chopper, then the Chancellor, followed by 2 more Agents. The walked to the waiting transportation and hurried in to the automobiles.
As they arrived at the complexwhere the meeting was to be held, the Escort Agents checked thier weapons with the guards. 3 of the Agetns were led to the designatied area for escorts, as the 4th stayed with the Chancellor.
The 4th Agent looked older and more senior than the others. He and the Chancellor both had tonic water and ice while they waited for the meeting to begin.

Duo Migashi leaned back in his chair and looked blankly at the ceiling.

"You're absolutely positive?" He asked once more, still skeptical.

"Yes sir." Råyven Black, Chairwoman of External Affairs, and the Intelligence Liason responded somberly in unison.

"LocHunt has verified that Riel Tian is indeed dead. This is no hoax." The Liason said once more.

"Utterly fantastic. Prep my shuttle." Duo sighed and walked out of his office, the two others in tow.

Within the hour, the sub orbital skipper had settled down at Hubway, and Duo stepped out with the Intelligence Liason. They stepped into the car waiting for them, and soon reached the meeting place. Stepping inside, they declined the refreshments and waited patiently.

(skipping the arrival in the nation, as there is little point)

The brute ambassador strode into the room, unattended. He carried nothing except papers and an oversized pen, made to fit his large clawed hands.

He sits and nods a greeting and a soft hiss to the others. "This will be most interesting for all involved. I will begin as soon as it is clear no more will be attending." He says.

Bump. Come on people...

Bump. Come on people...

OOC: hey, what can I say? Crappy server :lol:


IC: Orion recived the letter later than most nations-mostly because the Atlantian Federation was further out then most nations (and a little because the Mail service left much to be desired). The same day he alsoe recived word that everything would be hosted in Adejaani.
"Thank you postal service" said Orion sarcasticly. He turned to face Some of the other senators. "How soon until I can get out of here?" he asked Andromada.
"The Olympia has recently returned from it's mission at the old Atlantian Homeworld. Vega would be pleased to transport you, as usual" she said.
"Good then. How soon until he can leave?"
"He's ready whenever you are"
"I hate out postal service, but I love our fleet" said Orion. The other senators smiled.

***************************************

The shuttle was launched from the Olympia while in Earth orbit.
This will be an interesting meeting thought Orion to himself, as he etered the Earth's atmoshphere....

OOC: Give me five minutes to check my other RPs

Waitkus looked over the letter thoughtfully. She tossed the idea around, but, with two Imitoran citizens of power already missing, the ISS would say no, and they're was no changing their minds. After a few moments of decision, it was decided that an ambasador would still be sent.

At Ft. Jackson, just outside Northampton, a black painted MV-22I Hawk lifted from the ground. Amabasador Anna Grimsdottir was on bored the modified MV-22I, and leaned back in her seat. Soon, the Hawk was over Adejaani, and just as soon, it landed, Grimsdottir disembarking. She was greeted with the usual political BS group, slid into a diplomatic owned vehicle, and was swept away to the Capotol Building and into the confrence room.

She sat in one of the many chairs, and leaned back after getting a cup of dark black coffee. She sipped it slowly, and waited for the meeting to start.

"I think maybe it's time we started." Bell said as he nodded at each delegate in the room. "I'd like to call this conference to order. I remind you this meeting is totally on record and transcripting devices are logging everything said in this room." Bell finished and nodded to the Crimmond delegate. "You may begin, sir."

*Tag*
(The UCSNE will not have any delegates in attendence due to more pressing matters of National Securtity)

The Sambizie will also not be in attendance due to some OOC reasons in RL. However, I'll will be watching with interest..lol

The Brute, who towered over everyone in the room most likely, stood and spoke. "The Crimmond Imperial Totality isamong the powerhouses of Earth, controlling just about one-third of Eastern Europe. With the recent events, we have lost a leader as well as allies. This is unfortunate, but I am sure that we can reach a decision here today that will benifit boith the APTO and Crimmond. Before I go on, I will need to know each of your opinions of what has happened."

"Perhaps, sir," Bell said "that you can provide everyone here with a brief summary of those events? I do apologise, but it seems our news services are slightly behind the times in documenting everything that happens in the world."

"Perhaps, sir," Bell said "that you can provide everyone here with a brief summary of those events? I do apologise, but it seems our news services are slightly behind the times in documenting everything that happens in the world."

"Ditto" said Orion. "AO is not normaly aware of events on Earth"

A muscle at the side of the brute's maw twitched. "Lord Reil Tian annexed Baggera a few months ago, doubling the Imperial lands. That area is being secured and populated at the moment. Soon after, following boasts and promises from Lord Tian, the embassies from several nations were seized and their ambassadorial staff deported. During those events, Tian promised to speak with the leaders of two of the nations being kicked out about plans. An agent of the Black Staff, our most elite intelligence and special operations division, blew his head off before the transmission had even been completed. Agent Delta has since seized power."

Bell shifted slightly before framing his response, hedging slightly and testing the waters. "While the events which you describe are alarming, it is wholly within your nation's right to do whatever you wish."

"Eh, its your government. Anyways, sounds like somethign that would happen in Imitora, so I'm assuming that would be our governments position on teh matter," Grimsdottir said.

OOC: Whoever gueses where I got the name from gets a cookie...

O'Connor sat next to President Bell as his 'aide' stood to his left behind the chancellor, he took his right hand away from his face where it had been scratching his chin in a pensive fashion, he now used it to slightly gestrue as he commented.

"Ambassador, forgive me if I am beign rude for it is not my intention in the slightest, but I am very confused as to what you want from your alleis here in the APTO. I wish not to offend anyone at all, but my first reaction is to ask the motiv behind this 'Agent Delta' and his actions," He made the 'air quotes' while he spoke the name, "While it is very alarming to hear about the death of such a Mighty Ally as Lord Tian, I find myself drawn to condem the assasin for his actions. Now obviously he has supporters, and they have reasons for thier support, what are they pray tell? And what about his opposition, thier reasons?"

O'Connor stared genuinley curious at the Brute, he was quite in the dark about the whole matter, which he did not plan on remaining so.

The brute hisses, looking at the last speaker. "Agent Delta is known by no other name. His identy is a secret kept by the Black Staff High Council, of which he is a member. His motives are that of Reil Tians publicly. He wished to control at least the majority of Eastern Europe. The military is undergoing the fastest buildup in our history."

The lizard frowns. "Supporters? This is not a mere takeover of a small time government. The Black Staff has infiltrated the entire government over the years. Their asassians are among the best in the world. They have been planning this for some time, as they do everything. I urge you, personally, not to think Delta two dimensional. He is more devious than anyone I have met, and I have met leaders from Arda."

excuse me, just wanted to tag.

"Not the best hosts, eh?" joked Orion. He saw no one was laughing and shut up.
"Ahem" he continued after a moment. "But I don't think you answered O'Conner's question. I too would like to know what you want of your allies in the APTO"

The brute nodded and picked up his pen. "This may look like an oversized pen made for my species, and it still is, but the ink cartrige has been halved. The remaining space has been packed with explosives and a ten second timer. If I roatate the top like so," he twists it. "The device is armed." He twists it back, presumably disarming it. "If I clicked it, the timer would start and we would have only seconds to get out of this room or get to the pen and click it again to stop the timer and reset it."

The brute tosses the pen in the middle of the table and looks at Orion, then at O'Conner. "Agent Delta wanted one thing from his 'allies'... For you to die! I will not be a tool for his cause though."

Bell flinched visibly and turned to the Crimmond delegate. "You have our attention, sir. I, for one, am tempted to throw you out just for having such a device in your posession. But considering your opinion of your new leader, coupled with the fact that you did not carry out your leader's orders....." Bell leaned forward.

"Are you telling us that the majority of Crimmond's people do not support their leader? And if that's so..... Are you asking for our support in removing him?"

Grimsdottir, on one hand, was relieved that the brute didn't go through with the Yassar Arrafat like action. However, she was also sincerly disapointed. She hated disloayalty. She had half a mind to alert this so called Agent Delta to the existance of disloyal agents. She shrugged anyways, and looked around the room.

she stiffled a laugh at the Adejaanian's remark, he was in no position at all to make orders, especially with a live explosive in the room. She sighed audibly, and pulled out a note pad. She didn't like the use of the so called data pads, to easy for everyone else to see what you were writting.

"I say we just ortillirze the hell outa wherever the known existance locations are."

Grimsdottir, on one hand, was relieved that the brute didn't go through with the Yassar Arrafat like action. However, she was also sincerly disapointed. She hated disloayalty. She had half a mind to alert this so called Agent Delta to the existance of disloyal agents. She shrugged anyways, and looked around the room.

she stiffled a laugh at the Adejaanian's remark, he was in no position at all to make orders, especially with a live explosive in the room. She sighed audibly, and pulled out a note pad. She didn't like the use of the so called data pads, to easy for everyone else to see what you were writting.

"I say we just ortillirze the hell outa wherever the known existance locations are."

Orion's life flashed before his eyes before he realized he wasn't going to die. At least not yet. He was probably tenser than he had ever been....well....besides that one time he was in the middle of battle during the Demon wars....
Orion's attention suddenly came to. He realized his mind was begining to drift. Of all times to daydream. He nearly chuckled, but dared not to, for obvius reasons.

O'Connor had jumped back when the pen hit the table infront of him, his bionic arm pointed generally towards the device, he seemed as if he was just about to do something when he realized it was not going to go off. The Agent who stood behind him walked over infront of the Brute, he was much smaller than the Ambassador but he acted as if he had an advantage in...other ways. O'Connor relaxed and lowered his arm, he then turned to the Brute.

"Well thank you for not blowing us all up, I think...But President Bell is right, if Delta is as you say, are you here to ask on behalf of your people to remove him? Because if this,"He pointed to the pen"is who our new ally is, I will ready my marines to land all over Crimmond in 8 hours!"

"Ortillery? To get at the Black Staff and destroy it that way would be to level EVERY city in the Empire! Are you willing to kill hundreds of millions if not over a billion? Your marine force would be attacked before even landing. Whatever gets to the ground and survives would face anything from citizens with assault rifles and training to use them, as specified by law, to the Mech Garrisons in each city. During our years of isolation, we have made the 2 or 3-1 attacker to defender ratio of the old days into 14 to 1."

The Brute sighs. He was getting to far from his point. "I was sent here with a bunch of fluff to say before I detonated the explosive. I will instead tell you my purpose here. To warn you all. If you trust Delta, he will not stab you in the back. He will shove ten pounds of C-4 up your ass and blow it! I have forfeited my already forfeit life to tell you this.

"Do as he plans, announce that there was an explosion. That all present were killed. Tell your government next in lines that is a hoax, but to act as if it is real. You have an advantage over him... by just being alive."

"Your asking me to fake my own death?" asked Orion, now thinking about what would happen to his people. He shook his head slowly. "I knew I never should have come here"

"Your asking me to fake my own death?" asked Orion, now thinking about what would happen to his people. He shook his head slowly. "I knew I never should have come here"

O'Connor's arm fell back to his side, and then motioned to his Guard to step down. The Guard did so without hesitation, most likely not liking the possibility of going at it with the ambassador.

"Ambassador, you speak like we are all doomed. When this is all over, you shall be a hero my friend, and also let me thank you for not killing me, I rather enjoy this thign we call life. But that is not the issue."
O'Connor paused and moved over towards where the Brute was standing, and began to face towards the delegates.
"Now, I understand exactly how alarming the ambassador's proposal may be, this is the second time I have heard something like this...(OOC: Yet another allusion to the mystery of all the secret-ness that occured in the CLF over the last 3 months...) But you must look at the bigger picutre. Crimmond, under this new regime, is a VERY dangerous foe. Now the ambassador, obviously greatly downplays our military abilities, evident by his absolutley incorrect opinion on my Marines."He paused for nervous laughter at his joke, but those present there who had experience with the CLF, new he wasnt kidding." But I must agree with him that it will be a vast challange, and speaking for my people, it could not have come at a worse time. But I suggest we hear out exactly what the ambassador proposes, and we do as such."

Bell shook his head and looked at the Crimmond delegate. "No. An explosion within this room would wipe out what there is of the Adejaani government. You might as well have killed me, sir and set that pen off."

He leaned forward. "I'm going to have to ask you again. What do you want of us? Even if we are all 'dead', we can't do anything. You've said a frontal attack wouldn't work. Commando teams wouldn't work either and unless you plan on us making suicide attacks, I'm ninety and a pacifist.

"Besides, what you're essentially saying is that we surrender to this Agent Delta, who can infiltrate any government, assassinate its leaders and then win in a conventional war. Is that it? That we should just give up and become Crimmond territories?"

"Besides, what you're essentially saying is that we surrender to this Agent Delta, who can infiltrate any government, assassinate its leaders and then win in a conventional war. Is that it? That we should just give up and become Crimmond territories?"

"AO will not become a puppet state for another nation, especaly a Terran Nation" said Orion, offended. "We would fight to the last man, leaving Crimmiond so beatan they would be easy targets for another nation"
He wispered something to one of his offecers, who then took a phone and sent the info to the Olympia, up in orbit.

O'Connor sighed with exasporation
"Wait now, who ever said we would have to surrender to Crimmond. President Bell, Adejaani and the CLF are close allies indeed, and I do not see how you could think we would agree to surrender? I do not see how you could belive we would do anything less than fight with out full strength. Senator Orion, during your civil war, the CLF space Corps ONLY fleet at the time flew to combat the forces hoping to over throw you. What did we do? Shred the enemy to pieces, and managed to take an entire city without civillina casualty, at the expense of our soldiers lives, even when other coallition mebers were flattening cities. We freed the Capital of your nation when you needed help the most. So I do not want you to belive the CLF will take this on our backs. All of you must think now, this is not a matter of saving face, this is a matter of survival. Together, Crimmon does not stand a chance against us. TOGETHER the APTO can crush any opposition in existance, so do not, FOR A SECOND, think the CLF is going to give up. So stop speaking of defeat and start speaking strategy here. It is obvious we are going to need it!"

Bell half stood in anger, before regaining his seat. "Need I remind you just who is in charge of this conference, what I said about this being on the record and the fact that the gentleman from Crimmond is trying to make a point and tell us something, so kindly pipe down!"

O'Connor Chuckled,
"Haha...I guess you're right Mr. President, I am sorry, I get a little carried away sometimes, excuse me."

OOC- Oops, seemed I missed this. :oops: Cutting to the chase........

IC- The delegate from Skager, one of the newer members of the APTO, rushed in. He hoped he hadn't missed much. As he ran through the doors into the conference room, he saw in front of him a huge scaly back. It was too late to stop, and he ran right into the massive creature.

Caval, called WarHound by friend and foe alike, strode quickly down the halls of the Adejaani complex. His face was tinted with the flush of anger, a leftover emotion from the tedious flight from Pantera. The crew of the quickly chartered craft had been incometent at best, and one of them had near shat himself when the Hound had growled commands.

No matter, the grizzled old Reaver was in Adejaani, and would soon be meeting with this ambasador from the newly dubbed 'Chamber Pot of the Allied Powers', Crimmond. After the Panteran embassies expulsion from Crimmond, and Bastiens subsequent lockdown of Crimmonds own embassy, tenstions had run high. Now, though, he hoped to put an end to the foolishness.

As he and his massive Reaver attendant, who is himself all but dwarfed by the towering Hound, enter the conference room, Caval clears his throat roughly and glares around the room at the various delegates. His eyes touch upon the delegate from Skager, sprawled upon the floor. He curls a lip in disdain as he moves forward.

Stepping over the fallen delegate, the Hound bows coureously to Judge Bell and places his fist over his heart,"The condolences of the Lord Reaver, and all the Panteran peoples go out to you and your nation, Sir. We thank you for having me, and offer apologies for My Lord's absence. He sends me in his stead, hoping that you will understand. His wife is quite late in her pregnancy and only this morning began the birthing. Though he regrets that he will not be able to deal with pressing matters,[i]" The Hounds icy blue eyes flick over 'the Brute' with meaningful disdain before sweeping across the remainder of the delegates,"[i] he is quite sure you will all understand."

The grizzled old Reaver's eyes harden momentarily as he takes in the strange expressions of the attending delegates before growling,"Now, If someone would care to enlighten me as to why this meeting has been called, and why you all look as if you've all grown another member, I'll be most pleased...."

"Besides, what you're essentially saying is that we surrender to this Agent Delta, who can infiltrate any government, assassinate its leaders and then win in a conventional war. Is that it? That we should just give up and become Crimmond territories?"

Grimsdottir took this time to speak. "Your lack of faith in your own security services is disconcerning. Of course, he," she motioned to the Crimodian Ambasador, "managed to get a bomb through, so I'm not suprised."

As Caval entered the room, a wry smile crossed her face. "Finaly, someone else with a touch of common sense. You haven't missed much, except that Adejaani's security managed to let someone with a bomb through. Basically, the government in Crimmond wants us all dead and to become Crimondian territories."

She nodded at the Warhound, in both acknowledgement of his arrival, and respect.

The delegate from Skager looked up at Warhound and his attendant. His face paled. More huge.....things?!?! This wasn't going well. He felt ill.

As the delegate got up (all the while keeping a very close eye on all the creatures.) and went to an empty chair. He sat down and tried to figure out just what was happening. All he saw was the other delegates, the newly arrived Warhound and his attendant, and the lizard thing. The room was quite after the Warhound spoke.

O'Connor held the Panteran's in high esteem, he was glad such a farmiliar old face as Caval was there again. O'Connor realizing he was still standing infront of the ocnfrence table beside the ambassador, walked back twards his seat next to President Bell, his security aide followed in his wake. As he neard his seat, he spoke towards the Wahound.
"My old friend Caval, it brings joy to my warrior heart to see you here infront of me once again. It has been too long, I am sorry it is not under better circumstances that we see eachother again. I do have good personal news however, if I am correct...O'Connor looked back towards his agent behind him who nodded in confirmationas Zachary here has informed me, another friend of yours Caval, and almost Brethren, Emporer Arys Oakenheart of ThirdEye should be arriving shortly, I am sure he will be just as glad to see you as I am, and even more so.
But as It seems, the spotlight has been taken from the ambassador here, I am sorry friend. But as it has been asked many times by now, what is your plan for these events? If we are to fake our deaths, what next? What is your proposed plan of action sir?"

The Intelligence Liason had become noticably flustered at the sight of the bomb, and had yet to recover, but Duo was unfazed, and leaned heavily on the table with a unnerving stare.

"I know that, despite what the rest of the APTO decides, Cyberutopia shall resist Crimmond to the fullest. We will do everything we can for our own safety, and the safety of our allies, if they are unwilling to provide it for their own country." He began. "Thank you, Ambassador, for not killing anyone today. You may have taken the biggest step of us all in resolving this. Now, as O'Connor has said, we must speak of strategy. Ambassador." He looked to the Brute. "I will ask you directly. What else, if anything, do you know? If we were to pretend we had all died, and let only those who needed to know in on it, how much of an advantage would we gain? Specifically, how good is this Black Staff's intelligence? We'll need all the time we can get to plan our next move."

OOC: :shock: I leave for one friggen day... Aw, geeze. I'm too tired to read all this now. I'll respond inm the morning.

OOC: :shock: I leave for one friggen day... Aw, geeze. I'm too tired to read all this now. I'll respond inm the morning.

sadly, it all happend last night, so I'm reading as much as you are. :lol:

IC: Up above in orbit, the Olympia received the info. Plan Omega was to be put into place until further notice. Commander Vega forwarded the info to the High Council on Cirrus, where the plan would take place.

Orion remaind quiet as the others spoke. He felt he had said enough for the moment.

During this, the Brute stayed silent. "The Black Staff is among the most dangerous organisations on this planet. They use any means to get their goal, assasianation, murder, bribery, blackmail, poison gas... even the military is subjegated to them. To understand the Black Staff is to understand it's roots.

"The name Black Staff come from many years ago, when Crimmond was still a member of the GDODAD. Our leader, the High Commander of the Military Might, proposed a series of shadow governments to be inserted into enemy alliances to feed information and to distract from the GDODAD. The plan was accepted and about to be put into full force. Then the alliance started to crumble. Our intelliegnce service snatched up the name and began to continue the work in miniature. Their influence has been focused on Crimmond though, not allies to any extent except for embassy infiltration."

Now he looked down and considered. "I do not wish to be a hero as you say sir. I have and still am commiting treason against my nation. To be revered as a traitor is... unsavory.

"I propose that now that we are all 'dead', that we see what Delta will do next. He is massing for a war, but if you all want him dead... he cannot possibly lead for much longer. He knows this."

"I'd like to point out that 'killing' us may not have done a whole load of good. For example, I'm just a representative," Grimmsdottir noted. "And are you expecting Agent Black to not think somethign is up? You send an assassin to kill us, he succedes, yet none of the nations attack? I'm sorry, but you can't expect me to believe that he is that stupid yet still managed to take over a government."

She looked at Bell. "Although, I woulnd't be suprised if your nation sat back and let this go. After all, you did let an armed man enter the room. If we should point the fingers at anyone for endangering our lives, it should be you. Of course, I wouldn't expect any less from a UN lackey," she said, those last words seeming to be aimed to spit corrosive acid at Bell.

The ambassador growled. "With all... do... respect miss... shut your mouth before I rip out your vocal chords and feed them to you. You obviously have little intelligence in that small ape head of yours. I WANT your governments to mass against my Empire! That is the whole damn point!"

He sighs. "Do I have to spell it out? Have your goverments maass for war, start shouting and screaming and starting the cries against Delta! Yes he has a backup, but this is playing into his hand. That is exactly what we need to do. Because if the rat knows that the cheese is bait for the trap, he can avoid tripping it..."

OOC: More indepth IC post in a second...but you do know that Grimsdottir is a chick...right?

OOC: Nope. Did not see that.

"With all due respect, no. There is no point for us to mass a an army to throw at your leader beacause your own people are far to incompitent to handle the situation on their own. Imitora will not act as a rescue force for the weak and endangered. We let the ultra liberal UN take that job. If this Agent Black is so set on taking over the APTO, then let him try."

She leaned back in her chair and took a sip of her coffee. "And threats will get you nowhere. Now, talk stratagy all you want, but I will not advise First Speaker Waitkus to send troops to Crimond because your people are to weak to act on their own." Anna paused.

"Or is it something else? Maybe we are seeing this all wrong. Why do we jump to assume that Black wants us dead and that this Brute here is really on our side. For all we know, he could want to take over, and is simply trying to convince us to kill Black for him, so that it seems he was inocent and removed."

As soon as that sentance was finished, the Vostovik representative, Jonathan Valkrings barges in, "So what is going on here?"

Noticing the large pen, Valkrings says, "So by killing us, you hope to achive what? More death, more destruction?. What can that possible do to alivate an already tense situation"

As Valkrings sits down in an empty seat he says, "Go ahead kill us, for I know that your threat will probably fall upon deaf ears."

"You want war? You are going to have to do better than threatening suicide"

"I will do what is nessessary to preseve peace, but irrational arguing will get us nowhere. I think it is time some members here look at the big picture and see what we are doing and with whom we are doing it with."

"Big words from a small mouth" mumbled Orion to himself. He turned to the Brute.
"Anna's words are true. I am not about to send AO's entire millitary force into a situation on Earth that's not even related to us. Personnaly, I do not fear your threats of assasination or war. Why? Because unless Crimmond has a nifty FTL travle, the only way to reach The AO Cluster is through a single jump jode, leading from the Sol system to the other side of the Galaxy. And that jump node is more hevally guarded than you can possibly comprehend."

The Ambassador is obviously extremely angry at this point. "I'm not telling you to invade, you dimwitted mammels! I am saying make it look like you will! Mobilize your troops, yell and scream vengence at Delta." He sighs. "The people are human for the most part and have been trained to be loyal to the government unless it takes away thei freedom. Something the Black Staff hasn't done. My race was subgegated by their superior technology. We are not Imperial's by birth. We do not agree with the government, but we are but a fraction of the population."

He looks at Orion. "You would be collateral damage. Crimmond is only interested in Earth."

"So you want us to mobilze troops, pull Marines from combat zones already in place, bring combat ships out of Groombridge, and more, just to scare your Agent Black? And I assume that the Crimond government will be the ones paying the billions of Allied Credits that could cost?"

Anna paused, then after a brief moment of thought, continued. "Listen to me you ignorant lizard, just becuase your people are so weak minded to the point where they need other nations to tell them what to do and motivate them doens't mean that we should waste our money on you. Tell me one good reason why we should do this, and I'll consider it."

"well then, I see no reason why I am here. If Crimmond isn't interested in AO, then I will be on my way. I have better things to do with my time then to be threatened by puny Earth terrorists."
Orion gathered his things and began to walk out of the room with his assistants

OOC: Slightly segmented reply here.....

IC: "People!" Bell smacked his palm on the table and winced. He turned to the Imitoran Delegate. "Yes, I do realise the danger we're all in, but need I remind you, I had my reservations about coming. I could've sent my Vice President or a lower ranked member of my government, but I still came, knowing full well I could be dead. I also remember just how well the people of Imitora have participated and been a stumbling block every time APTO meets for a conference! While we do appreciate the input, I do not appreciate you making snipes at anyone else in that fashion!"

Bell leaned forward. "I've made a decision, which shall become APTO standard policy in due course. First, each and every nation within APTO shall have the right of self governance, even if it chooses an Imperialist, an Emperor, a Democracy/Republic or any other form of government.

"Second, there will be news reports of a fire occuring within this building, as a result of a botched detonation of a bomb. Should any leaders choose to be 'dead', that is your choice, it's voluntary. In either event, a few senior ministers from my government will be gravely injured, as part of a foiled assassination attempt. That leaves you, sir," Bell looked at the Brute "to do whatever you like, if you choose to try and live out your life.

"Third, my Vice President will appear in public, denouncing this Agent Delta sponsored act of terrorism against all our governments, including against his own. Immediate suspension of APTO trade and diplomatic and various other benefits afforded to an APTO nation.

"This is the official response of Adejaani as well as of APTO. Depending on what Agent Delta does..... We shall up our military status depending on what happens next."

Glancing over his shoulder at his massive Reaver attendant, Caval nods slightly and makes a curt motion with his hand. The warrior offers an inclination of his head and raises his hand to speak softly into the cuff of his leather overcoat. After a moment he straightens and resumes his observation of the proceedings.

The Hound turns and glances around the table, idly running a gloved thumb down a raised scar that follows the curve of his jawline. His eyes carefully touch upon every member of the delegation, possibly judging reactions, but assuredly letting all know that he was aware of thier presence, and possibly disgusted by the fact.

He seems, however content to hold his silence, and allow the meeting to continue to degenerate.

The delegate from Skager, whos name was Phil incidentally, sat uncomfortably in his chair. The Prime Minister had told him to be perfessional, but how could you be professional in this kind of environment? There hadn't been much time for breifing before this, so Phil was completly in the dark for the most part.

He saw the Warhound motion to his assistant. That dude was creepy. Always silent, but watching. It sent shivers up Phil's spine and back down again.

There was no way he would be able to fully catch up. He would just give the Dominion's opinion and otherwise stay shut up. But this was no good. He was nervious. His uniform was uncomfortable and his balls itched like mad. He spotted a huge pen on the table and reached for it. He had a nervious habit of clicking pens when he was stressed............

The ambassador sees the man reach for the pen and hisses at him. "I'd leave that for the bomb squad..." He turns his head and looks at the Imitoran. His eyes showed that he was sorely tempted to carry out his threat about her vocal chords.

Again a twist of the head to look at Bell. "I am already dead." he says.

Bell shrugged. "Say we mobilise our forces against Agent Delta..... What do you think he will do? Does he have the support of the military? Or could you become like a warlord that the troops will rally around against Delta?"

Duo looked at the ambassador from Vostovik like he was the stupidest person alive before looking at Anna.

"If we're going to treat this threat like the threat it is, we're not going to be able to do it for free. We of the APTO are among the most powerful on Earth. Are you saying you cannot spare some money to go towards securing the rest of the alliance's fate? I side with Mr. Bell and our Crimian friend here. While the rest of you have squandered away the little time we have, they have come up with a working plan. I will leave the rest of you," he motions to the bickering delegates before him, "to your devices. Now, Ambassador." He finally turns to the Brute. "You still have not told us how much time such a thing will give us to stop this Delta fellow."

Bell leaned forward. "I've made a decision, which shall become APTO standard policy in due course. First, each and every nation within APTO shall have the right of self governance, even if it chooses an Imperialist, an Emperor, a Democracy/Republic or any other form of government.

AND

"This is the official response of Adejaani as well as of APTO. Depending on what Agent Delta does..... We shall up our military status depending on what happens next."

"You overstep your bounds Bell. You are mearly a UN representative, not the leader of the alliance. Who are you to dictate to us political policy. Imitora may be a stumbling block, but maybe you all should realise why. While all of you are to busy shoving your noses up each other's asses, pardon my language, the Imitoran delegates to the confrences offer the only insight to the real world."

"I fear that you all live in a fantasy land, where everyone loves everyone, and things are perfect. Well, let me tell you they aren't. In the real world, people hate each other, and violence eixsts without cause, and nothing is perfect. I've gone over the transcripts of the confrences, and found that, in many casses, 46.7% of what every delegate said was BSBT. Bull shit bitch talk, basically bowing down to other memebers, blabering on about respect you this, and honor you that. Few, if any, solutions are offered without some sort of suck up comment."

She took a sip of water that she had delivered to her, and continued. "Now, back on the topic. Either Agent Black is full of BS, or stupid as a brick. You," she pointed to the Brute, "infered that he would do whatever it took to stay in power. So let him. Let him try to stay in power. Let him try to invade us. Hell, I'm not the First Speaker," although she was in line for possible election, "but I dare him to try and take Imitora. I openly challenge him to attack us."

"You talk about the strength of the APTO, well, I find that strength lacking. All we do here is talk talk talk. Sure, you mention plans for action, but I have yet to see one plan actually carried out. Well, one plan that actually benifits us."

She took another sip of water. "However, I digress. You want to talk tactics, fine, lets talk tactics. Again, I say the only feasible option is total ortillirization of the nation. So be it if there are massive civilian cassualties. After all, one death is a tragedy, a million is a statistic. O'Connor, you say you wnat to land your Marines? Well, I'd hate to have you as my military advisor, becasue you've obviously never expierienced the enviroment of any nations that lay in the area held by Crimmond. Your troops will be massacred, there is no doubt about it."

"The terrain in the area offers no easy solution for a ground war. Mountains, tundra, planes, forests, woodlands, and quite a bit of it. Based on political maps of the area, the chances of a succesful military landing of any force of decent size are minimal." She sat back in her chair, and took a drink from her glass of water.

((Hey, what happened to our titles? Looks like someone hacked NS.))

Duo merely raised an eyebrow at the Imitoran delegate, but he said nothing for a long time, instead leaning back in his chair and nodding silently to himself.

"Though I take offense to the accusation I live in a 'fantasy land,' you do have some points. I'm glad I usually skip these meetings now. There can be things done to remedy such bullshit, but this isn't the time. Now, do you actually have a suggestion? Or are you just going to crumple up every idea and throw it out the window?"

OOC: Umm...if you read it, the idea she has in it

"If you ortilerize the Empire... you will be met with worse. Delta or someone else will order what we call an MC. Magic China."

Bell bit his lip, not sure whether or not to ignore the Imitoran. He instead pierced her with a glare. "If you want the leadership, go right ahead. I said 'APTO response', as in the alliance on a whole. APTO is not a dictatorship. As long as you stay within the bounds of our charter, you're free to do whatever else. You're free to not carry on the resolution or the same stance. You talk about what you term 'BSBT'. Well yes, I do appreciate your input, but my predecessor before me as well as all our dealings with Imitora, you've done nothing but be a muck and criticise us. If you want to take actions independent, then fine. But you are a member nation, no more, no less and your word does not count more than the others' do."

Caval eyed the Imitoran delegate thoughtfully. A fiery wench to be sure, but he'd learned that most of them were equipped with a giant mouth and an ego to match, but little sense to compliment the two.

Bell he did not know, but what Caval had seen so far had shown that the man had little spine and so was all but useless.

The rest of the delegates were all but inconsequential, aside from this 'Brute'. For some reason the beasts words smacked of treachery, but for the moment the Hound had found no reason for his mistrust.

Cyberutopia and Skager were minor players in AP politics, and as such would get no support from the other delegates.

Clicking his tongue in agitation, the Hound produces a slim cigar from inside his coat, along with a match. He tucks the cigar into the corner of his mouth and strikes the matchead with a thumbnail before touching the flame to the cigar tip and drawing smoothly on it. Soon he is wreathed in an aromatic cloud. A few nearby delegates scowl or mutter disapprovingly but the Hound only sneers and blows a few lazy smoke rings in their direction.

Still, he remains silent, seemingly content to smoke and listen to the bitching.

OOC: Going out of town. Be back tomorrow.

Seeing the obvious agitation in the room, Vakrings speaks up, "Is Crimmond really worth it?"

"Wwe have a nation here that every one is reluctant to do something about, why cant we just either leave it alone, or if it pisses you off that much, my stockpiles of atomics can easily turn it to dust."

Caval snorts in disgust and raises his voice, the words directed at this Vakrings are tainted with contempt,"Shut your mouth, boy. We can all compare cocks, or weapon stocks at another time. You spouting threats does nothing but make you and your nation look like assholes and further detract from an already detriorating council. With the authority of the Lord Reaver at my back I will remind you EXACTLY where you stand in the theatre of Allied politics. Another foolish outburst, threatening or otherwise, and my Sword here," He jerks a thumb at the silently hulking Reaver behind him,"will be forced to remove you from these proceedings....

"As it stands, I am at the end of my patience with this council. I know that had my own Lord Reaver come, a great many of you would already be chastened, and Crimmond would be on the verge of destruction. However, I am far more patient than Lord Bastien and will allow this farce of a meeting to continue."

His icy blue eyes go hard, harder if that is possible, as he finishes,"But I will urge you all to conduct yourselves in a manner fitting your station. You are here representing your nations, not yourselves. I urge you all to consider that the next time you have the urge to begin spouting threats."

Rumbling low in his chest, he resumes his seat and baks,"Well? Continue, if any of you have anything of sense to say." The withering glare the Hound sends toward the Vostovik delegate shows that he doubts the man had anything useful to offer, and as such would do well to keep his mouth shut.

The Cyberutopian leader motioned to his liason and they both stood.

"Seeing as how I do not have anything more to add, and none of you seem to have anything to add either, except to boast of your abilities to kill billions," he glared at Vakrings in disgust, "or chastise the rest of us," he glanced to Caval in a less menacing way, "we will be leaving now. Cyberutopia will follow her own course of action either against or ignorant of Crimmond, and will assist her allies if they are confronted with dire circumstances. I do not believe -- from what I have seen -- that any of you represent your nations, and I will not expect anything that transpires here to achieve any actual goal. Therefore, don't bother telling anything to your governments of Cyberutopia's part in this, as I will skip right over you and contact those who know what the hell they are doing. Lastly, if you are going to go so far to deride my personal figure for my abandonment of this meeting, go ahead and assume I care in the slightest. Good day to you all."

Duo and his aide left the room, and were soon on their way to Cyberutopia to actually accomplish something.

-- :evil: --

The delegate from Skager nearly pissed himself when the lizard had hissed at him. He quickly withdrew his hand and sat back. This wasn't his day.

The Brute slammed his fist down. "You are all fools. Perhaps it would be better to set off the explosives in that pen and end your detrimental influence on your nations.

"I am a warrior though. I will not die in suicide. It is... dishonorable. More so than the treason I have commited today. I tell you that Delta is expendable to the Black Staff. But he is the most dangerous of them all."

He pauses. "If you mass troops in your nation, declare that you will get revenge for this attack, blame no one but Agent Delta... then perhaps the Black Staff will find other uses for him. Far from politics. Far from where he could attempt something like this again."

"And can we look to Crimmond to pay restitution for the cost of mobilizing troops and raising a big noise," Anna replied, looking at the Brute.

"Obviously the Imitoran delegate knows close to nothing. On a Personal note, I have achieved many great tactical victories on the fiels of battle, and in the field of politics, you maddam seem to have done neither. Furhermore, if Imitora is so bent on being nothing but a brick wall in the way of progress, I suggest you just leave. Because, at this current moment, you have done nothing constructive towards this meeting.
In response to your comment, it Imitora doesnt wish to do something about the fact that one of thier ambassador's was planned on being killed by the government of thier ally, that is the business of Imitora, if Imitora isnt willing to cover the costs of thier own mobilization, then dont mobilize, I will not force you to do anything, besides leave this meeting if you are going to do nothing but be an impediment."

"Know nothign about what?" Anna asked, almost insulted. "I promise you that you place to much faith in your Marines. I'd be willing to place a bet that a single platoon of our reserves would destroy your best." She took a sip of water, then contiued. "You fail to see what I am getting at. Why should we mobilize, then not act, waste millions, or even billions, of dollars to gather up our soldiers to stand around? It is a waste that no nation, not even your pathetic excuse of a country, can or should be willing to pay."

"So, I ask again, will Crimmond be willing to pay for teh cost of the mobilization of our forces?"

The Ambassador leans across the table, quite a sight for the large creature, getting only a few inches from the Imitoran delegates face. "You are really pissing me off. Do you know what heppens when my species gets mad? We tend to dismember and devour the target of our rage." He hisses in the woman's face. "Humans taste rather good, with a little cocktail sauce."

Anna was fairly unimpressed by the sight, and simply responded in kind. "Your ignorance is annoying me. I dont care if I piss you off. All I've seen of you so far is a whiny bitch who is to afraid to do anythign on his own and is begging for everyone else to help him, like every other person in this room. Why don't you go back to Delta and just kill him yourself, or are you to afraid to do thath as well? All big and bad to get in my face, but cant handle problems on your own?"

The ambassador breaches just about every protocal in the book now. He grabs the woman's throat and squuezes enough that her airway constricts enough to make her wheeze. "Delta is gaurded by at least six agents, twelve marines and one Stalker. To get within ten feet of him is to have the Stalker, a soldier in active camo armor, with his assault rifle inches from your head. My brother was one under Lord Tian's rule, before retiring."

He talks slowly, ignoring everyone else. "I would do something about it, but you know what? I am not a national leader! I do not have the power to intimidate the Black Staff. Your leader, whom I hope is less annoying than you, does. Crimmond will not pay for your military buildup. If you won't participate, then don't. But please, shut the hell up before I crush your trachea. And I promise you... next time I will." He releases and stands up again. "Any other bitching to do? Or shall we get this plan started?"

The Hound growls a curse and comes to his feet, his attendant also comes to attention, his placid expression changing to one of menace intantly as he sees his Lord's anger come aflame.

Caval glances at the Imitoran and noting her safety, focuses his gaze on the beast,"Lizard, I would have a care. You are an interloper here, do not forget that. It is you who asks a favor of us, no? We hear your bleating and begging, yet you offer no compensation for the troubles of our nations. You request the mobilization of our forces, claiming to be for us, yet I wonder at your true motives."

Making a swift, negative gesture with his leather clad hand, the Hound sneers,"I will agree with Grimsdottir when I say no, Pantera will not mobilize on a whim. We will, however come to homeland readiness. Should my Lord Reaver be offered something in return for his aid, discussion will proceed. However, know that his attention will not come easily. A sizeable chunk of Crimmond itself... Or possibly one of their recently acquired territories.'

"I, however, am but a messenger, and only speculate. Bastien may spit on you and leve you to suffer the consequences of allowing a madman to take control. You sailed up the River of Shit, allowed this Agent Asshole to sink your boat, and now you expect us to throw a rope?" The Hound chuckles gruffly at his own wit,"No, Lizard, you learn to swim, or you bloody well sink."

The old Reaver eyes the beast, allowing the remainder of the gathered delegates to be scowled at by his ever watchful Reaver attendant.

((Oh wow, Pantera, that was good. Can I use that? :) ))

O'Connor was very pleased in the fact that the Imitoran ambassador was so close to death by the giant lizard, like a dream come true. He quit day dreaming and commented yet again...
"Lord Caval, I understand your points, but ask you, what would your nation do if this bomb really did go off? All of you must ask yourselves that, what would your nations actually do? And take that, and do it, that is the only way we can hope to achieve anything together. Yes I say together, we are in an alliance organization are we not? We are joined together to help defend eachother, and cooperate, those who cannot do that, I suggest leave this alliance. Imitora should be at the top of that list."

Grimsdottir, still not visably shaken, rubbed her throat softly. She contemplated the small Umbrella made submachine gun in her laptop case, the weapon actually disguised as a lap top. It would take less than a second for the ambasador, who also happened to be an active member of the ICIA, to remove the weapon, and open fire, ripping the Crimond delegate to shreads in a hail of 5.7mm JHP rounds.

However, she was better on all levels than he was, and wouldn't sink to the levels of the ignorant and uneducated. She simply stood, and looked at the lizard in the eyes. "Caval is right. You have screwed yourself in this situation, and now you are begging for help. You have no right what so ever to demand we do anything. You have the right to ask, and we have the right to ask what we get in return. By recent calculations, a mobilization of the scale you wish us to undertake would cost the Imitoran Military over 3.67 Billion Allied Credits, which is no minor sum. So, I ask, in all honesty, will the Crimodian government, or whoever the hell is in control at the moment when this situation is over, be willing to recompensate the cost in monetary," or taking Caval's example, "or territorial means?"

O'Connor was very pleased in the fact that the Imitoran ambassador was so close to death by the giant lizard, like a dream come true. He quit day dreaming and commented yet again...
"Lord Caval, I understand your points, but ask you, what would your nation do if this bomb really did go off? All of you must ask yourselves that, what would your nations actually do? And take that, and do it, that is the only way we can hope to achieve anything together. Yes I say together, we are in an alliance organization are we not? We are joined together to help defend eachother, and cooperate, those who cannot do that, I suggest leave this alliance. Imitora should be at the top of that list."

Caval grunts softly and shakes his head, growling,"Quiet, O'connor. She makes a fine point, and as much as we tend to disagree, Pantera counts Imitora as a staunch ally, and one that speaks more sense than most here.'

"What if the bomb had gone off? My Lord Reaver would surely take a large chunk out of Crimmond before vengeance was satisfied, but as yet all we've seen is this beasts whining.' He jerks a thumb at the Brute before continuing,"Instead of pleading for our help, I believe his time would be better spent rallying what loyal troops he may. If a sizeable loyalist rebellion were to take place within Crimmond, and certain assurances were made regarding Panteran," he inclines his head toward Grimsdottir."And Imitoran presence in certain choice territories currently held by Crimmond, I'm sure my Lord would take some action against this Agent Delta. But barring that, there will be no mobilization."

His words carry a note of finality, and the room remains quiet for a long moment after he resumes his seat.

Grimsdottir simply nodded in agreement with Caval. She sipped her water, and watched teh other delegates with great intrest. The entire meeting, of course, was being recorded and sent via live feed to the ICIA headquarters in North Beach, and an interceptor feed also had tapped in, so the same sceene was being played out for anylysts in the INSA.

She showed no fear or willingness to back down what so ever, although deep inside, she was scared out of her wits. Although an active member of the ICIA, Grimsdottir was on her first actual field assignemnet in a high threat enviroment. However, she remained clam, and relied on her days spent studying military and economic politics of Imitora.

She had sat back in her seat after confronting the Crimond delagate, and decided to hold her tounge on the O'Connor issue. Loyalty and devotion to the alliance was one thing, but blind loyalty and devotion was a totally different mater.

Bell sighed, having listened and then read the transcript twice. Although he spent almost twenty years in the old Adejaani Republic Army Reserves, it was as a lawyer. He'd only done his service in the Reserves to supplement his income, plus get additional healthcare and tax benefits. He didn't know the first thing about military issues and he never claimed to.

"Okay. I'm not sure what's going on and since nobody cares about me trying to speak on behalf of their country..... Adejaani will foot the cost of mobilisation of any APTO nation's military, but only for the purpose of 'sending a message' to Agent Delta. Adejaani will only participate in the normal military fighting, that is, the Adejaani military up against the Crimmond military. We won't use special forces to attempt to take out Agent Delta covertly. Anything else?"

"The Commonwealth shall foot thier own bill for thier own reaction to Delta's actions, and I shall be one of the 'killed' "

OOC: Sorry this was delayed, I wanted it to be good... and the fourms ate it. And I re-wrote it even better and it ate it again. Then I wrote a really sucky one and decided the fourms didn't deserve the punishment of eating it and I then wrote this one. It turned out it's a whole lot better than the first version.

IC: The Brute looked around. "You mammals are missing a very obvious point here. You do realize I was sent here for the sole purpose of killing off APTO leadership, yes? I am not part of any underground movement in the Empire. The last time one formed to the point it was a threat, it got smashed from orbit, taking six city blocks with it.In the Empire, whoever is in that palace is your leader and if you don't like it, too damn bad." He pauses a second. "But that is not how my species thinks. We are not Imperial. We are anarchist."

He looks around and sighs, placing both taloned hands on the table and leaning on them. "I am asking you to do what we cannot. Remove a dangerous man from power. The last time his type was in power, we became one of the most infamous GDODAD 'hitmen'. Out of almost twenty wars, we lost three. And that does not count our WMNK rampages on small nations acting a bit too big. Back then we were five hundred million and could wipe out cities with ease and nations if we tried." He goes silent. "Now we can wipe out cities in one attack, nations in a matter of a week and I'd bet the Empire could wipe out a continent, given half a chance. Not with armies. Not with airforces. Not with orbital navies. With weapons that even Adolf Hitler wouldn't consider using." The large Brute just stands there, letting that sink in for a moment or so.

He stands up to his full height again, closing his eyes. "Delta has limited power now, as those weapons are banned and the reaserch only availible to the Science Council. If given enough time, he will have the power to star another world war. One which will end in the death of tens of billions." He sighs and steps back. "If you do as I ask, the Black Staff may see that he is too much of a target and move him out of office and place a more low key leader, one who is almost guarenteed to be less dangerous, into power. But if you do not wish to stop him now, when he is still settling in, you may inadvertantly sign the death warrents of those billions. You may not pull any triggers or release any toxins, but apathy is deadly as times."

"Forgive me for sounding confused, sir. But you want us to mobilise our militaries, in the hope that Agent Delta will see this action and give up, whilst reminding us, that a full scale invasion of Crimmond is suicide. Let me ask you this:

"Do you want us to take whatever actions necessary, from covert strike to full military invasion, to remove Agent Delta from power? If not, then present to us, in the simplest terms possible, just what it is you want from us!"

The Brute smirks. An almost demonic visage. "You are still missing a peice of my point. You won't have to have one soldier set foot in Crimmond to remove him from power."

"So by ruffling our feathers, Agent Delta will give up? Almost too easy isnt it?"

The Brute throws his hands up. "You don't get it! None of you do! Delta is an AGENT. His identy is nothing but a codename and a file. Nothing more. He does not strive for personel power or glory. No Agent does! They work first for the power of the Black Staff and secondly of the Empire. No agent is even more than a number to the Black Staff. If your usefullness is up or if you pose a threat by being a target... you get reassigned."

"Alright then, what will happen if this plan, for some reason, goes as you say it will? Who will take power when Delta leaves power?"

The Brute shrugs. "Who knows. The Black Staff has thousands of agents. They are all tools of a dangerous ogrganization. I want you to persuede them that using their most dangerous tool is a bad idea. That a less dangerous one could get the same job done without the response Delta will recieve. I am not asking you to remove the Black Staff from power. I am asking you to show them that Delta is a threat to their operations."

"Why? Whats to keep the next person in line from turning into another Agent Delta? Do you propose that we continue to flex our musscles until everyone in the Black Staff is gone? Do we continue to make a noise and shout everytime someone you dont like gets in power?"

"As of yet, besides this attempt on our lives here, you have yet to show any significant proof that Delta poses a supreme threat. You have not yet shown me any reason whatsoever to report back to the First Speaker that we should do what you say."

The large reptilian chuckles. "My my... I thought I was getting through to you. I may have reached the others, but you, miss, are amazingly stubborn, literal minded or just dumb. And I doubt it is the third. As I said, each agent is merely a tool of the greater group. It is the closest to Communism the Empire will ever come. Now... Delta has, in the past, proved to be the most ruthless and devious of those tools. He told me that I was part of his great plan for Imperial conquest." He pauses. "Interesting choice of words. His. Not ours."

The Brute smiles, a demonic visage if there ever was one. "The Black Staff is dangerous. Just as dangerous as Automagfreek, Arda, Pantera, Menelmacar.... anything can be dangerous. Even if that pen were not packed with explosives it could still be deadly in the wrong hands. Which reminds me..." He turns to Bell. "What the hell is wrong with your security today? Surely we are being monitored, so why is that device still here?"

Without waiting for an answer, he continues. "I don't expect anything more from any of you after this plan is completed, except that you run your nations, or advise your leaders, to the best of your abilities.

"Why? A very good question, miss. Why should you believe a creature that was sent to kill you all and then turns traitor. Because I am Brute. A Brute will not die in a suicide attack. A Brute will not accept a leader he does not like. A Brute will never do anything dishonorable unless it leads to an honorable deed that can wash away the dishonor. I have commited two dishonors. By accepting the assaignment and by not completing it. But if it leads to billions of lives being spared for some other madman to end some other day, I shall bear them."

He looks down. "You want proof. Proof that a shadow organization that has managed to infiltrate every part of the government, killed at least a dozen Ministers, the leader of a nation, placed in power a man who has personally wiped out terrorist organizations with weapons that would most likely be retaliated against with nuclear strikes if ever used in a war, a man who authorized Ortillery stikes on Imperial cities during our recent civil war, a man who arrived at a Baggeran WMD plant and after he left, the entire facility was stripped bare... you want me to show you proof that he is a supreme threat? Well, in that case..."

"What about afterwards? What happens after Delta leaves. We know the threat, but there are many what ifs that can come from this, some that may be worse than our present situation. Will we just have to burn that bridge when we come to it or do you ahve a plan or inkling about what will probably happen afterwards?"

Phil straightened up and turned to address the delegate from Crimmond. Phil was a bit slow, and it had taken time to sink into his mind and for him to formulate a good speech. "So, you want us to mobilise in an attempt to remove a leader? As much as that sounds good, the Dominion of Skager does not take part in the internal affairs of other nations. We recognise your want, but are very sorry. We cannot go through with what you ask."

Phil was feeling brave now. There was an idea in his mind to walk out to make his point. But that wasn't going to acomplish anything. He made one final statement before going silent again: "The Dominion of Skager will follow the guidence of the rest of the APTO to the best of our abilities."

"Alright. What if, sir, that Agent Delta doesn't 'step down'? Or if he does step down, what if his replacement, as the apparent 'legitimate' leader of Crimmond is one sponsored by the Black Staff? Then we'd still be in trouble and we'd be taking away one madman and replacing him with a bigger one, whose actual intentions are to wage war!"

"Alright. What if, sir, that Agent Delta doesn't 'step down'? Or if he does step down, what if his replacement, as the apparent 'legitimate' leader of Crimmond is one sponsored by the Black Staff? Then we'd still be in trouble and we'd be taking away one madman and replacing him with a bigger one, whose actual intentions are to wage war!"OOC: Tell me something... are you trying to irritate the Brute, or did you really miss my point?

IC: The brute looks at Bell like he's grown another head. "Have you even been listening to me?! Delta is the most dangerous agent! There is no one that is a bigger madman than he is! He helped found the organization! And if you read the minutes, you will clearly see that I never said that with Delta gone, the Black Staff is gone. I, in fact, said the opposite. Delta is a tool. He does what is best for the Black Staff. I know that the Black Staff will simply place anpther agent in power, but it will not be Delta! It will not be their head man! It will be a less experienced, less dangerous, less crazed agent."

He looked at all of them. "Don't you get it?! Do any of you even understand my point? Mass against Delta, the Black Staff will replace him! I have seen it happen before with the Minister's of Intelligence several times. You make too many enemies and you vanish into the depths of the Black Staff. Most likely not to reemerge for many, many years."

OOC: Funny side note... I'm glad I proofread. With 'b' and 'n' right by each other, the word 'bigger' almost got egg on my face. :shock:

OOC: Good thing you caught that N & B thingy :P

IC:

"So Delta is the biggest threat, and you know this. I have one more thing. You are obviously emersed in the Black Staff thing, what are you predictions for after Delta "steps" down?"

OOC: Well Bell, unlike good old Harrington, was a lawyer. He actually prefers to be called Judge, a role which he fulfilled for like fifty of the ninety years of his life. :wink: He's trying to be thorough, he's basically playing this 'game' the only way he knows, as Devil's Advocate and from literally every possibility. :wink:

IC: "I understand that, sir, but how can you be really sure Agent Delta is their leader? For all you know, it could just be propaganda. A decoy, if you will. Nevertheless, several of our militaries are mobilising as we speak, so I think further discussion at this point is pointless, we can only wait to see what Agent Delta does."

A look between both is given. "The Black Staff is widely known about in the government, of which I have served for the better part of my life. They are our intelligence service. The leadership is officially The Black Council, of which Delta is a member, followed by the Head of Intelligence and after that, it gets fuzzier. They don't mind non-agents knowing their command structure. Just not who occupies the positions." He sighs. "And please, get your terminology right. He isn't going to step down. You do your job untill you are reassaigned in the organization. He will be replaced.

"I do not know what will happen when Delta is removed beyond that he will be replaced by an agent that doesn't attract so much attention. I only know a few agents personally, one is Agent 283, the agent who actually shot Lord Tian and Head of Intelligence, the other is a Brute named Goor. He's a Bounty Killer though. The others I know are both dead."

"But this gives us an infinite amount of what-if senarios. I would think that a nation wouldnt force Delta to be reassigned and then not know of what happens next, it could be very good, but it could be very bad."

"Excuse me sir, but maybe I can explain your idea in a different way so more of us may understand. The Brute here is saying that if we show our nations are ready to laucnh attacks on Crimmond, the Black Staff will take Delta out of power, because he is very dangerous and agressive. They will then put in an agent who wont do what Delta does, because those types of actions will get them killed. In simple terms, did I miss anything sir?"

The Brute looks at Liberty Fighters represenitive, after ignoring the Vostovik one. "No. You did not. At least one of you understands me."

"Ok, i get it"

Looking at the Brute

"So by your plan, we will lessen the threat of the current govt and not have to attack at all. And after this we can do what we want with the black staff, but you probably wont care becaue you will most likly be dead."

Grimsdottir represed a sigh. "I have understood that to be the point this entire time. But again, you have failed to answer any real important questions. What happens if the man who follows Delta is the same? Do we do this all over again? What if he or she is twice as agressive as Delta, and finds a loyal subject, and does kill the leaders? What if? I will adivse First Speaker Waitkus to attack until we can be assured of a good outcome."

The Brute slams his fist down. "You have not seen my point you brainless overspined chimp! No one but the military is more aggressive than Delta. And the Black Staff and the military are not on good terms. They cooperate with and tolerate each other to further their own goals. The military is on a massive buildup. New ships, new armor, new mechs, twice as many anti-aircraft weapons in every city, and the Star Dock in orbit over the Empire. If you invade Crimmond, Delta will authorize everything short of MAD. I know his type. And you know what? The military will be overjoyed to gorge their thirst for blood on your nation. They will not stop at your military or government. Any military that would kill it's own citizens with little guilt will kill yours without blinking an eye."

He turns to the one he ignored before. "I told you that I don't care what you do once this operation is over, success or failure. I will say this... The Black Staff is not a thing to take lightly. If you underestimate it, you will find yourself in a very bad situation. The best advice is to think of the worst they can do with a situation. Then you will be prepared for whatever they do."

"Sir, you must calm down. We've already mobilised our militaries. Agent Delta, if things go to plan, will be out of power and you won't have to deal with us any longer. How long before we can expect news?"

"Once again, the Imitoran government openly invites someone to try to invade us. The key word being try," Grimsdottir replied, puting an emphasis on try. "You fail to see what I'm getting at. Of course, You do probably have the brain the size of a peanut, but I won't hold that against you."

"So we remove Delta from power, which is all well and good. And then someone else from teh black staff gains power. And he goes on a power binge. He flips, somethign clicks, whatever. Now we got Delta Junior. We spend another billion dollars, remove him from power. Then the third person gets in. And the same thing happens to him. And another buildup, more threats, blah blah blah, and so goes the never ending cycle. And that is the question I want you to answer, if you are mentally capable of answering it. What is to assure us that we wont need to do this time after time after time? You've openly admited that Delta would use all sorts of lovely ways to destroy us," which would fail she didn't add, "so what keeps him from using them now. If you ask me, either you, or Delta, is not as smart as you, or he, is played up to be."

"That, or again, you assume we are dumber than we are. I still fail to see what in this operation benifits Imitora, and the APTO as a whole, and you. As I see it, your out of the frying pan, and there is no fire. Your dead, or at least Delta thinks you are, so why don't you go on living your life, forgeting all about Delta, and this fouled assasination, and everything else. You can go on, and not worry about anything. There is something for you in this, something better than the whole 'my people are free' bullshit, and your not letting us in on it. You're getting something special out of this that is more than the satisfaction of Delta's removal. You still have yet to convince me that the Grand Domain's Allied Credits would go to good use for this operation."

Grimsdottir sat back in her chair, and looked over at Bell. If Caval had said his opinion of him outloud, she would have had to agree. Of course, he was old, and therefore, probably had no idea what was going on. She looked around the rest of teh room, ignoring the stares from the disaproving memebers, and picked up her glass of water, taking a sip.

She had half a mind, in order to piss off the Brute, to just go back and open diplomatic channels with Delta, and tell the man what really happened. If he wanted to invade, he could, of course, try. She couldn't care either way. If succesful here, Grimsdottir would get the position she wanted at the field desk in Iansisle, or maybe Larkinia, and get to work with actual field agents.

O'Connor looked at the Brute and began,"Now I would not have been nearly as rude as Ms. Grimsdottir here was, but under all her impudence, she has two points; Why are you so confident there wont be anyone as bad as, or worse than Delta. And second, when can we show we are not actually killed, and what are you to do? Things dont all add up quite yet, and I am sorry it has taken this much to get it all out in the open."

Bell looked up and stood as a new person came into the room and started whispering in his ear. Bell nodded silently, then shuffled out. The woman took his place.

"Good day, everyone. Because of what's happened, plus ex President Bell's lack of National Security Credentials and the overall unpopularity of ex Vice President Goodwin, both have been shunted sideways and I've won the Presidential election. My name's Jade Halvent and unlike my predecessors, I'm more than capable.

"First off, with our militaries on alert and mobilising, Agent Delta 'should' abdicate power, 'step down', 'replaced' or whatever term you choose, very soon.

"Secondly, the Black Staff is a significant threat. They once toppled the Crimmond government and while a less dangerous person might take charge in Crimmond, who knows to what lengths the Black Staff will go, in order to fulfill its insane plans.

"Therefore, I place a proposal on the table for full and immediate military invasion, no matter the cost, to find and remove this 'Black Staff' from existence, so they can never harm anyone again."

Halvent sat back in her seat, her eyes glittering. This was a side of Adejaani never seen before and people had better get used to it.

OOC: The picture of my new President and stop drooling! :roll: :P

http://home.iprimus.com.au/quincyw/halventregen.gif

The Brute stares at the Imitoran. "You hear but you do not listen. You listen but you do not comprehend. I am telling you repeatedly that I don't give a shit what you do after this plan is over. You can blow yourselves to hell or become the next superpower to rival Melkor and Siri. I. Don't. Care."

He leans over the table at her once again. His hands stay planted on the table this time. "My people are free anyway. Our homeland is not the Empire. The Empire is full of you mammals. I do have something more to gain. Knowing that I helped stop mass murder by a madman. Surely even you would want the satisfaction of doing that. And I told you that if you don't wantg Delta out of power, then tell your leader not to mobilize. One or two nations out of the core APTO membership staying out will make little difference."

He looks at O'Connor. "I am sure because he would not let there be anyone else be as bad as he is. You can wait a month or a year to reveal yourselves. I don't care. And I told you. I am going to a place the Empire does not know about."

He growls at the newcomer. "No! The Black Staff is no more insane than your government. They are dangerous. You will have to exterminate all of Crimmond to ensure the Black Staff is gone. They are perceptible only to a point. They know far to much to be just what you see. Delta is insane. Not the organization. They have too many members to be insane. And besides, you already know their plans... it's the same as Lord Tian's. Just modified a bit. They want Eastern Europe under their thumb.

"You want to wipe out a shadow organization, that probably has a way to vanish completely, leaveing a bulk of Agents to be destroyed, while the Council and higher ups get away scot-free. That is a pipe dream. They will move to another government and start anew. Or just start over in the Empire. Who knows? You can't destroy them with guns and missiles though. Not unless you similtaniously destroy every city and then carpet nuke the countryside, leaving a very large peice of Europe useless to the world."

Grimsdottir just shook her head. "You really think we are stupid don't you. If you dont care, then why do you ask us to make Delta look like a threat and therefore get him out of power? Just answer that question, thats all I want to know."

The brute seemed amused. "You are a thickheaded one aren't you." He picked up the minutes. "I just said... after this plan is over, I don't care. Please try and listen next ti-"

A small box on his belt beeped and he picked it off, pressing a button. "Yes?" A voice came over the box. "Are you allright, Ambassador?" He smiled. "Are you in contact with the Empire?" "No sir. Not yet." "Send the message that I am dead. Do not budge from that point at all and say you could not raise my comm link. Is that clear?" "Uh... yes sir."

He looked around after turning it off. "Well? Anything else?"

"Fine, you may not care, but your refusal to answer a simple question means I will not help. Maybe I should approach this differently. For all of you who wish to continue with this circus, feel free. I however, will not."

With that, she left the room, and took a transport of some sort (however you do it Adj) to teh airport where she boarded her CV-22I, and returned home.

The brute watched her leave. "Too bad. She was going to bear the brunt of what I am about to say. Oh well, the Empire will forward her a copy of the rest of this conference."

"Hmm. Perhaps we'll hold off on the Black Staff, they could prove useful. You've got more to say, then spit it out, man, don't keep us in suspense." Halvent murmured loudly enough to be heard.

The Brute nods. "First..." He picks up the explosive pen. And breaks it in half. Nothing except ink and the normal parts to a spring fall out. "No bomb. Second..." He says, tossing the destroyed pen down and walking to a phone and attaching his comm unit to it, "Listen."

"I am Agent Delta. Emperor of Crimmond. Agent 841, you did well. Consider your mission a success. Although... you may want to calm yourself during negotiations. In any case, a sucess." The brute looks pleased. "Thank you Emperor." [i]"He was sent here to expose any anti-Black Staff sentiment any way he could. I like the pen ruse. I will have to add that to my bag of tricks. If Bell would please release that there was no fire and add some fluff reason why you said there was, that would be appreciated. Anyway, you have nothing to fear from the Black Staff, unless you cross us. We are not sorry for the deception. It was needed. Never trust what a nation says to us. Trust what they say to the dissident trying to get you to move against us. I would answer questions, but I have other issues to deal with at the moment." The connection cuts off and the brute removes the comm.

"So... I'd imagine you would all like to kick my head in at this point, eh?"

O'Connor felt quite foolish as he commented...
"Well I do not see how you plan on being an ally, while you try to raise forces against yourselves by lying. The Commonwealth was willing you stand with you, at great cost, but do not expect us to be willing to help at our own expesne next time, I do not see what you were trying to accomplish here, but a greater rift between allies hopefully has been on your list, because you accomplished that with flying colors sir."

Agent 841 nodded. "I know. But you must find out who are your allies and who are your enemies." He looks to the door. "Imitora is not an ally. Of that I am sure." He looks back. "We will remian in the APTO. And we shall not strike at another APTO nation unless attacked first."

Agent 841 nodded. "I know. But you must find out who are your allies and who are your enemies." He looks to the door. "Imitora is not an ally. Of that I am sure." He looks back. "We will remian in the APTO. And we shall not strike at another APTO nation unless attacked first."

The Hounds forehead creases in agitation as he stands, motioning to his attendant and saying,"Deception is not something Bastien will take lightly. You tell your Agent Delta that he will NOT count Pantera among its allies. Rather, you all may be called upon once more to decry this man, and his fool nation. Deception between allies is not something my Lord Reaver will be prepared to acept."

And with that, the towering old Reaver turns and makes his way out the door.

The brute calls after him. "I will tell Delta that is you tell Lord Reaver something. That an ally of an ally is an ally. Recently, the Empire has been opening negotiations of alliance with Automagfreek." He turns back. "Any more questions?"

O'Connor and his attendant walked right passed the Brute to the new Adejaani president, O'Connor extended his hand and began to speak.
"Gongratulations maddam president. I am glad to see Adejaani is becomming more stable by the second, as evident by your election. I would like to speak with you in detail about certain matters, hopefully soon. When could we arrange such a meeting?"

The Vostovik rep. laughs, "I knew this was too good to be true, I was just waiting for the punch line. Good show my reptilian aquaintance, hope you can pull another one off for us."

And he turns to the new Adejaani president, "Contrats Ms. President, I hope that your time in office will be fruitful, successful, and with out troubles."

OOC: I thought you said you didnt use cliche endings...I was hoping for somethign awesome...that...sucked. No offense but...it just ended. And sucked.

OOC: I thought you said you didnt use cliche endings...I was hoping for somethign awesome...that...sucked. No offense but...it just ended. And sucked.Who said that was the ending? Maybe of this meeting, but this is only a part of a much broader RP. And I could have just had him go off to whereve and have you start a war against the Black Staff. Unfortunatly, I had this planned out and besides... I can't afford a war right now. Too much for Delta to do just to have him killed off by you.

Halvent looked a bit dismayed, almost like a dog denied their favorite toy. She nodded at everyone, then shook O'Connor's hand. "Oh, just leave a message with one of my secretaries, I just need to take out some of my frustrations on a punching bag. Excuse me, everyone." With that, she swept from the room without another word.

OOC: This is the begining of something massive, isn't it?

Phil snapped out of his stupor with a start. Everyone else seemed to be leaving, so he got up and moved towards the door. As he passed the representative he now knew as Agent 841, he discretly passed the Brute an electronic note pad.

OOC- Crimmond, the contents of the note will be telegramed to you.

OOC: This is the begining of something massive, isn't it?OOC: Hell yeah it is. At least something huge. Massive... it may fall short of. I don't know yet. Depends on RPers.

The brute takes the pad without looking at it(OOC: As I don't have a TG from Skager yet), and exits as well, boarding his transport and leaving for the Empire.

OOC- You have it now.

Phil walked out of the building and through security. He went out onto the heli pad where a Dominion transport awaited. He entered it and sat down. The cabin was dark, but Phil could just barly make out a figure. He took the seat next to it. "Do you have it?" Asks the figure. "Yeah, right here." Answers Phil, pulling a micro-recorder from an inside pocket and handing it to the figure. "So, wheres my money?" Asks Phil. The figure hands him a sizable wad of Skagerian cash. Phil greedly took it and counted it as best he could in the low light. He chuckles. "Its really fun imporsonating a delegate."

In the rear compartment of the helicopter, the body of the real delegate from Skager lay still under a tarp.

:BUMP: