NationStates Jolt Archive

The ornate meeting room seemed empty. It was true that most of the seats were full, save two, but still the room seemed somehow empty and sad. For those two seats belonged to the beloved leaders of Drakonia. The Praetor and his Queen, both recovering from injuries they sustained during an assassination attempt.

The group of people were gathered in an amazingly ornate room, seeming very much the picture of the Age of Imperialism. The room’s architecture and feel was that of Anglo-Romanic origins, yet there was a feel of strong Caribbean culture as well. It was large and mostly empty; there were various ornate and amazingly crafted chairs adorning the walls, as well as spectacular and old works of art. There were several doors in the great room, one set of double doors indicating the major entrance, with a pair of doors on opposite ends of the room. Directly across from the double doors was large window, so big, it included a long wide window seat. It ran almost all the way to the ceiling, which was a quite a distance. The ceiling itself was amazing as well, mostly it was plain, but in the center running the length of the room was a mural of a great black-purple Dragon.

Those assembled sat around a great meeting table that ran much of the length of the room. It incorporated in its ornate and crafted design, inlays of Dragons, Great Cats, Wolves, and Birds of Prey and a long flat display monitor had been set along the length of its center, for all to see. The seat at the head of the table was empty, in honor of the man and his wife that ruled the Imperium. Nathan Lamb, Chief Advisor to the Praetorship, who now chaired the meeting, sat in his usual seat, not wishing to take the sit at the head of the table out of respect for his friends.

But business as usual did continue. "Lavenrunz has called a conference to discuss their claims to Antarctica. I assume you all know our position on that." The Chief Advisor looked to the woman sitting across from him to clear up any questions.

Diana Minerva, Cheif Diplomat and Director of the Drakonian Diplomatic Corps., informed all of their policy on the recent event. "We are going to fully support our friends in Lavenrunz. I am going to draft a statement to be issued to Lavenrunz and the international community making clear our position and support."

It was the short large military officer next to her, General Derek Long, Commander of the Imperial Drakonian Military, who continued her report. "Military support will be issued if required. This has all the makings of a major conflict and some of the more vocal nations are moving their pieces into place for conflict. I am reassigning two Battalions of the 6th Expeditionary Legion to our winter training facilities in Lavenrunz, for possible deployment to the Antarctic in case this heats up."

The Asian man next to the General, Admiral Li Zahn, Commander of the Imperial Drakonian Navy, spoke next. "I am deploying the Indian and Pacific Ocean Fleets. The Indian Ocean Fleet will move into the Java Sea and South Pacific putting it within striking distance of New Iona and the Antarctic, if there is conflict in either area. The Pacific Fleet will meanwhile hold position in New Iona where they can quickly reach the Bellingshausen Sea or defend New Iona against attack. The rest of the fleet will remain on alert, and all Deep Sea Patrol vessels will have orders to reroute if either conflict erupts."

Nathan nodded to the three people who had just issued their reports, giving a second for everyone in the room to absorb the information. "I will be contacting the Empress personally and convey our support, as well as presenting the Royal Couple's wishes," Nathan informed those assembled.

"I still think due to the recent situation in that nation and the question of security that the Royal Couple's request is entirely unreasonable," Colonel Michael Whitewolf, Praetorian Guard Commander of the guard personally assigned to the Royal Couple, interjected.

"Your concerns will be dully noted in my communiqué," Nathan replied to the Guardsman. The argument had been long and hard. Colonel Michael Whitewolf had been in command during the Lavenrunzian Winter Ball incident unable to protect his charges. Fortunately, they had been safe, but he did not want to risk their lives again, especially after the recent attempt. To say that he was paranoid would be an understatement.

"On to the next matter at hand," Nathan continued giving no time for further argument. "National Security. The situation in the south and Klatch draw our attention. Opinions?" He looked straight at those heads of the military assembled.

"Glorious Humanity is resolved. The nation is stabilizing and reforms are being made so that there are no further problems with the telepaths. I think we have nothing more to worry about that." The dark-skinned man who informed them of this was Arleigh Markenson, Director of the Drakonian Intelligence Agency. "Klatch, on the other hand remains a clear and present danger."

The conflict with Klatch had begun when Drakonia launched a intercontinental conventional missile strike against the oppressive evil regime of Al Anbar. Several provinces in Klatch had retaliated with nuclear weapons, even though Drakonia had long been well prepared for such a strike, and had many countermeasures to prevent it, over a million died and many more were still suffering the attacks effects. As a sign of unexplainably strong restraint, to avoid war with all of Klatch (as opposed to just the provinces that launched the attack), and because those responsible were killed in a rebellion in said provinces Drakonia offered negotiations instead of drawing blood. Yet, the Drakonia demands were many and strong and the negotiations were complicated by other influences. It was not long until they were deemed impossible. Afterwards however, neither side had broken the cease fire and resumes the steps toward conflict that were about to result before the negotiations. So now, Klatch and Drakonia were embroiled in a Cold War.

"We our prepared to deal with those maniacs," General Derek Long added. "I am not worried about them, and it appears there is growing anger against their outrageous actions in Tersanctus. I don't see the Cease Fire lasting much longer. To that end, I've heard several plans for first strike actions. One including a rather unique and amusing attack, sending in large groups of commandos, armed with cutters, to de-tusk the Vrakians."

Ignoring the comment about de-tusking the enemy. "He's right," Diana spoke again. "War is becoming popular with the Tersanctans. They seem to hate the Klatchians almost as much as we do." Diana herself had a personal anger against Klatch. Her brother had been one of the civilian murdered by the Klatchian Nuclear Attacks on Drakonia.

"It should be noted," Grand Admiral Li Zahn added his strongly accented Asian voice resonating clearly, but quietly through the room. "That we are still at war with Klatch, merely still abiding by the cease fire." The cease fire with Klatch had been called so that negotiation could commence. It had taken a long time, but in the end negotiations had failed. There was simply to much animosity and misunderstanding between the two groups.

"But for now neither we nor the Klatchians are interested in breaking that," Nathan commented. "At least it appears that way."

"We will remain weary," Derek affirmed. "And prepared."

"That settled onto the next item. The Department of Health--" Nathan nodded to the Director of the Department of Health, Titus Acilius. "--Is requesting an increase in their budget to combat the rising rate of psychological illness. I, for one, am all for it and feel this is a necessity we have to our people...."

Now introducing...

{Recent Events}

...a story-based RP, brought to you by the Imperium.

OOC (Out-Of-Character):

Code of Conduct This is an Open Thread to any nation, all our invited to participate, although it is requested that the rules of etique, courtesy, and fair Role Playing be followed.
All OOC content is requested to be kept to an absolute minimum and be discussed elsewhere (via telegrams, IRC, AIM, MSN, Yahoo, whatever). If it is absolutely necessary to discuss OOC information here, please keep it short and too the point.
All Claims of Godmodding are to be taken up elsewhere (again via telegrams, IRC, AIM, MSN, Yahoo, etc.).
No spamming, flaming, or hijacking will be tolerated and nations that do will be ignored. Moderation will be requested, if necessary.
Thank you, for following these.Synapsis

This thread follows the story of the Royal Couple of Drakonia (Praetor Augustus Drake and his wife Queen Jolené Sutherland) after the attempt on their live by an assassin. It will as well include the effects of a number of recent major events around the world and in the Imperium. Stay tuned, to find out what they are....

References

The following threads contain complete details of events that proceed this thread and are listed chronologicly (at least according to Drakonia's understanding of the temporal continuum) leading up to the storyline of this thread.

References (Preceeding)

Remember (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=125852)
The Royal Couples first visit to Drakonia (before they were married).

The Liberation of Al Anbar (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=85060)
The conflict with the corrupt and evil regime in Al Anbar that led up to the War between Drakonia and Klatch.

Nuclear Holocaust in Drakonia (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=93916)
The Klatchian Nuclear Attack against Drakonia, before any declaration of war or military action was made by Drakonia against them.

Nekoa Bay Negotiations (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=94668)
The failed negotiations for peace between Drakonia and Klatch.

The New Dawn (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=109656)
The Emirate action to calm the rebellion in Fyreheart and replace the dictatorial government with the former democratic one. International incident between the Ardan blockade and the Emirate fleets (Drakonian and Lavenrunzian) occured during these actions.

Only the Bad News (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=120729)
The assassination attempt on the Royal Couple that was nearly successful. As well, as a series of terrorist attacks carried out in conjunction with the assassination.

Mind Games (Psi Revolt) (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=131088)
The rebellion of the military telepaths in Glorious Humanity and the attempts of Drakonian and Lavenrunz to quell the rebellion, even while others secretly try to support it.

Debate on Status of Non-Humans in Lavenrunz (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=127593)
The events in Lavenrunz to pass a bill that would take the citizenship of Non-Humans in Lavenrunz.

References (Simaltanious)

Antartica Occupied by the Empire of Lavenrunz (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=151712&highlight=)
Lavenrunz's claim the seventh continent, which it discovered in 1544. The international debate, actions, and arguements occuring as a result of these claims.

Antartica Conference in Lavenrunz (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=152304)
The conference to discuss Lavenrunz's claim to the continent of Antartica.

References (During)

Checkmate (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135705)
The failure of the ICEP conference and alliance, which results in the death of Edmund Dantes at the hands of the servant of Melkor, Alkanphel.

Dyelli Beybian Chancellor names 'Axis of Evil' (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=148808)
Dyelli Beybi foolishly names Tersanctus and Drakonia as evil nations.

Operation: Hammerfist, Invasion of Dyelli Beybi (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=150153)
The Tersanctan War on Dyelli Beybi, the Klatchian State that so viciously attacked Drakonia with nuclear weapons.

All further posting will now be,
IC (In-Character):

The communications mentioned in the meeting were quickly completed and dispatched.

Top Secret Communiqué

[Channel: Open - Transmitting]
[Encryption: Active - Polymorphic]

TO: Empress Aurora von Sachshausen, of Lavenrunz
FROM: Cheif Advisor to the Praetorship Nathan Lamb, of Drakonia
SUBJECT: A Personal Request

Greetings and best wishes, Empress. As acting Head of State, I am contacting to discuss several thing, including a personal request from the recovering Royal Couple.

First, I would like to honor our two nations friendship by pledging our continued support for your glorious nation. To further this, I would like to personally inform you that the Imperium will be support Lavenrunz's claims to Antartica. We wish you the best in that endeaver and will do our best to help you with it. We our ever your friends and allies, no matter what happens.

But to business. As I am sure you know, the Royal Couple were recently the victims of an assassination attempt that nearly claimed their lives. They are now recovery and would like to request a visit to your nation to recover from their injuries. In the past, before when they were engaged they once visited Lavenrunz before, and in remembrance of that trip they would like to again. We would be most honored if you would allow this, they very much need the time away from the world to heal.

The attempt was more trying on them than is generally known. The physical wounds were severe, but the mental wounds go deeper. It is only known to their closest friends, but the Queen was newly pregnant at the time. The trauma of her wounded ended that, and it is a great loss to both. They are deeply saddened and we their friends are worried for them.

It is for this reason that I must also thank you. They have been closely following the recent events in Lavenrunz and upon learning the news of your actions, it brought a breif, but sincere happiness to them. It was a glint of sunlight in these dark times for them, and I thank you for it.

They are very much hoping and looking forward to recovery in your nation. If this is possible, they would like to stay for the most part, in secluded manor. They would also like to visit with you, hopefully after your return from the Antartic. If this is possible, I would ask that you keep the conversation away from world events and politics, they are supposed to be recovery and there is ever a problem with them trying to fulfill their positions. (It has taken an entire medical staff and the Praetorian Guard to keep them in their beds.)

There are of course security considerations, as the ever overzealous Praetorian Guard keeps bringing to my attention. But, I am sure the Praetorian Guard and your own people can easily work this out. This trip would remain generally low-key until they have partially recovered.

I hope the necessary arrangement can be made, if this vacation is alright with your honored self. Thank you for your time and consideration, it is always a pleasure to have the privelege of your friendship.

Always at your service,
Nathan Lamb

[Encryption: Deactivated]
[Channel: Closed]

It is the Imperium's honor, as the United Emirate ally of Lavenrunz, comrad in arms, and friend of like-mind, to fully substaniates, supports, and recognizes Lavenrunz's claim to the continent of Antartica. We congratulate them on their recent endeavor as we pledge them our support in this matter.

Drakonia will take any action, it deems appropriate, to support our ally and protect their territory. Any who take overt or covert action against Lavenrunz will be met with like force. We have no wish for conflict, nor see any need of it, but will come to the assistance of our friend and ally if it is required.

We wish the conference can resolve any differences on the current land disputes and we fully intend to attend said conference to voice our support for our friend and ally.

Eternal may Lavenrunz and Drakonia endure; eternal may our friendship endure.

Drakonian Diplomatic Corps.
located in Drako Throne,
capital of the Grand Dominion of Drakonian Imperium


OOC: The following post was taken from a compilation of Debate on Status of Non-Humans in Lavenrunz Commences (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=313801) (first part) and Antarctica Occupied by the Empire of Lavenrunz (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=333724) (second part). Many of the following post will be from those threads.

OOC:

It had taken a long time, but in the end negotiations had failed

The longest negotiations I think in the history of NS. But, at least they finished before my second son is born (due mid July). I look forward to more RPing with you Drak. Somebody has to be your foil. :)

And you would need a lot of dudes to even de-tusk one walrus, you barbarian.

The diplomatic jet dipped slightly as it passed through turbulence miles above the far off ocean. Inside, no one really noticed. Most were absorbed in doing their own thing. Many of the diplomatic team were sleeping, others were listening to music, and just a few, including the Director of the Drakonian Diplomatic Corps. Diana Minerva, were worrying. She herself was worried over several things, only one being their tardiness in arriving Lavenrunz for the Antarctic Conference. She was more worried about the special passengers traveling along on the flight. After recent events, she worried for their safety and their health.

In the aircrafts cockpit the pilot sounded off to the Lavenrunzian International Airport they would be landing at. "Lavenrunzian Air Traffic Control, this is Drakonian Diplomatic Flight 759. Nightingale enroute, transmitting global coordinates, and confirming arrival over Hofburg one hour, over."

As the pilot waited for a reply, the jet aircraft flew on inexorably over the ocean. The code signal had been given, indicating the special passengers aboard the aircraft. The Lavenrunzians would know what to do.

OOC: The following post was taken from Antartica Conference in Lavenrunz (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=334281). Many of the following post will be from that thread.

{TAG}

{TAG}

#tagged

Despite the much lower profile of this particular diplomatic mission (due to it's dual purpose), the Drakonian arrival was it's usual spectacle, made more so by the increased security. As the massive jet had boldly made it's national heritage clear as it rolled down the runway. The jetliners escorts roaring by overhead.

The Drakonian Diplomatic Jetliners were as one foriegner had noted impressive, this one was no different. It was large, with a shining white silver hull. There was a grouping of chromatic stripes vertically along the massive jet from nose to tail; a core line of gold, flanked by a pair of thin black, then a pair of red, and finally bordered by black. The tail and wingtips bore the circular Dragon Seal of the Imperium, featuring an impressive greyish purple Dragon.

The exiting of the goliath diplomatic transport was similarly impressive and clearly carried out by a high trained honor guard and security specialists, the Praetorian Guard. Walking in formation a pair of Praetorian Guards ascended the ramp and stood at attention after taking flanking positions. The Full Dress Uniforms of the Guardsmen were jet black, trimmed with highlights of royal purple and gold. Both Praetorians were fully-armed assualt rifles, each tipped with a bayonet. As well at their sides were sidearms and the traditional Gladius short swords. Everything was well thought out and carried out with perfect ceremony.

Another pair of Guardsmen exited the aircraft leading the group that made up the diplomatic party. Leading it was a rather disgruntled man being rolled in a wheelchair. Another wheelchair followed (this one containing a beautiful dark-skinned woman) being rolled by none-other-than Diana Minerva (who had insisted overruling the attending Praetorian). The second pair of Praetorians marched forward taking flanking positions halfway between the Lavenrunzian transportation and the large jetliner. In perfect unity they turned inward to face each other, both as well standing at attention. At the same moment the first pair slapped their right fist to their hearts in salute of the group passing. The same salute was offered as the group passed the second pair of Praetorian Guardsmen. Following the first group out of the aircraft was, Director of the Drakonian Diplomatic Corps., Diana Minerva's personal staff a couple of diplomatic attacheés.

All in all, it was a basic diplomatic arrival for the Drakonians, excepting the high alertness of the honor guard and the added security. It was almost impossible to tell that the Praetor of the Drakonian Imperium, Augustus Drake, and his wife the Queen of Trinidad and the Imperium, Jolené Sutherland had arrived in Lavenrunz (as it was planned).

OOC: Also from Antartica Conference in Lavenrunz (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=334281).

Nathan Lamb had only been partly joking when he had said in his letter to the Empress of Lavenrunz that it had taken the entire medical staff of the Grand Praetorian Palace and the Praetorian Guard to keep the Royal Couple in their bed. It was partially true, both Augustus and Jolené had been more than a handful to take care of since their recoveries had begun.

In Augustus' case this was clearly true as the husband and wife were wheeled from the large diplomatic aircraft. "I am perfectly capable and able to walk, by myself. As your Praetor, I order you stop at once," Augustus demanded of the Praetorian Guard wheeling him out in a wheelchair.

"Sir, you know I can't do that," the man said patiently.

"Augustus," his wife called from her own wheelchair. "Leave the poor man alone." Her voice was more subdued than it's usual self, but then it had been since the attempt on her and her husband's lives. Still it carried it's usual weight with the Praetor and he stopped haranguing the man rolling him out of the aircraft.

It was not apparent at first, the Couple seemed full of life and strength despite their infirmaties, but then one caught glimpses of the effects of the recent attempt. The lively and ageless look of the two had seemed to slip and time seemed to finally begin it's slow inexorable journey to the bottom of the hourglass; both seemed older. It would have gone unnoticed and unrealized to someone meeting them for the first time, someone who had not beheld their youth beforehand, but it was there. And, if one looked carefully, one saw it in their veiled tired looks, terse words, and most of all in their silence.

Despite this they seemed themselves. Jolené was ever radiant, luxurious wavy black hair cascading from her head, eyes glowing amber, skin the color of a light milk chocolate that shines in the light of the sun, and a spirit that exuded a great kindless all contributed to a grace all her own. Augustus seemed ever the mighty leader and warrior of honor. His light tan skin shown in the sun, his face resolute holding those he looked at with jeweled purple eyes, and his head covered in thick light and dark brown hair. Both were would be considered attractive, even with the dark cloud that seemed to hover always just at the edge of perception.

They had come to Lavenrunz secretly with the Diplomatic Mission to the Antarctic Conference for one purpose. To heal, wounds both physical and mental.

Emperor Frederick International Airport

Security was already tight at the airport, but all outposts and positions were confirmed by having them report into the command center; a quick check with the Internal Security and Military Intelligence made it plain that all was well before an “All Clear” was sent to the plane from Drakonian Imperium.
Once the plane had landed, the arrivees were treated as if they were minor functionaries to the public eye. An officer, the most senior person who could be found, Air Force Brigadier-General Gebhardt, sat in the limousine. His first words were, after a respectful bow of the head, “I apologize for this almost negligent greeting, Majesty...but the Empress felt that discretion was better under the circumstances. Welcome to Lavenrunz.”

Augustus, still brooding at not being able to walk, simply nodded. Jolené gave a diplomat's smile. "No apology necessary, Herr General. It is as was planned, I believe."

Diana (being quite tardy) would of course need to head to the Conference, but for the moment she stayed with her friends. She was a woman of moderate height, of approximate age as Jolené (being a thirty-something), with dirty blond hair and a quite manner that seemed to conceal wisdom. There was a concern visible in her manner and by the way she had personally wheeled her close friend and Queen from the aircraft. She wanted to make sure they would be alright, yet her duty called her elsewhere.

OOC: Also from Antartica Conference in Lavenrunz (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=334281).

"Just how long are we going to leave the blood of our innocents unavenged?!" The statement was one of an anger-filled hate-consumed man, a warrior, a patriot, a victim of bereavement, General Martin Lucius. The statement was nothing new to the breifing of the Imperial Drakonian Armed Forces and it was usually led up to by the same argument as it had this time.

Why was the cease fire being perpetuated by the Imperium? That question was asked many times.

And frankly the commanding General of the entire Imperial Drakonian Armed Forces was tired of it all. "Enough!" Or maybe he was just tired of everything. "I will not listen to this again. Meeting adjourned," General Derek Long roared. The assembled commanders rose and started to leave.

General Martin Lucius stood as well and leveled a finger at General Long. "Over a million died in those cities and all you want to let their murderers and harborers do more harm to others. Justice will be served, as will vengeance. You have my word on that." With that said, Martin Lucius turned and left.

0831 Zulu
Imperial Drakonian Naval Command
Alexandria, Drakonian Imperium
World Oceanic Processing Center

Bank upon bank of computers was layed out before the series of officers and seamen who worked them, watching the waves, as a couple of senior officer stood waiting to be informed of any important international naval movements. Masses of information flooded through this one room on a daily basis, satellite feeds from the Drakonian Intelligence Agency, tracking reports from coastal facilities, and the latest information from vessels at sea of those ships they encountered all arriving being process and dispatch to the necessary areas. It was an impressive and vital operation, if a rather mundane and boring one.

"Sir," one of the officers waved for the attention of one of the stand senior officers. "I've got something you might want to see."

It took a few minutes for one of the two senior officers to work his way to the man. "Yes. What is it?"

"This just came in from Intelligence," the man at the computer informed. "Satellite Tracking is monitor a major naval deployment by Vrak, they crossed into the Atlantic and on their current heading are coming here."

"Here," the senior officer asked.

"For us, Sir," was the clarification. "Toward the Caribbean, toward Drakonia."

"Lovely," the senior officer replied without emotion. "You know where to send it. You have my authorization. The Admiralty will want to know immediately."

"Yes, Sir." And the intelligence was transmitted on up the chain of command.

OOC: The following post was taken from Shake the Earth (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=341368) where tension is rising in Drakonian/Klatchian Cold War. Many of the following post will be from that thread.

1300 Zulu
Imperial Drakonian Naval Command
Alexandria, Drakonian Imperium
Assembly of the Admiralty

They met in a large conference room, a massive long oval conference table dominating the room. It was made of ornately carved wood, inlaned with video monitors and along the center a massive video display. Around it were those commanders as could be assembled on such short notice. Many chairs around the table were empty, the chair at the head was not.

In it sat Grand Admiral of the Navy Li Zahn, a elder Asian man of short stature and great presence. He stood as those Commodores and Admirals, who were able to attend the meeting, entered and took their seats around the conference table. There were few than the Grand Admiral would have liked, but the others, who were unable to attend, would have already recieved the information he was now about to give to those assembled before him.

"Earlier today," the Grand Admiral started, speak plainly in his normal manner, not loud and not quiet with an even wisened tone. "Our satellites tracked the movement of several Vrakian Task Forces entering the Atlantic Ocean on a course toward the Caribbean and the Continent." None needed further explanation of where he meant, the ships were headed for the Continent of Nusquam Esse, center for the Imperium and mainland Drakonia. "It is our belief that this is the first act to ending our current Cease Fire with the Federated Klatchian Coast."

There was a hushed silence, all knew what this meant. The long cold war was about to resume. A couple a looks of pleasure, they wanted vengeance for the mass murder Klatch had commited and condoned. Others were grave, they knew the death that would come, they knew the cost.

The Grand Admiral nodded to a low-ranking officer standing back away from the conference table. The man immediately began to pass out the folders he held in his hands. Those folders contained the analysis of the Vrakian Fleets, including numbers, likely tactics, and possible targets for their attacks. "If they intend war, it would seem an amphibious landing of any kind is unlikely for the moment. Analysis of their forces has indicated that there are no amphibious assault vessel included in their numbers. This means that the forces is likely intended to either pave the way for an invasion or just weaken us, and we cannot rule out the possibility of a test of resolve."

The Grand Admiral paused for a moment, giving those assembled time to process the information presented before them. Some were actively listening to him, eyes forward and locked onto him hearing his every word. Others shuffled through the folders, carefully reading or just skimming the information presented inside.

Then the Grand Admiral continued. "Whatever the Vrakians plans. We will be prepared to meet them. You all know our preparation for just such an action. Orders have been issued to the relevant commands and we are currently using our normal naval movements to mask the re-position of our forces. With tension subsiding in the Glorious Humanity, the redeployment of any ships along the island and mainland will appear nothing out of the ordinary.

"For now, we will appear to be unaware and unconcerned, but should they attempt an attack, the Dragon will strike...."

OOC: Also from Shake The Earth (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=341368).

1459 Zulu
McClean Military Base
Drako Throne, Drakonian Imperium
Imperial Drakonian Armed Forces Command

General Martin Lucius was irate as he burst into the Office of commanding General Derek Long, supreme commander of the Imperial Drakonian Armed Forces. "What the hades are we waiting for?!"

General Long let out a sigh, setting down the pen he had been holding on the document he was about to sign. If office was rather large, due to his rank, yet it took General Lucius very little time to make it to General Long's large desk. "Those tusked monstrosities to blow away a few coastal cities?!"

"You know very well what we are waiting for," Derek Long replied forcably evenly. General Lucius' enthusiasm, to blast the Klatchians back to the stone age, was beginning to wear on his nerves.

"This is madness!" The other General continued to rant.

Derek Long forced himself not to add a look who is talking remark. General Lucius had been though a lot. His wife had died horribly from Radiation Poisoning following the Klatchian Nuclear Attacks, it had hurt the man deeply and given him a deep resevoir of hate. Instead, Derek Long replied, "The plan is sound. We may be risking much, but so are they if open war is their intention. In fact, I would dare say they are risking more by attacking us."

"Paying no mind to the possible civilian casualties," General Lucius shot back rather harshly. "Let them murder more innocents just for more justification to bring them to our knees."

General Long did not like where the conversation was going, but the man had a valid point. He hoped his comment would placate General Lucius, but suspected it would not. "I will bring your concerns before the Advisory Council."

OOC: Also from Shake The Earth (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=341368).

They had been taken, as requested to a secluded manor. Hidden on a hill in view of the Hartz Mountains where the couple had first made their visit. Skiing down the snow covered slopes in their youth and in their fresh young romance. It had been years and much had changed, but Augustus was glad that the view and Lavenrunz had not.

He did not know how long it was that he sat on the great balcony looking out on the snowcapped mountains and peaks of Lavenrunz, but it must have been a while. For when he again looked to the Praetorian Guardsmen who had so loyal stood watch over the him in the wheelchair, the man, the captain of the Praetor's Personal Guard, no longer had his hands on the chair, but instead clasp firmly behind his back.

"Those are mountains," Augustus stated, his voice low betraying something of his feelings. He would rather be speaking with his wife, but she had declined his offer to see the mountains again and had instead retired for the day.

Sensing the Praetor's need to talk, Colonel Michael Whitewolf replied. "Yes, Sir, that they are, great mountains. Not entirely like home."

"No." Augustus mind drifted elsewhere. Again it was drawn away, back down a hall, down a flight of stairs (or elevator in the wheelchair bound's chase), and down another hall, passed closed doors, and into a room where there lay a wounded lovely maiden, his wife. "But they cannot truly be appreciated alone, or without one's love...."

He knew now at this moment what she felt. He knew she wanted to be alone, but he also knew she needed to not be. "I should be with her," it was all he could say. But no more needed saying. "Yes, Sir," the Colonel replied. He immediately went about the task set for him and wheeled the Praetor to his set destination.

And back down the hall they went, down flight of stairs (or elevator, instead), and down the other hall, to those closed doors. The Colonel stepped forward and opened one of the set of doors.

"My Queen," Augustus called out in greeting. He hoped for what he knew he would not find.

Yet, find it he did, as he knew he would. For as the Praetor of the Imperium was rolled into that room his Queen made a vain attempt to hide the tears that had been flowing down her face. But red remained and betrayed her to one who knew it all already. His job done the Praetorian Guard Colonel retreated from the room, leaving the couple to their privacy.

"Jolené." His voice was low, quiet, and soothing in an attempt to silence her pain. It was something he knew he could not do with only a word and a calm voice. For what she had endured was great.

They, the Royal Couple, had tried for years to have children. But it was duty of state that had come first. When they had finally started to seriously try for children, it still seemed to elude them. And then, finally Jolené was pregnant.

In the midst of that joy, they were shot. The pregnancy terminated in a moment of violence.

The job killed. It was the same conclusion he had come to so long ago, the conclusion he had rejected when he was married. And now that same conclusion seemed to come back and haunt him. Ruling a nation led directly to death.

His parents murdered by Tersanctan extremists, his grandparents early deaths attributed (by him) to the fatigue of office and the trials it had brought, his brother murdered by the Alkanphel, warlord of Melkor's domain, murdered over a petty national dispute, and now this, an assassination attempt on himself and his wife.

He should never have married her, never had brought her into this. But she had insisted. She loved him and would not let him go to his duty and doom. So they had been married.

"I am so sorry," Augustus apologized, deep feeling evident in his voice.

The reaction he got was not the one he expected. "You self-obsessed idiot," Jolené lashed out. "You think this is all about you! You think its all your fault!" The aggressiveness of her anger utterly stunned him. "Well it's not! And it never was!" Augustus' voice was so caught up in his throat that for a moment he thought he had choked. Such was the rarity with which Jolené turned such vehement anger against him.

"For once give the responsibility where it's due!" Jolené laid there, spread out on the large bed. "You childish fool, it not your fault!" Her anger spent, quietly to herself she added, "Or mine."

No, this was not what he had expected at all. "Okay," he agreed gently, rolling his wheelchair over to the bed he joined her.

There was a long time before she said anything more. The tears began to flow freely as Augustus got onto the bed. He put his arm around her at they half-sat half-lay there. Jolené fully let go, and cried.