NationStates Jolt Archive

The sound of footsteps echo'd through the dark allyway, as Alan snuck inside, being careful to remain un-noticed to passing cars. If anyone had recognised that he was the head of the Nationalist Party, it would be printed in newspapers the secret meeting of which was to be held. This couldnt happen, considering that the deal was to remain hidden. Alan was sure that the government would take notice if they knew the extent of what was happening on that fateful night.

Approaching a dark form up ahead, he pulled his coat around him, to shield himself from the bitter wind that raged through the hidden passage. Being careful to look where he was watching, he avoided the puddles which lay in the road. Just an hour before, a light rain had fallen, which was typical of winter weather in the Federal Republic.

As he approached the man ahead, a voice came from behind him, "Im sure you wont mind us checking for weapons will you?"

Alan turned around, and saw a strongly built man standing tall behind him. He was holding a small pistol, only a small indication of the very danger he was in to even be there. Raising his hands, he leant against the wall while the man searched his pockets for weapons. Security, although amature compared to the official Federal security, was obviously tight, and the man he was speaking to obviouly important.

Pulling a revolver from his jacket pocket, the man placed it underneath his belt, "I think I will be confiscating this..."

Straightening his jacket around him, Alan spoke to the man, who was leaning against the car, smoking a cigarette, "I have been informed that you wanted to see me..."

The mysterious man drawed on the cigarette, its red tip lighting up in the darkness, revealing just a small portion of his face. Breathing it out, the man stood up, and walked up to Alan, looking at him directly in the eyes, face to face, "I was under the understanding that you needed to see me..."

Alan gulped, his stomach in a knot. It wasnt too often when a political leader's very life was in threat, especially in the Federal Republic, where the service took its pride in protecting the life of leaders, especially the President. Opening his mouth, he could barely talk, "When do I gain command over the Nationalist Movement?"

The man smiled, and looked one of the bouncers, "He wants to know when he gets command over the Nationalist Movement?"

A laugh came from behind Alan, then all of a sudden, a blow hit in in the stomach, causing him to double over having the wind knocked out of him. The man took his cigarette, and threw it down on Alan, "You will get command when we get our money. Give us the money, and we will make the calls..."

The men walked over to the car, and started it. The man stood at the drivers' side door, ready to get in, "And Mr. Thompson, if we dont get our money within fourty-eight hours, your family will pay instead..."

He jumped into the car, and slammed the door behind him. As Alan held his stomach in pain on the floor in the allyway, he watched as the car drove away into the night. He had no idea how he would get the twelve million in two days, but with the help of his cousin, he had an idea. He didnt want to contact Romario, but if he would do anything to protect the life of his family. That was, as long as it didnt affect his bid for power in the Federal Republic.

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Nationalist Party Leader: Alan Thompson

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Mr. Akane

President Grove paced his office back and forwards. He had recieved word that the Nationalist Movement had been growing in strength and power over the years, not un-noticed by the National Intelligence Agency. But now, as he held the reports in his hands, he knew that some kind of rebellion would be inevitable. Mr. Thompson was quite the most unreasonable man, and after some background checks conducted under his order, he had found that the man had once been involved in a secret plot against the government. Unfortunately, there wasnt enough evidence to have him arrested, which meant that legally he was an innocent man.

As he read the document, he frowned. Something was going to go down sometime soon. Something big. Ordering an intelligence gathering operation on Mr. Thompson would be easy, however if word ever got out, it would shatter his image. Many people wouldnt recognise the threat to the security of the nation.

Writing an encrypted message to the Secret Service, he sent it off immediatly, with CONFIDENTIAL: HIGH PRIORITY labled as the subject. To order an intelligence operation on a foriegn source was one thing, but to order one against your political opposition was another...

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President Edward Grove

Finding the money was much easier than expected. With twelve million dollars deposited into his account, he thanked the heavens above that his brother had chosen the path in the underground. It was a dark industry, filled with sex, drugs, lies, and assasination, and if linked to it by the media, he would surely lose his position of power. Nevertheless, as head of the Nationalist Party, he wasn’t the one making the calls. He had his brother to thank for that.

As he walked down the busy street, he turned into one of the many gun-shops which had a storefront in the busy city society. Normally people would crowd around the politically leader, and the very fact that he was entering a gun-shop would be enough to create headlines across the nation. He knew that his integrity was questionable, and many times they suspected his links to underground society, including the ARM, Austarian Rebellion Movement.

Not much was known of the ARM to the average citizen, for details surrounding the organisation were kept at a level so that it would be hard for people to become somehow affiltilated to them. Thompson had made contact through his father and brother, both who were notorious members. From time to time, he would make contact with the two men, such as the night previously, when he asked for twelve million to be deposited into his Republican Account.

In disguise, Thompson walked up to the counter, and the woman looked up smiling, ”Can I help you sir?”

He knew the code words to gain access to ARM facilities, so as calmly and quietly as possible, he muttered a quick response, ”That depends ma’am. Do you deal in natural resource?”

The woman paused, recognizing the question. In perfect timing, she responded, trying to see exactly what he wanted, ”Well that depends sir, what kind of natural resource?”

Thompson smiled to himself as the people around him seemed to not even notice, ”Why don’t you show me first, and then I can tell you.”

The woman’s face grew serious. She looked around the shop, and with a motion of the hand, guided him into a small side-room. He followed, making sure to not raise suspicion amongst fellow shoppers. Behind a door, he stood with the woman, who punched in a few access codes into the computer. Another door clicked open, and he followed her into the new room, curious as to where he was being led.

She turned to him once they reached a nice area, decorated with expensive computer equipment, ”Exactly what is it you want?”

”I want to deposit twelve million dollars into the account of Mr. Akane. And a note also, thanking him for his troubles,” he responded quickly.

Nodding, she walked over the computer, and began to type. After several moments of clicking, a beep came from the machine, and a small piece of paper was printed. Tearing it away, she handed Thompson a copy, ”Pleasure doing business with you sir…”

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Nationalist Party Leader: Alan Thompson

"This will be a quick and easy mission. I know its your first, but your with one of the elite, so you'll be just fine. Just follow my lead, and dont do anything rash. We have a mission to complete, and if you know my record any well, you will realise that I dont have a tendancy to fail.", said one of the pilots, Ryan Blean.

He was one of the most advanced pilots in all of the Austarian Rebellion Movement, however today he had been placed on a training mission with a rookie. He hated training missions with a vengence, because usually he was the one hauling their asses out of trouble. Never the less, he had some of the best equipment, having using his rewards to better his ship, which this one was a heavy fighter with all the upgrades.

As they approached their target, the sensors showed that everything was going to plan. The recon ship which they were approaching was sent out alone, strangely considering the government was well aware of ARM activity in the area. Nevertheless, Ryan figured that his commanders had chosen such a simple mission for the sake of his rookie. Rookies were usually sent on missions which were relatively easy, even if the costs outwieghed the actual gains of the mission. In this case, it was the data on the ship's computers which they wanted. If the government had recon information on anything sensitive, the ARM didnt want the information to exist.

Nearing the ship, a voice crackled over the radio; "Unidentified Fighters, please identify yourselves. This is an official Federal Republican ship."

Smiling, Ryan held his finger on the trigger as he closed in with the ship. Reaching a reasonable speed, he hit the button sending two missiles forward heading directly toward the recon ship. As they streaked toward it, he pulled his ship up, and didnt bother to enjoy the fireworks which enveloped the government craft. If they did have information on the ARM in their data, they didnt anymore, and at that, they didnt even have the ship which moments before registered on the sensors of the two fighters.

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ARM Pilot Proffessional: Ryan Blean

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ARM Pilot Rookie: Jimmy Etherton

General Anderson slammed his fist on his desk when he had heard the news. That recon craft had indeed been on a mission to find information on the ARM, however it was there to make sure there were not going to be any moves against the Government. If released to the public, it would surely trigger a wide-spread panic, and would only force the ARM to actually carry through.

Intelligence showed him that the ship had been destroyed by ARM forces, however it was unknown exactly what forces the ship encountered when it was destroyed. It may have been a fighter or two, a light cruiser, or even worse, a dreadnaught, which surely the ARM didnt have. Dreadnaughts were far too high profile for such a low-profile organisation. Unfortunatley, there was no telling, and he was already kicking himself for making such a stupid mistake, to send low-armed forces into a high-risk mission.

Now he was unsure of the exact danger that was imposed upon the government. If the recon craft had in fact been overwhelmed with an entire space-navy, then further attacks were inevitable. If it was just a fighter or two, then the incident could be kept low-profile. Nevertheless, the public didnt have to know, and to prevent a panic, he contacted the President.

"Mr. President I am sure you understand the situation. We cannot be sure of the extent of this attack, and whether it means an opening to a civil war or not. But I highly advise that we keep this incident hidden, known only to a few people. I fear, that if news was to get out, and we couldnt answer media questions, the public would fall into a state of panic. I dont want to strain the military, and if we're going to make sure a civil war is to be one, if there ever was one, I dont want military resources used to just hold things together," he reccomended to the President.

President Grove was quick to reply, "Dont patronise me General. We both understand the situation. However thankyou for your information. Im sure we can handle the situation."

Hanging up, the General smiled. Everything WOULD be under control, as soon as they found out exactly what happened to that darn recon ship. After a nice warm cup of coffee, of course.

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President Edward Grove

OOC: Will be posting avatar for General Anderson very soon. Outta time, so....

President Grove stood tall over his Federal opposition in anger;

"I cannot believe sir, that you would simply dismiss the dissapearence of that Recon flight as just an accident. Thirty-Five people were killed, or have gone missing from that mission, and we have substantial evidence that ARM had some hand in this. I dont think you realise how big this is."

Thompson, the leader of the Nationalist Party frowned;

"Actually, I am well aware of the gravity of the situation. Surpisingly Mr. President, you will note that Im not as stupid as you might think. In fact, if you truly knew me, you would realise that I was much smarter than many individuals, including yourself..."

The President exploded in anger;

"Are you suggesting that you have some kind of hand in all this?! Do you realise what you are implying over yourself. Treason is a high crime, and demands execution as punishment!"

Thompson smiled to himself, if only the President knew;

"The only implications I am making Mr. President, is that you know very little of the situation yourself. So how can you and your party dictate exactly what this government is going to be doing? I think a little time is in order so that we may actually consider what is happening here..."

The Speaker heard his queue. It was general procedure that when any member of the Senate called for a break, that it was to be given immediatly. Hitting his hammer on his desk, he called for the break;

"Senate is to go into thirty-minute recess. All members are to report here in due time."

Walking outside, Alan Thompson looked out to the beautiful city of Anatoba. The President surely didnt know of what was happening, nor did he realise that the city, and the entire nation, would be under his command within a few years...

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President Edward Grove

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Nationalist Party Leader: Alan Thompson

The next morning, President Grove was pacing back and forwards, furious at the fact that someone had talked to the media. This wouldnt destroy his reputation, but surely people would think lesser of him for lying to the public. Reading the small article, he grew in anger;

An un-named source has reported to us that the Recon ship which was reported to be destroyed by a rouge asteroid just a few days ago, was not in fact destroyed due to an unfortunate accident.

Our source, which has a high ranking in the political scene has reported that there is substantial evidence to show that the notorious group of ARM has been responsible for the attack on the Military Grade Recon Starship. It is unknown the overall signifance of the attack, however our source has indicated that further attacks may follow.

All citizens are encouraged to remain calm while the situation is resolved by high-ranking officials in the Austarian Government, which is currently gaining popularity under the new Grove administration.

Now there was more for the President to consider. Now that the public knew, he would have to make a comment on the situation, so that a wide-spread panic didnt occur, though as he sat down to write his speech to the public, he didnt exactly know what to write.

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President Edward Grove

OOC: Basically the situation is now open for comment, considering that ARM activity is now on the rise, and that is public knowledge. I wouldnt expect people to get involved, however it is freeform RP, so get involved REASONABLY how you wish. The Austar Union is kinda an earthly nation, but you could consider its society like 2150 AD Japan, very high-tech. But its geography is more considered to be in Europe. Obviously we also do have reasonable space-technology.

Staightening his jacket as he walked out to the press conference, he was immediatly swarmed with thousands of questions relating to the incident, about what the true details were. Raising a hand in gesture, he started when the room had fallen silent;

"Many of you are now aware that the destruction of the Flight ULF-S1's true end. Unfortunately, we attempted to keep this incident as quite, as to not spark an actual conflict with those who were responsible.

It is true the claims that the ULF-S1 had been attacked by forces suspected to be either ARM, or ARM-linked. However, we do not have any evidence which gives us a clue as to what this exactly means as to the severity of the situation. We will claim that the chances of this opening conflict are slim, and no further attacks have been reported since. My condolences of the thirty-five dead are with the families today, who must mourn at a funeral where there is no actual body.

We will seek out those responsible for the cowardly attack on our Recon ship, and you will come under the justice of a full Austarian court of law. You will be punished to the judge's desision, and you will face God in the end of it all.

We are working closely with the National Security Agency to find more information, and I will release that some progress has been made, however I cannot comment any details as to what progress, as to protect the operation. The Senate has been in discussion over what measures are to be taken, and I will announce that the military has stepped up a level in its security. All cargo and lower armed ships will be provided with a full escort until the situation with ARM is resolved. Thankyou."

Stepping back, he left the room which were screaming questions at him. He had said all that the public needed to know, and for now, until he found out exactly what had happened, he needed to take precautionary actions. Taking a sip of coffee, he considered his next steps, and decided that he best wait until he was more informed about the situation.

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President Edward Grove

Several Days Later...

As the ships were prepared in the distant cluster, soldiers under ARM command began thier major training and drill exersises. This was the main center for the ARM, however there was another which would prove vital to the overall mission under the leadership of Alan Thompson. Soon, although they didnt realise, they would recieve a transmission from Earth, from Thompson himself. When they read it, it would read as following;


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<Encrypted Transmission>
[b]TO: Cluster Base 142A
FROM: Alan Thompson, Austar Union - Earth
SUBJECT: Operations Relating To Preparation
------------------------------------

It is my understanding that full preparations have been made in the relations to the coup I plan to hold. Please advise the Cluster Base 142B that the official coup on Earth will begin in two weeks from tommorow. Unless preparation deadlines are not met in due timing, we expect to take full control within several weeks.

Of course, should anything be changed in relations to the plans, please know that you will be advised immediatly.

Your Future President,

Alan Thompson

Little did the base realise that there were many ears under the creation of the Austarian Military, and as soon as they heard the transmission, men from the Intelligence Agency began to decrypt the strange message, a process which would take little more than three days. Surely they would be shocked to find out exactly what the message read.

His face was as white as snow as he hung up telephone. Completely still he looked into space, his breathe heavy as the realisation of the situation had sunk in. Thank god for intelligence, for President Grove would have never even began to imagine exactly what was happening in the Federal Republic.

Intelligence had just informed him of the situation. They had intercepted a message into a deep cluster which was suspected of ARM presense, and after decryption, the very importance of that message proved true. Never before would have the President imagined that Alan Thompson would be planning a coup against him, and the very thought angered him. His own Federal Opposition was the danger to his life which he feared. He knew that something had been brewing, but he thought that it would simply be more ARM activity, and nothing political, let alone a coup.

Walking over to the telephone, he dialed a number and waited for it to connect. As soon as it came online, he issued his order coldly;

"I want the arrest of Alan Thompson, for the crime of High Treason. I want him in your cells within twenty-four hours..."

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President Edward Grove

Police forces were not happy to find that Thompson had fled the country. Though they wondered how it was possible, considering the security checks which were implemented at airports as a measure of normal security. Nevertheless, the deed had been done, and it was a matter for the National Security Agency now. They were the ones who would be investigating into where Thompson had fled, and they would be the ones to hunt him down.

The President had issued for his arrest, so the leaders were not happy to inform him of the situation. It was obvious that the President was impatient with the bungle, still, he was understanding. The case was now not a police issue, but a Security Issue. Should he have fled to a space-faring nation, he may already be on the way to the ARM. Should he not, then he would still be able to be arrested.

It was a hope that most in the Austar Union shared. For without the arrest of Thompson, there was no knowledge of what could happen exactly.

OOC: Basically, if you want to follow Thompson's story in this from here-in, you might want to tag the thread From the Frying-Pan, into the Fire; A New Start in Hell (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=353783). This thread will follow the other parts of the storyline as we go along in time.