NationStates Jolt Archive

Request for CADIAN Network Activation Recieved by Central Command
Powering up Communication Systems...Confirmed
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Setting Transmission Frequency Wideband...Confirmed
Initiating Final Operational Checks...Confirmed
System Ready to Transmit...

Good morning people of the world, and indeed beyond. My name is President Nidien Sebridith and I represent the recently conceived corporate state of Trilhoeven. Our history is somewhat brief so far, we are formed from a coalition of like-minded minor corporations seeking the myriad trade opportunities present in national status and self-governance. Currently our operation is highly mobile but in order to expand successfully we need to find a region which will provide support for a nation in very much the early stages of it's development. The current industries we possess are primarily non-military support industries and current logistical planning indicates our future priorities will be to bolster our civilian manufacturing industry to the point where we will be competitive in a number of select areas within just one year.
The region we desire would ideally be able to defend itself successfully against outside aggression but have few military motivations beyond such as we have no desire to be embroiled in aggressive military action so early in our inception, the region should ideally be able to offer some manner of industrial support via subsidized internal trade which should allow us to be competitive sooner and therefore be able to provide favourable rates to region members in a shorter time. We have no strong feelings on the prevalent governance of the region, save that it should not attempt to influence our own system of governance to match some political agenda.

We welcome all communications on this topic and in the greater field of diplomatic relations and look forward to taking our place on the world stage.

...Transmission Completed
Engage Communications Mode Standby...Confirmed

"No response at all?"

"Thats correct Miss President. We've picked up no return transmissions on the frequencies we used, nor have we received any response through the conventional methods."

"Are you sure the message was transmitted successfully? I am aware the system was a little...quirky in the early stages of reclaimation."

"I won't deny we've had a number of problems getting the Cadian system up and running without the original technicians and development personnel, but both our own monitoring station and our remote relays reported back that they received the full uncorrupted message on first transmission. The message got out fine."

"So what's the problem then?"

"My suspicion would be that contrary to the thoughts of the board the staggering number of nations out there will no doubt increase the difficulty of opening initial relations."

"How so?"

"Imagine you are a Communications operative in the employ of a nation, your ability to monitor and respond to individual communications is a finite quantity so you examine only those that are likely to have most impact. We're a tiny inconsequential nation with little to offer at present, can you blame them for de-prioritising our transmission?"

"Is there any way we can counter this?"

"Of course, we could start selling guns, making racial, species or religious slurs or alternatively we could start a war. That's likely to get some attention."

"But not exactly the attention we want though."

"Agreed. In which case the best thing we can do is re-transmit and be patient. This isn't going to happen overnight."

"Try telling the board that. And on that subject, they'll no doubt be clamouring for my report by now. Keep monitoring and get in the touch the moment, and I mean the moment, we hear something."

"Sure thing. Good luck with the suits Miss President."

Previous Transmission Repeat Broadcast Once...Confirmed
Engage Communications Mode Standby...Confirmed

The chatter on the broadband was driving Rafe crazy. He was monitoring the latest outbreak of violence in Allanea, and the constant stream of invitations and governmental requests was overwhelming. He deleted most of them as they came on the screen, knowing his boss Darius Steele would have little interest in the affairs of state of other nations.

As an intelligence officer, Rafe thought this was a dangerous oversight on his boss' part...strong ties with a young nation could be profitable, and expand their sphere of influence. Still, he had his orders, and was paid generously to perform them. Until he saw the missive from Trilhoeven.

Rafe saw the opportunity, and could not resist. He forwarded the invitation to Steele, suggesting that he may want to look further into this offer. Rafe was surprised when a few minutes later, he received a confirmation from Steele to move ahead.

He sent a narrow-band communication to Trilhoeven, simply stating that Darius Steele, President of Gawdly, would be pleased to open discussions with the people of Trilhoeven regarding future trade possibilities. There was also an invitation for President Nidien Sebridith, to visit the planet Gawdly on a trade mission. The language he used was cold and impersonal, but Rafe knew that this was anything but:

President Nidien Sebridith was a woman, and Steele loved dames with power.

Request for CADIAN Network Activation Recieved by Central Command
Powering up Communication Systems...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Spread Specific...Gawdly...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Frequency Encrypted Specific...Gawdly Diplomatic Channel...Confirmed
Initiating Final Operational Checks...Confirmed
System Ready to Transmit...

Our most sincere gratitude for responding to our offer of a future trade arrangement, I am overjoyed to say that we are all enthusiastic about opening relations as soon as possible. Regrettably I am currently required to oversee a large number of matters of both state and business as there are many issues still to be settled regarding the internal politics and trade arrangements within Trilhoeven. If it is acceptable I would suggest our respective trade ambassadors begin negotiations immediately, either over a secure channel or in either of our two nations. If it is acceptable I will be able to take your President Steele personally up on his generous offer in about one months time whereupon a symbolic signing of the new trade agreement can occur if you would deem it to be appropriate.

Once again, our thanks and we look forward to a future of co-operation between our two nations. This communication channel I am using now will remain open to facilitate further communications at your earliest convenience.

Nidien Sebridith

...Transmission Completed
Engage Communications Mode Standby...Confirmed

Steele handled the reply on his own. His nation was different from many others, in that Darius himself preferred to conduct any negotiations necessary with other governments. His "diplomatic" staff consisted of Rafe, a teenager with a flare for intelligence gathering and electronics, and Tanis, a half-Elf navigator and weapons specialist. His thick fingers stabbed at the keyboard, one-finger typing his response.

"I would be pleased to visit your nation, and see for myself the wonders of your civilization, the tastes of your culture and of course, the beauty and grace of your President. Please transmit the necessary dates, coordinates as well as security protocols, and it will be my supreme pleasure to visit you at your earliest convenience."

Signed,
Darius Steele

Steele looked at the note, knowing that it lacked finesse and diplomacy...but then again, so did he. The big man pressed "enter", watching as his message was sent into the ether.

"He's coming here, asap"

Words can do little justice to the majesty and impact of President Sebridith, already overstressed by pandering to the vagaries and outright paranoia of the board being confronted with this latest shock statement and incidentally having a mouthful of coffee at the time. Though perhaps it might pale in comparison to the look of absolute anguish resulting from having your last three hours of mind numbing paperwork stained in that particular shade of unreadable brown.

"What?! Their President?"

Suppressing a mild snigger, the as-yet-unnamed aide carries on, "Yes. We have just received a communiqué from one Darius Steele, President of Gawdly to see, and I quote 'the wonders of your civilisation, the tastes of your culture and of course, the beauty and grace of your President'."

"Ummm. Well I'm fairly sure I've never met anyone by that name before so that bit about 'beauty and grace' must be conjecture, though the compliment is appreciated. As for the rest, has he been here before?"

"I think it's fairly clear that he hasn't be the fact he believes we have wonders, or indeed a culture, rather than a loose group of disgruntled greengrocers and embittered industrialists in an entirely pre-fab town which looks like it was made by a gigantic lego enthusiast."

"But there are the factories, and I understand work is going very well on the port..."

"But nothing is finished! The factories look like building carcasses, it'll be months before they are operational and the port is pretty much only operational for grubby dockworkers to move in building supplies. We don't even have an airport yet."

"Look, we are just going to have to do the best we can. Get an airstrip up and running, just get an area just outside tarmaced up with a tower. Get one of the largest pre-fabs near Central Control made up with as much luxury as we can find and tell the constructions crews to finish something, anything, that we can show them. We might yet get this situation to work to our advantage if we can demonstrate we are entirely commited towards expansion and industry."

"Alright. I'd suggest you do your best to ensure that the board stays out of the way. Nothing makes a bad impression on a foreign President like a jumped-up door to door salesman with delusions of grandeur."

Nidien lets out a long-suffering sigh "Agreed, though explaining that is going to be a nightmare. Send the invitation for seven days time, and get to work making this place presentable."

The aide nods and turns to go.

"One last thing"

"Yes, Miss President?"

"Invent us a culture, will you?"

Request for CADIAN Network Activation Recieved by Central Command
Powering up Communication Systems...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Spread Specific...Gawdly...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Frequency Encrypted Specific...Gawdly Diplomatic Channel...Confirmed
Initiating Final Operational Checks...Confirmed
System Ready to Transmit...

We would be honoured to extend our hospitality to President Darius Steele and his diplomatic staff to visit our capital city of Austrins Fall in one weeks time, to foster understanding between our governments and to conduct the necessary negotiations to initiate what we hope will be a beneficial trade relationship for all concerned. A suitable landing area will be prepared outside the city, whereupon your guests will be escorted straight to the Central Control Enclosure, the centre of our government, where my aides and I will be happy to personally welcome you to Trilhoeven. All other necessary arrangements and security protocols have been enclosed in a separate file attached to this message.

I shall look forward to meeting you in person,

Nidien Sebridith

<<File enclosed - Arrangements and Security Protocols>>

...Transmission Completed
Engage Communications Mode Standby...Confirmed

The man's jaw crumbled into dust, and he fell to one knee, stunned, blood pouring from his broken mouth. Steele threw another left, hitting the injured man directly between the eyes, and sending him blissfully into unconciousness. Steele stood over him, breathing heavily. He looked at the two massive guards standing close by.

"Take this piece of banderoo droppings to Shraveport, and stick his ass on the first freighter out. Revoke his citizenship, freeze his assets and make sure he can't hurt anyone again." At this last, Steele pulled back and kicked the unconcious man squarely in the testicles.

"I won't have rapists on my world."

Steele left the criminal with his two guards, and returned to his office. The usual ton and a half of paperwork sat on his desk, a tower of obligatory boredom. As he sat down in his custom-built leather seat, Steele reviewed the morning mail: a letter from Anti-Doc, asking for donations for the Allanean Liberation Army, 4 new invitations to diplomatic functions and and 17 offers to "radically enhance your manhood TODAY!"

He replied to Anti-Doc, stating that it was still too early to make any funding commitment, politely refused the invitations and deleted the rest. Just then, the reply from Trilhoeven arrived, coincidently at the same time that Rafe submitted his intel report on the new nation. Steele breezed through it quickly, noting only that not much was known at this point about them. Steele vowed to change that. He punched the intercom.

"Rafe, get Adam ready for travel...I'm leaving at the end of the week for Trilhoevan. I want you with me as well, and make sure that Adam has no other plans: I don't want him disappearing on us like last time."

Adam was a...strange entity. In his early days, Adam was a frigate-class cruiser with an advanced AI, until an Elven familiar named Nightclaw somehow merged with the ship, turning it into a sentient creature with an attitude, and strange, new abilities. Steele didn't understand it, and didn't really care: his recent adventures on a world filled with Elves, Orcs, Vampires, Drows and unlimited magic had made it hard for anything in this universe to surprise him anymore.

Steele composed his reply:

"Thank-you very much for the quick confirmation, and the landing coordinates. I will be coming alone, and will have no need for any "pomp and circumstance"...my ship will remain in orbit, and I will transport down to the surface. Please do not make any special arrangements for me, as none are needed."

The big man stretched his fingers, and continued to type.

"Please let me know if there are any customs that I may be unfamiliar with in your nation...I do not want to insult you or your people in any way. I look forward in anticipation to our meeting.

Darius Steele
President of Gawdly"

He hated that title, but used it when necessary. He was also a King, but again, that was just a title he wore by necessity. He pressed the "send" button, then slowly began to go through the piles of files on his desk.

Doctor Kelso stood up from the meeting table slowly, taking time to straighten his tie and clear his throat before he addressed the President, again, "I wonder, Miss President, if you have entirely considered the security implications of a high profile visit so early in our nation's inception?"

The sign from Nidien was audible this time, patience clearly running out. "As I stated in response to Mr Symonds question, about five minutes earlier, the security arrangements have been developed in conjunction with the Trilhoeven National Guard and personally approved by Major Bramwell, the individual you yourselves voted into power to oversee matters of diplomatic security."

Kelso gave a humourless smile that made Nidien contemplate physical violence before carrying on, evey word seeming drawn out and grating in the stuffy office. "I am afraid you are in error, Miss President, the matter I am referring to is not that the foreign delegates might be at risk but instead that without consultation you have invited representatives of an extremely large and dangerous nation with significant military power who at this stage owes us nothing. Without a solid backbone of allies, what guarantee do we have that they will not simply take what resources we would ask them to trade for?"

"You aren't really suggesting they would consider military action without provocation on a diplomatic mission are you?"

"Why not? We do not yet have an effective means of defending ourselves. And we, the decision making body for this nation, will be just one building away from these representatives. If they desired to, they could take control of everyone with power in mere moments! What provisions have you made for this?"

There was a rumble of support from the other board members, Fat, greedy cowards the lot of them thought Nidien With their masterful lack of vision and complete inability to embrace anything that might be a little dangerous we'll no doubt be stuck as an unknown forever. The board was silenced as Mr Reed, the most senior of their members, cleared his throat. Except him she thought as he shuffled his notes and prepared to speak he's the other end of the scale, too bloody clever by half, with the ambition these cretins lack and more besides

"It is my opinion that although the security issues raised by Doctor Kelso are certainly valid, we have to make some sort of representation to this and similar instances if we are to sustain our current growth. Therefore I would propose that the board should be moved to a secure location for the duration of the visit, leaving behind perhaps one member to ensure it's interests are represented. hen the negotiations can happen, but if something goes amiss the leaders are far from any potential fallout. If there is no objection, I would be prepared to endanger myself by remaining here and helping to conduct the negotiations...

The rest of the meeting went past as a blur and Nidien mulled over the implications of this. Sure, Keel had pitched in on her side and got her out of a sticky situation but he wasn't the sort of man to do something without asking for something in return, or indeed to hold owed favours overlong. The most worrying thing indeed is when the board members filed out, she was sure he winked at her in a conspiratorial way, something that didn't gel with his 'father-of-our-nation' image at all. Perhaps it was worth looking into Keel's affairs...when she got the time. There was masses of diplomatic work to be done first, the final preparations for the visit were underway and she had a message to respond to. Keel could wait for the moment.

Request for CADIAN Network Activation Received by Central Command
Powering up Communication Systems...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Spread Specific...Gawdly...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Frequency Encrypted Specific...Gawdly Diplomatic Channel...Confirmed
Initiating Final Operational Checks...Confirmed
System Ready to Transmit...

As far as my diplomatic staff advise me, we have no customs which are likely to impede your visit and require pre-briefing. We enforce a strict no-firearms law for our civilians but that will be waived if necessary as we understand you may wish to have some method of protection since you will not be accompanied by security personnel. We would advise that you transport down to the airfield as we will have a car and escort waiting and had planned to point out some of the projects currently underway in Austrins Fall before your arrival at the Diplomatic Sector. Once the formal introductions have been conducted we had proposed a helicopter ride to some of our outlying operations followed by a return to Central Control for an evening meal. We have a number of other ideas of points of interest which you may wish to visit during your stay but we can discuss them in person upon your arrival.

Nidien Sebridith

...Transmission Completed
Engage Communications Mode Standby...Confirmed

Dear Miss President Nidien Sebridith,

Our country would like to formally welcome your country; your organisational structure interests us to no end.

We feel that our countries would have a lot to gain in signing trade arrangements, as such we would like to formally invite you, at your earliest possible convenience of course, to our country so we may not only discuss trade, but also diplomatic exchanges and such.

Our venture capitalists would be most interesting in investing capital in to your country. Would such a happening be allowed by local regulatory directives? If so I shall pass on your acknowledgement to said individuals.

We are looking forward to interaction together.

The Most Holy and Omnipotent Emperor Sohi,
The Most Holy Empire of the Water Cooler

Request for CADIAN Network Activation Received by Central Command
Powering up Communication Systems...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Spread Specific...Water Cooler...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Frequency Encrypted Specific...Water Cooler Diplomatic Channel...Confirmed
Initiating Final Operational Checks...Confirmed
System Ready to Transmit...

We would be overjoyed to take you up on your invitation although the President is expecting an imminent visit from the President of Gawdly so regrettably she will not be able to visit immediately. It will likely be a month before she is able to fulfil her commitments but if you find it convienient we can send a diplomatic envoy in advance to begin preliminary negotiations. This period of familiarisation should ensure the actual trade and diplomatic exchanges go more smoothly.

As for the issue of investing capital, local directives do not outright ban external investment but there are a number of limits on much can be invested by a specific individual as well as into a specific business. That said, the laws are very much designed to facilitate a certain degree of investment for the benefit of the investors and the businesses in question, they are merely in place to prevent outright external ownership of internal resources. It is likely in time these restrictions will be relaxed but at this early stage the possibility of having significant assets bought up by established economic superpowers is a very real issue.

We hope that this has helped clarify the situation and look forward to beginning the process of establishing trade relations.

...Transmission Completed
Engage Communications Mode Standby...Confirmed

Bourbon: the nectar of the Gods.

Steele drank deeply, savoring the dark liquid as it burned a trail down his throat. He puffed gently on a small cheroot, hand-rolled to his specifications. It was early in the day, but his schedule was light, so Darius took the opportunity to relax and ponder his immediate future. It seemed...bland to him. In the old days, he would just kick ass and take names, but for the last few years, he had been tied up with the numerous responsibilities of his office, and other affairs of state.

Rafe buzzed him over the intercom.

"Sir, all systems are a "go" here, and we're ready when you are..."

Steele could hear the wailing guitars and deep drumbeats of Rafe's favorite band, playing loudly in the background. Thank goodness Rafe was a whiz-kid with computers and intelligence gathering, or Steele would have tossed him out an airlock long ago. He punched the intercom to reply to the young man.

"I'm on my way. Make sure the gifts are stowed, and my personal supplies loaded. I'm not sure how long I'll be there, or whether they have any Jim Beam on Trilhoevan...so bring an extra case."

Steele made his way to the small space-dock beside his office. No ships were there, as Adam rarely made landfall, preferring to float in space, untethered and free to dance with the stars. He activatied his internal comm-unit, and spoke to his ship.

"Adam, I'm ready to board."

"You mean, yer ready to BE bored...no?" Adam replied, the sentient ship showing off its new sense of humor.

"Diplomatic relations are part of the price I pay, my friend...now bring me up, please." replied Steele, still getting used to Adam's attitude.

"Well, since you asked SO nicely..." there was no flash, no indication of transport: one moment Darius Steele was on the dock, the next he was strolling on the bridge of his ship. Rafe was at the main navigation station, a spot usually reserved for Tanis. She had gone missing a few months back, and seemingly, did not want to be found.

"Ok, lets get this dog and pony show on the road. Lock in coordinates, and let's burn some rubber..." Steele prepared for acceleration, only to hear Adam's voice instead.

"We're here: have fun, boss!" said the sentient ship, pleased with the concept of surprising Darius.

Steele shook his head in amazement: "Thank-you Adam...care to explain HOW the frag we did that?"

"Not today, Darius: it'll only hurt yer brain. Transmitting greetings to Trilhoevan, and awaiting clearance to send you down." Adam replied, the unmistakeable sound of sarcasm in his voice.

Request for CADIAN Network Activation Received by Central Command
Powering up Communication Systems...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Spread Specific...Adam, Gawdly Ship...Confirmed
Setting Transmission Frequency Encrypted PTP Laser Comm......Confirmed
Initiating Final Operational Checks...Confirmed
System Ready to Transmit...

Message received and understood, you are clear to transport President Darius Steele to the prearranged co-ordinates at your disgression. The area is secure and one Mr Geoffrey Stevens, our foremost diplomatic envoy, will be present to make initial introduction and escort President Steele through our development sectors to Central Control. Laser Communication transmitter and receptor 03 will remain aligned towards your vessel for the duration of your visit, allowing instantaneous communication either way if it is required. Our compliments on your swift arrival.

...Transmission Completed
Engage Communications Mode Standby...Confirmed

Steele prepared his luggage and other sundries for transport. He had an assortment of gifts, as any good diplomatic envoy should. A sculpture of pure diamond, from the craftspeople of Arturo, was the shining jewel amongst the small treasures. Rafe approached him, carrying his ordinance briefcase. Steele waved him off.

"I don't think I'll be needing those, son..."

"But sir...uhm, I uhhh...object to you going down there unarmed...sir!" Rafe stuttered, trying to make a stand.

Steele smiled, "I think I'll be just fine, boyo...my exo is primed, and working better than ever...it'll be more than enough if any problems come up...but thanks for worrying." He patted the young man on the shoulder, imparting a measure of confidence to him.

"Ok, Adam...I'm ready whenever you are."

"Have fun, boss...keep yer hands to yourself!" Adam replied, and in a blink, Darius Steele was standing on the terra firma of Trilhoeven. He saw a smartly-dressed man standing close by, and he assumed it was his contact. He strode briskly towards him, noting the haphazard arrangement of pre-fab buildings around him.

"Mr.Stevens, I presume?" asked Steele, extending his large hand in greeting.

The man, who had been staring off in the other direction towards a city sized construction site down below, turned on hearing Steele's greeting and presented him with both a warm smile and a fairly firm handshake. Everything about this man from his well tailored suit, immaculate shirt, tie and shoes, bland demeanour and business like smile screamed bureaucrat. He even carried a black suitcase in a way that suggested in was in some way affixed to his hand.

"Good morning President Darius Steele. I am Geoffrey Stevens, diplomatic attaché to President Sebridith and it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Incorporated States of Trilhoeven. I hope your journey was not strenuous, we only have a little way to go down into Austrin's Fall and then you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself before the official welcome by President Sebridith and this evenings meal. If you'd just like to follow me we have a car prepared to escort you down into the city."

Setting a brisk pace across the tarmac, Stevens set out for a large warehouse, the only fully completed one amongst a large number of skeletal frames of similar buildings, likely hangers given their size. Over to their right tarmac stretched away for a significant distance until it was eclipsed under the partially completed 2-storeys of an extremely large building. To the left and beyond the hangers the tarmac stretched away almost as far as the eye could see on this flat plain, painted lines marking out runways and access roads.

"This is, or at least will be, Straub International Commercial Airport. To our right hand side construction is about 25% completed on the terminal, supply and loading structure which will act as a nexus for all activity at the airport. We have extensive runways already marked and beyond the hangers we are making initial preparations to set aside an area to accommodate inter-planetary craft. Ahead of us are the hangers and warehouses for the use of the companies, which will operate out the airport. Current prediction indicate the airport will be able to operate at 10% capacity within six months which should be sufficient to supply Austrin's Fall as it stands. Progress on getting more of the airports facilities online is obviously dependent on the growth of the city after that. Here we are, if you'd just like to step inside, your car and escort are waiting."

Inside the hanger is extremely bare, only the outside has been completed and stacks of building supplies occupy the far corner. Unlike everywhere else on the airport site, construction personnel are utterly absent from the hanger. In the centre of the hanger sits a long and squat black limo, quite obviously armoured and looking more like a vehicle you'd visit a contested area in than have a drive through town. Flanking it are a pair of urban combat vehicles mounting chainguns, light armoured units designed to provide firepower whilst still having the manoeuvrability to operate in cities. Possibly their greatest advantage is that their lightweight doesn't destroy roads as that of a tank can. Finally, off to one side are a dozen troops on chunky looking motorbikes, evidently the rest of the motorcade. As Stevens and Steele approach a man wearing a fairly non-descript military uniform and standing in the vicinity of the limo rips off a textbook salute and opens the back door to allow access. Stevens nods in response and gestures towards the open door.

"After you Mr president"

The inside of the limo is a lot more comfortable that it's outside might indicate but lacks a certain something, being clearly constructed by those who are prepared to take a knock to comfort in exchange for added security. All the usual amenities are present though: tv, minibar and phone, though they too seem over clunky as if designed to survive some serious abuse. A couple of moments after the door is shut the vehicle moves off under escort, turning left and heading in the direction of the city.

"Our apologies for the security unfortunately at this stage it is advisable to be careful. There are a number of dissident groups immediately beyond the current borders of Trilhoeven and although our baseline security is very tight there always remains the possibility that a number of terrorists could slip through. It will be a little while before we reach Austrin's Fall proper, do you have any questions in the meantime?"

Steele struggled to keep the amusement from his eyes as he surveyed the buidings and construction around him. It had been decades since he had seen such...primitive machines and materials. His practiced eye noted that a number of the newer installations looked as if they could have military purposes, and as he scanned the grounds, his ship above was recording and analyzing every sight.

The diplomat, Stevens, revealed nothing to Steele as they walked, preferring instead to innundate him with geographic and political information, all of which he found deathly boring. Steele was a man of action, not a born politician...he would rather be in a firefight than in a debate. As they stepped into the heavily-armored limo, he noticed the alertness and wariness of the troops around him. There seemed to be a lot of security for a visiting diplomat from a small nation...

As he settled into the plush leather seat and began pouring himself a bourbon, he smiled over at Stevens.

"Ahh, yes...dissidents. People who resort to violence and death to change the political process. There seems to be a lot of that in this universe...sadly. If I may be so bold, what exactly are they dissenting about?" Steele watched the diplomat carefully, looking for the truth in his eyes.

"It is somewhat of a convoluted story, and I am afraid that I only became a resident of this area after the majority of the events had transpired so I cannot relate to you the details as well as some could. However, I will do so as best I can and if you desire further information it will be a simple measure to provide you with a more complete account once we reach Central Command.

Up to about five years ago the area in which Trilhoeven sits, and indeed the immediate area for a great distance around was all one nation. The nation, like that of Trilhoeven was focused upon economic endeavours although they had a powerful military, which they were enthusiastic about using to interfere in world affairs. The conditions within the nation were fairly horrific, people had very few rights and privileges and the outlawing of private industry meant that the government controlled everything with an iron fist. The fortune of the nation was maintained by fostering pride amongst it's population, enough to see their hardships as a necessary evil towards the greater glory. For many years the dictatorial government was able to direct their population successful and their power continued to wax. As with all things however, this could not endure forever. Constantly attempting to expand it's influence, the government began to reach the realisation that the majority of the truly powerful nations had more enlightened rule that dictatorship and that they could not progress without the embracing an element of the multi-culturism of the greater world. They attempted to institute changes, too many and too quickly, to bring the country in line with their new vision. The power of the military was reigned in, elections were scheduled to take place and a large number of immigrants, the majority of which were non-human, were given full citizenship. It was a disaster. Their previous success was founded on the pride of the citizenry and in one fell swoop the government had kicked away the foundations of their power to embrace a vision that them and the common people did not share. Dissidents rose up, first against the reforms and then rival groups rose up in support. The Imperialists, those against the reforms, had many supporters amongst the armed forces and were able to seize enough forces for them and the Reformists to practically level anything of worth across the whole nation and an attempt to wipe each other out. While nuclear weapons were never resorted to, large areas of land were rendered inaccessible by high yield bombardment and excessive mine laying. Though the battle eventually swung in the Reformists favour the final blows of the dying Imperialsist faction was sufficient to render the entire nation a virtual non-entity, its power totally destroyed.

Simply put, Trilhoeven stems from a small group of the Reformist faction and foreign businessmen brought in to provide funds attempting to rebuild something from the ashes of what went before. The dissidents are primarily left over members of the Imperialist faction trying to continue the war long after it should have ended. There are various small encampments and settlements which they operate out of but with the hostile terrain that is present we don't currently have the strength to strike at them, merely to maintain a defence. I am given to understand that our foes also number some extreme groups of the Reformist faction who raise objection to the compromises we have had to make to make Trilhoeven viable. The majority of our military technology, certainly the limo we are currently riding in, are scavenged designs and models from the old armies. We are gradually attempting to replace them but it is an expensive endeavour to rebuild an army from the ground up. The former nation I believe was called Austrin-Ontis although the name is not well liked, given as it is taken by a number of the more militant factions of the dissidents to illustrate their devotion to the original nation they wish to rebuild. That is the story as I know it, though regrettably it is by no means over, impacting as it does our lives still. Best as we try it appears that the issues and the prejudices of the past refuse to let us move on."

The same old song and dance: change brings violence. People were narrow-minded and stupid, Steele reflected, as Stevens continued his story. What he was hearing was no different than what had happened on many other planets. He would have to tread carefully here, until he could scope out the political landscape further.

"Well, Mr. Stevens, if things go well, you may not be riding around in these much longer." He left it at that, an unfinished statement of intent. Steele would need to speak with the President before deciding whether to help the Trilhoevans...or not. He also decided that he would need to chat with the rebel factions as well, to determine if they were truly terrorists or simply freedom-fighters...the distinction was important.

As Stevens droned on, Steele looked around the city, signs of neglect and warfare evident everywhere.

"This of course represents the situation regarding the country as a whole rather than Austrin's Fall specifically. Positioned as it is on the southern coast and distant from the intermittently hostile borders we only very rarely have trouble here and our security force deals that quickly and competently. Anyway as you'll see from the windows, we are now entering the primary redevelopment zone where our growth industries are expanding to reclaim the areas damaged in the civil war. If you'll look to our left, we are just coming up to the brand new Tri-Cola Production plant, opened just two months ago and already a second plant is planned for the secondary redevelopment zone on the far side of town, that is on the back of 1st quarter sales alone. Now if you turn to our right you'll see..."

The tour continues in Steven's enthusiastic but monotonous voice as the motorcade threads it's way through the wide streets. It's dull, as these things invariably are but the scale of the construction going on, even with the simple methods being used, is impressive. Cranes dominate the skyline, looking like the legs of the biggest upturned spider in the world, construction workers swarm over the frames of buildings, looking like ants entering and exitting a hive, columns of construction vehicles go back and forth, churning up the ground and eclipsing some of the smaller buildings in perpetual clouds of dust. There are even some bulky cargo helicopters roaring overhead, assisting in putting the final touches to the tallest of the buildings. The noise is muted by the bulletproof glass but even then Stevens raises his voice a little to ensure it is heard above the din. The noise drops abruptly as the motorcade breaks out into a pre-fab suburb, one of the locations which house the workforce and residents of Austrins Fall, Stevens points out before going into detail about the epic housing plans to replace all the pre-fabs with actual houses within 18 months. Ahead of the motorcade on a low hill there are a group of buildings standing apart from those around them. Although they are still pre-fabs they are much bigger and sturdier looking than the rest and the plethora of antennae and dishes protruding from the top of them mark them out as the organisational centre of this city sized building site. In a matter of moments the motorcade has covered the distance, driven past a well manned checkpoint and pulled up into a courtyard next to the largest of the buildings.

"...and that completes our tour Mr President as we are now outside the Central Control Complex. If you would follow me just a moment longer I believe that President Sebridith has prepared an audience for you in the main hall. Just this way please."

The door to the limo is opened and Stevens indicates towards a small flight of steps leading to a large door which stands open, flanked on each side by a line of three men dressed in red dress uniforms with rifles held in the way of ceremonial guards anywhere. A man stands just inside the doors, greeting Steele with a warm smile and an outstretched hand as he approaches. Unlike Stevens, this man doesn't look like a bureaucrat, despite the fact he is wearing an immaculate suit he radiates a certain brand of scruffiness which overcomes it. In his early twenties, of slightly weedy complexion and wearing a pair of distinctly unstylish glasses, he has the complexion of someone who spends far too much of their life indoors almost certainly involving computers.

"President Steele, it's a pleasure to have you here. I'm Kieran Palmer, aide to President Sebridith. She is ready to meet with you whenever you are ready but it was hazarded by one of the faceless, sorry I mean the bureaucrats, that you might want to freshen up first. It's entirely up to you, facilities have been prepared but if you are anxious to make some progress after the 'tour' I can take you straight to her."

He liked the kid already. Palmer reminded him of Rafe, his own technological whiz-kid...all brains, no brawn with an infectious smile. Steele took the young mans hand, noticing a slight wince as he squeezed a little too hard.

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Palmer. Actually, a drink and a smoke would be much appreciated right now, so lead on!." Turning to Mr. Stevens, Darius stuck his hand out.

"Thank-you very much for a most informative tour, sir. It was an honor meeting you, and I hope we have a chance to discuss your domestic situation further."

He could not help but notice the heavy weapons emplacements around the building, nor the deadly-looking troops. By the looks of things, this young nation was not as stable as reported. He wondered vaguely if the security systems were up-to-date, and powered up his exo to test their sensitivity. Nothing untoward happened, which meant nothing: they could be watching from afar. He powered down again, following Kieran into the building.

Nodding in response, Kieran set off into the complex ever so slightly nursing his hand. The conditions inside were better than would be expected from the ugly outer appearance, still not exactly the lap of luxury but possessed of a basic level of comfort. The occasional painting or sculpture adorning a wall or corridor looks massively out of place against the otherwise featureless grey. The best part of the rooms passed look like offices, crammed full of computers and with cabinets overflowing with paperwork. They are actually fairly few people around though and those who are have the stressed expression of the chronically overworked. This circumstance isn't lost on Kieran as he walks:

"It's a little bit of a ghost town here at the moment since the board took most of their people with them when they went off to skulk in a bunker somewhere...Oh crap, I probably shouldn't be telling you this"

He visibly ruminates for a second before continuing

"Nevermind, I'm sure it'd come out eventually anyway. Our illustrious board, that is the board of businessmen and investors who put together the finances and manpower to get this operation off the ground, have decided in their particular brand of self-interested wisdom that this visit represents sufficient of a threat to their skins to spend the duration in hiding. What exactly they are afraid of I'm not exactly sure but this isn't the first time they've done this. Thing is, life gets a lot simpler when there is one leader giving orders instead of thirty-one but they always insist on pulling the majority of their staff out with them leaving us government plebs with a mountain of stuff to handle. Ah, here we are."

Kieran opens a door into a spacious and well appointed sitting room, with several comfortable chairs, writing desk, a series of bookshelves and a well-stocked drinks cabinet. On the far side of the room is a pair of doors, one leading into a bedroom and the other to an on-suite bathroom. A large window takes up most of the left-hand wall with a great view of the mountains away from Austrin's Fall.

"Hope you like it, these will be your apartments for the duration of your stay here. There’s a whole rack of drinks in the cabinet, cigarettes and cigars in the top draw but if you don’t see what you want we can probably get it. You’ll find a range of clothing in the bedroom if you require it though we didn’t have your size so it may well be a little hit and miss but just give a shout, there’s a buzzer next to the door. I’ll get out of here if you want me to but if you don’t mind indulging me a little I wouldn’t mind asking you a few question. I wouldn’t say no to a drink either…"

Without warning, the quiet surroundings of the building are shattered by a piercing siren that sounds not too dissimilar to a World War two air raid siren, complemented by the red lights which kick in to illuminate the room. After three seconds of this it abruptly stops and is replaced by a tiny voice, obviously of computer origin.

Alert Status Nine. All operational personnel attend stations immediately. All non-operational personnel are to be removed from the Command Centre. Alert Status Nine ETA Two Hours

The voice stops and the siren resumes at a much lower level, the lights return to normal but noises of activity can be clearly heard from the adjoining office sections.

"Talk about timing…a nine means something big is going down, no doubt involving the AO loyalists. Not sure what to do here, I mean you aren’t operational personnel but we can’t really kick you out after inviting you here. Hmmm…ah, screw it. You can come with me if you like, down to one of the monitoring stations. Strictly speaking I shouldn’t let anyone else in, but the systems won’t be anything you won’t have seen before and it probably beats sitting in this room waiting for the sirens to shut the hell up. It’s this way"

Kieran leaves the room at a jog, powers down a flight of stairs, down a long corridor and finally stops outside a heavy looking door panting for breath.

"This is…one of the old stations…we should be able…to see what’s happening from in here. "

He types in a keycode blistering fast and ducks inside the open door, into a small room dominated by three walls of monitoring screens and computer systems. It looks distinctly out of place, a great deal more advanced than the majority of the technology seen so far. Kieran grabs one chair and gestures towards the other, flicking switches and scrolling down options to get the system calibrated. The screens flick on one by one, showing a multitude of views over Austrin’s Fall and probably beyond. It doesn’t take long to stop the information feed that caused the alert as it’s most likely the one with all the tanks. A short column, punctuated by a smattering of APCs and support vehicles looks to making it’s way past a burning border station. As the footage plays, a pair of helicopters buzz overhead and troops can seen making their way along the side of the road. The screen highlights the vehicles one at a time, bringing up number and statistics on the adjoining screens until the composition of the whole force is catalogued.

"Whoowee. Looks like a big one. I guess someone doesn’t like the idea of us making friends. We’ve probably got about twice as many vehicles as that active, but they’ve got a fairly large area to cover as default. Problem is, we’re actually not too experienced at actual fighting, most of the gun happy psycho-boys joined the loyalist faction, we got the clear headed guys who incidentally thought that violence should be the last option. What do you reckon? You fought many land battles back home? "

"Whoowee. Looks like a big one. I guess someone doesn’t like the idea of us making friends. We’ve probably got about twice as many vehicles as that active, but they’ve got a fairly large area to cover as default. Problem is, we’re actually not too experienced at actual fighting, most of the gun happy psycho-boys joined the loyalist faction, we got the clear headed guys who incidentally thought that violence should be the last option. What do you reckon? You fought many land battles back home? "

Steele followed Kieran deep into the complex, through dark,cramped corridors until they arrived at what was obviously a command post. The equipment here was of a tech level that Steele was more comfortable with...the security monitoring system was top-notch, able to see serial numbers on the line of tanks advancing in the viewscreen. He smiled grimly at Kieran's question.

"Too many battles, son...much too many. When will these schlubs hit the first of your defenses?" Steele looked at the different screens, trying to understand how the Trilhoevan defense forces were deployed. What he saw did not impress him, and what he didn't see frightened him.

"If you'll allow it, my ship could link up to your system and help coordinate your response. If the forces you have available are close enough, we could probably repel these guys fairly easily...see how the formation is broken HERE and HERE? That's where we hit them." he said, pointing at the screen.

"We have another option, as well: let me go meet them...alone. None of your people would risk injury, and a few minutes with me should convince them to back off...but of course, that means you'll have to trust me." Despite the no smoking signs around him, Steele lit a small cheroot, drawing the bitter smoke deeply into his lungs.