NationStates Jolt Archive

Secret IC

Valhalla Command Center
Transnapastain

Deep under the Andres Mountains lay Valhalla Command Center, the centralized command center for the Transnapastani Military. Here, Satellites tracked and monitored nations and activities all around the world, here, the highest ranking officers of the six branches of the military conducted their business.

Communications, Logistics, Intelligence, Command and Control, the preverbal brain of the nation, all lay under these mountains, and, deeper still, lie something else.

Here, deep within the mountains, buried under miles of rock and reinforced steel, we’re some of the most advanced labs in the nation, perhaps, among the most advance in the region, second only to Kaukolastan. Research into advanced propulsion systems, kinetic energy rail systems, advanced VTOL technology, later scrapped, due to a security risk, the files having been stolen…and, something else.

For years, Under the direction of Director-General Melvar, then commander of the Office of Internal Security, biological tests were conducted on animals, then human subjects. Back then, they we’re trying to map the humane genome, testing the effects of various chemical weapons on them, trying to perfect the viruses.

Then, during the Blade crisis, human subjects were infected with Blade, in hopes of finding the best way to put them down. Obviously, little was derived from this, nothing short of high-powered weapons, fire, or the severing of the brain stem could take them down easier.

Such tasks we’re abandoned, and the bio labs aimed at a more, humane, project…in compression

When Chancellor Main died, Melvar buried the projects, destroyed all records aside from the OIS copies. He entrusted the research to Sub-commander Davis, soon to be leader of the OIS after Melvar’s death.

For years the scientists had worked to unlock the unused portions of the human brain, and tap into what we’re being referred to as “latent physic abilities”

They learned that these we’re in born talents, slight, almost, “mutations” within the human brain that allowed the subject to manipulate the environment around them, much akin to what others referred to as a “sixth sense” or “ESP” though, much more powerful, in theory, all they lacked was a way to project this power into reality. These special people are called Sensitives.

They learned these powers could not be artificially given to non-Sensitive individuals, and all experiments to do so ended in the termination of the subject, normally to do failure of higher brain functions.

The initial breakthrough was made years ago, hidden way from the moralistic, Church-oriented government, who would view the Sensitives powers as an abomination, and purge them all. However, with the assassination of Executer Alexander Simon, the OIS was able to “popularly elect” a more moderate church leader, a former OIS agent herself, to power. She would adopt Church doctrine to view the Sensitives powers as ”gifts from God above.”

Now, years ahead of the conception of the “Sensitive Operations”, the most advanced Sensitives we’re gathered in the lab, waiting to be told why they had been assembled.

These people scare the piss out of me thought General Davis, as he looked through the one-way glass into the test room. He, and the five other OIS officers with him had elected to watch from a safe distance then be in close proximity with the Sensitives. Years of isolations and testing had made these individuals into recluses, the eyes had lost there sense of life, looking into them, one could no longer see the soul of a human being, but, instead, saw a void, a black bottomless pit. Months of being deprived of their five basic senses to condition their minds had turned them into something other than human.

A man in a white lab coat entered the testing room, he had a metal suitcase with him, like one film, or a firearm, may be carried in. he placed it on the table, and looked over his glasses at the Sensitives.

“Hello, mein children.” His spoke with a thick German accent. “I trust ve are vell?”

“Yes, Doctor Minix.” One replied.

“Yes, father.” Said another Sensitive

General Davis looked at the seventh occupant in the observation chamber, a man in his late 40’s, thinning gray hair, also wearing a white lab coat.

“Why does that one call him Father?” he asked

“Ah, yes, that would be because, as their primary instructor, Doctor Minix has become something of a father figure to the subjects. As you know, General, most of these subjects were born here, and raised here, and have undergone these experiments their entire lives, To them, he is their father.”

“I see” replied the General, with a slight shudder.

Sehr gut replied the doctor.

“I have a present for you, mein children.” He said, with a smirk, as he opened the case. He withdrew from it a device. It was a ball, with a coil-like tube wrapped around it. He looked to the oldest of the Sensitives.

“Hold out you hand, ja?” he said

The Sensitive obeyed, extending his arm outward, Doctor Minix placed the end of the coil directly into the base of the Sensitives neck, and then pressed the ball into the boys hand.

The doctor in the observation room interjected “The device works by sending electronic impulses along the nervous system to the brain, stimulates the dormant parts of the brain, and sends the signals back down the coil to the amplifier at the end.”

“Simply, point ze device in front of you, like a gun, think about vhat you vant to do, and, then think about it happening, Zhen, you concentrate, and focus, if you are good enough, you vill be able to manipulate the area around you, give it a try, no?”

The boy aimed the device at the wall of the lab, and closed his eyes, he began to tremble slightly, and, in front of him, a glowing orb of fire, no more than a foot in diameter appeared, suspended, doing nothing. Then, it was hurled forward, and it slammed into the wall, exploding outward, at the same time, the boy was propelled backward, slamming into the opposite wall.

“Yes, If you attempt to expend too much energy at once, you’re brain vill close down and you vill lose control of your focus. Said Doctor Minix

“We theorize that, as they are trained on the devices more, we call them Psionic Enablers, or PsiEns for short. They will “burn out” less. In theory, given enough time and training, they would be able to construct a physical object using only their mind, by replicating the building process into their minds, and bending reality to make it possible. We do not expect to make break through like that for many, many years to come, however, as they can only demonstrate rudimentary control as of yet. Right now, we’re working on Telekinesis, Pyro and Cryokinesis, as well as telepathy. One day, we hope to train them to operate without the PsiEns” Explained the doctor in the Observation Room.

“I think, zat vill be all, mein children, go and meditate, ja?” said Doctor Minix, and he and the Sensitives left the testing room

“I see, I have one question.” Replied General Davis.

“Yes, General?” asked the doctor

“Do we have a way to counter it?” he asked quietly, and, as he asked one of the Sensitives filing out of the room stopped dead in his tracks, and spun on his heels, and glared and the glass, right at the General, his face contorted in a expression of rage, raised his finger, and pointed.

At 1st, nothing happened, then, the glass began to spider web, then it shattered inward all at once, the General was flung to the ground by one of the officers, as everyone hit the floor.

Doctor Minix was screaming Nein Nein! Anschlag! but it was no use

The young mans rage was uncontrollable, lab equipment began to fly in a cyclone around the room, spots of fire and ice appearing randomly around him, flying off in random directions. One of the OIS officers was hit by a fireball, and burst into flames, another was hurled into the wall hard enough that Davis heard his ribs break. He began to crawl to the exit of the room, and make it to the safety of the outer control room.

“Control Teams, Take him down!” shouted the doctor into his comlink.

Into the room stepped three men, all in Kaukolastani VIPER armor, the man was crouched in the center of the lab, his arms held wide, eyes shut, and sweat poring from his forehead. one of them held a weapon that looked much akin to an M-79 “Blup” tube, the other two sprayed tear gas into the room. The center solider fired the grenade launcher, and a cylindrical canister shot forward, when its arch carried it above the rouge Sensitive, the canister separated and a large net came crashing down on the man. The net, discharged an electric current into the Sensitive, that, combined with the nerve gas, and the apparent burn out, made the Sensitive crumple to the floor. They injected him with a sedative and drug him from the room.

General Davis surveyed the wrecked lab, and, glancing around to make sure no one else was in earshot, finished his question.

“Can we inhibit their use of Psi? Can we counter it, and can it be contained?” he asked quickly

“We’re not sure, we believe it may be possible to inhibit the use of the powers, we, thought they couldn’t cause reactions in reality without the PsiEns, a mistake, it seems.” Replied the doctor thoughtfully

“I want it done, and I want it now, you don’t develop a virus without creating the antidote, and we don’t unleash these…things, on the world unless we can counter it. Understand?”

“Yes, General?”

“You should not call Zhem..Zings, heir General.” Said a voice from behind them. Davis turned to see Doctor Minix standing in the doorway. “Zhey, are the next evolution of humanity, our next step, one day, ve should all transcend to be like zhem.”

“Doctor, learn to control your pets before they become a problem, do you understand me?” asked Davis in a cold voice

“Perfectly, heir General.” He replied, sarcastically

Davis waved his hand in a “come on” motion, and he, and the 3 other officers headed for the tram.

Later that day

“You must learn to keep better control, hier Lyle, You are out best student, ve don’t need you being terminated by ze Government.”

“I hate them, I hate them all, they treat us as if we are sub-human, when, indeed, we are better than them.” replied Lyle, as he floated objects around the room, without the aide of a PsiEn

“I know.” Replied Doctor Minix, as he sent an object into the air to collide with one of Lyle’s. “Don’t vorry, our time vill come soon enough.”

OOC: Comments Welcome

TAGgeth and more later.

Lyle floated alone, with nothing around him. He was devoid of any senses, devoid of any feeling, any sight, any touch, any smell.

He’d spent much of his life here, in a Sensory Deprivation, or SensDep, tank. Being here, sometimes months at a time, though he couldn’t see it, or feel it, electrodes were attached to him, tubes ran in and out of him, he only knew this because, they’d be there when he woke up.

Being alone, being isolated from his senses give him time to think, mostly, he stewed in rage about how the humans, he thought the word with such disgust, treated him. Aside from a few of the lab technicians, they all we’re afraid of him, that was ok, he liked their fear. It was the people who feared him, and, believed he was inferior to them in some way that sent him into a rage.

How could they not see that he was better than them?

He continued to think, continued to be consumed by the rage.

Tagged.

The Chancellery building in Transnapa City had undergone many changes in its time. Having been added onto to numerous times, and its left wing almost totally rebuilt after the incident with Nailiakian terrorists

In the center of it, the Council met, the room was circular, with a large skylight above it, the sun shone in brightly through the hardened transparasteel dome, reflecting off the black onyx floors, and being absorbed by the wooden walls, religious paintings decorated the room. In the center, a large, oval table sat, its oak finish gleaming in the sunlight, to either side of it, seats stair steeped their way up three levels, and covered the two side walls of the room.. A large window covered the far wall of the room, showing a panoramic view of the city. When it was empty, this room was quiet and peaceful, and Executer Hessian found it to be one of her favorite places within the Capital building

Would that some of that tranquility enter the room now… she thought.

“We can not readapt the doctrine!” cried Councilmen Hesbrain, in an angry voice “We can not include these…abominations, as part as the circle of life!”

“And why not, Hesbrain?” asked another “We can we not include them, how can you say the Lord almighty has not bestowed these powers upon them to use to carry out His will?”

“How can you think that, it is of the Devil!” he exclaimed

“Why is it of the Devil?” asked Hessian

“Why, executer, surely you realize, surely you understand. The powers they posses are not of this world, they are mutations, and they are an affront to what we believe. No one man can have the power to conjure up fire and ice before him, surely, any powers like this are of Satan himself! ” he cried

“God is also not of this world” remarked a third councilmen, quietly

“Then, you admit they are not Earthly, and therefore, are not in union with our Lord?” he asked

“No, of course not, they are no less human than you and I” replied Hessian

“They are practitioners of witchcraft! To suggest that one may be imbued with the powers of “magic” and also of our Lord is blasphemy! This is heresy I am hearing!”

There were sharp intakes of breath all around the room, then, the room grew eerily quiet and even General Davis, seated in the gallery to the left of the conference table, found himself in awe. Accusing the leader of the Church of Gods Will and of the Transnapastani government of heresy was a traitorous crime, and not something any man who wished to stay alive did. General Davis wondered if the Executer would order him eliminated on the spot

“Councilmen, do you realize what you have just said?” Hessian asked, her voice almost a whisper

“I, I apologize, Executer, its just, I, I can not condone the acceptance of such a thing, these people are not human, they are abominations, and heretics. They should be burned at the stake like the witches of old.” He said sheepishly

“Well, then, it’s a pity that you are too narrow-minded to understand, as the decision is already made.” Hessian said

“Wha-!” he started to say

“Science! You will not speak for the remainder of the meeting! Am I clear?” exclaimed Hessian, her voice calm and collected, but there was no mistaking the angry and menace in her words.

Hesbrain inclined his head in obedience.

“The decision is made, the doctrine will be adapted to include those with Sensitive abilities as part of the unity of our Lord. Those powers have been shown as gifts from God, and those gifted with those powers have been shown to have been placed on this earth in accordance to His will.” She paused “Is there anything else?”

General Davis stood, “Executer, if I may?”

“By all means, General.” She said, and took her seat

“I feel, since there are no documented cases of Sensitives demonstrating their abilities in public, and the only trained Sensitives are under government control, that we refrain from informing the public at this time. In addition, I request that the OIS be authorized to conduct sweeps of cities in order to recruit more candidates for the Sensitive program.” He said

“Agreed, and permission granted, General, good luck.” She said with a smile. “If theres nothing else, I hear by close this meeting in the fashion taught to us by our Lord…

“Our Father who art in Heaven…”

When the prayer had ended the members stood and departed, Hesbrain stalked out of the room before anyone else had even managed to abandon their seat.

I’ve got to get out of here. thought Lyle

He was sitting in “class”, at least their version of it. Instead of learning English or History, they we’re learning Telekinesis or Pyrokinesis. They we’re taught the other subjects, of course, at a younger age, much of it taught through experimental means, such as flash learning, or subliminal learning, they we’re experiments themselves, being used in other experiments. The government saved money that way, Lyle figured.

Doctor Minix was teaching the rest of the class how to better control their PsiEns, “target practice” he called it. Lyle stood in the corner off the room. His long black trench coat coming to his ankles, he stared at the class through his dark sunglasses, behind those dark sunglasses, his cool, icy blue eyes scanned the other Sensitives, evaluating them. He sighed and ran a hand over his short, black hair, smoothing it. While the rest of the class practiced using their PsiEns, he was practicing reading their minds, feeling what they felt.

Doctor Minix had told them that the government had voted to accept them, and had adopted the position that their powers were “gifts from God”. A few within the council had expressed much displeasure over it. The government had also decided to keep their existence a secret. How typical thought Lyle Those fools cant accept us, because they fear us. I need to get out of here…

Pearson High School was one of the largest in the nation, enrolled here were well over 10,000 students, more than the numbers attending some universities. It was a well-run school, and, most of its graduates went on to enter military service, or enrolled in college with hopes of joining the OIS.

It was very difficult, at 1st, to find new subjects for the Sensitive Operations. Since, in theory, the abilities were hereditary, the OIS 1st turned to the other family members Sensitives. Of the 12 initiate Sensitives, excluding the orphan Lyle, there we’re over 1,000 results, one thousand people to be tested.

Sadly, only 15 people we’re found to be possibly Sensitive material. By comparing the known Sensitive to a possible Sensitive, and then a Non-Sensitive all of the same blood-line, the Doctors were able to learn that Sensitive abilities were extremely recessive in families, and still weren’t exactly sure what caused the pathways in the brain that allowed Sensitives to use their abilities to open. Therefore, developing a test to look for Sensitive activity in the brain was difficult to say the least.

Several ideas we’re looked at. One was taken form Lyle’s outburst. The OIS Sensitive-Seekers, took to attempting to annoy and outright enrage a potential Sensitive. The problems here were twofold. One, being, it didn’t narrow down the target selection, over 2 billion people needed to be tested by this method, and, worse, in the rare cases that this tactic did work, it wasn’t uncommon for the Seeker team to come back a bit bloodied, with a sedated possible-Sensitive in row.

It was, ironically, the teams working on the Psi inhibiting devices, who made the breakthrough, and devised the test. They learned that Sensitive activity occurred on a different EM frequency within brain. Therefore, it was possible to jam this frequency, using some-what modified radio jamming equipment. Initial tests of this caused the persons brain to shut down entirely, resulting the loss of two Sensitive Initiates. However, once the doctors were able to single out the proper frequency, the Psi Dampeners were ready.

So, then, the OIS had a way to single out Sensitives, by scanning that particular frequency, and tracking down the location whenever they found someone else on that same wavelength, they we’re able to being possible Sensitives in for testing. The families of those Sensitives we’re tagged by the OIS, and any other children they may have in the future were to be tested for Sensitive abilities.

“You know? I think its kinda funny, we’re being paid to sit here and listen to the radio.” Joked one of the OIS officers deployed to Cestra Heights.

The OIS van sat darkened in the parking lot of the school, it wasn’t bothering to try and hide its presence, the seal of the OIS was present on the side, it was obviously a government van.

The other laughed “yeah, to bad nothing goods on, I’m just waiting for that song to play”
Last night, that same monitor team had detected Sensitive emissions form a JV basketball game. They’d gone into the game with the handheld scanners, and narrowed it down to someone on the court.

Luckily, the JV team had lost 3-47, so, they coach had plenty reason to be pissed. The OIS had arranged to monitor the coach as he dressed down the team today, and would scan the individuals, hopefully locating the one individual with the Sensitive abilities.

“Time to go” said one of the agents as he and his partner exited the van and entered the school. They walked into a room next to the coaches office, where he had the layers assembled, and was already in the process of reaming then.

“You sorry sons a bitches! You’re all worthless!” shouted the coach as he paced back and forth. “You’re gonna run all night long tonight, you worthless sacks of shit. What have we been training for, huh? What!?”

“Sensitive emission picking up, sir.” Said one of the agents

“Right, okay…tuning…narrowing…I got it…third man on the left, second row.” Said the other agent, fiddling with his scanner.

“Right, I see him.” Said the Agent, looking at the picture displaying on his PDA from the remote camera they’d installed in the office. He zoomed in on the target, and got a close up on the face.

“Run that through the schools database, and get a name.”

“Right, okay, his name is John Cranston, Senior, here’s the rest of it.” Said the agent

“Alright, we’ll take him after school, let command know we’ve got one coming in, have them tag and alert the family, they can come up with a cover story, that’s their job.” Said the lead agent

“Aright, lets go back to he van.”

All around the country, these operations we’re being conducted, all in all, over the next few months, only 2,000 possible Sensitive we’re found, and it was theorized that only 500, give or take, would be capable of completing their training and becoming full-fledged Sensitives.

Artems
ISA Argus Monitoring Station
Sub-Level Four

Below the vast data mining and correlation facility, there were tens of levels of secure and highly secure analytical complexes. One of the less secure was SL4, or “Neighborhood Watch” as it was known among ISA circles. This department was charged with monitoring local allies, to make sure everything was fine. In such a way, the ISA had a preponderance to give aid almost before it was needed, and was often more on top of circumstances than local authorities. It was a long running joke about the time that an ISA VTOL intercepted an Armed Lumberjacks’ moonshine bootlegger, and the video of the stupefied hill-jack staring at the turbofans, forgetting to turn away from the dam, was legendary as a training video.

Still, it wasn’t very glamorous work, and its members spent most of their time wanting to get back to “real spying”, not this helpful neighbor with too much processing power routine. However, today, there actually was something going on. Intelligence Commander Wendell, C2, placed the PDA back on his desk, thinking for a moment. In front of him stood Intelligence Supervisor Rais, C1, who was waiting on her commander to finish reading.

Wendell nodded slightly, “This is interesting, Rais. Have you let Argus crunch it?”

Argus was one of the AI cores in Kaukolastan, a massive parallel processing computer driven by a constant plasma stream inside of its armored cylinder, a particle processor capable of more logical operations than any mere electrical computer. It specialized in data management and correlation, crunching innumerate datum into easily digestible reports. Argus was tied into the Net, monitoring every single bit of traffic along electronic mediums, and as such, was a particularly terrifying idea to those few independently minded individuals in the world. Argus of the Thousand Eyes saw all… and the ISA therefore, could know a close approximation.

Rais nodded, sweeping her hair behind her ear as an afterthought. “Every bit of it.”

“And it came up with the same?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Well, damn.” Wendell glanced to the window. “Definitely some sort of testing, with the sudden clam-up in academic circles. Definitely human oriented, with the regular sweeps and pickups… and for them to escalate is no mean feat. I mean, these people make a living dragging people off and jungle dumping. They must be wracking up the overtime in the Snatch ‘N’ Grab Department.”

“Sir?” Rais raised an eyebrow. “I detect a hint of bitterness towards an ally.”

“Oh, me, nothing.” He rolled his eyes. It was a known fact that Wendell had once been set upon by a mob of angry citizens after he stated that some data gained in a test had correlated to a Blade sample. After that, and several Pain Beam clips later, he’d had a bit of a grudge.

Rais smiled ghostly, and Wendell continued, “Plus, with the way their Synod went bonkers after their Intel boys and some docs showed up, and the massive media blackout on the whole thing… mind you, that’s comparatively, since their normal media state is a deep gray fog.”

“Human testing, intelligence is involved, and it scared and-or pissed off their religious leadership…” Rais paused. “This sound messy. Are you sure they didn’t pull a page from our Book?”

Wendell shrugged, flipping the pages of a massive tome labeled, “The Book”. He turned, “I already checked, and all the pages are still here.” He grinned slightly, remembering the first time he heard the joke about “doing things by the book”. How little did they know… there actually was a Book, albeit one done tongue in cheek by bored officers.

He lost his grin, “We’re going to have to keep our eyes peeled. Don’t say anything, but keep watching, Rais. If anything goes bad, or you gather any information, especially both, let me know, and we’ll bounce this over to Operations.”

“Yes, sir.”

OOC: In other words, a gratuitous TAG.

“Do you know, vhy I have brought you all here?” asked Doctor Minix

The room they sat in was cold, sterile, and lifeless. Over seven months had passed since the other Sensitives and been brought in, and many of them had already reached a level of proficiency with their PsiEns. Lyle, and 4 others, had become good enough to not require the aid of the devices. Through the time, Dr Minix and Lyle had covertly “tested” the new Sensitives loyalties, and decided if they could be trusted or not. Of the 500 some initiates, about 400 washed out, had been mind wiped, and returned to society. Leaving just more than 100 men and women, of those, roughly 50% had been recluses in their “previous” lives, taunted by their fellows, and harbored no love for the OIS imprisoning them here, their promises of being “liberated” and part of “a grand evolution” had dissolved under the pricks of needles and the mind probes, most of all, they hated the Sense Dep tanks. Dr Minix had arranged to have a late night training session with some of his students, those were left out we’re, the ones he couldn’t trust, had been told they we’re not indeed of the training that would take place tonight. Nearly 25 people were assembled here for training. The training tonight could be called “live fire exercises”, tonight, they made their escape.

The OIS had already formed the 1st OIS Sensitive Unit. It included 6 members, Doctor Minix as its commander, Lyle, and the other 4 Sensitives. They had been issued uniforms, and, tonight, Doctor Minix was wearing his, minus his rank insignia. It consisted of a black dress shirt and pants, and glossy black boots A blue sash crossed from shoulder lapel and connected to the waste belt, complete with a holster from a 10mm service pistol or PsiEns. Instead of the normal black OIS armband, bearing the Transnapastaini Seal, they wore a blue band, which bore the seal of the All Seeing Eye of Osiris, the top had been replaced with the 12-pointed star with the eyeball in the middle, symbol of the OIS. Under the base of the All Seeing Eye, was the Transnapastani Eagle, its wing spread wide, clutching the Star of Transnapastain. A black dress cap, also bearing the Transnapastani Eagle, went atop the wearer’s head. Rank pips would normally be found on the shoulder and collar, though Doctor Minix was not wearing it.

“Tonight is the night ve leave zhis place, tonight, ve escape. Ve shall have our revenge on ze world. Ve shall have our revenge on ze government and ze OIS for treating us as sub-human, ven indeed, ve are above zem, ve are ze next step in evolution, today!” said Doctor Minix. “Ve vill use all the training I have given you, as well as the tactical training so “loving” provided by ze government in exacting our retribution on ze nation.

Lyle walked over to the adjacent storage room and opened the door, he, and two other Sensitive moved some crates into the rooms. Lyle removed their lids. Inside the 1st one we’re PsiEns

“Take one, all of you.” He said, “arm yourselves”, he said, removing the 1st one, and handing it to the nearest Sensitive.

“I realize some of you have mot yet mastered offensive abilities, so, for you, ve have brought veapons.” Doctor Minix said, as he kicked the id off the second crate. “I vant all of you to carry a veapon, though” he said, hefting a M-8A2. “ze Government has brought many of the Psi Dampeners online, ve don’t vant to be caught weaponless

Inside the crates we’re a mixture of M-8 rifles, and MP-7 submachine guns. He began to pass them, and spare ammo, out to the crowd assembled.

When everyone was armed and their PsiEns readied, Lyle hopped onto the top of a crate, an MP-7 in one hand, and said

“We’ll need to cease the security room on this floor, then use the access stairwells to ascend to the hangers, from there, we can steal a VTOL and escape!” he said

“Where shall we go?” one man asked

Doctor Minix spoke up.

“Ve vill escape to Nailiak, ze forest zere is lush, deep, and unexplored. Also, zeir large untapped deposits of iron and trace amounts of urainiam vill mask our life-signs. Also, I heard rumors zat ze team working on the Psi Dampeners had located vhat seemed to be a natural anti-Psionic field in ze region, though, zhey weren’t sure vhat caused it, I believe it may be some genetic mutation vithin some animal, native to the region. In any case, satellite reconnaissance has located a small, abandoned mining town in the foothills. That area is rich in titanium, and vas one of the areas marked as possibly having the natural occurring anti-psi fields. It should provide ample defense for us.” He said

“Right!” said the group

“Lets move!” said Lyle, as he opened the door

The hallway was empty, one group went to the left, to occupy the security office, the other, moved off in the direction of the stairways, to secure the exit.



“Hit me.” The voice said

the dealer turned over a king, and dealt it

“Damnit Jim, you got 17 showing…you busted, admit it.” Said the dealer

“Fuck you man, who-wee, eat it, I got a 4! Oh, what now!” said the voice.

The two guards we’re so enthralled by their card game, they didn’t see the group exit the room, and begin advancing down the hallway. This floor security grid was removed from the Valhalla network, due to its top-secret nature…

For the moment, they had no idea what was coming,



2nd squad, lead by Lyle, moved down the hallways, as it rounded a corner, they came across a guard patrol, without hesitation, Lyle let fly with a burst from the MP-7, as did the others.

“What the…” was all the leader of the patrol managed to utter before he was cut down. No one in the patrol managed to return fire.

Alarms began to ring out, and a computerized voice called over the announcement system

“Weapons fire registered, life signs of patrol alpha-7 lost, level 1 automated security system activated.”

From the ceiling, turret-guns dropped, and portions of the floor electrified, doors locked, and blast doors slammed shut.

“Cover, take cover!” shouted Lyle, as he dove into a doorframe

A few Sensitives we’re killed by blasts from the mini-guns, a few more we’re hit by the currents. Many of them we’re ready, and managed to creating kenotic shields in front of them, blocking the bullets, or managed to shunt the energy into the steel beams around them, before the took cover.

Father, we’re pinned down, you’ve got to take the security center. thought Lyle

I copy, Lyle, ve’re in position



The guards weren’t so enthralled now.

“What the hell, we’re under attacked, they said, scrambling to their consoles.

“Computer shows multiple contacts, it’s the Sensitives!, They’re rebelling.” said the dealer

“I still read some of them in the barracks, so, its, not all of them, I’m sealing the room now.” said the voice

“Activate the Psi Dampeners!” called the voice

Dealer reached fro the button



Just outside the room, Doctor Minix and another Sensitive pushed the door inward, and stormed in.

Minix shot the man reaching from the button, and the other Sensitive let fly with his MP-7, and cut down the other guard. The squad rushed into the room.

The communications board was beeping insistently, Minix let fly a burst from his rifle into it.

“Alright,. Lets raise those doors, and deactivate the security emplacements.” He said

After only a few moments, the work as done, and the teams could proceed.




Back in the hallway, the guns stopped tracking, and the currents shut down.

Lyle, ve’ve deactivated zem, ve’ll be linking up with you shortly.

“Right, lets go people!” Lyle said, as they pushed forward

They reached the stairs about the same time as the 2nd group did, and they began to file up the stairs, encountering stiff resistance almost the entire way. All ambushes failed, without the aid of the Psi dampeners, the minds of the guards we’re easy to read, and the Sensitives had no difficulty picking them out, and eliminating them. It only took them 20 minutes to reach the hanger complex


“Sir, I’m not getting a response from level d-32 about the weapons fire, and I cant access the security systems on that level.” Said a technician to Sub-Commander Orwell.

“That level requires a code-clearance even higher than mine…send a team down there. I want to know whets going on, and get the General in here.” He said

“Aye, sir…wait a sec…I’m reading weapons discharged on level D-30, its, I don’t know what it is sir…its an assault team, they’re armed with M-8’s and MP-7’s, they shoe up in the registry, that’s the only way they could be firing.” Said the tech

“How could an assault team enter from the bottom of…what in the hell!” he exclaimed.

On the screen, he saw one of hi9s men engulfed in fire, as one of the attackers hurled a ball of pure fire from a strange device in his hand. It was happening with several of them, it looked like they were hurling balls of ice, and fire around, as well as physically throwing men around like rag dolls.

“I don’t know what the hell they are, but I want them dead!” he said



General Davis came running into the room

“You’re kidding me, we’re under attack!?” he said

“It appears so, sir, but, look at this.” Said Orwell

Davis looked at the screen, and froze in horror. On it, he saw the Sensitives, many of whom he recognized, pushing their way through OIS and Army troopers, killing everyone in their wake.

“Oh, you’re fucking kidding me!” he sighed, he straightened up, and shouted, “You have to stop them, they must not be allowed to escape!”




The door into the VTOL pad blew in, and the Sensitives charge din, firing as they ran. They’d already pretty much pinpointed the guard positions in the room, and took them down with little difficulty.

“Alright, I’ll head up to ze control room, you others board ze VTOL’s, and get ready for lift off.” Said Minix.

The doctor charged up the stairs and entered the flight control center for this hanger. He tapped on the touch screen, but, nothing happened.

Lyle, I’m locked out of the systems, try and push the doors open. he thought

Yes Father

Lyle concentrated hard on the doors ahead, and began to move them apart, the sound of steel rubbing steel filled the air, a sparks shot in all directions. The others realized what he was doing, and assisted him, soon, the doors we’re stuck open. Minix ran back down to the hanger and climbed aboard

The 3 VTOL’s lifted off, staying low

Not soon after they’d lifted off, the anti-air system opened fire. The Sensitives pilots easily out-maneuvered the missiles and batteries, only taking a few glancing hits.



“Attention, Attention, all Directorate Forces, Transnapastani VTOL contacts, designated A-1 and A-2 should be regarded as hostile aircraft, OIS authorization Delta-Bravo 179, destroy on sight.” Said Orwell over the radio. “Attention Transnapastani Forces, VTOL’s, A1 and A2, are hostile, engage and destroy. Air Fleet, scramble fighters, Air Defense Forces, bring your guns online and track targets.”

“They’ve entered Nailiakian airspace, General.” Reported the radar officer.

“Attention Nailiak Air Defense Command, This is OIS Command Center Valhalla, tracking two targets, designated A-1 and A-2, fire, at will, bring them down.”
“Sir, signal interference, due to magnetic emissions from the metal deposits.” Reported the radar officer.

“This is NADC, we’re are no joy for targets, possible sensor error. We’re launching Intercept fighters”

“This is Bearcat 1, attention NADC, requesting permission to enter Nailiakian airspace.” Reported the squadron in the air

“Granted, tracking Bearcat as friendly. We are still faintly tracking the targets” Reported NADC

“Valhalla, this is Bearcat, Radar inoperable, interference is too great, pealing off.”

“Negative, Bearcat, do not disengage.” Said Orwell

“Sir, request permission to disengage, flying conditions are horrible. We can’t see a damn thing.” Replied Bearcat

“Stand by- bear cat, hold position at 30,00 feet and sweep the area.” Said Orwell “NADC, do you have the target?”

“Negative, fighters closing in…”

“Gdoamnit…get them!” muttered Davis



“Zhis is vhere ve get off, pilot, set it down zhere.” Said Minix

The three VTOL’s came to rest on in a field about a klick from the mining town.

“The auto-pilots are programmed to continue on course, follow the mountains, and make for the ocean, we fully expect that they’ll be shot down “ reported the VTOL pilot.

“Good, zhen, everyone, out of zhe VTOL’z, vill valk the rest of ze way.” He said. "Oh, and grab ze black boxes, zey dont need to know vere ve are going."

The VTOL’s rose back into the air




“This is NADC, we’ve got target lock! firing….”

“Come on…come on…” said Davis

“Missile registers as a hit, splash two targets.” Said NADC “Fighters, confirm kill.”

“Bearcat one here, kill confirmed, I saw the missile hit, and I can see the fires from here.”

“NADC Fighter squadron, confirmed.”

“This is NADC, we’re scrambling CSAR to the area.”

“Ah, roger that, be advised, suspects are armed and…ah…extremely dangerous, approach with extreme caution, any survives should be eliminated, use of deadly force is recommended.” Said Orwell

“Ah…roger that, we copy, NADC out.”

“Well, hopefully, that’s that, General…what was that?” asked Orwell

“What was what, Sub-commander?” Asked Davis, giving him a stern look.

“Yes sir.” He replied

“That goes for the rest of you, nothing occurred here tonight, destroy the logs and transcripts, mind wipe those pilots, and see to it the same happens in Nailiak, understood.” Said Davis

“Yes sir!”

The upper echelons of the Noviet armed forces were a buzz with talk. No official messages had come out of Transnapastain in lieu of an explanation. A quick broadcast on the directorate frequencies made reference to a few friendlies that should’ve been hostile contacts. Still waiting for an explanation the brass had briefed the President. Now in his office he looked at his generals and admirals, chuckling.
“Do you really think they’re going to brief us? At all?”
“No sir. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a right to know.” The President waved his hand at that.
“Just put a low level request for information to the OIS, make it look non-chalant. We’re probably going to be kept out of the loop, so don’t get offended when your given a report with more black lines than text.” Pausing for a moment in thought the president held his coffee mug, poised to drink. Speaking quietly into the mug he tried not to let any sounds of distrust edge into his voice.
“Review our satellite records of the incident, see if we can’t make some prepositions on our own. Co-ordinate with ground based Intel and see what you can pick up. Ask the NNAO if they have anything on special access, they might be of some help.” Slurping from his coffee he looked up again with a smile.
“But no worries gentlemen, nothing’s likely to come of this.”

Radar station #116a request to Transnapastain Air control

We made RADAR contact with an unidentified craft traveling from Transnapastain to Nailiak matching the description of the hostile. Sensor contact was limited due to distance and environmental conditions. Requesting information to update database and complete the log.

Noviet Armed Forces request situational report

NAF recorded the incident over Nailiak and the report of hostile craft. The incident has been seen as a potential for a security risk and the NAF would like a situational update.

In the mean time the amount of patrol craft on the border has been increased 15% as a show of support and preparedness.

NNAO inquiry in to OIS database

Search command Files modified 21/11/04

Valhalla Command Center
Director-General Davis’ office
Transnapastain

“Sir, we’ve been getting communications from all over the Directorate about last nights incident.” Said Sub-Commander Fires, as he lounged in an expensive looking leather armchair, a small glass in one hand, and a cigarette in an ashtray sending a small wisp of smoke into the air. “Hell, even Armed Lumberjack’s HSB managed to pick that up, I guess the guy with the metal detector was facing the right direction.”

Davis barked a laugh, “I know, I’ve got people crawling up my ass with flashlights looking for answers, and they’re not even trying to hide the surprise.” said Davis, sitting behind his desk, leaning back, the light coming in from the “window” casting his face in half-shadow. “I’ve been in contact with the Nailiak Intelligence Service, they tell me NADC hasn’t is only now mounting the CSAR operation, apparently, the weather conditions last night we’re “inopportune”, but, you better believe they’ve been out there all night containing the fricking forest fires.” Davis snickered, and continued on. “NIS says they’re on their way to take command of the operation, and relive the NADC personal, that ought to provide some sense of operational security, id much rather get some OIS people in there to do it, but, we cant make too much of a show out of it.” said Davis, as he sat forward in his chair, picked up his glass, and took a drink.

“Nova Hope sent us a message as well, they made RADAR contact with the VTOL’s too, and recorded the Directorate-wide message tagging them as hostile.” Fires paused, and took a long drag from the cigarette “I found this interesting, sir.” Said Fires, reading over his PDA “The Kaukolastani military has filed a request for information as to the incident, and the ISA hasn’t said a good-godamned thing…”

“That suggests they missed it entirely. Of course, we know better than that, the ISA doesn’t miss much, and it sure as hell doesn’t miss 3 formerly friendly contacts taking off from the command center, being tagged hostile, and being shot down. “He leaned forward over the desk, his facing consumed by the shadow of the darkened office. “That means, they know more than they should, and no amount of cover story we give them is going to throw them off.” Davis concluded

“Speaking of cover story, what do we tell Nova Hope, Kaukolastan, Armed Lumberjacks, and, Nailiak?” asked Fires

“Tell them…” Davis paused. “Tell them several Air Fleet officers were suspected of being a traitor, before the OIS could intercept them, they used their command authorization to steal plans on several weapons programs, and managed to hijack several VTOL aircraft, with intentions of defecting to nations unknown. Obviously, we managed to intercept them.” said Davis. “NADC said they weren’t going to begin rescue operations until 0900 this morning, get a team ready, get in there, and plant some bodies in those VTOL’s, dress them up in Air Fleet uniforms, and have the Electronics Warfare and Sabotage boys down in the tech center make up some ID’s for our new defecting officers, histories, records, the works, there were, roughly 20 Sensitives that escaped, so, maybe 15 or 16 bodies. As for the missing ones, we’ll put out an APB on the “missing” officers, and thus, have the regional Intel agencies looking in the wrong direction. Maybe we’ll get lucky, and the Nailiakian military will sweep the forest and find our missing Sensitives and eliminate them for us.” Said Davis

"On a separate note, put in a request to Kaukolastan from a few cases of Mantis Rifles….if they ask why, tell them we want them from evaluation, and, if its needed, bribe them, if not, at least pay full price” said Davis, almost as an after thought

“Yes sir.” Said Fires, as he stood and saluted

Davis returned the salute, and Fires left the office

Several hours later, Director-General Davis’ phone buzzed

“Davis” he said

“Sir, its Fires, the team reports mission accomplished, the packages are delivered and in place’

“Good work, Sub-Commander, Davis out.”

He replaced the receiver on the cradle and learned back in his chair, folding his hands over his chest

Hopefully, this will buy us some time, and hopefully it’ll throw most of the agencies off, God damn those Sensitives, at least a few of them are still seemingly loyal, they could prove useful in finding the others, Oh, I am not looking forward to dealing with the Executer on this one…

Abandoned mining town
Somewhere in the Nailiakian Forest
Nailiak

I hate this place thought Lyle, as he walked in the building that had been set up as a headquarters. A heavy rain was pouring down, and a freezing wind blew across the compound. Lyle shivered; his OIS trench coat wasn’t enough to keep him warm. These damns trees make it worse, the rain hits you, then the drops from the leafs hit you, its like being rained on double time. Having spent most of his time in underground environment, Lyle was not used to fresh air, trees, or being out in the elements. He walked past the two guards standing watch at the entrance to the building, and headed through the camp to the barracks he shared with the other 4 Sensitive officers.

The pre-dawn sky was ablaze with the light from the rising sun, and also, from the fires raging in the distance the crashing VTOL’s had caused. All night, as the Sensitives had busily set up camp, Lyle had seen and heard Nailiakian Helicopters and VTOL’s coming and going, trying to douse the fires that raged through their precious trees.

Doctor Minix had spent most of his time in the command building, supervising the instillation and set up of the minimal amount of electronics the Sensitives had been able to bring with them. A few laptop computers, PDA’s, some camcorders, which we’re being installed in the surrounding trees to act as impromptu security cameras, a few closed-circuit televisions, which they’d found at the site, being used to monitor the cameras, and one small military-grade transmitter.

“Ve vill need to acquire more supplies, foodstuffs, veapons, armor, and electronics, digging tools, as vell.” He said to Lyle, his second in command, holding the unofficial rank of major, in what was being called the Empfindliche Befreiung-Armee, or Sensitive Liberation Army, the town itself had been renamed Rache, or, in English, Revenge.

“Digging tools, sir?” asked Lyle

“Of course, how else are ve to re-enter Transnapastain? Valk up to the border and ask to be let in? Ve’ll tunnel our vay back in, zhose fools vill never suspect zat.”

“Understood, sir.” said Lyle

“Soon, vill have to go back into the nation to acquire the supplies ve need, we’ll need plenty of anti-aircraft weaponry, Stingers, and SA-7’s. Vill need ammunitions for the rifles and sub-machineguns, some heavy MG’s vould be nice, and some anti-tank weapons, as vell, zough, ze trees vill prove quite useful in zat. We can always store ze equipment in the abandoned mines, thankfully, zhey did not bother to fill zem in, their lazniess is our gain.” He smiled at Lyle. “Major, you are tired, I can sense it, go, now, and sleep, I vill awake you chen the time comes.” He said, and turned back to his laptop.

“Yes sir!” said Lyle, saluting, not the traditional Transnapastaini salute, but, a from the chest Seig Heil salute. With that, he turned and left.

Lyle entered his barracks room, it was mostly empty, most of the other officers were organizing defensive positions, supervising the digging of trenches, finding where best to place snipers or machineguns, or on duty in the command center. Lyle changed into his underwear, and slung his MP-7 over the bedpost. He lay down in his bed, and closed his eyes, within minutes, he was fast asleep, it, after all, had been a long day

Nailiak Intelligence Services
Ronin Command Center
Nailiak

Chief of Intelligence Juno Hirak sat at his station in the Ronin Command Center and listened in on the radio chatter coming from all the Directorate nations. Taking no real special notice to anything coming through but keeping tabs on what's been reported.

“Chief, what's the SitRep?” A man stirring his cup of coffee entered the room, the automated doors slid shut behind him, emitting a ”kssshhh-cling” sound. He put the cup up to his lip and drew a sip of the liquid. Lowering his cup, he reached up and pulled off his hat and placed it under his left arm pit. He donned a dark blue dress shirt with matching dress pants and formal, almost naval captain looking, hat. A blue sash worn around his waist held a 10mm NAM (Nailiak Arms Manufacturing) pistol holster, complete with pistol. On his left breast pocket was his name badge, “Commander Ryan Fodhurm”. To make his ensemble complete, he wore a dark blue cape, which danced behind him as he walked. He stopped next to Juno.

“Well, sir. Nothing more has come through, other than all Directorate nations confirming the RADAR pings of three Trans VTOLS. Which we shot down last night over the Otuas Mountain range”.

“I see.” He sipped his coffee.

“Although, I took the liberty and called logistics to trace back the VTOL's trajectory.”

“And?”

“And... they flew right over the closed mining town of Drisop.”

“Drisop?”

“Yes, sir. Drisop, you know, the government shut down the mine due to environmental dangers.”

“Ah yes, the mine that's rich in iron with small amounts of pure uranium. Do you suspect something, chief?”

“Well, despite the momentary loss of contact while the flew over the area, they seemed to have slowed down when doing so. Based on their trajectory, they should have passed that area in a matter of seconds. Instead theres a good 45 second “lag” between their arrival and departure from the Drisop area.”

“You think they made a stop?”

“Its possible. If they were in fact traitors and needed a place to run and hide, that area is a natural jammer. The rich deposits would definitely mask their presence.”

“I see. I'll send out a ground team to comb the town and surrounding area. In the mean time, keep on that radio and listen for anything related to this event. Transnapastain is up to something and I want to know what it is.” He turned and faced the exit. “They're dragging more and more people from their homes everyday. Even more so than normal. I just know something is up and I don't like surprises. Find out what it is before the shit hits the fan, got me chief?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.” He sipped his coffee as he strode out of the command center.


Nailiak Air Defence Command
VTOL control room
Nailiak

NADC has been given clearance by Ronin Command to conduct FROs (Field Reconnaissance Operations) on the suspected town of Drisop for the Transnapastaini traitors. Another clearance has been given to inspect the crash site of the three Transnapastaini VTOLs.

“Pad 4, you are clear for take off. Your call sign will be Op-1.”

“Roger, Op-1 lift off.”

“Pad 6, you are clear for take off. Your call sign will be Op-2.”

“Roger, Op-2 lifting off.”

“Pad 9, you are clear for take off. Your call sign will be Op-3”

“Roger that, Op-3 is getting out of dodge.”

“NADC confirms three VTOL lift offs. Call signs Op-1, Op-2, and Op-3. Happy hunting boys and girls.” A momentary radio silence ensues as the VTOLs clear the area. “Pad 1, you are clear to take off. Your call sign is In-1.”

“Roger dodge, In-1 taking off.”

“Pad 5, you are clear to take off. Your call sign will be In-2.”

Roger NADC, In-1 taking off.

“NADC confirms two VTOL lift offs. Call sign In-1 and In-2 for mission Fire Skies. Be advised, any survivors are to be shot on sight. Happy hunting.”

Nailiak Intelligence Services
Ronin Command Center
Nailiak
0917 Hours

Ryan slept and uneasy sleep in his quarters. He tossed and turned, often lashing out at some unseen force. Normally his room was filled with the sounds of deep slumber, however, tonight they were filled with voiceless screams. Screams no one could hear.

Ryan stood in the middle of a room. The room was dark and a cold uneasy feeling loomed in the air as if someone, or something, was watching him. He reached in a desperate attempt to locate a solid object, to which he wanted to press his body against for support. His legs grew weak, his lungs drew less and less air with each gasp. He could feel the cold, icy fingers of death gripping him by his neck. He felt the ground fall out from beneath him but he did not fall. He made one last desperate lashing in an attempt to wrench himself free of the death grip, but he felt nothing with his hands. As his life flashed before his eyes and his body grew heavier, his last though was of his daughter. A lovely woman of 18 years of age who's radiant blue eyes pierced his heart many a times. He could never resist her puppy dog eyes. Before the darkness consumed him, her face melted and distorted itself.. The distortion reformed itself but it wasn't the face of his daughter. It was of a teenage boy who's eyes were dark blue but glowed with a furious rage. He felt the fingers around his neck grip tighter as the boys face contorted with disgust and angst.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!...
Ryan was consumed by the darkness. Seconds later he awoke from his nightmare to find himself on the floor next to his bed with the blanket wrapped tightly around his neck.

“I need a vacation. I need a vacation.” He kept repeating to himself as he unraveled the blanket from around his neck.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!...

He jumped to his feet and scampered over to the video comm station at his desk and slammed his palm down on the “receive” button. The screen sprang to life and lifted itself up to a 100 degree angle facing him. Juno's face appeared.

“Commander, sir. I have some troubling news. The R-con team sent to Drisop has stopped responding. Worse, their life monitors report all to be deceased. I have Ops working on retrieving their helm cam data. It may take some time due to the interference, however, I think your presence in the command chamber is, ah, going to be required shortly. Kailian Nailiak has caught wind of the incident and wants a SitRep.”

Ryan sighed. “I am on my way.” He slammed his palm down on the “disconnect” button and fell into his desk chair. “I need a damn vacation.”

Nailiak Intelligence Services
Ronin Command Center
Nailiak
Half an hour later

Ryan strode into the commander chamber and walked straight to Juno's station.

“Were you ab-”

“Commander, you are not going to like this.” Juno spun around and extended a data card towards Ryan. “I suggest you watch that alone. Its the helmet camera data we were able to extract.”

Ryan glared at Juno for cutting him off mid sentence and snatched the data card from his hand. “I'll be in the conference room.”

He spun around and walked hastily towards the conference room.

He sat down at the lead chair and popped the data cared into the computer. He keyed up the helmet camera data and pressed play.


The helmet HUD was dated six hours ago, 0347 hours and belonged to a Private Higgins. The video started out still in one of the three VTOL s but skipped to the middle of a fire fight.

Higgins was holed up behind a water well and breathing heavily. He looked out to the left where they had landed the VTOL s. One was scored with black char marks but still seemed operational, one was completely engulfed in flames, while the last one sat on its bare belly; engines a flame.

Higgins swung his head to the right. There were a few soldiers setup behind the charred hulk of an old car. They were taking turns returning fire to the enemy that was behind Higgins. Several tracer rounds slammed into the car hulk, sparking harmlessly off it but forcing the soldiers to duck for cover.

The camera shakes violently and Higgins looks back off to the left. The body of a fellow soldier smacks the ground and slides for several feet, kicking up dust in all directions. Higgins looks down at his side and notices an M8 assault rifle laying there, covered in blood and char marks.

Higgins jumps up and spins around, brings his M8 rifle to bear on the on enemy and lets fly a steady stream of bullets. Dust kicks up around the points of impact, though no visible damage is done to the enemy. The tracer rounds at the end of his clip fly out and slam harmlessly into structures behind the enemy. click click click Higgins looks down at his gun and discards the empty clip. He looks back at the enemy. Through the tracers rounds being exchanged and muzzle flashes, three enemy contacts are confirmed. Suddenly, as Higgins hand reaches for the toggle switch for the NVG, the camera begins to rise high into the air. Higgins looks down at his feet to find the ground below him is rapidly accelerating away from him. Higgins begins to squirm and flail wildly, accomplishing nothing in means of reaching the ground again. Higgins' body is jerk backwards violently, sending his helmet flying.

It lands several feet behind Higgins body, which, once the helmet settles and regains focus, can still be seen suspended in midair. Off in the distance, a teenage male stands with his left arm extended, his hand curled into a fist, towards Higgins' body. His hand opens and his fingers are extended outwards. Almost simultaneously Higgins' body is rocketed backwards, landing only a few feet shy in front of his helmet. Higgins attempts to crawl towards his helmet but is suddenly engulfed in flames. The video feed cuts to static seconds afterwards.

Ryan rewinds to the spot where the male teenager is. He zooms in to his face and enhances the picture. His eyes grew wide, his face turned a pale color, and his hand began to tremble. He stood up, nearly falling back down due to his trembling, and made his way out of the conference room. He walked over to Juno's desk.

“Juno, we have a problem. A huge fucking problem. Get me Transnapastain on the horn. I want to know what the hell those bastards have released into our nation.

Lyle was still asleep when the alert was called

“Incoming! All personal, man stations, we have incoming hostile contacts.” someone shouted through a megaphone.

In seconds Lyle was up, and into his uniform, he grabbed his MP-7 and charged to the command center. As he ran, he could see the Sensitives streaming out of their barracks, rifles or sub-machineguns in hand, and heading towards the defensive earthworks that had been constructed.

Lyle burst into the command center to find Doctor Minix shouting into a radio

“I don’t care! Bring ze Zingers out of the mine, bring zhiose VTOL’s down schnell!

“ja Herr Oberst, sofort!” bellowed the guard, snapping off a salute, and running.

“Father, what is happening?” asked Lyle

“An outpost spotted incoming VTOL aircraft, if must be the Nailiakian military. Zhey’re heading right for ze town, zhey are into us, we must eliminate them, and then relocate deeper into the mines.” Doctor Minix looked at Lyle coolly. “Get out there, and hold the soldiers off. Ve will hold zem, destroy every last one of zem, gun zem down like ze Hundes zey are!”

“Yes sir!

Lyle ran from the building and headed out towards the earthworks, which we’re on the outskirts of the town, where the miners would have lived. As he reached the area, an officer snapped to attention and saluted.

“Major, have you come to take command?” he asked

“Yes, captain, what have you got set up?” he asked

“We believe the VTOL’s will land in that open field,” he said, pointing, “it’s the only nearby area they can land safely.” He pointed to the houses nearest to the clearing. “I’ve got men in those houses, and our only medium MG on the second floor of that house there, the others just have M8 riflemen, their guns set up in MG form. We think we’ve got about 3 minutes until they’ll be in visible distance.” Reported the Captain

“Very good, then, take your position, and tell everyone to hold their fire, until the troops begin to disembark, the most important thing is to take out the pilots of the VTOL’s. We must hold them here, and let no one escape.” said Lyle

“Yes sir!” said the officer, and saluted

From behind him, Lyle heard fast approaching footsteps. He turned to see 2 men running down the street, with a Stinger anti-air missile launcher in tow.

“Get into that house, there, and set up on the 2nd story, do not fire until the VTOL’s have landed, and the troops begin to get out, we don’t, in fact, we can not let anyone escape.” He repeated

“Understood, sir!” they said, and continue don their way.

Lyle followed them, and took up a position in the house, where he could see the field. He heard the spotter for the FIM-92A call out

“I cans see them, they’re incoming, I’d say ETA, 30 seconds”

“Alright, keep it quiet people.”

Outside, he could hear the engines of the incoming VTOL’s. He could sense the minds of the soldiers aboard, tense, nervous, but, also, overconfident. they don’t think anyone can harm them on their home turf, we’ll show them. He heard the VTOL’s land, and the engines powering down

“Alright people.” A Nailiakian NCO or Officer, he couldn’t tell which, shouted, lets fan out and take a look around.” Followed by affirmative shouts. He heard the booted feet hitting he group, he waited a few more seconds, looked to the Stinger solider and whispered, “fire”

The round accelerated away from the Stinger, and slammed into the center VTOL., obliterating it. Fire erupted from the windows of both houses.

“Reloading!” shouted the Stinger solider

The Nailiakian soldiers dove for cover, as chaos ensued around them. Lyle saw several of them huddling behind a low wall.

“Volley grenades over there!” he shouted pointing

Thunk Thunk two grenade rounds fired over the wall, bodies and parts of bodes, as well as a spray of blood, went out in all directions, Lyle smiled at the sight.

Looking back out the window, he saw bullet hoes and blood in the VTOL’s cockpits, one VTOL’s engine was smoking, someone had hit it was a grenade round. No more solider could be visibly seen from this vantage point. Though, scattered return fire could be heard

“Hold you fire!” he shouted. Lyle looked around him, and pointed to two of the other, more proficient Sensitives.

“You’re with me, we’re going down there to mop up.”

He 2 other Sensitives fell into step behind him, and they walked onto the battlefield. Lyle looked around, and knew that the soldiers hiding behind the car we’re going to fire at him before even they did, they cam up, and the bullets ricocheted harmlessly off his “shield”. He gave the burned out car a little shove in their direction, and it landed atop them.

Another man stepped out from behind a water pump, and let fly with his M-8. Lyle absorbed the damage. He heard the kids gun click empty, and lifted the boy from the group, crushing his windpipe, when he heard it snap, he let the lifeless body drop.

“I think…I think that’s all of them.” Said one of the other Sensitive officers. “A few of them are still alive, sir”

“Have a team sweep the area, try and salvage the guns from the VTOL’s, destroy the one, and see if we can put the operational one under cover somewhere, dose those fires, too. Collect ammo, and have their dead strung up, as a warning, they already know we’re here, and they wont dare just bomb us, they’d kill their own men, and destroy their trees. Take the prisoners in, treat them, and then have them locked up.”

“Yes sir, will it stop Transnapastain from bombing us?” one asked

“Yes, they wont dare risk war with Nailiak over this.” Replied Lyle

the officers deported to carry out his orders.

Valhalla Command Center
General Davis office
Transnapastain

“Uh oh” said Sub-Commander Fires

“What?” asked Director-General Davis

“SatRec picked up this in the Nailiakian Forest.” He handed Davis a PDA

On the screen, Davis saw 3 Nailiakian VTOL’s take off, another still picture showed them landing in a town, the next showed one of them on fire, and some kind of ground battle being waged, and, the most recent, showed people collecting the dead, and hulling the remaining VTOL off.

“What’s worse, We just got a priority one call from the NIS, seems some Nailiak military team got wiped out doing a sweep of the forest near the VTOL crash. Worse, they got data and recordings of the attack, it’s the Sensitives.” Said Fires. “They’re, uh, demanding an explanation”

‘Damnit, well, we really cant keep them in the dark now. Send them the data, and tell them not to share it with any other Directorate nation. Tell them we’ll be sending in a team to deal with this problem.” Said Davis, cooly

“Yes sir.” Replied Fires

Nailiak Intelligence Services
Ronin Command Center
Nailiak

Ryan could feel his eye twitching as he read the report Transnapastain had sent. Sensitives? ESP, psychic powers? What the hell is this crap? If this didn't have that damn Transnapastaini Eagle stamped on it, I would swear they were feeding us bullshit. He closes the lid on the video comm and leans back in his chair, resting his head on the head rest. “Something about this doesn't sit right with me.” He spins around to face the door. “What am I going to tell the Chancellor?” He chuckles. ”Oh, mighty ruler, we have rogue psychics roaming our great nations country side. They have killed three VTOL full of men and its all Transnapastains fault.”

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ryan spun around. He flipped up the ID panel on the video comm station, it was the Chancellor. His eyes grew wide, his heart stopped, and so did his lungs.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

“Oh shit! You have got to be kidding me! Why now? Why!?” Pausing a moment to collect himself, he presses the receive button and the screen springs to life. It flips up to a 100 degree angle and the Chancellors face appears.

“What took you so long, commander?” Kailian's face was sour. He did not like to wait, especially for a commoner.

“Sir, please accept my most profound apologies. I was in the bathroom when you called.” His legs begin to tremble. He did not like lying to the one man who can have him killed with in seconds.

“Yes, well, remind me later to give you a personal video comm. Anyway. What news do you have from this VTOL crash?” Kailian glared. He wasn't going be pleased until there was someone to blame for killing his precious trees.

“Sir, this.. this may sound a tad odd. I have information on who the VTOL s belonged to.” He paused for a moment.

“And this is odd how, commander? That is precisely what I wanted. Now tell me who it is.” He clasped his hands together, inter locking his fingers, and leaned back.

“Well, sir. Here's the odd part. It was Transnapastain However, they were... rogue agents. Sir, my apologies. Here is the data they sent to us. It will make more sense if you read it yourself than listening to my babbling.” Sweat beads formed on his forehead.

Kailian glared at him. “This better be as “odd” as you say it is, else there will be a price to pay.”

“It is, sir.” Ryan keyed up the data and sent it off to the Chancellor. He could do nothing more except for watch the expressions on the Chancellor's face grow more and more fierce. He closed his eyes and waited for the moment of his demise to arrive.

“Sensitives? Humans with psychic powers? So that's whats been happening over there, with the increased civilian abductions.” Kailian closed his eyes and sighed. “Tell them their squad better be effective. Also, tell them to send us some of those... PsiEns, as they call them. As well as those countermeasures to inhibit their abilities.” He opened his eyes again and reached over to the video comm keyboard. “I am increasing your funds. Buy and distribute as many of those countermeasures to our science division as possible.” He leaned back in his chair.

Ryan opened his eyes and looked at the incoming data. “Sir! The funding is most generous. I will do as you please. I will keep you updated.”

“Good. See to it personally, if you have to, that those... sensitives are removed from my nation and we are better able to defeat them in the future.”

The connection terminated and Ryan slumped back into his chair. He looked down at his pants, then reached over and tapped the video comm. “Juno, get my dry cleaner on the line. I just got off the horn with the Chancellor.”

Juno's face appeared on the screen. “Right, sir. Glad to see you are still alive. I'll notify you when she arrives. Shall I also call the warehouse and bring you a new chair?” Juno smirked.

“Unfortunately, yes. Oh, and I have some orders for you.” He keyed up some data and sent it off to Juno, then slapped the disconnect button with his palm. “Sometimes, I wish I hadn't joined the intelligence branch of the government. I don't care how great the benefits are. Soiling my pants wasn't on the list of required duties.

ISA Headquarters
Corsingard
Kaukolastan

“Mantis rifles?” Section Chief Ghast placed the PDA on the table, glancing at IC Wendell and IS Rais. More Operations personnel were in the room, but Ghast was ranking officer from any branch.

Wendell nodded, “Yes, sir. Fifty DEMPR MANTIS weapons, with two hundred energy coils for power, ordered and prepared from Sag Arms. All of this was done through front companies, and the shipment is currently in cold storage as per my request, sitting in a dock in Karton.”

Ghast tipped his PDA in respect. “Good call, Commander.”

“Thank you, Chief.”

Ghast tapped the PDA again, “And this is the records from that Tango Uniform shoot-down, as well as the SATREC of the Nailiakian interdiction attempt in Drisop…”

One of the Operations Agents commented, “A real FUBAR, sir. Looks like they took heavy casualties with little result, from their radio chatter.”

Ghast nodded, “Especially combined with the reports of Aberrant behaviors from this OpFor, this makes a dangerous situation.”

Wendell requested, “So, do we have permission to crack open the allied encryptions from the scene?”

Ghast nodded. “Go ahead and pull everything, unscramble it all. Remember, this is blacker than black, and anyone caught letting on will end up in Sierra Hotel.”

“And the crates of Mantis Rifles?” Wendell asked, “I’d presume that they’re tied to this, and Argus agreed with that. Transnapastain has definitely opened up a Pandora’s Box of Aberrations.”

Ghast nodded, but it was Rais who spoke. She pushed her hair back behind her ear out of habit before postulating, “Sir, I think we should let it through, send some handlers. We might be able to get some HUMINT as well as SIGINT and ELINT.”

To this, Ghast smiled, his sunglasses moving slightly, his perfect teeth shining out. “Absolutely, Commander.” He touched his PDA, “Unfortunately, our on-call Paranormal Field Commander is otherwise occupied. How would you like a temporary transfer, Supervisor Rais?”

She started, not believing her ears. She threw a glance to her commander, Wendell, but he nodded in approval. She turned to Ghast, “Of course, sir!”

“Very well, Field Commander Rais. Welcome to Operations. You’ll be accompanying that crate of Mantis Rifles into the nation, and they stay with you at all times. Remember, we do have remote deactivation abilities. We’ll provide you a story.” Ghast turned to the window, adjusting his collar slightly. “I want samples, Commander.”

“Yes, sir.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaukolastani Merchant Marine Ship Venture
Transnapastain

The newly minted Field Commander Alyssandra Rais stepped into the blinding sunlight, her hawk-billed cap shining under the harsh sun, her brown eyes flashing slightly under the black sunglasses. A smile crept over her face, only to vanish as she took a whiff of the polluted air. They don’t have filters here, to take care of the particulates. Accepting this fact, her calm smile returned, and behind her, workers unloaded the crate of Mantis Rifles, dropping it onto the deck. Six more Operations Agents waited with her, and they awaited their cargo’s pickup.

Almost immediately, a sedan rolled onto the dock, and Rais watched the car through her sunglasses, and the laser-projected HUD listed out its armor, chassis, and number of passengers, along with short bios on each. As the first officer approached, Rais raised her hand to give a firm handshake, not a simple limp-wristed “girl” shake.

Dispatching the greetings, Rais motioned to the crate of weapons. “You requested DEMPR MANTIS weaponry?”

The officer glanced to the crate, and then to her, “Yes, are these functional?”

“Of course… Hendrix?” One of the agents handed her one of the wicked, bulbous and piped weapons. She held it out for examination, turning it by the forward pistol grip, showcasing the slot for the superconducting coil “clip” and the numerous feedback safeties. “The Mantis uses a combined heterodyning laser and ionic projector, wrapped inside of isolating faraday cage, and projects a dual beam of coherent light, capable of ablating forty millimeters of homogenous steel armor at one hundred yards. Along this cutter beam, the electromagnetic surge is arced, riding the suspended diodes, delivering a massive voltage and amperage of electricity to ranges in excess of five hundred yards. The resistance is fairly low, and the beams ohms can be manipulated by refocusing the convergence.” She paused, raising an eyebrow at some of the befuddled looks. “In other words, the Mantis is thoroughly inhumane and efficient, delivering six hundred volts at one hundred and twenty amperes at three hundred yards… enough to cook a human being alive, and plenty enough to get a nice little “Mantis Dance” going.”

She slammed a coil into the rear of the gun, flipped the safety off, and the entire weapon hummed with the charge. The topside digital scope came active, and Rais lined the weapon onto the waterline. She reached up, next to the forward grip, behind the deflection disc, and dilated the range down to one hundred yards, maximum power. As her finger caressed the trigger, the weapon hummed, and the dual beam sketched into the water. A split instant later, the arcing, spidery blue-white shock lashed down the beams, striking the water. A billow of steam erupted, and the webbing tendrils stretched out over the waters, striking columns and hulls. On a barge fifty meters from the impact, a barge’s lights went out. Dead fish began to bob to the surface, cooked alive by the blast.

Rais flipped the safety on, and the weapon ceased humming. “Any questions on its effectiveness?”

The other officer shook his head. “No, ma’am. We’ll take them.”

“Actually, you’ll take all of us, me, and my six agents. These weapons are experimental property, and we’re taking this chance to field test them for whatever you needed this rush order for.” She smiled. “Of course, we’re also offering assistance in accordance with the Directorate charter, but these weapons stay with us.”

Cersta Heights Dockyard
Transnapastain

Special Agent Johnstien rode in the back of the dark blue Sedan, bearing the seal of the OIS on its hood and doors. He sat in the back reading over his PDA on the limited information that he had on the Mantis Rifles he was tasked to pick up. The Sedan stopped just out of sight of the Venture

Go to the dock, listen to the Kaukolastani’s rant about how uber their tech is and shove it in my face, be polite, pay the man, and leave with the guns, a cakewalk to be sure. he thought and sighed, he wanted to be out in the field, doing something important. He’d thought when he transferred out of Law Enforcement and into Operations, that’d he’d be doing something more interesting than making a milk run to pick up some guns from some over pompous tech-worshipers. Johnstien had been one of the few who we’re briefed on what, exactly, the situation was, and understood why the government direly needed these weapons. He’d been leading the 2nd Scorpion team in to eliminate the Sensitive threat.

“Check in.” he said into his radio

From a dockyard building, 4 stories up, a sniper lay in wait. Using electronic countermeasures, and thermal masking, which the OIS figured would mask his presence from the ISA’s all-seeing glasses of doom. His weapon was a simple M8-A1 rifle, modified with a digital scope, which had the ability to ID targets by interfacing with the mainframe at Valhalla and scanning the achieves, you could, literally, look at almost anything and, by pressing the trigger slightly, the scope would give you a read-out on the HUD. It was much akin to the ISA sunglasses, though not as man-portable or friendly looking.

“This is Overwatch, we’re on station and ready. I’m reading multiple individuals on the dock. Distinct among them are 7 ISA agents, all have proper ID’s and register with the Valhalla computer network as legit. I’m reading 6 Operations Agents and one Field Commander, temporary.” He reported

‘We copy.” Six Agents and a temp FC? Isn’t that overkill? though, he supposed he couldn’t talk, since the now overly-paranoid OIS had snipers positioned to guard an exchange between nations who, for centuries, had been the best of friends.

“Okay, driver, go on ahead” he said

The car began to roll again, and pulled up to the barding ramp of the Venture. Johnstien stepped from the vehicle, along with 2 other Operations agents. The two Agents nodded to their counter-parts, who nodded in return. There was no tension in the air, no stress, this was a meeting with a friendly foreign power on friendly terms Though, one can never be too careful thought Johnstien

He stepped up to the female Field Commander and shook her hand She’s got as firm grip, sign of a good officer and person.

“You requested DEMPR MANTIS weaponry?” she asked

duh he thought, as he glanced at the crates, idly wondering if her damned glasses could read his mind, too. Remember, be polite!

He chocked back a sarcastic response and replied. “Yes, are these functional?”

She smiled back at him. “Of coarse…Hendrix?”

An agent handed her one of the rifles, she loaded, primed and fired it into the water. Johnston watched as fish began to float to the top of the water, dead and burned, on a nearby barge, the light winked out. The other Transnapastani agents we’re straying slacked jawed, like Armed Lumberjacks looking at a modern computer. Johnstien even found himself staring, though only for a brief second.

Impressive, even if they are egotistical sons of bitches, they sure do know their stuff he had to admit, silently, of course..

“Any questions on its effectiveness?” she asked.

There it is, that typical Kaukolastani smugness. he thought, and mentally slapped himself, though he wasn’t sure if he did so because he felt back talking bad about an ally, or he was worried she’d know what he was thinking, and use that monstrosity of a weapon on him next.

“No, ma’am, We’ll take them." he said finally

““Actually, you’ll take all of us, me, and my six agents. These weapons are experimental property, and we’re taking this chance to field test them for whatever you needed this rush order for.” She smiled. “Of course, we’re also offering assistance in accordance with the Directorate charter, but these weapons stay with us.” She said, that smug smile never disappearing.

Fuck, this mission just got a lot harder. Damn ISA, also some other agenda lying behind the hidden one we already found. Nothing is ever as it seems with them. he thought bitterly

“Uh…of course, I’ll arrange for a VTOL to come pick you up and deliver you to the command center, we can provide accommodations for you, of course. If you’ll excuse me…” he said, and returned to his car

He sent a transmission to Director-General Davis

“We’ve got a big problem sir…”

Valhalla Command Center
Director-General Davis’ Office
Transnapastain

Shit… was the only thought that Director-General Davis had

“Well, there isn’t much we can do…we can tell them no, our we lose the weapons. I’ll send a VTOL for them, and the guns, since now the how are joined at the hip, bring them here, and have the ISA agents sent to me right away.” He said

“Yes sir.” Replied Johnstien

Davis closed the link, and contacted Sub-Commander Fires

“Kaukolastan, the ISA in general, just shoved their collective nose right into the middle of this debacle.” He said

“Sir?” asked Fires

“They’ve trumped us, they’ve sent 7 ISA overseers along with the weapons, and the overseers insist that they must be allowed to remain with the rifles at all times, since they are experimental property of the Kaukolastani government. If we say no, they leave with the guns, if we agree, we’ve got to let the ISA in the loop, too.” Said Davis

“I see.” Replied Fires “I figure, though, that the ISA already knows something’s up. They didn’t inquire about the Blue-on-blue over in Nailiak, at all, and now, all of a sudden, a normal weapons exchange becomes complicated, and it just so happens the ISA is sending us technical support for the guns, and providing assistance as per the charter. They’re here to figure out whets going on, and report back.”

“Yes, that’s my take on it, too. We need the guns, though, it’s the only thing we’re sure the Sensitives cannot block and absorb. We’re going to have to bring the ISA in on it.“ sighed Davis.

“Have the information sent to them, classify it priority one, and make it ultra-secret. Send it to the Director himself via currier if you have to, but make sure as few people as possible know about this.” Said Davis "Oh, and send the supplies Nailiak requested to them."

“Yes sir.”

Davis hung up and dropped his head into his hands I need a vacation.

Drisop
Somewhere in the Nailiakian Forest
Nailiak

The room was dimly lit, mostly only by the sunbeams filtering in through the cracks, obscured by dust and girt. A cold, metal table sat in the center of the room, stained red with blood. Nearby, an electric generator hummed, connected to a car battery, from the battery, led a wire, the wire split into two, and connected to a mans chest. The man was strapped to the table, moaning in pain, muffled by the rag soaked in oil that had been tied to his mouth.

“You vill tell me chat I vant to know, or I vill connect these electrodes to another part of your body, and, I promise you, you vill not like that!” said Doctor Minix in a calm, cool voice.

The solider began to mutter something, his name, rank, and serial number. The same answer he’d been giving since this “session” had begun nearly 2 hours ago.

The Sensitives had the advantage in any interrogation, working in pairs, as Lyle and Doctor Minix we’re doing now. One would ask a question, and the other, whichever one was better at telepathy, would probe the subjects mind during the question, and the period at the end, when the subject was most likely to be thinking of the true answer. Thus, the subject could lie all day, and the Sensitives could get the truth anyways. The drawback to this, was they we’re, until they transcended to higher ability, limited to simple, yes or no, or name questions.

When this didn’t work, torture was used. The pain would open the mind of the subject, and the Sensitive could get in, root around, and find out whatever he damned well pleased. Problem here being that, the humans brain contained so much information, finding what they wanted was statistically impossible. A combination then, of a question followed by pain, was generally enough, though sometimes the information can out garbled.

Failing that, sometimes, the torture itself worked just fine, and Lyle rather suspected it was one of Doctor Minix’s favored past times.

A muffled scream erupted from the prisoner as Doctor Minix electrocuted him. Lyle say the electricity arch across the mans body, passing through his teeth.

No sound emerged from the man as the electricity subsided, and Doctor Minix sighed. “He’s passed out, Lyle, take him back to ze cell, shackle zat one to ze wall, and bring ze other one here.” He paused “Oh, and I’ll need a veight, or something, on your vay back.” He said, while suspending a chain above the bed, directly above where an average sized humans heart would be.

“Yes, Colonel.” Said Lyle saluting, and departing...

The screams from the building could be heard for the rest of the day.

Drisop
Somewhere in the Nailiakian Forest
Nailiak
Later that day

“Alright people, settle down.” Said Doctor Minix, standing in the front o what sued to be Drisop’s 1st Non-Denominational Church, a rarity to find, in Nailiak, being a devoutly Atheist nation. The church had been converted into a briefing room for the SLA. The Sensitive Officers, 10, in all, we’re gathered in the 1st couple pews. In the front of the room, the Doctor had rigged up an old slide projector, and placed a whiteboard in front of it.

“Ve are in critical need of new supplies, and I know exactly vhere ve are going to get zem.” He said, without preamble.

The slide projector clicked, and displayed an image, taken with a 35mm SLR camera. It showed several small, flat, concrete buildings, a chain link fence running around it, with barbed and razor wiring riming the top. There was one way in, a small guardhouse, and gate sat in the middle of one of the fence sections. A guard stood there, his M-8 slung across his back. Another man could be seen, walking a dog along the edge of the fence. Bulldozers and other construction equipment could be seen in the background, and a halfway constructed building was also visible

“Zhanks to the information provided by the prisoners. Ve have discovered the location of am armory outpost, near the Transnapastaini border, which did not appear on the maps stolen from Valhalla. Ve believe it is new, and has not yet finished construction. Ve do know, however, zat it is already in use by ze Nailiakian military. Zhere should be food, and ammunition vithin zis facility, our intent is to infiltrate ze base, steal ze supplies, commander a vehicle, and return to base. Ve’ll send a 6 man infiltration unit, as well as another 6 man back-up and support squad.

Ze support squad will distract the perimeter guards, as the infil team cuts ze vires and enters ze base. Once inside, neutralize ze comms tower, zen ze guards, load the supplies into ze trucks, and escape. Do not use ze main roads when returning, stick to ze mountains, and off road as much as possible, to avoid VTOL interception. If all goes vell, zey will not know vat happened, and no alarm vill be raised. Any questions?”

There were none

“Good, Lyle, you’re zeam vill be leaving at dawn. Castin wil lead ze support unit”

“Understood, sir!” they both replied.

Nailiakian Military Armory
Near the Transnapastani border
Nailiak

“Alright, we’re moving in.” said Lyle quietly

“Copy that.” Said Castin over the radio, and waved from the top of the hill, where his support was holding. “Beginning suppression tactics.”

Lyle’s team crouched in the darkness at the rear of the encampment. Waiting near a shallow stream.

“Alright, we’re pretty sure their being numbed, you can move in. Making too much noise will bring back their alertness, so be careful, and only use a silenced weapon, if you can help it. You have 5 minutes” Said Castin

The 6-man unit had been equipped with 2 silenced MP-7’s and the rest with suppressed M-8’s. Lyle unsung his MP-7 and moved quiet forwarded signally the others to follow.

When the reached the fence, one of the Sensitives used wire cutters to clip the wires, and cut a hole. The unit crawled in, and formed up behind some crates.

The guards continued to walk about, but, if you could look into their eyes, you’d see nothing but bleakness, like the eyes of a zombie. Lyle smiled.

“Alright, you two, go disable the comms array, remember, the guards inside may not be numbed, so, take them out if you must. The rest if you, on me, we’re moving to the warehouse.” Whispered Lyle

“Yes sir.” they replied, and departed

Lyle got up, and signaled his men forward. They entered the warehouse, and ran right into two guards relaxing at a table, playing cards, one of the looked up, did a double take, and began to stand up, reaching for his pistol.

Lyle let fly with hid MP-7, and the man flew away, slammed into a wall, and fell, leaving a bloody streak, one of the other men took care of the second guard.

The radio came to life “Alert! The guards are not numbed, they’re awake! We’re moving in!” replied Castin

“We’ve disabled the comms, but, we’re under fire. Need assistance!” replied the 2 man team Lyle dispatched

“Castin! Leave some men to cover the exit, make sure no runners get out!” Lyle said into the radio. “Men, we’ve got to take these guards out!” he said, and returned to the door.

The klaxons began to blare, and over the base announcement system, the speakers rang to life

“Attention, all personal, we are under assault, this is not a drill, repel the invaders!”

“Take cover!” Lyle yelled, as he dove behind some barrels, bullets reaccepting off of his PsiShield. The members of his team did likewise.

A grenade launched from an M-8 rifle hit one of his men, running for cover, it landed nearly on top of him, and his psisheld was not enough to block the shrapnel and concussion.

“No!” Lyle screamed, and came up over the barrels, mowing down the solider that fired the grenade, he leapt up and ran to his fallen comrade. The boy was obviously dead, but Lyle continued to shake him, shouting, “wake up, damnit!” One of the other Sensitives ran up behind him

“Sir, come on, we’ve gotta move! We’ll recover the body on the way out!”

The firefight lasted from about 20 minutes, Castins team managed to secure the bases command center, and was in the process of stealing the computers and information. Lyles team made sure all the guards we’re eliminated, then moved on into the warehouse, and loaded up the weapons, ammunitions and rations.

“Look at all this, boxes of M-8’s ammo, M-60s and MG-3’s. RPG’s, LAW’s, Claymores, FIM-92’s, grenades, 10mm pistols, rockets, and enough ammo and food to last us for a year.” Exclaimed Castin

“Yeah.” said Lyle.

“I know you lost a man today Lyle, but, its bound to happen, this is war, and people die, just remember, he’s another comrade killed by our enemy, who would do the same all of us if they could. He’s a martyr for the cause” said Castin

“I suppose” muttered Lyle, then louder, “Alright people, lets mount up, get the body fro the yard, and put it in one of the empty crates, we’ll bury him back at home.”

The group rode home in silence, there was little celebration upon their victorious return, and Lyle went right to bed without a word to anyone, not even the Father.

Eôsphoros Wilsey and Section Director Uno looked at the satellite imagery in front of them. The normally transparent table in the conference rooms was littered with luminescent images; some orbital still captures, others previously recorded orbital observations, while others still quantified their existence with the word ‘live’ in the top left corner. The Director pulled his eyes from his PDA to meet the Eôsphoros’. He had been saying something that the Director missed.
“I’m sorry sir, you’ll have to repeat that.” The Eôsphoros smiled at him, his eyes forever hidden behind his PHUDD. The Director was sure that if he could see the Eôsphoros’ eye they would’ve been mocking his physical frailties. The man never appeared to be fatigues or even slighted, even on the one occasion he’d seen the Eôsphoros on a basketball court.
“What’s the matter Baiko? Is fourteen hours of a repetitive task too much for you?” The Director was irked by that, his pride hurt more than anything.
“No sir.”
“I was just saying that some of wing nuts on the public access channels are making a stir about this now. If something isn’t done the private media will blow this into a public questioning of the Transnapastaini military. The OIS reputation almost didn’t survive the media backlash eight years ago, it very well might not this time.” The Director nodded at this. He remembered the incident in the Chancellery building, he’d coordinated the NNAO response and resources. The OIS did not hold a high opinion in the hearts and minds of many Noviets. The fact is that the private media sensationalized the incident by playing on old national loyalties to drum up ratings. It had worked, NWN viewers nearly doubled overnight.
“Is this going to be a problem sir?” The Eôsphoros shook his head,
“Not unless we allow the private sector to out spook us. I don’t want them uncovering anything that we don’t know.”
“What do you suggest sir? The Directorate is being insular and cryptic, more so even.” The Eôsphoros nodded at this.
“Find a commercial plane that has a flight path near this mining town, I want to discretely release a drone to get some more detailed scans of the area, the resolution of that battle is fuzzy. You can’t even see some of the weapons used on the Nailiakian forces, it looks like they just fly around.”
“Mmm.”

The small silent drone was flying low sweeps over the mining town eight hours later,…

Drisop Church
Somewhere in the Nailiak forest
Nailiak

“The weapons have been placed, we are now firmly entrenched, sir.” Reported one of the Sensitive officers. The group was gathered in the Church, aside from the two guards, armed with M-8 rifles and PsiEns, there we’re only 12 people gathered in the room. All adorned in their SLA uniforms, carrying MP-7’s, these men didn’t need PsiEns, the reason they we’re officers s that they had mastered their abilities, and could now use them freely, without mechanical assistance.

“Das is good, what report on ze tunnel?” asked Doctor Minix

“Sir, the tunnel is nearly complete, it surfaces under the town of Carton, within the Undercity. It has already been rigged to blow, incase of our position being compromised.”

“Zat, is also very good.” replied Minix, “Good work.” Carton was fairly large city, and, even more importantly, if the tunnel emerged in the Undercity, an area not patrolled, or even bothered with, by the Transnapastaini government, if they we’re compromised, it’d be a simple matter of escaping into the city, and hiding out.

“Zat concludes the meeting today, zhen.” Said Minix, as he stood, the officers also stood, saluted and filed out of the room.

Drisop Comms Center
Somewhere in the Nailiak forest
Nailiak

“Sir, we’ve got a contact on RADAR. Looks like some kind of probe, sir.” Said one of the technicians to Lyle, who was on duty in the comms center that night. “shall we destroy it, sir?”

“No, I’ll deal with it.” Said Lyle. He closed his eyes and felt for the unnatural presence in the sky. It only took a few seconds for him to detect the machine, flying patterns around the town. He reached out with his mind, and smacked the object, sending it spiraling out of control, and into the ground, where it exploded.

“No doubt some kind of probe from Transnapastain or Nailiak, maybe even another Directorate nation. No need to let them know how much firepower we have amassed here.” Said Lyle

Valhalla Command Center
Transnapastain

“Alright, people, lets go over the plan again.” Said Operations Director Fein to the group assembled.

“The VTOL will come in, and set Scorpion Team 1 down here, “ he pointed to the map on the holoprojector, at a point roughly 2 mile south of the town. “Teams 2 and 3 will be inserted 2 miles west, and 2 miles east of the town, here, and here.” He said, pointing again.

“We’re going to send in the 1st Transnapastani Hostile Terrain Task Force (HTTF) in here, along with a Command and Control VTOL, with a SatRec uplink to provide recon information to the advancing units. The Kaukolastani teams will be with them, so they can monitor their toys.” He paused, “We, uh, didn’t tell Nailiak this part, but, Team leaders have been issued laser designators. We need you to achieve a vantage point over the town, which is situated in a valley, and paint targets. We’ll scramble a squadron of F-41 Warriors from Shiner AFB, and they’ll light up those targets with precision weapons. Following them, will come a flight of AH-71 Wraiths, and they provide CAS as best they can. Assault the town on three sides, eliminate any and all rebels you encounter, plant the explosives and destroy the town. Here are pictures of priority targets.” He sent pictures of Minix, Lyle and several other adapt Sensitives to the team leaders PDA’s. “They should be eliminated at all costs. Any questions?”

There were none

“Alright then, you’ll be leaving within the next 12 hours, no comms communications allowed, you’re under a blackout, this is a super secret op, so, no word can get out.” He paused again “Don’t forget, these guys are highly dangerous, do not under estimate them, they can block bullets, and can snap your neck without a second thought, Train on your MANTIS rifles well. You’ll be issued .45 UMP’s as a backup, but, the MANTIS, is the best bet. Also, you've been equipped with small, hand-held transmitters, which will act as personal Psi Inhibitors; so, they Sensitives shouldn’t be able to kill you with their powers, by stopping your heart, or crushing your brainstem. Good luck, out there, and come back alive.”

30 seconds out from drop point
Somewhere in Nailiak airspace
Nailiak

“30 seconds! Get ready!” shouted the Air Fleet crew chief in the back of the VTOL. The 12 men assembled nodded and began to re-check their gear.

Special Operative, in charge for the mission, Johnstien looked once again at the MANTIS rifle he was carrying, and wondered at it. He’d been there when the ISA Field Commander had demonstrated it, and he was still amazed by its power. Worse was when his team, Second Scorpion unit within the OIS, had watched the holo-recordings the ISA personal had brought. The OIS had also begun referring to the convulsions and contortions caused by a MANTIS blast as the “Mantis Dance”, just as their ISA counterparts had, for there was no other way to accurately describe the motions someone goes through when hit by a electronic blast, much akin to EMP, as it fries their nervous systems, liquefies their organs, and all but melts them into a puddle of organic goop. Like the flamethrower, and VX nerve gas before it, the MANTIS was fast making its way to the top of the “Must inhumane weapons ever used in combat” list.

At least the Sensitives wont be able to block it…we think. he thought, as he discretely crossed himself.

“Alright people, we’re setting down, disembark!” shouted the crew chief, and the VTOL set down roughly on the ground.

The men jumped out the two side hatches, and dispersed into the foliage. The VTOL rose up again, and retreated the way it came, leaving the men alone with the forest in the dead of night.

“Check in, radio check, 1, operational.” said Johnstien into the radio.

“2 here, all go.”

“3 here, green.”

And so on, until all 12 members of the team had reported in.

“No names from here on, hold defensive position until further ordered.” said Johnstien. He then adjusted the channel on his radio and spoke

“Team 2, on station, come in Overwatch.”

Within seconds the reply came,

“This is Eye 1, at Overwatch, we read all teams in position, phase 2 is a go, move out.”

“Team1, copies.” Reported the 1st Scorpion team

“Team 2, understood.” Said Johnstien

“Team 3, roger that.” Said team 3’s leader.

Johnstien adjusted the channel back.

“Alright people, lets move out.”

The mean formed up and began their march towards Drisop.

Otuas Mountain range
Nailiak

Operations Director Fein had ridden out to the Overwatch station with the command and control VTOL’s. Out here, a small snow storm had blown over the area, and was still dumping its contents on the area. The 3 VTOL’s and landed, and a small RADAR and Sat uplink dish had been set up, to provide real-time, on location, SatRec data of Drisop, to aid the assaulting teams, and to relay information to the incoming CAS aircraft.

“Sir, all teams are reporting in position over the town, and are prepared to begin laser designation operations.” Reported an Intel analyst, seated at the comm. Station in one of the VTOL’s.

“Have them hold off for 10 minutes, the planes are inbound for Shiner, and will arrive in 15, luckily, they wont have to hold the laser dot on the target.” The laser designator has a GPS signaler; it would upload the location of the target, and relay it to the incoming aircraft. Also, we’re hoping that installing Psi Inhibiters on the aircraft will prevent the Sensitives from killing the pilots inside.

Crossing into Nailiak Airspace

“This is Stormrider 1, we’re coming in, please transmit targeting data.”

Otuas Mountain range
Nailiak

“Alright, have the teams light the targets up.” Said Fein

“Yes sir.”

Drisop Outskirts
Nailiak

“Attention, all teams, begin laser designation operations, you may send up to 3 targets.” said Overwatch.

“Roger that.” reported Johnstien. “Hit the targets boys.”

A member of the team lie prone with the LD, and trained it on a machinegun position ahead, he relayed the target, and sent in two more co-ordinates, one being what looked like a comms relay, and a large munitions dump.

“Now, we wait.” whispered Johnstien

In the air over Drisop
Nailiak

“We’re in range, dropping munitions.”

The F-41’s released the payloads, and dropped several 500 pounds bombs. Even more devastating, several F-41’s had been loaded with napalm canisters, and they we’re dropped on the targeted enemy defensive positions, trenches and crude bunkers.

“Stromrider here, run complete.”

“Copy that Stormrider, RTB, inbound Wraiths, designated Hurricane squadron, begin CAS operations, Scorpion teams, advance, begin the assault.” Stated Overwatch

Drisop
Nailiak

The Sensitive soldiers had heard the incoming aircraft, and we’re racing to their defensive positions when the aircraft shot by overhead and released their ordinance.

One man raced up the ladder of the thatched bunker to get onto the roof with his Stinger launcher, when he opened the hatch, he was rolling fire coming right for him, he tried to duck but it was too late, the napalm incinerated him, and lit the bunker on fire.

All over the camp, buildings, munitions dumps and, defensive works exploded. Soldiers ran in all directions.

“Ve are under attack!” bellowed Doctor Minix into the radio “Get to the defenses schnell! Repel ze invaders, and get zhose aircraft out of ze sky!”



Lyle Sprang from his bunk and changed out of the barracks. He could see the fires burning in the distance. He grabbed his MP-7 and charged for the eastern defensive network…



Johnstien could see the fires burning in the distance.

“Alright, lets move!” he said, and leapt from his cover, and running down the hill, the rest of his men following him. They ran from cover to cover, closing in on the trench networks.

Overhead, they saw an AH-71 flash past, pull a tight turn and strafe the trenches. Then, the helicopter was slammed back, not hit by fire, but like a sudden violent wind had hit it, it flew backward, spinning out of control. Luckily, the pilot managed to recover from the flat spin, and retreated away from the scene

One of the soldiers began to move forward, when suddenly, machine gun fire erupted from at least 5 pillboxes inside of the trench network; converging on the solider, who was cut down within seconds.

“We’ve got to take that trench, so we can get into the compound.” Said Johnstien. “Light it up with the LD, and we’ll calling some support.”

“This is Scorpion team 2, requesting air support on following position.”

“Negative, team 2, Air support is unavailable, the area is too hot. Another round of F-41’s is inbound, and 3 B-50’s are being scrambled. ETA Fighters: 1 minute, Bombers: 20 minutes” Came the report from Overwatch

“Copy that.” He said over the radio. “Damnit guys, no support here. Those choppers are already out of commission. Another round of air strikes are on order. Fighters inbound, we’ll hold here, for now, until then, try from MANTIS hits.”


Lyle smiled as he watched the helicopter careen out of control, and slam into the treetops in the distance. It was all he could do. Those damn Transnapastani set up those cursed Psi Inhibiters on those aircraft. I cant effect the pilots inside, but they cant stop me from pushing them.

He’d reached the eastern defensive network, and approached the commanding officer, he’d noticed that several Sensitives we’re hiding behind the defensive works, and not fighting, and no one was daring to poke their head above the walls

“Give me a report!”

“Sir, we’re holding them off, however, they’ve employed some kind of weapon. We can’t block it.”

“What kind-“ he started, and was cut off when his answer was delivered to him. He saw in the distance a blue flash, and a solider manning a nearby machinegun position suddenly was enveloped in a cascade of lightning, he began to convulse and move around the room, his eyes dissolved into liquid, and he slowly crumpled to the floor, more or less a puddle of biological waste.

“Holy shit! What is that gun?” he shouted

“We don’t know!”

The radio crackled to life. “Another wave of fighters incoming, shot zhem down!”


In the air over Drisop

“This is Avenger Squadron, inbound on the target, ETA 30 seconds”

“Copy that Avenger, be advised, area is hot with Stingers and SA-7 anti-aircraft weapon, also, recommend you stay evasive both going in and coming out.” Reported Overwatch

“Roger that! Beginning out runs”

Drisop

Once again, fire rained from the sky as napalm canisters exploded, sending their rolling fire across the defenders and bombs plowed into concrete structures.

Lyle did his best to try and throw the aircraft around, though, the targets were moving so fast, it was hard to find them. All in all, he managed to push one aircraft off its course, and that one was subsequently hit by a Stinger missile.


A napalm canister landed on the trench network in front of Johnstien, enveloping the machinegun nest in fire,

“Move up! Move up!” he called, and charged

They ran forward and jumped into the trenches, Johnstien fired his MANTIS at a Sensitive standing in a doorway, firing his M-8 at the oncoming attackers. The man hit the ground, convulsing, and finally dying.

“Alright, we’re in, clear this network, then press on for the center of town, the Church is our primary target, lets go!” he said

Overwatch station

“Give me a SitRep.” Said Fein

“Sir, the teams have made it past the trench lines and are advancing on the town center. They report minimal casualties, we have aircraft down in all sectors, several pilots bailed out, and are awaiting pick up. 5 minutes until the bomber strike.” Reported an Intel Analyst

“Roger that, have the bomber drop their payload on the command center.”

Drisop Command Center

“Sir, they’ve broken trough the defenses, and are advancing onto the town center.” Reported a Sensitive solider to Doctor Minix

“Prepare to evacuate.” He said softly


Drisop

“Retreat! Pull back and reform defensive screen!” called the officer in the trench where Lyle was.

The solider began running for the town, they would take up positions in the buildings, and snipe at the incoming attackers, falling back when they got close.

Lyle heard Doctor Minix’s voice in his head “[I[Achtung[/I] ve are beginning ze evacuation, all personal fall back to ze evacuation zone. You have 5 minutes before we escape.”

Lyle began to run for the tunnel entrance


In the air over Drisop

“This is Thunder Squadron, beginning bombing, all friendly units, take cover.”

“Roger Thunders, begin attack run now.”


Drisop command center

The command center personal never knew what hit them. One second, they we’re preparing to evacuate, the next, fire was ripping through the building, explosions were going off everywhere, bodies we’re being thrown around like rag dolls. The entire complex crashed in on itself, trapped any unlucky person who remained alive inside.

In the air over Drisop

“Direct hit, the building has been leveled, Thunder Squadron RTB.”

“Roger that, Ground Teams, secure the site, find survivors and execute them.” Said Overwatch.

Drisop Tunnel

Lyle reached the tunnel entrance and ran inside, inside already, there we’re only 12 men waiting in the tram car.

“Where is everyone? Where is father?” he asked

“Sir, the command center took a direct hit from enemy bombers, its been obliterated, I don’t think Father made it out.” Reported one of the other Sensitives

“Damnit!” he cried, and sank to his knees. “They kill everyone we love! Why, why do they do this to us, why must they continued to hound us, why can’t the just let us be?” His eyes burned, as he started up at his comrades. “We must make them pay! Blow the tunnel, no one else is coming, we’ll head for Carton, and hold up there, then, one day, they will know fear!”

One of the officers started the mine train, and it began to lumber forward, Lyle looked back and pressed the detonator button. The entire shaft shook, as the ammo supplies exploded with the bombs, soon, no light filtered in from the entrance, it was buried under tons of rock.

The men rode on in silence


Overwatch Station

“The teams report all enemies in the area KIA, area secure, mission accomplished.” Reported the Intel Analyst. “Team 3 reports finding Doctor Minix inside the ruins of the command center, also KIA, along with 3 other prime targets. Data on which targets where not found is coming in shortly”

“Good work, send in the VTOL’s for extraction, then have the entire area burnt to the ground. Alert the Nailiakian that a large-scale forest fire has erupted after we’ve evacuated. Also, let Valhalla know the mission is complete.” He paused “Lets pack it up, people.”

Drisop
Nailiak

Johnstien looked out of the VTOL’s open side door, back at the billowing black pillar of fire rising from what had once been Drisop. Already, he could spot the Nailiak fire suppression helicopters on their way in. This would be the biggest forest fire Nailiak had ever seen.

“Good work out there people, mission accomplished.” He distantly heard Fein’s voice ion his earpiece.

The man rode home in silence


Valhalla Command Center
Transnapastain

“Well, that’s that, then.” said Sub-command Fires

“Hmm, indeed,” said General-Director Davis, reading over the reports. “It bothers me though, not all the prime targets we’re accounted for, did they escape, or were their bodies just so destroyed that identification was impossible, and, if its not the latter, have we truly sent he last of them?”

“Hmm, I’m not sure, if they are indeed alive, I’m sure we’ll hear from them again.” Said Fires

They sat alone, in silence

Carton Undercity
Transnapastain

None of these men had ever seen the Undercity before. To them, these places we’re rumors, horror stories told to children to scare them into behaving, nightmarish places where no one wanted to go. Yet, here they were 12 men, running from the government that had abandoned these places and these people so long ago, stepped out of a sewer access and looked upon the waste and squallier that was Carton Undercity,

“Oh my God…” mumbled one of them

There we’re no free standing buildings, to speak off. Mostly, this area consisted of the burned of hulks of demolished or destroyed buildings, or the forgotten and sealed off sub-basements of the Uppercities’ structures. Other unlucky people lived in huts constructed out of scrape metal, and plastics. There was no clean water, nor sanitation, no natural light at all. The illumination was provided by trashcan fires, casting everything in a dark, orange hellish glow. It seemed abandoned, only a few people could be seen, hooded figures standing around fires, some of them casting their gaze on the newcomers. The smell of death was everywhere, and the moans and sighing of a suffering people filled the cavernous space. If hell ever existed on Earth, it was here.

“Welcome to our new home.” Said Lyle

“It could be worse.” Said one of the Sensitives

As if to answer him, a loud clang came from across them, and a man shuffled out from a broken grating. He looked dead, his face ashen and pale, covered in lacerations, and half healed scars, his clothes torn and tattered. He shuffled towards a group of Undercity dwellers, which began to flee. One man, weak from malnutrition and disease, wasn’t fast enough, he stumbled and fell. He reached around for a weapon, and his hand came to rest on a board, the man swung it at his attackers, hitting him square in the head, filling the air with a meaty thumping. The man didn’t even react to it, he just descended upon the helpless dweller, knelling down over him, and tearing into his flesh with his teeth. The man screams filled the damp, musty air. Lyle ran over to the man, now dead, and put 3 bullets into the attackers head.

The attacker simply got up, and started to shuffle for Lyle, how continued to fire with his MP-7. Finally, the man collapsed to the ground, as he did so, a small white inhaler rolled forth from his hand, tapped into Lyles left boot.

“Oh my Lord…things just got worse.” He mumbled

Off in the distance, another horrifying scream filled the air…and then silence, deafening silence, ensued.

OOC: This is the end of Transnapastain’s 1st experiments with the Super Natural. the nations evolved, Nailiak mostly, feel free to add any close comments on your end.

Thank you all for reading, once again, feel free to comment, all constructive replies are welcome

Nailiak Intelligence Services
Ronin Command Center
Nailiak

Ryan sat, his head cradled in his hands, propped up by his elbows, at his desk weeping. At any moment the Chancellor would be calling. His life was merely seconds from ending.

In a short few weeks, Nailiak had managed to become a war-zone. A war not fought for freedom from an oppressor, nor for supplies, nor for territorial control, or for anything that really should have involved Nailiak in any way, shape, or form. No, it was fought over Transnapastain’s endeavors to control that which should have never been discovered.

It really was a war for freedom from an oppressor, though; humans who were used as lab rats in Transnapastain. People who were abused, pushed to their limits, and kept underground in small, tight “living” areas under “observation”. Its human nature to lash out when cornered, what else was to be expected?

Ryan looked up at his video comm station. “Please, ring. Don’t make me wait.” He begged. He was ready, he’d accepted the fate he’d been given.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ryan’s heart sank, his face turned pale, and he began to sweat.

Nailiak Chancellery Building
Capitol City Supra
Nailiak

Kailian paced the floor, infuriated by the utter lack of communication on part of his allies.

”Those fools! Do they not realized how much damaged they have done!? The expect us to clean up after their messes! No! This will not go unpunished.” He walked over to the viewing window, overlooking Supra.

“Twenty acres of forest razed. Twenty! Not on just one side of the town, oh no! That a twenty mile diameter! Sons of bitches! They will pay!” Kailian pounded on the transparent steel window. “Get me Executor Hesin! There will be a price paid!”

He stormed over to his chair, spun around, and fell into it. “Demand they send 3,000 people, convicts or otherwise, to reseed my forests! Also, notify the Commissioner of Trade that we are imposing a 4 year sanction on all trades to Transnapastain.” He slammed his hand down on the chair’s arm rest. “I will not tolerate this abuse of our friendship.”

The room fell silent. No one dared to even move for they feared the wrath of the angry Chancellor.

Kailian brought up his video comm screen. He keyed up Ryan’s frequency and made a connection. Ryan’s pale face appears. “Chancellor Kailian, to what do I owe thi-“

“You’re a dead man, Ryan. A dead man, you hear me?!” He slammed the video comm panel closed, folded his arm, and fumed over the whole situation. “Its nations like Transnapastain who reinforce the fact that there is no god.”

General Davis’ office
Valhalla Command Center
Transnapastain

“So, that’s it then?” asked Davis wearily, exhaling from his cigar

“Yes sir, I suppose it is. Roughly 20 square miles of forest demolished, a Nailiakian Intelligence Operative condemned to death, though, we’ll see if that sentence is carried out, and Kaillian is ranting and raving.” said Fires.

“Mmm, yes, he wants us to send him 3,000 convicts to reseed his precious trees?” said Davis, half sarcastically

“Yes sir, they demand we send them 3,000 workers to reseed their forest.” chuckled Fires

“Well, we have to repay what we destroyed, don’t we?” he asked “An abuse of friendship, and destruction of nature, those can not be taken for granted, can they?” he shook his head “No, no, we must get them their workers, the best workers they could ever ask for.” He paused and smiled, a lopsided grin h always wore when he knew he’d out smarted yet another politician

“Get me Kaukolastan, Nailiak shall have their workers.”

Later that Day

2 messages were sent to Kaukolastan

The 1st was to the ISA

To: ISA, Operation Command
From: OIS, Director General Davis

Thank you for the use of your MANTIS rifles, they, along with your Operations personal, should be safely on their way home by now.

Signed

Director General Jonathan Davis

The second message was to a Kaukolastani Robotics company, and it simply asked for the production of 3,000 worker robots, made to plant tree seeds to be produced and delivered top Supra, Nailiak, care of the OIS, with the message

“These workers will replant your forest, replant it better than any man ever could, they will worker harder, smarter and faster than ever, so, you’ll have your forest back in twice the time. We are sorry for your loss. My God be with you
The OIS”