NationStates Jolt Archive

(I knew there was a reason I missed this place ;-) It's like the mafia, I thought I got out but it pulled me back in.)

Kazuko Engineering Compound, Corporate Zone, Golden Agate

"Order!! There will be order in this meeting!" Sean Ellis, newly minted CEO, barked as he slammed his hand on the conference table.

The other CEO's in the room, cream of the region's corporate crop, stopped bickering and turned to the young man at the head of the table.

"Now that I have your attention," Ellis continued, "We've all agreed that these recent... unionization laws that have passed Congress have ravaged our bottom lines."

The men nodded in agreement.

"We have a responsibility to the people who pay our salaries," Ellis added.

"You mean the workers?" Karl Webber asked in shock.

"No you idiot. Our shareholders, and other influential members of society."

Ellis sipped his water as he looked around the table. "Remember, we have financial obligations to these people, many of whom are in this room. We need things back to the way they were, when Grant was running the show and we could do whatever we wanted in the name of 'progress'."

"Our stocks have dropped like a stone since the latest 'Fair Trade and Pay' laws passed," Antonio Rossi added, "It's getting harder to convince my shareholders that we're still profitable."

"Oh f**k the shareholders," another man piped up, "I've got money tied up in stocks. It's not a matter of need, it's a matter of want, and I want more!"

Ellis nodded as Rossi turned to the group, "But what are we going to do about it?"

"If we want our power back, it's obvious, we need someone more... understanding to our cause in the Palace," Ellis said.

The men whispered nervously. "So what are you saying Ellis?"

"Just that. That we need a new person in charge of the country."

"But how can we do that? Williams has the people behind him," Rossi spit out. His distaste for 'the people' was well known to his friends.

"We can't touch him!" Webber said, "His security has been untouchable since the Lyone attempt."

"You idiot," Ellis said, "If you'd hired the Imitoran I'd told you about, that wouldn't have been a problem."

Webber shrugged.

"But," Ellis continued, "There are other ways to take power back. We have elections coming up, and tonight Congress is voting to re-pass the 'voter identification act'."

The assembled men nodded and grinned to each other.

"But Williams has already vetoed it once," Webber replied.

"That's right," Ellis said, "but we just happen to have enough blackmail materia...er... votes, to override the veto. Then, we turn back to the people to trust us to provide for them."

Ellis turned the plasma screen TV in the room on as the news started.

----------

"Welcome to Net-News 54," the woman on the screen said, "I'm Angela Ramirez from Golden Agate. Our top story tonight is the "Corporate-Voter Protection Act", already vetoed once by President Williams, passing Congress with a 78-22 vote."

The screen blinked over to a group of middle-aged men standing in front of the Congressional Building.

"This law is very important for the people of Larkinia," Representative Michael Hargrove said. "It ensures that the underrepresented, the homeless and the disaffected will be given permanent addresses with willing businesses so they receive voting material, ballots and information in a timely fashion."

Ramirez popped back on the screen, "This controversial law allows the people of Larkinia the right to register their residences with corporations, who will provide them housing and boarding, if they vote in current and future elections. Not voting in Larkinian elections is grounds for removal from corporate housing."

"This is an abomination of the basic foundation of democracy," Vice President Takeo Katana replied on a split screen. "This is giving voting rights over to corporations who can then extort votes from the homeless and poor."

----------

The screen flicked off and the men turned back to Ellis.

"Well gentlemen, I believe we should do our civic duty and register some voters," Ellis chuckled.

Presidential Palace, Golden Agate

A tired President Jeff Williams clicked off the TV in the private lounge and tossed the remote on the couch next to him. He sat up and rubbed his temples.

What in the hell are they up to, he thought as he willed himself awake, at least awake enough to pick up the glass of bourbon sitting on the coffee table.

He'd lobbied long and hard to keep that law from passing, he knew what it would result in: the poor being funneled into corporations for their votes. He didn't have to wonder how fair the elections would be, he had a good idea. He chucked darkly as he thought of the scene in The Wall where students were being marched through a factory and turned into sausage and compared it to this.

"What's the use," he muttered as he took a sip, "you can't fight City Hall."

"You seem to forget," a light voice said from behind him, "You are City Hall."

He turned around just in time to see a sultry redhead walk into the room. He stood up and wrapped his arms around her, "Hey baby. How'd you get in here?" he joked.

"Hmmmm," Katherine said, "I seem to be married to the current resident."

"Well, don't tell him about us," Jeff chuckled.

"Bad day?" Katherine asked as they walked out onto the balcony to watch the sunset. As well as they could watch it through all of the bulletproof glass that had to be installed.

"Yeah," Jeff sighed, "That damn law passed after all. Sometimes I don't know why I took this job."

"It's not like they gave you a choice after you were elected," she replied with a smile as Jeff lit up a cigar. "But there's nothing more to do right now. If it passed, then it passed and we'll deal with it."

((bump/tag.

It's great to have you back, Lark! The (NationStates) world was sooo much less colorful without Jeff Williams. :) I'll have something approximating a real response after work today.))

*tag*
Bootleggers?

"You idiot," Ellis said, "If you'd hired the Imitoran I'd told you about, that wouldn't have been a problem."


Famous last words....

Tag, with a real post comming tonight after work.

(But Imi, he's also got Imitoran bodyguards, he's not *that* reckless ;-) )

Dockyard, Lyone

"Step right up," a woman standing on the corner said to the growing group, "We've got a deal for you guys."

"What's going on?"

"I'm with Senshi Automotive," the woman said, "and we're hiring."

"You have to be kidding," one of the men said, "We don't know nothing about building cars."

"You don't have to," the woman winked back. "All we want is for you to enact your civic duty. It's our reach-out program so the poor can be provided for."

The men and women looked around tentatively.

"What's the catch?"

"Oh there's no catch. In exchange for you acting on your right to vote, you'll get housing, food and a weekly stipend. Just this way for some obligatory paperwork and we'll be off..."

----------

Kazuko Engineering

A young man walked into Sean Ellis' office.

"It's being taken care of now," he said.

"Thank you," Ellis said waving him off.

The man walked out as Ellis looked down at his computer screen. The voting data of the company's current employees was being changed from their actual addresses to the main office of the corporation.

Once that's done, then they'll vote in their best interests for a change.

Even with their eyes focused to such a degree on the problems at home, a new Larkinian election could not escape Shieldian attention. Privately, the Republic's policy-makers considered Jeff Williams to be the number one threat to their new order. To the Mob, Williams represented those times before the interminable series of wars (many were starting to forget the differences between the German-Chiangese War, the Walmies War, and the Fourth Effitian Invasion) which had bled dry the Grand Empire's coffers and left it at the mercy of the corporations. He was also a close personal friend of the Fugitive-King, and thus could be suspected of strong royalist loyalties. Indeed, perhaps the most dangerous man for an emerging republic.

The Iansislean Embassy in Golden Agate is one of the oldest in non-Tilsitian countries; it was built after the Developing Nations Conference in the reign of Toto IV. The current generation of Shieldians could not remember a time when Iansisle and Larkinia, in one form or another, had not been close friends and allies. Thus it was that, even though Larkinia had not yet officially recognized the Gull Flag Republic as the legitimate government in Iansisle, there was still a Shieldian ambassador to the Principality.

Mr James N. Rogerwood, accredited agent of the Republic, was one of those attached to the Embassy. He was also responsible for executing the newest orders come from Jameston Place. Williams, they said, was the most dangerous man to the Republic in Larkinia, and perhaps in the entire world. He was bad enough by himself; with an entire country behind him, he was doubly so. He could not continue to hold the office of Larkinian President.

It was disgusting, really - a complete betrayal of the Revolution and all its anti-corporitist principles. Williams may be a reactionary royalist at heart, but at least he was standing firm against the powers of the Corporations. However, in a contest between Larkinian democracy and Iansislean security, it was clear which Mr Bradsworth's government considered more important.

((EDIT: Heh, left out the most important part.))

And so, with his heart heavy in his chest, Rogerwood set out to contact the corporate powers and see what, if anything, the Gull Flag Republic could do to help in electing a new president.

(Assuming Rogerwood knows the way to the corporate zone ;-) )

A woman led Rogerwood into the 45th floor conference room in Kazuko Tower. A pale young man with a shock of blonde hair walked in, flanked by two guards.

"Hello Ambassador Rogerwood," Ellis said as he sat down. "And what can we do for one of our most trusted clients... friends?"

"First of all," replied Rogerwood in that clipped accent of Shadoran, "you can cut the patronizing slop. I don't know with which sort of Shieldians you are used to dealing, Mr. Ellis, but I assure you that neither I nor the Republic will be trifled with."

He set his briefcase down on the table and took a seat. "Now, then, I understand that President Williams is to stand for reelection soon. I also understand that it is in your best interest should he be replaced."

Ellis just smiled at the Shieldian's reaction.

"Of course you won't," he replied. "Now, as to our interest in the upcoming Presidential election, it's well known that if we could find someone more to the liking of businessmen throughout our region ( :-P ) then most of the corporations here will back them financially and morally. Why would Larkinian elections interest the Shield?"

"Because..." started Rogerwood. He paused for a second, his conscience battling against his duty.

"Because, as despicable as it is to deal with would-be plutocrats, Mr Williams has become a danger to the integrity of the Gull Flag Republic. If he can be removed quickly and within the framework of the Larkinian constitution, it would much please my masters in Ianapalis."

"Ah yes, of course. The Constitution, such a quaint little document it is," Ellis said before lighting up a cigarette and offering one to Rogerwood. "Of course, we would like a change of power to be peaceful.

"So what are you associates willing to do to assist us?"

Rogerwood took the cigarette but insisted on using his own lighter. After a quick puff, he looked back at Ellis.

"We would offer funding, but compared to the relative destitution of the Republic, I'm sure your ill-gotten profits will suffice. We would offer help in securing the votes for your candidate, but you also seem to have that well in hand. In fact, you seem to have the entire election bought and paid for.

"What you lack, however, is legitimacy after the election is won. Your candidate - whoever he might be - needs to distract from the rape which will doubtless be happening in domestic politics. And what better to distract from the domestic than the foreign?" Rogerwood smiled.

"Williams has let the New Highlands crumble around his feet. First Daezeman, then Imitora, and then Iansisle. Now Larkinia sits alone, isolated from the rest of the world. I am offering you the chance to renew those relations - start the Alliance anew. If your man can be the one to draw Iansisle and Larkinia - and who knows? Perhaps other members of the New Highlands as well - back together, his legacy, both immediate and future, will be assured."

Our 'ill-gotten profits'... They haven't seen anything yet.

"Of course, our hard-earned and well-deserved financial acumin should be rewarded. And I hope our newfound relationship will be remembered when it is time to restore Iansisle to it's greatness."

Ellis took a long drag on his cigarette. "I personally hope your tobacco markets will be opened to us, I would so long to introduce our new brand 'Tumors' to the market," Ellis said as he pulled another cigarette out of a black pack with a skull and crossbones on it.

"Hmmmm, international legitimacy, eh? Well I'm sure that would be excellent if for no other reason than to reopen our trading borders. This 'free trade' deal Williams and Kitana had us in is horrible. Totally unprofitable. And for what reason? The poor?? Please, I see enough of them when I walk to my car in the morning."

Ellis took another puff on his cigarette.

"By the by, do you happen to have any employees in your business interests here that are of Larkinian birth who we could... trade for? Say your employees for cash, and a fifth round draft pick?"

"By the by, do you happen to have any employees in your business interests here that are of Larkinian birth who we could... trade for? Say your employees for cash, and a fifth round draft pick?"

"I'd sooner send them to the Gates of Hell," said Rogerwood, no longer even bothering to hide his contempt for the businessman. "You must understand, Mr Ellis, that it was an extremely difficult decision to approach you. As much as Mr Williams is a threat to the security of the Republic, so much are you a threat to world peace and democracy."

He took one last tug on the cigarette and extinguished it on the polished conference table.

"I take it from your tone, Mr Ellis, that you think this all to be one great joke. I do wonder, however, what the boon to Mr Williams' reelection campaign might be should, say, he close a major treaty in the eleventh hour."

"I'd sooner send them to the Gates of Hell," said Rogerwood, no longer even bothering to hide his contempt for the businessman. "You must understand, Mr Ellis, that it was an extremely difficult decision to approach you. As much as Mr Williams is a threat to the security of the Republic, so much are you a threat to world peace and democracy."

Gotta give him credit, he's got balls.

"Moi? A thread to world peace and democracy?" Ellis said in surprise. "Let me tell you something Ambassador, true democracy is an illusion, built up by the people so they can convince themselves they are taking part in government while sitting back and enjoying a beer and a bag of pork rinds in their lounger.

"This is a republic democracy, precisely for the reason that the people are supposed to participate through representation, then get the hell out of their way and let them lead. Not make all of the calls themselves.

"Think about it, do you really want the people, the Mob having a say in government? Your government no more wants it than I do."

He took one last tug on the cigarette and extinguished it on the polished conference table.

"I take it from your tone, Mr Ellis, that you think this all to be one great joke. I do wonder, however, what the boon to Mr Williams' reelection campaign might be should, say, he close a major treaty in the eleventh hour."

Ellis chuckled as Rogerwood put out his cigarette.

"I would charge your government for that table, if they had any money left for me to take, that is. As it is, I guess I'll have to have another acre of rainforest chainsawed down to make another one.

Ellis sighed, a plume of smoke rising from his nostrils, "Williams? A 'major treaty' in the eleventh hour? Ha, hardly likely, if as you say Iansisle, Tanah Burung, Daezeman, Imitora and St. Peter himself have turned their backs on him and blame him for their problems. Although, you have given me a wonderful idea for our advertising campaign though, thank you Ambassador," Ellis said with a chuckle.

"As for my gregarious tone, which I'm guessing you're mistaking, this is not one great big joke, nor is the election paid for... yet. Give me time though, give me time."

Gotta give him credit, he's got balls.

"Moi? A thread to world peace and democracy?" Ellis said in surprise. "Let me tell you something Ambassador, true democracy is an illusion, built up by the people so they can convince themselves they are taking part in government while sitting back and enjoying a beer and a bag of pork rinds in their lounger.

"This is a republic democracy, precisely for the reason that the people are supposed to participate through representation, then get the hell out of their way and let them lead. Not make all of the calls themselves.

"Think about it, do you really want the people, the Mob having a say in government? Your government no more wants it than I do."

"It has been Iansisle's experience so far that the people are far more capable - and far more trustworthy - than any number of plutocrats."

Ellis chuckled as Rogerwood put out his cigarette.

"I would charge your government for that table, if they had any money left for me to take, that is. As it is, I guess I'll have to have another acre of rainforest chainsawed down to make another one.

Ellis sighed, a plume of smoke rising from his nostrils, "Williams? A 'major treaty' in the eleventh hour? Ha, hardly likely, if as you say Iansisle, Tanah Burung, Daezeman, Imitora and St. Peter himself have turned their backs on him and blame him for their problems. Although, you have given me a wonderful idea for our advertising campaign though, thank you Ambassador," Ellis said with a chuckle.

"As for my gregarious tone, which I'm guessing you're mistaking, this is not one great big joke, nor is the election paid for... yet. Give me time though, give me time."

"In that case, Mr Ellis, I suppose there really is nothing that the Shield can do for you." He picked up his briefcase and stood up. "I do thank you for the evening entertainment - ever since RM&M was nationalized, I have not been able to see such a sociopathic display. If you will be kind enough to excuse me, I know have a social call or two at the Presidential Palace."

Rogerwood knew that he was not completing his duties as an accredited agent of the Republic, but the battle in his head had at last been resolved. Loyalty to the Shield or not, he could not bring himself nor the Revolution which he represented to deal with these ...fat cats. Williams, quite unlike Ellis, at least had the reputation of being an honorable and honest man; maybe he would be more amenable to a bit of help in the coming election.

I just have to remember not to mention James... don't mention James.

((ack, I hate to say it, but you win. I'm falling asleep at the keyboard. Need to get back in shape for these types of threads - it's been too long. :D))

(D'Oh!! Man I was just getting warmed up! ;) Ok, g'night dude! Catch you tomorrow!)

Ellis watched as Rogerwood walked out of the room before picking up his cell phone and pulling up a number.

"Yes security? Ambassador Rogerwood is leaving the building. Watch him."

OOC: This is a Tag...but also sort of an aside: "Their back...or at least first time i've seen the dynamic duo in some time."

IC:
KCN News Brief

New Larkina Election System seems to be a New Version of an old tale
A new progressive system in Larkina? Reports indicate that Larkina buisnesses have recently begun to actually place people on their work rolls soely to impress their votes. This has many commentators throughout the Klatch worried.

"It seems that buisness has degraded so far in recent years that we are now seeing what ammounts to a new form of Corporate Welfare. One in which the corporations turn people into defacto employee's solely for their vote. Actually it seems Larkina is heading down the path of Santa Barbra, and we all know what the end result there was."

Baroness Anne Winton is made Karmanyankain Feild Marshal

"Surprise today when in a taped annoucement, Lord Tengil, imprisoned leader of Karmanyanka, made a public annoucement of taking control of the military. In his interview, he noted that only five of the sixteen Knights were present at the vote that supposedly ousted him from power. But the most shocking event was his naming of Anne Winton, Baroness Winton, as acting Feild Marshal of the Karmanyanka Army.

Another commentator appeared, with a picture of Anne to his right. "Obviously the reporters were facilitated by IIS. As such, with five marine battallions at her beck and call, Lord Tengil made her Feild Marshal in hopes of consolidating forces loyal to the government against Lord Grune and his henchmen. The fact that we now know of Vaadian forces massing on the Eastern Border indicates to me that the Military Coup is about to collapse, undermined from within by the Baroness and from without by Vaadian Military pressure."

((Heh heh, dynamic duo :) Sweet!))

Kazuko Engineering 'Dorms'

The apartments had been filling up at an alarming rate, not even the most optimistic had planned on this kind of a response rate from the poor.

"What's not to like?" Javin Katana heard one man say, "We get fed, housed and money to spend on whatever we want."

Yeah, usually drugs Javin thought.

Katana had slipped into one of the signup lines as a favor to his brother Takeo, he wanted to keep an eye on things. Now he walked around one of the complexes, getting a real view of the inside. He pulled his old military jacket tight around him to fight off the wind.

On the exterior, the apartments were clean and new and shiny. It was a real Potemkin Village, the people appeared to be studying or planning on rejoining the workforce, and behind the scenes some of them were involved in 'work', so to speak.

But the interior was far different, so far he'd seen a trade in drugs, black market items and prostitution in the apartment complexes he'd been shipped to. He wondered how long it would be before gangs started trying to pop up here, and what corporate security would do when it did.

((Heh heh, dynamic duo :) Sweet!))

((Aye, you can color me flattered too. :) (so long as I don't have to play Robin, that is. <.< >.>) ))

Yeah, usually drugs Javin thought.

((Such as the low-cost, high-quality opiates available from Iansislean Gallaga! Support our boys on the front - buy Gull Flag brand Laudanum now!))

Ellis watched as Rogerwood walked out of the room before picking up his cell phone and pulling up a number.

"Yes security? Ambassador Rogerwood is leaving the building. Watch him."

Rogerwood, in one of the embassy's massive black Westerton Jackrabbits draped with the red Gull Flag, would be easy to track through the comparatively modern streets of Golden Agate. With a throaty growl from its ten-cylinder engine, the gargantuan automobile pulled out into traffic and started weaving its way to the Presidential Palace.

((Oh man, you're making it too easy on me ;) ))

The ambassador didn't run into any troubles on his drive to the Presidential Palace. The security men followed at a discreet distance, and stopped before the car reached the palace.

The ambassador was waved through the guards and the gate to the palace. As the vehicle pulled up to the palace, the ambassador was whisked away to one of the conference rooms on the first level.

After a few moments, Jeff walked into the room and shook Rogerwood's hand. "Ah Ambassador, how are you doing today?"

Rogerwood returned the shake. Even if Williams was a royalist at heart, he was still much less dastardly than Ellis.

"President Williams. I'm very honored that you were able to take time out of your busy schedule to meet with me."

The manners of the aristocratic classes of the Shield dictated several minutes of pleasant small talk before actually commencing to talk business. Rogerwood, whose family had been shopkeepers in a small town in Pentonshire before the Revolution, had no such sense of noblesse oblige.

"I hope you will not think me terribly direct, Mr Williams, but I believe that we do have a few things to discuss. Namely, the new fracture in Shieldo-Larkinian relations over the past few years. My masters in Ianapalis feel that this is a shame of the highest order and would much like to rectify the situation."

Jeff sat down with Rogerwood at the oak table in the room.

"I'm always happy to take time to meet with the Ambassador of our strongest Ally," Jeff said with a smile.

Jeff listened intently to Rogerwood's next statement. He was glad to be dealing with something he felt that mattered, Rogerwood was right, of course, relations needed to be reforged.

"Please, be direct," Jeff nodded. "There's no better way to communicate, diplomacy is highly overrated at times.

"I agree with your government, there has been a lessening of our alliance and I would like to see that change. My last trip to Ianapalis, right after election, was enjoyable, but there was a definite underlying tension I couldn't pin down.

"What were you thinking?"

"I am glad to hear that, President Williams. I too am a man of few words.

"On that note, it may be too soon to recreate the ghost of the New Highlands," said Rogerwood, "but the Re - erm, the Iansislean Government would like very much to sign at least a non-aggression pact with Larkinia."

He cursed himself inwardly. He had almost said 'Republic' - there was no reason to remind Williams that one of his best friends was currently leading an insurrection against the government which he represented (or at least which he represented when he wasn't off on a hair-brained mission like this one without orders).

Rogerwood was acting with the spirit of Bradsworth and Rinehart, if not their explicit orders. He had been told to improve relations between Iansisle and Larkinia - with the side goal of also removing Williams from a position of power.

"I am glad to hear that, President Williams. I too am a man of few words.

"On that note, it may be too soon to recreate the ghost of the New Highlands," said Rogerwood, "but the Re - erm, the Iansislean Government would like very much to sign at least a non-aggression pact with Larkinia."

"It would be nice if there was a way to rebuild the New Highlands. But you are right, it is too soon for that, and there is a lot of diplomacy that will need to be used to get all of the parties together.

"As for a non-aggression pact, I understand why that would be a concern," Jeff lied. Despite his personal feelings, he was a representative of the government, hell... he was the head of the government, but he couldn't let personal feelings interfere with his job.

Jeff swallowed his pride with the next statement.

"However, the stand of the Larkinian government has been that we are always glad to help and find a way for a cease-fire."

What the f--- are you doing? Damnit you have a personal stake in this whether you want to admit it or not. They damn well should want a non-aggression pact before you nuke the site from orbit...

"And, given the state of conflict currently in Iansisle, I'd like to ask what steps are being taken to end it."

"It would be nice if there was a way to rebuild the New Highlands. But you are right, it is too soon for that, and there is a lot of diplomacy that will need to be used to get all of the parties together.

"As for a non-aggression pact, I understand why that would be a concern," Jeff lied.

"However, the stand of the Larkinian government has been that we are always glad to help and find a way for a cease-fire. And, given the state of conflict currently in Iansisle, I'd like to ask what steps are being taken to end it."

"We have, since the war started, been sending a communication to the Effitian government once a month," said Rogerwood. He knew that Williams had been referring to the James' royalist army in the Normarch and not the Effitian invasion, but this answer would be a lot easier on the President's ears.

"We wish peace. However, we cannot tolerate a single citizen of ours living under Effitian rule, and the Pater refuses to even negotiate unless the cessation of all of Gadsan is on the table."

"We have, since the war started, been sending a communication to the Effitian government once a month," said Rogerwood. He knew that Williams had been referring to the James' royalist army in the Normarch and not the Effitian invasion, but this answer would be a lot easier on the President's ears.

"We wish peace. However, we cannot tolerate a single citizen of ours living under Effitian rule, and the Pater refuses to even negotiate unless the cessation of all of Gadsan is on the table."

"Of course not," Jeff nodded, "I remember a brief visit to Effit, and I was not at all thrilled with the personal service I received there.

"But I was refering to the civil unrest that is ravaging Iansisle. I'm sure you could agree with me that this is draining resources from the Effitian invasion."

"Indeed, the drain is great. We are currently forced to maintain five whole regiments in the Normarch - more than ten thousand men who would be much more useful at the Effitian front. The government has sent repeated pleas to Topton, urging the rebels to put down their arms and cooperate.

"But they are desperate men, Mr Williams, who would stop at nothing to topple the Jameston government and subvert the will of the people. They are not willing to listen to reason.

"Similar offers have been made to the nomads in Dianatran and the mutineers in Gallaga. The destruction of an independent Shieldian state, it would seem, is so paramount in all of their minds - and perhaps reinforced by foreign gold - that they can never compromise."

Jeff nodded as he listened.

"What would it take to bring all sides of the fight to the bargaining table again?"

What in the hell am I thinking? I have an election to win..

"Well, Mr Williams," said Rogerwood, "my government is always willing to negotiate. It's getting the others to listen to reason that we have trouble with."

Jeff nodded, "I guess that's always the way it is. Now, what is your government's stand on the uprising. What are they willing to give up for peace?"

Rogerwood paused. "You'll forgive me, Mr Williams, as I have not been fully briefed on the latest development.

"However, my most recent communication with Ianapalis indicated that Mr Bradsworth and the government were willing to grant immunity to all fugitives who put down their weapons and returned to their places of work, excepting a few ringleaders who would naturally need to be tried for their crimes against the state."

"I see. And who would be among those ring leaders? Anyone I might know?"

Jeff started getting that tingle in the back of his mind again, he had a bad feeling about this.

"I'm afraid I can't recall exact names," half-lied Rogerwood. He could recall one exact name, but didn't want to utter it without a cloud of others. "Erm, if you'd like, I could send to the Embassy for it."

Jeff nods over to a phone in the room, "Sounds good to me, you just get calling and have them messenger over a list of 'rabble rousers'.

"Now my good friend and brother James, you remember the King, wouldn't be on that list would he?"

The plan was already forming in Jeff's mind, although something like this was bound to be bad for his ... career, as it were.

"Now my good friend and brother James, you remember the King, wouldn't be on that list would he?"

"Erm, I suppose we could check as soon as it gets here."

Rogerwood had the distinct impression that Williams was running rhetorical circles around him; it wasn't a pleasant feeling. He merely wanted to be the best representative of the Republic that he could be. Being a diplomat called for a strange detachment of sentiment from words, and that was very hard for the idealistic young man.

He called and had a runner start the list on its way over.

Rogerwood had the distinct impression that Williams was running rhetorical circles around him; it wasn't a pleasant feeling.

(Dang, Jeff wouldn't want to do that to him ;) )

"Sounds good to me," Jeff said as he stood up. "Can I get you a drink?" he asked as he poured a glass of bourbon.

*time passes*

The messenger is led into the conference room.

The young man hands a sheet of paper to Rogerwood and makes himself as unobtrusive as possible.

"Erm...Michael Javial, Jessica Whitman, William Ashtonbury, Samuel Goodman, Theodore Goodman, and, erm, James Callahan."

Rogerwood looked up to see the reaction on Williams' face.

...and, erm, James Callahan."

The look on Jeff's face wasn't what Rogerwood should have been concerened about, as much as the blood running down Jeff's forearm from where he crushed the glass in his hand.

"Ah, I see," he said. "So is this list set in stone?"

"Well, 'set in stone,' might be a little strong," said Rogerwood quickly. "I'm sure that the Premier would be willing to negotiate - he's a most reasonable man, you know."

Jeff nods, "Well I'm sure he is. What do you think it will take to scratch his name off of the list?

"Of course, considering he's willing to accept it."

"I should also point out," said Rogerwood, relieved that Williams was calming down, "that a trial in Iansisle is by no means a conviction. The Republic likes to pride itself of fair and honest justice for all citizens."

"I know it does, but you'll understand my concerns about a trial in regards to James."

((and I GTG for a bit, I'm at work I'll be back soon!))

"I won't deny that James is ...well, not in the best graces of the Iansislean public right now," said Rogerwood. "But still, I put unlimited trust and faith in the ability of a jury of his peers to make the right decision."

((haha, nice to know you're still as hard at work as ever. :P See you soon, man.))

I cant believe this...I had a post typed up just for this, took me an hour and a half to type, I had to copy it, and I copied it over with "Dj Marc Aurel" Fuck me...I promise that tommorow I will have a real, indepth bad ass post for this...

((ah, man, that's harsh. :-/ Sorry to hear it.))

((*runs by and tags this thread, with a stern glare at Ian and Imi.*))

"I won't deny that James is ...well, not in the best graces of the Iansislean public right now," said Rogerwood. "But still, I put unlimited trust and faith in the ability of a jury of his peers to make the right decision."

((haha, nice to know you're still as hard at work as ever. :P See you soon, man.))


((Bah, work... heh heh and talking about screwed up posts, I thought I had posted something about blood running down Jeff's arm to the paper website, hence the reason for leaving when I did ;) Whew, false alarm.))

"I understand," Jeff said. "Although I don't know why. You don't believe it, I know, but James always had the people in his heart.

"Not that that matters, I won't lecture anyone about their politics. So tell me what else is happening on Iansisle."

"Not that that matters, I won't lecture anyone about their politics. So tell me what else is happening on Iansisle."

Rogerwood smiled with relief. Williams seemed to be calming down - now was the time to spring good news on him, and hopefully win Larkinia's support.

"Mr Bradsworth has enacted all sorts of wonderful reforms," he said earnestly. "Women are now allowed to vote in all elections. All foreign nationals resident on the Shield - Dianatranians, Gallagans, Tharians, even - have been granted full citizenship.

"And, of course, the power of the corporations has been fully broken - RM&M, IanCorp, the East Gallaga Company, the Westerton Motor-Car Company: they've all been nationalized and no longer pose a threat to the freedom of the Shieldian people."

((Bah, work... heh heh and talking about screwed up posts, I thought I had posted something about blood running down Jeff's arm to the paper website, hence the reason for leaving when I did ;) Whew, false alarm.))

((ah, too bad. That would have made me go visit the website :P.))

Rogerwood smiled with relief. Williams seemed to be calming down - now was the time to spring good news on him, and hopefully win Larkinia's support.

"Mr Bradsworth has enacted all sorts of wonderful reforms," he said earnestly. "Women are now allowed to vote in all elections. All foreign nationals resident on the Shield - Dianatranians, Gallagans, Tharians, even - have been granted full citizenship.

"And, of course, the power of the corporations has been fully broken - RM&M, IanCorp, the East Gallaga Company, the Westerton Motor-Car Company: they've all been nationalized and no longer pose a threat to the freedom of the Shieldian people.

Jeff nods, "Letting women vote is definitely a great thing. Especially after a hard day of voting and you both get back from... wait, where was I? Oh yeah.

"Well, what happened to the corporations? Did you nationalize them? Are they still independent?"

((I know, but then I might be looking for a new job tomorrow ;) ))

"After the Corporate Yoke, there was no choice," said Rogerwood. "We couldn't ever allow the Shield to be ruled by its business interests again, so Mr Bradsworth took the necessary steps." He shrugged.

"Naturally, smaller businessmen were left alone to ply their trades. However, we can never afford another mega-corporation like RM&M to take root."

((ahh, I'm sorry man. But this darn sleep - it keeps calling to me!

Just wait until the 14th. Then I'll be able to start pulling these all-night post extravaganzas again :D))

Jeff Williams. It was a name not muttred in an Imitoran goverenment office for some time. And for good reason, or so some think. Jeff Williams, president of Larkinia, represented something that First Speaker Anna Fratelli had oft wanted to be left dead: The Old Imitora. The old land, where people made their own laws, elections were doen with assasins and bullets, and curroption was a class tought in many schools. It was a land that her progressive party had all but tried to disown. And they had done a good job of it.

Of course, the old Imitora had been many things. Curropt, arogant, and big, but also strong. It was a nation that had ripped entire continents to shreads, burned countries to ash, and had been known to stop at near nothing to solve any one certain issue. Imitora was a name mentioned in fear by some, respect by others, and hatred by a small few. And Fratelli didn't mind this.

However, she did mind the mention of Jeff Williams on the evening news. A story regarding the election in the former Imitoran ally had been run, and the name Williams brought up many a dead memory that she had hoped been left dead. She could not change this, no. Instead, she had to work with it.

It had been what? Ten, maybe more, years since the stories of Williams, and more so in Imitora, Fortier's adventures had been the daily watercooler talk. Fortier. Now there was another name not mentioned in a government office either. However, that may have had something to do with the most recent adventure of the Imitoran paly boy. After a rather large incident regarding a good ninty percent of the nation's highways, over three hundred racers, and Fortier leading the pack, he had chosen exile in Iansisle istead of prison time. Of course, chose was an inapropriate word when the death of an Imitoran Police Officer had been a major factor.

Robert Fortier was another issue that Fratelli wanted to keep quiet. He represented all that was the old Imitora. Rich, young, made all his own rules, and lived every day like it was his last. Then again, many seemed like they were. He and is compatriot, Thomas "Hoot" Gibbson had been the talk of the nation. They blasted around the nation, setting the hottest trends, driving the hottest cars, and dating the hottest women. Well, Hoot was dating, Fortier was married to the then First Speaker Amanda Muirne Ormsby. The only First Speaker to hold the title longer than Fratelli.

This thought had brought the tangent full circle back around to the Willams Election. "Larkinian Election," she said out loud, correcting her train of thought.

"What about them?" a voice asked from the shaddows in the corner. It was the standard dark night in late summer Imitora.

"I was just thinking about them. Who we, as a nation, should endorse. After all, it could mean big things for Imitora."

"You mean big things for you."

"What is that supposed to mean? This nation comes first always."

"I mean that you know that Mcarthy and the ONP are gonna vocally be supporting Williams. You also know that the ONP is pulling hard on the Progressive Party in the polls, and the election is comming up shortly. And its been a known fact in Imitora that whoever leads going into the election wins. And if you win this election, you'll have a good old on the nation." The voice paused, waiting for Fratelli to correct, but the correction never came.

"Damn, your good."

"Its my job, Madame First Speaker."

"No, its not, and hasn't been for a good five years now."

"If you say so. What do you want me to do?" the voice asked, fingering a cellphone in his pocket, already knwoing the response.

Fratelli paused here. She realized that she needed to get the ISS security operation's unit tested again. But then she remebered that the man speaking wrote those procedures. Of course he would be able to pass them. "I need you to contact someone and get them inside Larkinia and..."

"Find out whats going on, and what we can do to help. But you don't want anyone connected to the government, not directly. So you want me to ask an indy," the voice interupted.

"Shit, you really are good."

"Like I said, its my job. I'll do it, of course, there are some favors I need repayed."

"I know, and consider it done. Get on this, you have my permision to use anyone you need to in the office."

"I plan on it," the voice said, and the ensuing silence was interupted only by the silent click of a door closing. Fratelli just sighed, and picked up the interoffice phone, calling the Imitoran Jutice Ministry.

Outside the captiol building, Robert Fortier walked past three gaurds. "See you guys later," he said, waving.

"Later Mr. F," one said, as they waved back.

Robert slid into the driver's seat of a black Mitsubishi Evolution VIII, and keyed the ignition. The black car pulled away. He needed to get his home back from Lutz before making some calls.

Three days later, a diplomatic comuniqé arrived on President William's desk.


President Jeff Willams *insert all other titles here*,

It has come to the attention of the Imitoran International Affairs Ministry that your elections are comming up. The current administration believes it to be in the best interest of Imitora, but more importantly, the best intrest of the Larkinian people, that you maintain your current seat as an elected official over your current opponents. It has also come to our attention, thorugh various sources and agencies that would prefer remain unnamed and annonymous, that certain actions of characters of dubisous moral standards may have been taken to ensure that this goal is not achieved.

We would like to ask your permision to send an emmisary to consult with you over the possibilities of our nation aiding in your reelection. Our administration would like to make clear that we do not wish to imposr upon your national soverignty, nor violate any rules of the Larkinian constitution. However, we would just like to see how we could help. I look forward to your response, and hope that all can be done to keep the right man in office, peacefully. With respect,

*signed*
Internaitonal Affairs Minsiter Donald P. Sinclair

"After the Corporate Yoke, there was no choice," said Rogerwood. "We couldn't ever allow the Shield to be ruled by its business interests again, so Mr Bradsworth took the necessary steps." He shrugged.

"Naturally, smaller businessmen were left alone to ply their trades. However, we can never afford another mega-corporation like RM&M to take root."

"Really?" Jeff asked, "But what if that's what the people want? Do you you price controls to keep the smaller shops from charging more to pay for decent labor?"

President Jeff Willams *insert all other titles here*,

It has come to the attention of the Imitoran International Affairs Ministry that your elections are comming up. The current administration believes it to be in the best interest of Imitora, but more importantly, the best intrest of the Larkinian people, that you maintain your current seat as an elected official over your current opponents. It has also come to our attention, thorugh various sources and agencies that would prefer remain unnamed and annonymous, that certain actions of characters of dubisous moral standards may have been taken to ensure that this goal is not achieved.

We would like to ask your permision to send an emmisary to consult with you over the possibilities of our nation aiding in your reelection. Our administration would like to make clear that we do not wish to imposr upon your national soverignty, nor violate any rules of the Larkinian constitution. However, we would just like to see how we could help. I look forward to your response, and hope that all can be done to keep the right man in office, peacefully.

(after Jeff's meeting with Rogerwood, where he still needs to piss him off;) )

Jeff mulled over the letter, this had possibilities. He could bring in the Imitorans and Iansislians as outside observers for the elections. Maybe throw in someone from Tanah Burung and at least give this election the illusion of being legitimate.

Jeff quickly penned a reply to Minister Sinclair inviting him to visit Larkinia.

I wonder what the chances are of Robert and Hoot coming to visit too ;)

"Really?" Jeff asked, "But what if that's what the people want? Do you you price controls to keep the smaller shops from charging more to pay for decent labor?"

"My dear man," laughed Rogerwood, "It's a time of war! Of course we use price controls, to stop dishonest men from profiting from the national emergency. It's as natural as the convoy system or rationing.

"We have also set the first ever minimum wage on the Shield - gone are the days when RM&M could get away with paying a man five generals for a week's hard work in a steel mill."

"My dear man," laughed Rogerwood, "It's a time of war! Of course we use price controls, to stop dishonest men from profiting from the national emergency. It's as natural as the convoy system or rationing.

"We have also set the first ever minimum wage on the Shield - gone are the days when RM&M could get away with paying a man five generals for a week's hard work in a steel mill."

"Interesting," Jeff replied, "I can see the need for price controls in a time of war. But does that give an excuse for your businessmen to produce substandard goods under the guise of 'well we don't need to be superior'? And how do they manage with the minimum wage and price controls squeezing them from both sides?"

As Jeff and Rogerwood continued talking, the first of many radio ads was being prepared for broadcast...

Music distantly plays for a few moments before a voice begins to speak...

"According to emissaries from one of our closest allies."

Rogerwood's voice was then heard, "Williams has let the New Highlands crumble around his feet. First Daezeman, then Imitora, and then Iansisle..."

"Strong allies in turn help Larkinia remain strong," the voice continued, "And President Williams has watched quietly as our allies have fallen into wars and suffered needlessly.

"Is this the kind of man we want leading Larkinia? Is this the kind of man we deserve? Or do we deserve better? Someone who is willing to stand up for what's right..."

The voice ends the ad "Jeff Williams. Wrong on defense. Wrong for Larkinia."

"Interesting," Jeff replied, "I can see the need for price controls in a time of war. But does that give an excuse for your businessmen to produce substandard goods under the guise of 'well we don't need to be superior'? And how do they manage with the minimum wage and price controls squeezing them from both sides?"

"Again, most of the major production industries are now in government hands," said Rogerwood. "Many of those that aren't - several furniture manufacturers and other consumer goods producers, for instance - are converting their factories over to military production to get in on the war-contract deals. This does leave us in something of a pinch for civilian goods, but we can worry about that after the war.

"Also, I do not think that a minimum wage has damaged the Iansislean economy anywhere near as terribly as the corporatist apologists predicted. A fair wage and fair prices balances out far better, for both producer and consumer, than an abysmal wage and sky-high prices; for one thing, workers are better able to afford goods and thus add to the consumer base of the national economy."

Rogerwood's voice was then heard, "Williams has let the New Highlands crumble around his feet. First Daezeman, then Imitora, and then Iansisle..."

((haha! Aw, man, I forgot how much I have to watch my back around you, you crafty sonnovagun :P.))

"Again, most of the major production industries are now in government hands," said Rogerwood. "Many of those that aren't - several furniture manufacturers and other consumer goods producers, for instance - are converting their factories over to military production to get in on the war-contract deals. This does leave us in something of a pinch for civilian goods, but we can worry about that after the war.

"Also, I do not think that a minimum wage has damaged the Iansislean economy anywhere near as terribly as the corporatist apologists predicted. A fair wage and fair prices balances out far better, for both producer and consumer, than an abysmal wage and sky-high prices; for one thing, workers are better able to afford goods and thus add to the consumer base of the national economy."

"I agree, a minimum wage is a benefit for an economy," Jeff said. "A lot of what you have said about a minimum wage I agree with, but I still have a problem with the idea of a government controlling major industry. What's to stop them from denying goods to people that disagree with them. Having control over that many industries gives you power, and power corrupts, as the saying goes. How is the government keeping that from happening?"

((haha! Aw, man, I forgot how much I have to watch my back around you, you crafty sonnovagun :P.))

(LOL, tape recorders everywhere, especially for someone like Ellis, who will be 'running' the campaign from behind the scenes, just wait until the next ad, when Jeff is blamed for being too connected with Ianapalis ;) )

"I agree, a minimum wage is a benefit for an economy," Jeff said. "A lot of what you have said about a minimum wage I agree with, but I still have a problem with the idea of a government controlling major industry. What's to stop them from denying goods to people that disagree with them. Having control over that many industries gives you power, and power corrupts, as the saying goes. How is the government keeping that from happening?"

"We like to think that business on the Shield has gone from a plutocracy to a democracy," said Rogerwood. "Where once, there were only a few men, completely unresponable to anyone, in control of the Shield's industry, now every man - and woman! - has a vote in the way things are run."

(LOL, tape recorders everywhere, especially for someone like Ellis, who will be 'running' the campaign from behind the scenes, just wait until the next ad, when Jeff is blamed for being too connected with Ianapalis ;) )

((Aw, how can one be 'too connected' with Ianapalis? :D (doesn't everyone love us? hehe)))

((EDIT: d'oh! This post was meant for 'Rough Waters'. Sorry, Lark! :D))

A silver Infiniti G35 coupe pulled up in front of a rather large warehouse like structure. The structure was known to many as The Black Moon, one of many Imitoran clubs. The Imitoran clubs were often famous for the parties thrown by the owners: week long raves that often lasted even longer with drinks flowing for free, and the legal Imitoran made narcotics and hallucenagens being sold in record quantities.

The door of the coupe opened, and a Chinese man stepped out. He was of no major physical difference than any other Chinese male, and dressed as standard for the dress for the clubs: uniqe. He wore a white Tai Chi style jacket, open, over a form fitting black shirt. His legs were covered by black jeans, which hung loosely over a pair of well worn Nike sneakers. A pair of small circular lensed sunglasses sat perched on his nose, despite the dark night air. He tossed the keys to a vallet driver, and entered the club.

Inside, the air was heavy with the thumping bass from the speakers. Vocal trance filled the warehouse, and the three seperate dance floors were flodded with dancers. Girls wearing barely their cloathing gyrating their hips in beat with the music, young males of all races swinging glowsticks around in artistic shapes, the lights flashing in response.

The man walked past this all, and towards the back room of the club. Two large bouncers gaurded the curtain that lead into the VIP room, and hte man simply held up his hand, a 100IC bill held inbetween each finger. They simply stepped aside as he handed them each five hundred Imitoran credits, and walked to the back of the lounge. He spotted a man sitting at a table with a hookah and a number of attractive females. There were also five other gaurds. He simply nodded to himself, and walked over.

He stopped at the table, and looked at the man, who looked up in disdain at being interupted. "What the fuck do you want?" he asked, shouting over the loud trance. The Chinese man simply looked down at him, and shook his head.

"It is not what I want, it is what your employer wants. His money." His voice was lightly acented, but enough was present so you could tell he was indeed Chinese.

"Tell Hu that I'll give him his god damned money when I fucking feel like it. Now piss off," he said, tossing a 500IC bill at the Chinese man.

"Wrong," was all he said. In a smooth single motion, two UMAC Beretta copies seemed to float upwards through the air, the Chinese man reaching out to catch them. He grabed, the weapons, and brought them down, firing a single shot from each into the man's chest. His arms swung out wide, and brought the pistols to bare on the head of the nearest guard, a double tap dropping him quickly. Another was fell by the Chinese man putting a singe round through his temporal lobe.

The man spun, and leveled the guns on the two bouncers, now running in, and emptied the magazines into them. He spun the weapons gracefully back into underjacket holsters, and without turning to look, sent a single kick straigh backwards, into the chest of an approaching gaurd. His moves were fluent, a near dance of punches, blocks, kicks, ducks, sweeps, and jumps. He was a master of the ancient Chinese art of Wing Chung, the actuall combat version of Wushu.

The fight ended shortly, with the target, as well as a number of the body gaurds, dead. The man simply adjusted his jacket, and walked out of the night club, past the dancers who, due to the volume of the music, heard nothing.

As he slipped into the drivers seat of the Infiniti, he made a phone call to the police, informing them that there had just been a murder at The Black Moon. He tossed the cellphone out the window, and drove off. Less tahn an hour later, his real cell phone range.

"Ngyuen. Yes? Alright? Yeah, anything for him, no problem. I'll be there shortly." He hung up after the short convorsation, and dropped the G35 down a gear, speeding off.


President Williams,

I have recieved your invitation to come speak in Larkinia, but I'm affraid that a matter of family importance has arrisen, and I will not be able to visit your fine nation. However, I am sending a personal, trusted assistant, in my stead. He has all the diplomatic qualifications required of someone whom would be meeting with a man of your political stature, and is well skilled in the areas of diplomacy. Further, I have been informed that you may be aquianted with his brother, the Duke of Noropia, John Ngyuen. James will be arriving in Larkinia at your earliest convienience, and I trust all will go well. With my best regards,

*signed*
Minsiter Sinclair

((Please tell me you're still with us, Lark. :confused:

(don't you dare fade away again! :P)))

((Please tell me you're still with us, Lark. :confused:

(don't you dare fade away again! :P)))


((LOL, I'm here. Just had to butt heads with the University the last few days. Teach them to take away all my financial aid just before school starts. Where's an Imitoran when you need them in RL ;) ))

"We like to think that business on the Shield has gone from a plutocracy to a democracy," said Rogerwood. "Where once, there were only a few men, completely unresponable to anyone, in control of the Shield's industry, now every man - and woman! - has a vote in the way things are run."

"That interesting," Jeff said. "If that works for Iansisle, then I guess that's good for the current government."

That sucks, James finally got his wish to help the people, and all he had to do was turn the government over to people who want to kill him, Jeff thought as he started working on plans on how to keep James from the gallows.

"Now, not to sound like a broken record, but I'd like to talk about how to keep the government from executing King James."

-----

(again, after the meeting)

President Williams,

I have recieved your invitation to come speak in Larkinia, but I'm affraid that a matter of family importance has arrisen, and I will not be able to visit your fine nation. However, I am sending a personal, trusted assistant, in my stead. He has all the diplomatic qualifications required of someone whom would be meeting with a man of your political stature, and is well skilled in the areas of diplomacy. Further, I have been informed that you may be aquianted with his brother, the Duke of Noropia, John Ngyuen. James will be arriving in Larkinia at your earliest convienience, and I trust all will go well. With my best regards,

*signed*
Minsiter Sinclair

Jeff smiled as he read the note. There's a name I haven't heard in a while, Duke John Ngyuen

He set the note down and remembered first meeting John, and James. The ball, flight into Imitora to place John at the Presidency, the dual.

Jeff shuddered momentarily as he thought of the dual, pouring another glass of bourbon.

"Another drink," Katherine said. "You trying to get drunk?"

"These damn nanites," Jeff chuckled, "I can't get drunk no matter how much I drink, they convert it to something else before it'll kick in."

He picked up the phone in the office and punched in a number. "Dan, yeah it's me. I need you to suit up some of the team, I want you to go to the manor house in Ianapalis and start... looking around."

He hung up the phone and typed a reply to Minister Sinclair.


Minister Sinclair,

It would be my honor to host Mr. Ngyuen in Larkinia during the election. Please pass on my heartfelt invitation to him and I look forward to his time in Larkinia.

Signed,
Jeff Williams

Jeff handed the note to an aide in the office, "I want him treated as well as any diplomat in Larkinia. Any less, and you answer to me."

"Yes sir," the man bowed and walked out.

((LOL, I'm here. Just had to butt heads with the University the last few days. Teach them to take away all my financial aid just before school starts. Where's an Imitoran when you need them in RL ;) ))

((Hehe, I hear ya, man. I need an Imitoran to help me talk my landlord into letting me sublet over the summers. :D))

"That interesting," Jeff said. "If that works for Iansisle, then I guess that's good for the current government."

That sucks, James finally got his wish to help the people, and all he had to do was turn the government over to people who want to kill him, Jeff thought as he started working on plans on how to keep James from the gallows.

"Now, not to sound like a broken record, but I'd like to talk about how to keep the government from executing King James."

"Ah, yes," said Rogerwood, more than a little disappointed that they had not yet completely left that subject. "Well, let's see - James stands accused of raising an army against the government - that's grand treason - and of claiming that the citizens of the Republic are his subjects - that's tyranny. Both are capital crimes."

To be honest, Rogerwood was not able to think of any way the Assembly might be convinced to spare James. He might be able to duck the tyranny charge - that was a hastily written piece of legislation, full of loopholes, for all its good intentions - but there was no denying that he had raised an army against the Assembly, in a time of war nonetheless.

"I suppose," he said at length, "that if James would disband his army and cooperate with the Assembly, they might be convinced to give him a life imprisonment, or perhaps exile."

Jeff nodded as he offered Rogerwood a cigar.

Well, if James is imprisoned then that'll buy me some time to come up with a plan.

Jeff had a plan: go in blasting, get James and get the hell out of Dodge. Not a great plan, he admitted, but a plan never the less. And he'd hate to burn Iansisle to the ground if they killed James, he mused as he remembered where Niven's nukes were located. :P

Jeff lit his cigar, "How does his army look? Where is the heaviest fighting taking place?"

Rogerwood accepted the cigar and a light.

"I hardly know the particulars," said Rogerwood. "By last accounts, though, James had in the neighborhood of 30,000 men-at-arms, mostly Northmen and Noropians. There have been a few skirmishes between the cavalry and aero forces on both sides, but no major engagements of yet." He paused. "In fact, I don't even think James has broken camp yet."

((Basically, James' army is still sitting around Topton while Ranalte (the Republic's general) advances slowly towards the rail junction at Nurntop. James hopes, once he breaks camp, to get around Ranalte and go straight for Ianapalis, but most likely he will be brought to battle.))

"In fact, I don't even think James has broken camp yet."

Score!

"I see. I hope you can understand my concern for King James, but if I can somehow broker a peace between the King and the government maybe we can keep more blood from spilling."

Let's see.... 50,000 rifles, provisions for 30,000 troops, two private armies... and a partridge in a pear tree...

((mmm, partridges.))

"I think we can both agree on that, Mr President," said Rogerwood. "I know the Assembly certainly has no wish to see blood shed."

He paused for a second.

"However, sir - and I hope I don't sound like a broken record here - I should like to know what I can tell Citizen Rinehart about a non-agression pact between our governments."

((mmm, partridges.))

"I think we can both agree on that, Mr President," said Rogerwood. "I know the Assembly certainly has no wish to see blood shed."

He paused for a second.

"However, sir - and I hope I don't sound like a broken record here - I should like to know what I can tell Citizen Rinehart about a non-agression pact between our governments."

(Is it 'partridge', or 'cartridge'? ;) Well, since we're talking about all hell breaking loose in Iansisle...)

"Tell him I'm very interested in it and I'm taking it under consideration, depending on what happens in the immediate future."

(and speaking of immediate future, I'm off to bed, I'll catch you tomorrow!)

(Is it 'partridge', or 'cartridge'? ;) Well, since we're talking about all hell breaking loose in Iansisle...)

"Tell him I'm very interested in it and I'm taking it under consideration, depending on what happens in the immediate future."

(and speaking of immediate future, I'm off to bed, I'll catch you tomorrow!)

((sorry about the long response time. I actually fell asleep after my last post, but forgot to mention it. :D So, technically, you win. :P))

"I'm glad to hear that," said Rogerwood. "I shall pass it up the channels at once."

With that, he stood, shook Jeff's hand, and made his way back towards the embassy.

((sorry about the long response time. I actually fell asleep after my last post, but forgot to mention it. :D So, technically, you win. :P))

"I'm glad to hear that," said Rogerwood. "I shall pass it up the channels at once."

With that, he stood, shook Jeff's hand, and made his way back towards the embassy.


((Woo Hoo!! I win! :) ))

Jeff stood and shook Rogerwood's hand before he was escorted to his car.

As Rogerwood re-entered Golden Agate proper, two motorcycles began to loosely follow him again. As he drove through the city, a certain radio ad was playing on the airwaves.

-----

Jeff walked out of the conference room and through the halls before entering the central elevator. As the doors whooshed shut behind him, he punched the number for the Presidential Office.

He felt the jerk as the elevator dropped down towards the underground offices.

Let's see, I could send in 200 black ops. No families, no one here in Larkinia, and have them keep track of James and... remove some of his obstacles.

Wasn't that what he was doing already? Maybe not on that scale, but preparing to send official soldiers to find James? He didn't know yet, but he knew what would happen if he was found out.

Jeff stood and shook Rogerwood's hand before he was escorted to his car.

As Rogerwood re-entered Golden Agate proper, two motorcycles began to loosely follow him again. As he drove through the city, a certain radio ad was playing on the airwaves.

Rogerwood - not being as experianced in the covert game as he liked to pretend - did not even notice the motercycles, nor did his driver. He did, however, hear the radio message very clearly.

"Turn that up!" he demanded of the driver. There it was, his voice. Rogerwood's face went pale. "To the embassy, quickly." He didn't know what he was going to tell the ambassador - or Citizen Bradsworth, for that matter - but that would be the best damage control center.

The Westerton's big engine roared as the driver pulled out into the passing lane and accelerated (not quite as well as the Imitoran diplomatic car would, of course! :P).

The Westerton's big engine roared as the driver pulled out into the passing lane and accelerated (not quite as well as the Imitoran diplomatic car would, of course! :P).

(You want I should get out and push for ya? ;) )

Jeff sat in the Presidential office as a tall, tanned man with a shaved head and wearing a dark suit walked into the office. (Think Vin Diesel here)

"Yeah, you wanted to see me?"

Jeff nodded, "Rick, I want you to take some of our covert operatives and travel to Iansisle."

"Iansisle?" The man asked. Iansisle was a long-time ally of Larkinia, any discomfort he felt about placing covert operatives in the field of an ally was well-hidden. He thought the president had ulterior motives.

"Yes. Use the manor house as your central base if you have to. It's still considered Larkinian soil. Pretend you are refitting the house for when I return to Iansisle."

The man nodded, "And if I should happen to bump into Premier Bradsworth when I am there?"

Jeff looked up at the man with a mischevious grin.

"Kill him."

Rick shook his head and walked away, he knew better.

The old manor house, in the hills near the ruins of Dûn Sâdôra north-east of Ianapalis, had been left much the same as it had always been. Bradsworth's government was very cautious about offending the Larkinians who had a vested interest in pre-revolution Iansisle. However, the other nearby estates had changed.

The old aristocratic families (who had wanted a place to live like miniature feudal lords even when their duties called them to the capital) and the corporate moguls (who had wanted to pretend they were the old aristocracy while remaining close to the center of business in the Empire) had started to vanish. With their lands confiscated and sold or their corporations nationalized, they had no option but to sell unneeded assets. Most had ended up in the hands of the minor bourgeoisie who, under Bradsworth, had risen to the forefront of Iansislean politics and commerce; some, like Ashwood Garden just a league down the road from Williams Manor, had become the property of the state.

And now the Director of War, who had his own reasons to mistrust the class that had swept Bradsworth to victory, used Ashwood as a convinient place to keep an eye on the posh rural area.

A small hum was heard in the air as the man looked out from Ashwood Garden. He turned towards the sea as a trio of personal aerodynes swooped in on approach to Williams Manor.

The three vehicles dropped below the treeline and soon after the hum vanished.

-----

(So what happened to Rogerwood? Inquiring minds want to know ;) )

-----

Apphul Computers (:D) (I can't resist)

Chuck Davis was sitting in his cubicle surfing the matrix when a woman walked up to him with a sheet of paper.

"What's this?" Davis asked.

"Early ballot."

"Early ballot? But I don't live near here."

The woman shrugged, "It's the new law. You work here, the big boss gets your vote. You'll find info about who to vote for on the ballot."

She turned and started to stride away before turning back, "Oh, and not filling it out ASAP is grounds for termination."

A small hum was heard in the air as the man looked out from Ashwood Garden. He turned towards the sea as a trio of personal aerodynes swooped in on approach to Williams Manor.

The three vehicles dropped below the treeline and soon after the hum vanished.

It was very quickly obvious to Will Garnas, who was watching Ashwood that evening, to whom the aerodynes belonged. There was only one country in the world that could build aircraft like that, penetrate Iansislean aerospace at will, and wanted to be anywhere near Williams Manor. He called it in at once and was ordered to investigate.

Forty-five minutes later, a car came rolling up to the gate at the manor.

(So what happened to Rogerwood? Inquiring minds want to know ;) )

((Well, barring any hog-riding trouble-makers, he arrives safely at the embassy. And we go from there. :D))

It was very quickly obvious to Will Garnas, who was watching Ashwood that evening, to whom the aerodynes belonged. There was only one country in the world that could build aircraft like that, penetrate Iansislean aerospace at will, and wanted to be anywhere near Williams Manor. He called it in at once and was ordered to investigate.

Forty-five minutes later, a car came rolling up to the gate at the manor.

Two security guards locked their eyes on the car as it approached.

"Can we help you?" One asked as the car's window rolled down.

(( Oh nothing will happen to Rogerwood, if for no other reason than I want to know how much trouble he's in ;) ))

Two security guards locked their eyes on the car as it approached.

"Can we help you?" One asked as the car's window rolled down.

(( Oh nothing will happen to Rogerwood, if for no other reason than I want to know how much trouble he's in ;) ))

"Oh, I was hoping so!" said the woman leaning out of the back seat. "I'm Madeline Porter, from down the road a piece. And, well, this is terribly embarassing, but my son, Gordon here, saw your aeroflyers as they were landing and developed an urge something powerful to see them up close."

She smiled. "I wouldn't dream of bothering you, ordinarily, of course, but the boy's father is off at the war, you know, and little Gordon's throwing an awful temper tantrum. Do you think it might be possible, just for a minute or two?"

((Hehe, he's in REALLY deep trouble. :D I'll start typing something up now. :)))

"Oh, I was hoping so!" said the woman leaning out of the back seat. "I'm Madeline Porter, from down the road a piece. And, well, this is terribly embarassing, but my son, Gordon here, saw your aeroflyers as they were landing and developed an urge something powerful to see them up close."

She smiled. "I wouldn't dream of bothering you, ordinarily, of course, but the boy's father is off at the war, you know, and little Gordon's throwing an awful temper tantrum. Do you think it might be possible, just for a minute or two?"

((Hehe, he's in REALLY deep trouble. :D I'll start typing something up now. :)))

(Mwahahaha!! If Ellis had a soul, he might feel bad. ;) ))

The guard looked around, "I'll have to check ma'am. Given the preparations going on for the President's arrival and the current state of emergency, we've locked down the Manor for quite a while."

He stepped away and muttered on his headset.

A few moments later, an engine was heard firing up and one of the aerodynes lifted off and quickly hopped the wall and lowered down next to the car.

"We can't let anyone in the Manor, but we can bring the 'dyne to you."

The car's chauffer exited and hastily made his way around to open Mrs Porter's door.

"Come along, Gordon," she said. "And be so good as to not touch anything! - these men are being very nice, and we don't want to insult them.

Sullenly, a boy of eight years old exited the car. The security officers might be surprised by how old he was when Mrs Porter didn't look to be even thirty, but early marriages were the rule on the Shield. Gordon's glum face lit up at the sight of the aerodyne.

"It's really one!" he exclaimed. "Oh, thank you, mommy!"

"Not me," said Mrs Porter firmly. "Thank these men."

"Thank you, mister!" exclaimed Gordon. "Thanks a lot! These are really keeen!"

He ran about for a couple of minutes while Mrs Porter stood back and watched.

"It really was nice of you to let him see it," she said, making small talk.

"Mommy!" called Roger. "Is daddy flying one of these?"

"No, I don't think so, darling," she called back. "We've lived out in these parts for several years now, but I can't remember the last time I saw any real activity up here," Mrs Porter said, back in small talk mode at once.

The car's chauffer exited and hastily made his way around to open Mrs Porter's door.

"Come along, Gordon," she said. "And be so good as to not touch anything! - these men are being very nice, and we don't want to insult them.

Sullenly, a boy of eight years old exited the car. The security officers might be surprised by how old he was when Mrs Porter didn't look to be even thirty, but early marriages were the rule on the Shield. Gordon's glum face lit up at the sight of the aerodyne.

"It's really one!" he exclaimed. "Oh, thank you, mommy!"

"Not me," said Mrs Porter firmly. "Thank these men."

"Thank you, mister!" exclaimed Gordon. "Thanks a lot! These are really keeen!"

He ran about for a couple of minutes while Mrs Porter stood back and watched.

"It really was nice of you to let him see it," she said, making small talk.

"Mommy!" called Roger. "Is daddy flying one of these?"

"No, I don't think so, darling," she called back. "We've lived out in these parts for several years now, but I can't remember the last time I saw any real activity up here," Mrs Porter said, back in small talk mode at once.

"You're welcome kiddo," the pilot said. "Hey, you want a ride?"

"Yeah, it's been a while," the guard said. "We've had a small security group up here just tooling around making sure the place doesn't burn down. But now President Williams is planning to come back to visit, or to stay, depending on how the election goes."

"You're welcome kiddo," the pilot said. "Hey, you want a ride?"

"No, I don't think.." started Mrs Porter.

"DO I!?!?" exclaimed Roger.

"Well, I suppose it would be all right," sighed Mrs Porter. "You be careful, now, and do everything he tells you to!"

"Yeah, it's been a while," the guard said. "We've had a small security group up here just tooling around making sure the place doesn't burn down. But now President Williams is planning to come back to visit, or to stay, depending on how the election goes."

"Oh, Jeff Williams?" cooed Mrs Porter. Apparently, his legend still shone even past the Revolution - just as the policy makers in Ianapalis had feared. "To what do we owe the honor?"

((Rogerwood update is coming soon. :D You're posting too quickly to let me work on it! hehe :P.))

"OK, kiddo. Hop in the passenger seat here," the pilot said as he strapped Roger into the harness in the seat next to him. "Hang on, we'll be back in a minute."

The aerodyne roared to life and nimbly sprang in the air before the rear engines glowed and the craft shot through the clouds.

"Well ma'am," the guard said, "with the election currently going on, and there's alot of dirty pool being played in the campaigning against him, it looks like President Williams will soon be Ex-President Williams and is looking to spend some time here. He's been gone a while, and it looks like he's really looking forward to it."

"We're a thousand miles high!" exclaimed Gordon, leaning as far as he could and watching out the window.

He could see his home neighborhood shrinking down until he couldn't pick it out anymore. There was Ianapalis, with the Whitman and International Towers cutting through the perpetual shroud of pollution that shaded the city and reaching for the heavens. There was Dûn Ádien, perched atop Ian's Island. Far to the south, he could just see the hills of Troobodia. To the east was the enormous mouth of the River Jaizar.

"That's where my daddy is fighting the mean ol' Effies," said Gordon matter-of-factly, pointing towards the Jaizar and Gadsan.

Back on ground, Mrs Porter continued to make small talk.

"Well, that's simply terrible! I can't imagine anyone wanting Jeff Williams out of office - he's the best thing that's ever happened to Iansisle, and probably to Larkinia as well! ...and so handsome! I envy that Katherine every day!

"Well, their loss is our gain," she decided. "Imagine, Jeff Williams living right in my own neighborhood!"

"He is huh? Is he a pilot too?"

The pilot chuckled as he saw the castle dimming in the distance. "So what do you say kiddo? Wanna buzz the castle?" ((and what's security like there anyway? Any anti-aircraft guns to worry about?))

-----

The guard shrugged, "Eh, it's politics. I never could understand why people would want to get into that. Looks like it's not good for anything more than tearing someone down out of spite."

"It'd be nice if President Williams would spend some time out of that bunker of an office he's got," Rick said as he walked through the gate and towards the guard and Mrs. Porter. "At least get some sun and fresh air."

"He sure is!" said Gordon. "The very bestest in the whole Flying Corps!"

"Yeah! Let's!" he cried after the suggestion of buzzing Dûn Ádien.

((nah, there's hardly any people out there anymore. Just enough to maintain the gardens and keep vandals out.))

------

"But politics can be good too," said Mrs Porter. "Imagine - I'll be able to vote in just under two years - May 1957! I've never even thought about it before!.

"I think it's absolutely great," she continued, "Mr Bradsworth really has been working wonders for everyone."

------

“The ambassador wants to see you, Rogerwood,” was the first thing that he heard on arriving back at the embassy.

Shit. I had hoped I would have a little more time before he found out.

Luther Cerdan, whom the Republic had designated Ambassador to Larkinia, even on the chance that that country would not accept an ambassador from a state other than the Grand Empire, was not only one of those rarest of creatures (a Shieldian protestant) but also an extremely angry man.

“Do you have any idea what you have done?” he demanded as soon as Rogerwood walked into his office. The accredited agent shied away, but Cerdan continued. “Not only did you disobey DIRECT ORDERS from Ianapalis, but you then allowed the corporates to have a good weapon to use against us. You’ve managed to destroy every bit of credibility we have with either faction - I’m surprised Williams hasn’t already come roaring down here and declared the lot of us personae non gratis!”

“I...” started Rogerwood.

“You nothing,” said Cerdan flatly. “There is no excuse. You were to make peaceful contact with Ellis, outline our position, and get the hell out of Dodge. Instead, you give him a sound bite and immediately run to Williams? This will be viewed very poorly in Ianapalis, Rogerwood, very poorly.”

“In Ianapalis?”

“Oh, yes. This telegram just arrived from Director Rinehart. You’re being recalled, with all due haste, to the Shield. We can’t afford mistakes in Larkinia, Rogerwood.”

The Next Week - Gull Flag Square, Ianapalis

“And so James Nathaniel Rogerwood, you have been convicted by a jury of your peers of treason against the Republic. Have you any last words, traitor?”

“The Republic loses here a humble servant.”

“So noted. Carry out the sentence!”

The trapdoor in the Gull Flag Square gallows opened up and Rogerwood fell through. There was a crack as the noose drew tight and Rogerwood’s neck snapped. A proper hanging was an art form: the traitor had to be weighed, the ropes examined, the knot tied, and the trapdoor checked. It all came together in a quick, horror-free death and the cheering from the crowd.

“Death to the traitors!”

“Long live the Republic! Long live the People!”

((Holy crap! Talk about overkill! Now who wanted the non-aggression treaty again? ;) ))

"Sounds good to me," the pilot said as he started the dive on Dûn Ádien.

The Aerodyne buzzed near the towers twice, once each way before returning back to the Manor and landing next to the car and people talking.

-----

"Why do you have to wait two years to vote? Is that when the next election is? And why haven't you been voting before?" Rick asked.

((NationStates wouldn't be any fun without overkill :)))

After they landed, Gordon thanked the pilot profusely.

"Well," Mrs Porter had been saying before they landed, "before the Revolution - before last month, to be honest! - women weren't allowed to vote. And the next general elections aren't until May '57."

"Come along, Gordon," she said after they landed and disembarked. "Thank you so much, gentlemen," she said to the Larkinian guards and pilot. She gave Rick a peck on the cheek. "You really made a little boy's day today."

Her driver opened the door and they drove off back down the road to the Porters' house.

"You're welcome ma'am," the pilot said.

Rick smiled at Mrs. Porter as her driver drove the group back to their home. He chuckled and turned to the pilot, "Well Steve, I see he didn't toss his lunch. Let me guess, you took it easy up there?"

"Yeah, no reason to get shot down so soon after getting here. I buzzed Dun Adien a couple of times."

Rick and Steve walked back into the Manor House and poured a drink as they talked.

"Really? That could be useful, depending on who is still there. But now, we have to get to work. Find out where that damn king is and try to set up a meeting with Bradsworth."

The pilot nodded, "And don't forget, we have to set up the place for when Williams loses the election and turns up here. Though, that could be good news to help find the King."

(and I'm outta here, you win tonight's round ;) )

((Hehe! I win! Hooray for Tucson! :D))

The car rolled into the garage at Lambshow Estate (which had been the winter home of the Duke of Evanpass before it was confiscated during the Revolution and sold to the Porter family). The driver parked it and opened the doors.

"I'm going out to play, mommy," said Gordon.

"Just be careful," said his mother. She could see him run out to the well-maintained back lawn and start running around in circles with his arms extended like wings. She and the driver walked in the front door while a nurse came out to watch the child.

"Well," said Will Garnas, dropping his persona, "I owe you one, Maddie. You and Gord were perfect."

Mrs Porter wrapped her arms around the spy's neck. "That's several you owe me, Will."

He kissed her lightly.

"You're the best, that's for sure," Will said.

"They might still be watching the house," she said.

"They probably are."

"All the more reason for us to stay in," said Mrs Porter, kissing Garnas again. "Gord'll be busy for at least an hour or two - what say you pay back one of those favors you owe me?"

Outer Ministry, The United Duchies

The Assistant Outer Minster was staring at the lastest reports from Karmanyanka. "Damn Bethune and Baroness Winton, between the two of them they are making a mockery of this department and the Government."

The porter looked up at Sir Bathus Andval and nodded, "Blackwell didn't help matters..." he added.

"No...but at least she is elected. The only way I am going to get Winton out of my f*** hair is to have her killed or cited for treason. Hell the Gulls damn well hung this twit for making an inopportune comment. That murdering b***, I wish she had debowled that idiot King of Iansisle when he kicked her out of...the country..."

"Sir?"

"Nothing Andrew, nothing..."

Hull Fortress
Section Director Forcuse looked up from his reports and there was a knock on the glass door. It was Paula Tillwell obviously she had just discovered something new and intresting in the onslaught of porn she kept reading through. Forcuse leaned back and waved the young woman into his office. "Alright Tillwell what have you got..."

"A line on Killbunny..."

"Killbunny? I thought whoever they were was retired or dead."

"Nope, Killbunny is back...and just was hired to kill a James Callahan. They did the deal in a forum located on Gigligirls.com."

"Any idea who hired Killbunny..."

"Well there was a transfer of money of the right amount, at the right time out of the Thunderbay Tea Company's accounts."

"That is owned by the Winton....James Callahan in Noropia?"

"Yup..."

"F***...get me Mr. Black...now..."

Offical Letter to President Williams, Larkinia

Sir, it is felt at this time that a diplomatic discussion between the United Duchies and Larkinia about matters of mutual intrest would be profitable. As such we would like to schedule an appointment between Baron Orith, and yourself at your earliest convienence.

The large aircraft was an Imitoran copy of the famous Boeing made 747, but with a number of changes that were common made by Imitoran companies. On board, Jimmy Ngyuen slept, or at least rested his eyes, as light Chicago house played over a set of ear plugs plugged into an Mp3 player. The sitting/rest area was located in the dome portion of the cabin, right behind the cockpit. The rest of the aircraft was dedicated to storage space, weapon countermeasures, and other common diplomatic aircraft modifications.

A light feminine touch brushed Jimmy's arm, and his eyes popped open, his hand flicking out of a jacket, his Beretta copy pointed right at her chest. She jumped back, startled, and Jimmy, realising the situation, quickly holstered the weapon and began appologizing. "Sorry," he commented. "Force of habbit."

She calmed down, and explained that the aircraft would be landing soon. Soon was just over an hour, and Jimmy had made a number of preperations, checking everything that he had packed, and making sure he had all the proper diplomatic papers. The aircraft landed, and while a ramp was being moved up to the door, a large ramp lowered from the rear. Despite the staircase being moved up, Jimmy wasn't departing by the door. Instead, just as a assistant began to open the side door of the 747, the same Infiniti coupe roared out from the ramp, shooting onto the tarmac, and racing towards the gates.

He slowed, and showed gaurds any diplomatic papers they requested, then took off from the airport, the two door sports car roaring down towards the Presidential residence. He skillfully dodged traffic, and luckily the law, and soon the coupe was rolling up to the gates. He studied the gaurds, before slowly pulling foward to speak with the gaurds.

((oooh, they're getting sneaky in Iansisle. I like it. ;) ))

"No one's coming out yet," one of the guards said.

Rick nodded before turning to the staff in the house. "Remember, we're just here setting things up for President Williams' return to Iansisle. That's the official story and we're going to stick to it. Get going guys."

A group of men and women slipped into one of the aerodynes and a moment later it lept into the air and headed into Ianapalis.

Rick turned to one of the older guards, "Where would you keep some of these old issue Iansislian rifles around here?"

"There should be some in the cellar. Can I ask why?"

"No. Not really," Rick said before walking away to the cellar.

-----

The guards watched as the car pulled up to the Presidential Palace gates. One guard approached the driver, "Yes sir, can I help you?"

-----

Jeff read the message and mulled it over as he lit a cigar. Sure, why the hell not take them up on the invitation to meet, it would be a nice way to clear his mind of all of the election crap, by actually doing his job for a change.

Reply to United Duchies

A meeting with Baron Orith and strengthened ties with the United Duchies would be most welcome. I am available at your request to meet.

((oooh, they're getting sneaky in Iansisle. I like it. ;) ))

((but not quite enough to out-sneak a Larkinian :P))

Garnas rose with the sun and started dressing.

"Do you have to leave so soon?" Madeline asked, rolling over on her side to look at him.

"'fraid so. I've got a report to make."

"About Williams?"

Garnas grunted. "You really like him, eh?"

"Oh, get off it, Will. I said what they expected any red-blooded Shieldian girl to say." She smiled. "But he is rather ...dashing."

"More dashing than me?" asked Garnas, feigning pain.

"Of course not," Madeline replied. "Get going. I'm sure Citizen Madders is waiting for a report."

Again disguised as the Porter family chauffeur, Garnas walked down the front steps at Lambshow. He paused for a moment and wondered - it had snowed over night. Not much: perhaps just a half an inch. The Dûn Sâdôra area, being of a higher elevation than the rest of the Shield, tended to have more winter percipitation (and thus more snow) than other bone-dry areas.

With a small smile, he walked around one of Gordon's discared toys, into the garage, and started up the family car. After letting it run for a while, he pulled out and started down into Ianapalis. Garnas kept a good eye in the mirror, looking for any signs of pursuit.

--snip--

((and speaking of sneaky...:D. You might be interested in my Rough Waters (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=424329) thread, A+H. :) You're welcome to join in, of course!))

Jimmy looked up at the gaurd, and nodded. He was sure that the gaurd was used to the limmo pulling up, with an official driver, and a man wearing some sort of overly expensive suit. Jimmy, on the other hand, drove his own car, and was wearing casual clothes. He smiled at the gaurd, and handed him a diplomatic idea. "Jimmy Ngyuen, I'm here to see President Williams."

*snipped for Iansisle's extra sneakiness* ;)

Jimmy looked up at the gaurd, and nodded. He was sure that the gaurd was used to the limmo pulling up, with an official driver, and a man wearing some sort of overly expensive suit. Jimmy, on the other hand, drove his own car, and was wearing casual clothes. He smiled at the gaurd, and handed him a diplomatic idea. "Jimmy Ngyuen, I'm here to see President Williams."

The guard nodded and took a PDA out of a side pocket. He quickly skimmed over the screen.

"Ah yes sir," he said, "Your diplomatic status has been cleared. Just up the road to the Palace."

The other guard opened the gates for the man to drive through.

Jimmy piloted the G35 up the road, then slowly rolled to a stop. He removed the two Berettas from under his light jacket, and placed them in the glovebox. He finidhed the drive up the path, and exited the car, closing the door, and walking up to the mansion.

((I hate to preemptively out-sneak you, Lark, but Garnas was disguised as the family chauffeur when Mrs Porter met Rick. I don't think I was explicit enough about it. ;)))

Garnas kept driving towards Ianapalis. If he got the sense that he was being followed, he was just going down to the market to pick up some eggs for Mrs Porter's breakfast. If not, of course, he was headed towards the headquarters in a hotel near the market.

(No sweat I-Man, I probably missed it. It's been changed above)

The guards nodded as Jimmy walked up the path to the mansion.

"Mr. Nguyen, right this way," one of them said as he held the door open for him.

The guards led him to a conference room. A few moments after Jimmy and the guards entered, Jeff walked into the room from the opposite doorway.

"Hello Mr. Nguyen," Jeff said extending his hand. "Welcome to Larkinia."

Jimmy returned Williams' shake, a firm, yet somewhat yeilding grip, letting it register in the subconcious that Jimmy was strong, yet accepted that Williams was the superior in the room. He bowed his head slightly, but not a true Asian bow. "President Williams, Jimmy Ngyuen. Its a plesure to meet you, I've heard a bit about you from my brother."

"Well let me tell you that it's not as bad as he makes it out to be, I swear," Jeff smiled. "How is your brother doing?"

Jimmy chuckled. "Never said anything too bad, save for an issue with your name and power outages. But he's doing well with the family, trying to stay outa trouble up in Noropia. Hard to make the call between trying to stay with the family and not get arrested, but still try to show support for James. Can't be getting his head cut off with a daughter. But more importantly, how are things going here, with the election?"

"Oh yeah, I remember that. It was a nasty problem, especially around tax time when we'd be using our computer to work on our taxes," Jeff smiled before getting more concerned.

"Get his head cut off? Just for showing James support? It's a good idea to not want to get whacked with a daughter, but.. are things really that bad in Iansisle?

"As for the election here? I don't know what's going to happen. With that new corporate law in place, companies have been hiring people right and left, which is great for the economy, but they haven't been putting them to work. It's a new version of welfare, they give money and housing to people, and the people sell their votes to their new bosses."

New TV Ad

*serene pictures of Iansisle are shown, first in black and white then blending into color video*

As the camera pans towards Dun Adien (or a close enough model), a voice-over starts.

"Jeff Williams: hero, patriot, champion of the people in a strong country.

"Unfortunately, that country is Iansisle."

The picture of Dun Adien fades to a red lens, then to a black and white, grainy picture of Jeff with James.

"Despite being the President of Larkinia, Jeff Williams has sworn fealty to a foreign king. He's cast his lot with the same King who now tries to overthrow the lawful government of Iansisle.

"Tell Jeff Williams that the people of Larkinia expect better from our President.

"Jeff Williams, wrong for Larkinia"

Paid for by the Committee for a Strong Larkinia

The big Westerton pulled up into a parking lot down the hill from the Dun Sadora. It was obviously a posh shopping center. Garnas stepped out, took a deep breath of the cold air, and walked across the street to a small hotel. He walked up to Room 106 and knocked sharply on the door. It was opened by a short, balding man.

"Director Madders!" exclaimed Garnas. "This is a surprise!"

"Yes, yes," replied Madders. "Come in, quickly."

((erm, more to come later. Heh, have to shift computers.))

((The only reason I don't play with you guys more is I like to sleep and have to start work at 6:00 am...and really ICly I don't have any reason to be in the rough waters thread yet...))

Larkina, Golden Agate(?)
The long range jet sat down on the runway and decelerated. Aboard Baron Orith and his two 'aides' sat in the cabin. The Baron was a tall, hansom man who appeared to be in his late fifties. Blue eyes seemed to sparkle with a keen wit behind them. He looked at the two International Investigation Service agents he had in tow. You know I'm buisser than I was when I was working for the service. Really he had little time for this mission.

"Oh well I just hope that this Williams character is of the same cut as Anne. I don't need to be dancing in the tulips right now. Nor playing diplomat when the fate of the Federation hangs in the balance."

Jimmy nodded. "Thats what I would like to talk about. There are a number of Imitoran companies that could always use so more over-seas factories, or international head quarters to deal with more global imports. As profitable as being a corporation in a nation like Imitora is, it would never hurt to get a few more out of country operation centers. Should these corporations decide to move a few centers into Larkinia, would they have the same rights as the local corporations?"

Jimmy didn't go into some of the more viable, guarenteed success options, such as thinning compatative drive, as he called it. There was also always the option of fixing the election, but that would be a bit harder than flat out eliminating the opposition. There were a number of mercenary groups in Imitora that could be hired by a nuetral third party to get the job done. But Jimmy would let those options sit on the side, and wait for Jeff to bring up the situation.

(This is for I-Man. And a shout out to one of the greatest movies of all time)

Rick walked out of the house and into one of the aerodynes. He quickly fired up the engine and a moment later was flying into Ianapalis. He flew the 'dyne through the streets in a low glide before reaching the Larkinian Embassy.

As he slid out of the aerodyne, a man being chased through the street bumped into Rick.

"Reeeck, Reeeck, help me," the man said desperately, "Reeeck you have to hide me."

"Don't be a fool, you can't get away," Rick said as the guards closed in on the man.

"But Reeeck, please hide me." the man said as the guards grabbed him and drug him away. "Reeeck, please!" ;)

Jimmy nodded. "Thats what I would like to talk about. There are a number of Imitoran companies that could always use so more over-seas factories, or international head quarters to deal with more global imports. As profitable as being a corporation in a nation like Imitora is, it would never hurt to get a few more out of country operation centers. Should these corporations decide to move a few centers into Larkinia, would they have the same rights as the local corporations?"

Jimmy didn't go into some of the more viable, guarenteed success options, such as thinning compatative drive, as he called it. There was also always the option of fixing the election, but that would be a bit harder than flat out eliminating the opposition. There were a number of mercenary groups in Imitora that could be hired by a nuetral third party to get the job done. But Jimmy would let those options sit on the side, and wait for Jeff to bring up the situation.

(Sorry y'all, my posting will be spotty for a while tonight, there's a lot of stuff going on at work still so I'll try to keep up)

Jeff shrugged, "I don't think so. That would be too easy for another company to come in and usurp their new power. However, I think the trade and boost to the economy would be a benefit, and it would keep people away from just selling their votes to the local companies. Although we might be able to spin the laws around."

Jeff took out a couple of cigars and offered one to Jimmy, "Then there is the military. Technically I guess I'm their boss. But I don't want to stoop to the level of my opponents."

((The only reason I don't play with you guys more is I like to sleep and have to start work at 6:00 am...and really ICly I don't have any reason to be in the rough waters thread yet...))

Larkina, Golden Agate(?)
The long range jet sat down on the runway and decelerated. Aboard Baron Orith and his two 'aides' sat in the cabin. The Baron was a tall, hansom man who appeared to be in his late fifties. Blue eyes seemed to sparkle with a keen wit behind them. He looked at the two International Investigation Service agents he had in tow. You know I'm buisser than I was when I was working for the service. Really he had little time for this mission.

"Oh well I just hope that this Williams character is of the same cut as Anne. I don't need to be dancing in the tulips right now. Nor playing diplomat when the fate of the Federation hangs in the balance."

Diplomatic staff was standing at the entry to the airport when the Baron and his agents exited the plane.

"Baron Orith, it's a pleasure to meet you," One of the men said. "We've set up everything that's necessary to escort you to the Presidential Palace. Right this way."

(This is for I-Man. And a shout out to one of the greatest movies of all time)

(("When they come for me, I hope you're a little more help!" hehe.))

"Now, then, I want to know why you didn't see fit to check in yesterday, as we agreed," said Madders, a little peevishly.

"They were watching the house..."

"You might have called."

"And they might have bugged the phone lines." Garnas was a little bit concerned about going toe to toe with the second most powerful man - by some accounts, the most powerful man - in the Republic, but he had never been able to stand by and listen to his actions misrepresented. It was a trait that had earned him the business end of a beating by aristocrats' valets more than once.

"All right," said Madders. "Good initiative. Now, then, perhaps you can tell me exactly what you saw and heard."

Garnas outlined the entire incident at the gate - Madders smiled a bit at the ruse they had used to get close to the aerodynes - and everything that Rick had said.

"Hmm," said Madders. "So, when this Rick fellow said that Williams was coming, did you believe him?"

"Well, yes, sir. I've played my fair share of poker, and I didn't sense anything amiss."

"Very well. How many aerocraft did you see?"

"There were at least two, more likely three. Very small, though."

"Hmm," said Madders. "Well, I somehow doubt that Mr Williams is coming to Iansisle to rest and relax. From what I saw in his dossier, Williams is not the passive sort. He could be coming to support the royalist uprising."

"With a fellow like Williams, that has to be a possibility," nodded Garnas. "Especially if he has a base of operations on the Shield itself. I suppose we could just repossess the house and move in."

"No," said Madders. "That isn't an option, not yet. Citizen Bradsworth has been very adamant that we maintain good relations with Larkinia - I think he envisions a new Alliance." He clapped Garnas on the shoulder. "I want you to go back and keep undercover. I'll be posting men around to watch the house and see what I can do about diverting a regiment or two to this area. But for now, we wait."

Garnas nodded. He went to the store near the hotel, bought some eggs, and drove back to the Porters' house in time to make breakfast for Madeline and Gordon.

Jimmy nodded. "Very understandable. At least some of the electors have a gneeral idea of doing this right," he said at Williams comments about the military vote. I'll talk to some of the CEOs when I get back to start opening up corporate offices in Larkina, even if they don't get the same rights regarding the votes."

He paused for a moment. The Imitoran government wanted very much for Jeff to stay in office, for resaons beyond him. But it wasn't Jimmy's place to know why, it was his place to make sure it got done.

"Ya know, I was hearing some of the election commercials on the way over. Pretty harsh, almsot as bad as ours. We have some local indie film types back in Imitora that would could get to do some counter commercials. Also, what about the Alliance."

He paused again, letting the idea form. "Alot of the adds are attacking you for letting the alliance drop. Maybe a reformation would be a kick in the so called groin to the the opposition?"

(("When they come for me, I hope you're a little more help!" hehe.))

(("I stick my neck out for no one." :P ))

((Repossession, oh he's just asking for it isn't he. And my turn to be extra sneaky, the aerodynes were smaller personal models, more like vans than the usual big aerodynes I'm going to use to invade Iansisle with... er... did I say that? ;) ))

"Ya know, I was hearing some of the election commercials on the way over. Pretty harsh, almsot as bad as ours. We have some local indie film types back in Imitora that would could get to do some counter commercials. Also, what about the Alliance."

He paused again, letting the idea form. "Alot of the adds are attacking you for letting the alliance drop. Maybe a reformation would be a kick in the so called groin to the the opposition?"

"Ya know, you're the second person to mention that. One of the representatives from Iansisle was in here before and had offered the same idea. Of course he's the one you heard quoted in one of the ads about me letting everything go to hell," Jeff said as he lit his cigar. "That's kind of what I expected from the current Iansislian government. He was in here pushing for a non-aggression treaty, like he expected me to start some kind of war with them."

Admit it, it's not like you haven't thought of it.

"The problem with running counter ads is that no one has even declared against me yet. It's like aiming at a mirage.

"As for the alliance, I'd like to see that happen again. I don't think the council chambers have been in use for a while, it'd be nice to see actual work get done in them. And I'll talk to our economic minister about opening up trade. Now that we're thinking about getting rid of that restrictive SeOCCian trade BS, I'd love to get some more commerce going on here."

(("I stick my neck out for no one." :P ))

((Repossession, oh he's just asking for it isn't he. And my turn to be extra sneaky, the aerodynes were smaller personal models, more like vans than the usual big aerodynes I'm going to use to invade Iansisle with... er... did I say that? ;) ))

((Blah, you got me. Edited. :)

and "OK, Sam."))

((Gotcha, don't worry I'll bring in the troops soon enough. ;) Oh and what are the chances James 'hears' about an aerodyne buzzing the castle? ))

((pretty slim, I'd imagine, unless the Valinor tell him. Speaking of which, it's about time I actually got something done in the other thread. Heh.))

((Hmmmm.... *ponders rogue broadcasts into Iansisle* I'll have to think on this. Oh, BTW, I forgot to mention Rick's last name. "Americain"... :p ))

Kazuko Engineering Dorms

Javin Katana walked around the compound, surveying the black market's daily trade. As he walked, he noticed two men in Corp-Sec uniforms up on the top level walkway watching him.

He stepped away from the daily trade and slipped into one of the dim side hallways. As he turned one of the corners he found himself face to face with two more men in uniform.

"What do we have here?" One of the men asked.

"Hi, I'm Sean. Sean Li," Javin said.

"Uh-huh, and how long have you been here?"

"A few days."

"You know," the other man said, "You remind me of someone. Someone I've seen on the TV."

"Who me? I get that a lot," Javin said before stepping by and walking back into the crowd.

Oh crap.

(ooc: hey guys, whats up? How have you all been? Sorry to interupt your thread here, but seemed the best place to get in touch with you all...)

((Hey Ag! How are you doing? I've just been back for a little while as well! ))

(About to leave for college in a couple of days actually, just got a new laptop and finally found some time for NS. Trying to get back in the swing of things, but its hard coming back after so long.)

((I know, it's hard getting into the swing of things. But this place is like crack, after that first free taste you get hooked. Where are you going to school? ))

"You know," the other man said, "You remind me of someone. Someone I've seen on the TV."

((This is why it's better to live in a country where only the richest of the rich can afford televisions, there's only one broadcast channel, and it's owned by the government anyway. :D

On a side note, a big howdy to Ag. I know what you mean about college - I just arrived in Tucson last week and am starting to feel the time cruch too.))

((This is why it's better to live in a country where only the richest of the rich can afford televisions, there's only one broadcast channel, and it's owned by the government anyway. :D))

((No kidding, but that'll happen soon enough. So where should we take this from here? ))

Baron Orith bowed slightly to the diplomatic staff. "Quite, led on Mcduff" the accent was notiable, it seemed almost South African.

The Baron's aides looked less like diplomatic staff and more like two proffessional soildgers. The strawberry blond woman in the dark blue dress suit was carrying a heavy looking, metal case with a larger tube case over one shoulder. The young man on the Baron's other side was carrying a similar case.

"Ya know, you're the second person to mention that. One of the representatives from Iansisle was in here before and had offered the same idea. Of course he's the one you heard quoted in one of the ads about me letting everything go to hell," Jeff said as he lit his cigar. "That's kind of what I expected from the current Iansislian government. He was in here pushing for a non-aggression treaty, like he expected me to start some kind of war with them."

Admit it, it's not like you haven't thought of it.

"The problem with running counter ads is that no one has even declared against me yet. It's like aiming at a mirage.

"As for the alliance, I'd like to see that happen again. I don't think the council chambers have been in use for a while, it'd be nice to see actual work get done in them. And I'll talk to our economic minister about opening up trade. Now that we're thinking about getting rid of that restrictive SeOCCian trade BS, I'd love to get some more commerce going on here."

Jimmy nodded. "I'm suprised that haven't come to us with the same offer. I mean, the Imitoran government hasn't exactly done anything to keep their dislike of Bradsworth quiet. Hell, the ICIA has all but put a price on him. Last time I've checked, they had a few operatives in country, seeing what they could find out." He paused, and let a few more ideas run through his head.

"I can have our Economic Affiars minister draw up something with trade. However, we'll need someone with more power to work on the Alliance. Like Fratelli, or maybe someone else with some pull."

((No kidding, but that'll happen soon enough. So where should we take this from here? ))

(('sup to you, man. Madders will keep men watching the house. We can either have one of them do something stupid and get caught, or you can make your next move. Your call. :)))

Jimmy nodded. "I'm suprised that haven't come to us with the same offer. I mean, the Imitoran government hasn't exactly done anything to keep their dislike of Bradsworth quiet. Hell, the ICIA has all but put a price on him. Last time I've checked, they had a few operatives in country, seeing what they could find out." He paused, and let a few more ideas run through his head.

"I can have our Economic Affiars minister draw up something with trade. However, we'll need someone with more power to work on the Alliance. Like Fratelli, or maybe someone else with some pull."

Jeff nodded, "Well, your government can be... intimidating at times. They might think that all they'll get from sending an emisary is his head returned on a stick. However, this does give us a chance to 'good cop, bad cop' them for a while.

"And speaking of people with some pull in the Imitoran Government, how's Robert and Hoot doing?"

Baron Orith bowed slightly to the diplomatic staff. "Quite, led on Mcduff" the accent was notiable, it seemed almost South African.

The Baron's aides looked less like diplomatic staff and more like two proffessional soildgers. The strawberry blond woman in the dark blue dress suit was carrying a heavy looking, metal case with a larger tube case over one shoulder. The young man on the Baron's other side was carrying a similar case.


((Heavy looking metal cases with larger tube cases? "We have ways of making you talk, Mr. Williams." ;) ))

The Baron and his staff are led into a waiting aerodyne and a moment later they find themselves skimming along the main highway approaching Golden Agate's corporate zone. The gleaming skyscrapers overpoweringly reflect the afternoon sun towards the Presidential Palace, seen in glimpses through the trees in the surrounding mountainside.

OOC: Now Now...their just er...bringing a few items along.

The two aides said nothing intelligiable. There was something but it was short in some odd galic sounding lanquage.

The Baron watched quietly as the buildings went by. "I read a recent report on the upcomming election. Who do you think is going to run against the President in the upcomming elections?" This seemed like a fairly benign question to ask the diplomatic staff. Rather than some of the more obvious and important questions.

What the bloody hell are you people thinking? which was quite common amoung many in Baron Orith's circles.

((I know, it's hard getting into the swing of things. But this place is like crack, after that first free taste you get hooked. Where are you going to school? ))

((You are definitely right about that. SUNY Binghamton, its a university in upstate New York.))

OOC: *glares daggers at Lark* What in the name of all things sacred are you people doing to Iansisle?! :confused: *grumble* All you people making messes and I'll end up having to invade just to sort things out. We need an NIC here, that's what we need.

Oh, and hola Agrigento. Now all I need is Beth Gellert turning up to make the whole situation even more confused. But what do I know? I'm just Ian's nearest neighbour, that's all. You all go on carrying out your cloak and dagger schemes, gentlemen. That's all right. I'm sure I'll find something in this thread I can support sooner or later.

OOC: Now Now...their just er...bringing a few items along.

The two aides said nothing intelligiable. There was something but it was short in some odd galic sounding lanquage.

The Baron watched quietly as the buildings went by. "I read a recent report on the upcomming election. Who do you think is going to run against the President in the upcomming elections?" This seemed like a fairly benign question to ask the diplomatic staff. Rather than some of the more obvious and important questions.

What the bloody hell are you people thinking? which was quite common amoung many in Baron Orith's circles.

((Wha?? Who me?? What am I doing to Iansisle? That's a good question. I-man are you all right? Do you need to see the doctor? Seriously, is there something in all of this that I've missed?))

"I don't know," one of the diplomatic staff replied with a sigh. "At the rate of signing people up for work, the corporate candidate could probably announce the night before the election and still probably win."

The Baron raised an eyebrow at that. "You mean you don't have a filling deadline before the election? Quite intresting...."

The Baron just metally made a mental note,Williams is going to be toast

((The Baron was making a comment on your election system, nothing to do with Iansisle))

"I'm not sure who this Hoot is, but if by Robert you're refering to Robert Fortier, then I can only assume he's ok. Last I heard, he had moved out of the nation after an incident involving the death of a police officer and some other serious crimes."

Jimmy paused. letting a few items settle in his mind. This was a new situation to him, one that couldn't be solved by blasting open a few doors and shooting a few people in the head. "If you would like, I could make a few phone calls, and have a representative in the nation in a few hours, so we can get right to work on the reformation of the alliance. I know the Fratelli administration has wanted to bring the ANH back for sometime, and that it would be quite willing to burn the candle at both ends to get things finished."

OoC: Wanted to post more, but 8:00am classes kick my ass...oh well, at least on MWF, my classes are at....NEVER O'CLOCK!

((Wha?? Who me?? What am I doing to Iansisle? That's a good question. I-man are you all right? Do you need to see the doctor? Seriously, is there something in all of this that I've missed?))

((So far as I know, I'm all right. Just school just restarted, and this semester dealt me a rather harsh blow. Heh. 18 units, including my capstone thesis, and I had a few hundred pages of reading and an essay due in the first week. :-/ Hopefully, I'll be on more as I get used to the schedule again.))

((So far as I know, I'm all right. Just school just restarted, and this semester dealt me a rather harsh blow. Heh. 18 units, including my capstone thesis, and I had a few hundred pages of reading and an essay due in the first week. :-/ Hopefully, I'll be on more as I get used to the schedule again.))

((Thesis? THESIS?!?!? Crap man, how long has it been since we all first started on here?? Weren't you like a Sophomore when this started or something? ;) And it looks like the first couple of weeks are going to be rough on me too, I might not be posting as much, I've got 15 hours, including an MBA-level business class, so once I get back into the flow posting will be better. ))

((Thesis? THESIS?!?!? Crap man, how long has it been since we all first started on here?? Weren't you like a Sophomore when this started or something? ;) And it looks like the first couple of weeks are going to be rough on me too, I might not be posting as much, I've got 15 hours, including an MBA-level business class, so once I get back into the flow posting will be better. ))

((heh, I remember exactly: it was in the summer between my freshman and sophmore years, the same time I decided to change majors. This is the first semester of my senior year now. <.< >.> ...and I don't feel like a senior at all! Still, it shouldn't be too bad; I'm writing a paper on the history of opium as a commodity.

I know what you mean about the 'flow' of posting, too. Monday-Wednesday it felt like go to school, come home, read, fall asleep. Now I actually am starting to find some time for the important stuff. Like NS :D))

The Baron raised an eyebrow at that. "You mean you don't have a filling deadline before the election? Quite intresting...."

The Baron just metally made a mental note,Williams is going to be toast

((The Baron was making a comment on your election system, nothing to do with Iansisle))

"Well, we're determining that now. There is still a little time before the election would take place," the man replied. 'I guess that the benefit for President Williams would be the fact that he is the only named candidate so far in the field."

The aerodyne zipped above the road as the Palace in the distance grew closer.

"I'm not sure who this Hoot is, but if by Robert you're refering to Robert Fortier, then I can only assume he's ok. Last I heard, he had moved out of the nation after an incident involving the death of a police officer and some other serious crimes."

Jimmy paused. letting a few items settle in his mind. This was a new situation to him, one that couldn't be solved by blasting open a few doors and shooting a few people in the head. "If you would like, I could make a few phone calls, and have a representative in the nation in a few hours, so we can get right to work on the reformation of the alliance. I know the Fratelli administration has wanted to bring the ANH back for sometime, and that it would be quite willing to burn the candle at both ends to get things finished."

OoC: Wanted to post more, but 8:00am classes kick my ass...oh well, at least on MWF, my classes are at....NEVER O'CLOCK!

Jeff nodded as Jimmy mentioned the work on reforming the ANH.

Of course, he probably wouldn't know who Hoot was. Damn, how long had it been since we had caused so much trouble...

"Well I can guess that Robert hadn't reformed his wild ways from what you've said," Jeff smiled before getting serious. "I think it would be a good idea to rebuild the alliance, at least as long as I have a little power left to do it. God knows what the next person to occupy this place will do. I would very much appreciate any calls you could make.

"I can be president as long as they let me here, but I still can't figure out how to make a damn outside line call," Jeff quipped.

(ooc: I have a pretty decent schedule here. Between classes and clubs I have lots of free time. Around exam time I'll probably be more hectic, but excluding that I will have plenty of time to post.)

Jimmy nodded. "Very much understandable. Would be nice to have someone in here who could, if need be, get checked by the alliance, or at least watch themselves over it. How soon would you like someone here to talk about it?"

Jimmy nodded. "Very much understandable. Would be nice to have someone in here who could, if need be, get checked by the alliance, or at least watch themselves over it. How soon would you like someone here to talk about it?"

"As soon as possible," Jeff said as he sat back in the chair. "I don't want it to look like I'm playing politics with this, even though, you know, I kinda am."

Jeff took a draw on his cigar as he thought about it, "And who should I get in touch with in Imitora about... aggressive campaign advertising?

(GTG, in financial aid office)

The Baron raised an eyebrow at that. "You mean you don't have a filling deadline before the election? Quite intresting...."

The Baron just metally made a mental note,Williams is going to be toast

((The Baron was making a comment on your election system, nothing to do with Iansisle))

"Well, the election isn't going to be for more than a few weeks. Right now the corporate candidate is probably going to be one of the up and coming CEO's, someone in charge of a moderately sized multinational, someone with plenty of time on their hands and who can take direction easily."

The aerodyne started its drop towards the Palace.

Meanwhile, at Casa de Williams in Iansisle

Rick walked out of the front doors and stretched on the entryway. It had taken some time, but they finally restarted all of the equipment stashed in the house.

Jesus, how much electronic intel gear do they have here? It must be nice to be that rich.

One of the guards walked over to him. "Sir, I have a bad feeling about this."

"What do you mean?"

"I have this feeling we're being watched. And from what I've read in the intel files before leaving, this place is a powder keg just waiting to go off," the guard said. "I don't like all of this forest surrounding us. Plus I don't trust being this far from the embassy."

Rick shrugged, "Well, given what the news is saying about the elections, Larkinia might not be much more different in the next weeks... well, with more weapons.

"And if you think we're being watched, you're probably right. After all, we represent a foreign power who's leader is best friends with the king who is trying to overthrow the government."

"And if you think we're being watched, you're probably right. After all, we represent a foreign power who's leader is best friends with the king who is trying to overthrow the government."

((*three cheers for Lark* Always great to see you back, man. Nothing like a lazy St. Turkey's Day to step up the NS posting =P.

Of course, *cough*, I've had to, um, bump a post whichyoumightfindinteresting

<.< >.> (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=450126) ))

((No doubt! This semester has abused me worse than a Mike Tyson Prom Date!

So, is there anyone I can catch... er... that might be watching the house? ;) ))

((Well, I imagine Garnas is still hanging about the house, making occasional reports to Madders. You're welcome to catch him, of course, doing whatever sort of spy-like thing he might be trying. You know more about this covert-ops stuff than I do =) ))

((Hmmmmmm, Iansislian spying techniques. A little more than a guy holding a glass to a wooden door? ;) ))

*glint* *glint*

"What's that?" one of the guards asked looking into the forest.

"I dunno," the other one said as he turned around, obscuring the view from the binoculars. "Hey Dave," he said speaking into his throat mic, "Can you check out sector 14, about 200 meters out?"

"Sure," the voice bounced into the headset.

-----

One of the ground guards, Dave, slowly crept through the forest. The Militech submachine gun gripped in his hands as peeked around the tree he was behind and saw... someone lying on the ground with a pair of binoculars in one hand.

The guard pounced on the man and placed the barrel of the gun against the back of his neck.

"I don't think I need to say this, but don't move," he said before speaking into the mic. "OK Guys, come on out and pick up the catch of the day."

((Hmmmmmm, Iansislian spying techniques. A little more than a guy holding a glass to a wooden door? ;) ))

((puh-leez. You know that we can't get visual recon without peaking through the keyhole!))

"I don't think I need to say this, but don't move," he said before speaking into the mic. "OK Guys, come on out and pick up the catch of the day."

Shit.

Will Garnas' mind immediately went to the gun in a jacket holster, but he knew better than to send his hand down there. He would have to try to play this one out.

"What!?" he said in his best indignant voice, rolling over onto his side. He had the accent of an aristocratic Shadoranite. "Dear God, man, what the devil is the meaning of this?"

Shit.

Will Garnas' mind immediately went to the gun in a jacket holster, but he knew better than to send his hand down there. He would have to try to play this one out.

"What!?" he said in his best indignant voice, rolling over onto his side. He had the accent of an aristocratic Shadoranite. "Dear God, man, what the devil is the meaning of this?"

The guard didn't respond as he applied a slight amount of pressure to the trigger, not enough to fire, but in case the man struggled it wouldn't matter.

Rick, followed by two more guards advising him of the situation rushed across the clearing and reached the pair in a matter of moments.

"Well, unless you were sightseeing, I think we have somethings to talk about," Rick said as he unholstered his own pistol. "Get him up, let's invite him in for tea and finger sandwiches if he's so interested in the house."

"Well, I had been sightseeing before you oafs showed up! - a fully grown male Penton Crested Warbler! Do you have any idea how rare of a sight that is!? Of course you don't - daft fools." He shook his head.

"And is that a gun?" Garnas demanded, pointing at Dave's submachine gun. "For Christ's sake, put that away before you hurt yourself! Imagine, accosted by highwaymen in this day and age!"

"Right, looking for a little birdie" Rick said. "Taking some time off from driving I take it?"

He looked to the two guards, who were picking Garnas off of the ground. "Bring him with us."

Dave nudged Garnas in the back with the barrel of the submachine gun as each arm was taken by a guard and the troupe marched back into the compound.

"Right, looking for a little birdie" Rick said. "Taking some time off from driving I take it?"

"A Penton Crested Warbler," said Garnas. "Isn't a man allowed to have a hobby?"

He looked to the two guards, who were picking Garnas off of the ground. "Bring him with us."

Dave nudged Garnas in the back with the barrel of the submachine gun as each arm was taken by a guard and the troupe marched back into the compound.

Garnas didn't fight or struggle, although he did continue to protest vehemently and at the top of his lungs, always sticking to the bird-watching version of events. It was an insane story, mind, but he had to stay with it.

"A Penton Crested Warbler," said Garnas. "Isn't a man allowed to have a hobby?"

"Not around here he ain't" Rick said as the gates closed behind them and they walked into the front guard house.

"Now," Rick said as he turned around, "Take your jacket off."

"Not around here he ain't" Rick said as the gates closed behind them and they walked into the front guard house.

"Now," Rick said as he turned around, "Take your jacket off."

"Casanova you're not," said Garnas, shrugging off his jacket. His brown leather holster and gun were now plainly visable.

"Casanova I don't have to be," Rick said as a guard took Garnas' holster and pistol.

"Frisk him," Rick said to the other guard.

(Do they find anything?)

"Casanova I don't have to be," Rick said as a guard took Garnas' holster and pistol.

"Frisk him," Rick said to the other guard.

(Do they find anything?)

"Sir, your seduction falls on deaf ears."

((eh, nothing much. A wallet with an ID and a few generals, a box of cigarettes, and a book of matches. And, unlike Bond, I'm afraid they don't even shoot missiles. How boring.))

((No missiles? What a rip off! ))

Rick looked at the pistol as Garnas was frisked, "Mighty bad way to be bird hunting," he said as he looked back at Garnas. "Usually you're supposed to use a shotgun, unless you're a good shot.

"Now, why were you watching this house?"

Rick looked at the pistol as Garnas was frisked, "Mighty bad way to be bird hunting," he said as he looked back at Garnas. "Usually you're supposed to use a shotgun, unless you're a good shot.

"In an area where one might be abducted by armed ruffians any hour of the night or day, I find that such protections are needed," retorted Garnas.

"Now, why were you watching this house?"

"I wasn't watching any houses. I was watching a Penton Crested Warbler, until your great clumsy man here scared him off."

"I wasn't watching any houses. I was watching a Penton Crested Warbler, until your great clumsy man here scared him off."

"Yes, you keep mentioning this bird," Rick said as he put the pistol in his belt and then pulled out a PDA and connected to the house's wireless connection. "And this is a rare bird, I take it?" he asked as he tapped in "Penton Crested Warbler" into Google.

"Fairly rare," said Garnas casually. "Look, I don't know who you think you are, but this amounts to nothing less than kidnapping and assualt!"

Although few Iansislean bird enthusiasts kept web-pages, Rick might be able to find "Penton Crested Warbler" listed somewhere. It is a common songbird native to northern Shadoran.

((Yeah, Larkinians are batting 1.000 tonight when it comes to tact aren't they))

Can't I just sent him to Imitora for "rendering" ?

"Really? Fairly rare? Well then maybe you could tell me why you are looking for a fairly rare bird that is actually a quite common bird," he asked as he read the listings online. "After all, a fairly rare common bird is a rare thing indeed.

"So you're looking for this commonly rare bird and it just happens to be in front of this house. Well, since it's common I guess there would be one or ten in front of the house. And of all of the places to look for this commonly rare bird you picked 200 meters from the gate. So what's up? You looking for a job? A glimpse of the President, since he's supposed to be coming soon?"

((heh, 's not like my characters don't deserve it =P. 'sides, like you say, someone needs to be Imitora while he's off line.

...one more post before bed. lol))

"Really? Fairly rare? Well then maybe you could tell me why you are looking for a fairly rare bird that is actually a quite common bird," he asked as he read the listings online. "After all, a fairly rare common bird is a rare thing indeed.

"So you're looking for this commonly rare bird and it just happens to be in front of this house. Well, since it's common I guess there would be one or ten in front of the house. And of all of the places to look for this commonly rare bird you picked 200 meters from the gate. So what's up? You looking for a job? A glimpse of the President, since he's supposed to be coming soon?"

"Sure, they're common enough up near Dirwisham," said Garnas. He was starting to grasp at straws -- he had grown up in a small village in northern Shadoran, where the birds actually were quite common. "But do you know how rare they are south of Evanpass? Why, you hardly ever see one! I happened to see this one during my morning (afternoon? evening?) constitutional and followed him. I may have come close to your gate; I haven't the slightest idea."

((all right, off to bed for real this time. =) It's great to see you, man -- turns me into a right postaholic!))

((No worries man, I have just one more post to get out... ;) ))


Meanwhile, in the campaign

CEO Sean Ellis, quickly becoming the frontrunner to challenge Jeff to the presidency, saw an opportunity to throw the election his way.

He punched up a number on his phone, "Yes, I've just read about the conviction. This is great! No.. it's great! If James is sentenced to death, then Jeff'll freak out and send half the military to get him. The first soldier to die because of this, and we've won the election. Yes, it's a shame about the king, but you can't win an election without sacrifices, and I'm about to sacrifice the King.

"Get in touch with Bradsworth, through one of our NGO's. Tell him we'd like to 'monitor' the vote, and make sure there are no irregularities when James is sentenced to death..."

"Sure, they're common enough up near Dirwisham," said Garnas. He was starting to grasp at straws -- he had grown up in a small village in northern Shadoran, where the birds actually were quite common. "But do you know how rare they are south of Evanpass? Why, you hardly ever see one! I happened to see this one during my morning (afternoon? evening?) constitutional and followed him. I may have come close to your gate; I haven't the slightest idea."

Is that panic I hear in his voice?

"So you saw this commonly rare bird around here, and of all of the places you wanted to look for this commonly rare bird that you hardly ever see since it's commonly rare. And you followed him because he was just so rare that you commonly see him around?

"Now, do you usually walk on your morning constitutional in a black jacket, pants and a watch cap?"

"I grew up near Dirwisham; seeing this bird was like a little piece of home," retorted Garnas. They weren't buying this at all, but he had to stick with it. "Of course I followed it."

"And yes, I like to dress properly when I'm out and about. I wasn't aware that the woods had a dress code."

--------

The reply to Ellis, while politely worded, was very firm in its determination that Iansislean politics was Iansislean business and that Larkinian corporations would be quite welcome to keep their noses out of it.

"I grew up near Dirwisham; seeing this bird was like a little piece of home," retorted Garnas. They weren't buying this at all, but he had to stick with it. "Of course I followed it."

"And yes, I like to dress properly when I'm out and about. I wasn't aware that the woods had a dress code."

--------

The reply to Ellis, while politely worded, was very firm in its determination that Iansislean politics was Iansislean business and that Larkinian corporations would be quite welcome to keep their noses out of it.

"Ah yeah," Rick said. "A little piece of home. So after you saw this little common bird... ah screw it."

He turned to one of the guards, "Go to the medical center, see if we have some sodium pentathol or something like that in there."

-----

Ellis read the response from the Republic and grinned.

Ah well, as long as James is dead it won't matter. I'll deal with these commies once I get done with the election.

"Ah yeah," Rick said. "A little piece of home. So after you saw this little common bird... ah screw it."

He turned to one of the guards, "Go to the medical center, see if we have some sodium pentathol or something like that in there."

Sodium pentathol...

Garnas ran the chemical name over and over in his mind, but could not attach it to anything. "This seems like far too much trouble, considering," he said while the guard was searching for the drug.

((you're the expert, man, so you'll have to tell me what sort of effects Garnas would experiance. =)))

"It's no problem," Rick said. "Besides, Dave might have hurt you and it would help to make sure you don't have any internal injuries."

The guard came back with a hypo-injector. The two guards rolled up Garnas' sleeve as he started to struggle. The first guard quickly placed the tip on his arm and shot the substance into his blood stream.

"It's not pentathol," he told Rick, "but a sedative instead"

(I think the theory goes, if you keep the person on the edge of consciousness they can't work up the will to lie. But that's really iffy (and I'm far from expertish, I'm just going with the flow here) ;) )

"It's no problem," Rick said. "Besides, Dave might have hurt you and it would help to make sure you don't have any internal injuries."

The guard came back with a hypo-injector. The two guards rolled up Garnas' sleeve as he started to struggle. The first guard quickly placed the tip on his arm and shot the substance into his blood stream.

"It's not pentathol," he told Rick, "but a sedative instead"

(I think the theory goes, if you keep the person on the edge of consciousness they can't work up the will to lie. But that's really iffy (and I'm far from expertish, I'm just going with the flow here) ;) )

((hehe, I'll try to flow with you =D))

At first Garnas did his best to stay fully awake. He bit the inside of his lip, hoping to concentrate all his attention on that pain. But it slowly faded away, even though there was the slight taste of blood in his mouth. He didn't say anything but just stared at the Larkinians.

Rick popped his neck, "Now, you were looking at this house. Why?"

Rick popped his neck, "Now, you were looking at this house. Why?"

Garnas knew this question was important. He tried to focus on it, but his mind was swimming in and out of awareness. "Uh, could you repeat the question?" he asked, having quite forgotten it.

After Rick did so, Garnas still wasn't quite sure what to say. Then he remembered his meeting with Madders.

"I wanted to see ...someone," he sai, trying to concentrate on the reason. "Jeff."

"Now why were you look looking for Jeff?"

"Who's Jeff?" asked Garnas in reply.

"He's the guy you said you were looking for. Why were you looking for him?"

Rick glanced over at the guard with the hyposyringe and nodded as he reloaded it.

"Why were you sneaking around the house?"

"He's the guy you said you were looking for. Why were you looking for him?"

Rick glanced over at the guard with the hyposyringe and nodded as he reloaded it.

"Why were you sneaking around the house?"

"Oh, right," mumbled Garnas. "Jeff isn't here yet. I'm just hanging around until he shows up."

"Why are you waiting for Jeff to get here? What do you want with him?"

"We want to keep an eye on him. I hear he's a very unpredictable person."

((LOL, oh man, talk about understatements))

"Who are you working for?"

((LOL, oh man, talk about understatements))

"Who are you working for?"

This was an important question. Garnas tried to concentrate on it. Who...

...Madders...the Republic...Iansisle....the people...Bradsworth?

One of those was the right answer, he knew, but was that the one to give?

"I serve Iansisle," he said.

Rick stroked his chin This guy's good...

"Who in Iansisle do you work for? What are you planning for Jeff?"

"I work for the Republic," answered Garnas. "And there's no plan..planning."

The second question he answered with a complete truth, not a half one. There was really no special contigency plan for Williams' arrival; he was just detailed to keep an eye on the famous Larkinian's movements.

((Yeah! Merry Christmas to me; Lark's posting =)))

(LOL, Merry Christmas I-Man ;) )

Rick started to rub his temples. Either this guy was really good at fighting the drugs or he really thought he worked for Iansisle. If he's with the government then...

"What department do you work for? Who is your immediate superior?"

That was an easy question. "I'm in the Department of War," he said. "I report to Director Madders."

Rick nodded to another soldier in the room, At last, we're getting somewhere

"What is your name and rank?"

Then another thought hit him.

"Where are they keeping the deposed king of Iansisle?"

"Steve Garnas. I don't have a rank," he said, which was true. Garnas was a private agent hired by the Department of War on the side and not an actual military man.

"The King...the King....James..." Garnas, the drugs becoming a little too heavy, completely lost his train of thought. "What?"

((re: the other thread -- Ooh, you wascally wabbit!))

((re: the other thread -- Ooh, you wascally wabbit!))

((Come on now, did you really expect any less from me? ;) ))

Rick glanced over to the man administering the drugs careful he mouthed. "James Callahan, where are they keeping him?"

((Come on now, did you really expect any less from me? ;) ))

Rick glanced over to the man administering the drugs careful he mouthed. "James Callahan, where are they keeping him?"

((Well...no. =P

If you don't mind here, I'm going to play my 'get out of jail free' card. It wouldn't be fair if I just gave you all the information you need! ;-)))

"James ...the King ... James ..." Garnas kept repeating those three words over and over as he lost the fine balance keeping him conscious and slipped off to sleep.

((No, I guessed it wouldn't be that easy ;) ))

Rick watched as Garnas passed out. He looked towards the medical kits, it would be so easy to get an adrenaline shot but decided against it.

Instead he walked over to one of the communications terminals and punched up the security line.

"Get it?"

"You want it in black or white, or in living color baby... er.. sir," the voice on the other end of the line said. "I mean, yes sir."

"Good," Rick nodded and shut the terminal down.

"Sir," one of the men in the room asked, "Isn't this.. I mean... aren't we.."

"Violating several treaties?" Rick asked, "Yeah. And I'm sure we're also breaking some candy ass multinational conventions that Katana signed when he was in office."

"So how are we going to deal with this?"

"That's why President Williams has the best spin doctors in the region." Rick started. "Besides, our new good friend here..." He patted Garnas on the shoulder "Is going to help us. Because one, if he leaves then his bosses will know he's been compromised and kill him, and two, if we pass around info that Iansisle is planning an assault against the President should he return here, I mean after all why would they have a spy so close to the house, then the people will be clammoring for an all-out assault on the country. And given the President's leanings towards anyone between him and one James Callahan, it would be more of a nudge than a shove to action."

Rick looked around the room, "Besides. He was never here. Now lock him in the cell below."

"Violating several treaties?" Rick asked, "Yeah. And I'm sure we're also breaking some candy ass multinational conventions that Katana signed when he was in office."

((not to mention, of course, Iansislean domestic law =P))

Rick looked around the room, "Besides. He was never here. Now lock him in the cell below."

Garnas woke up several hours later with a terrible headache and a memory blank. The last thing he remembered, he had been spinning the Larks a story about bird watching.

Guess they didn't fall for it, he grinned to himself, gingerly feeling about his forehead for the lump. But, after five minutes of careful investigation, he couldn't find a bruise anywhere. But there was a smear of blood on his arm and...a needle hole.

Shit. He'd been using that word a lot lately.

-----

Back at Jameston Place, Garnas' failure to check in had not gone unnoticed. The higher echelons of the Department of War were in a frantic scramble to discover what had become of the agent before the bad news reached Madders. Had he been captured or defected? Was there a more innocent explanation? - perhaps he was spending the night with that lady friend of his in the area?

At last it was clear that they would not be able to contact Garnas without actually going up to the Williams estate, a prospect which none of them relished. Reporting to Madders was, in this case, certainly the lesser of two evils.

((Domestic law?? you have that now?? ))

After Garnas looked around the room, he heard a voice coming from one of the speakers in the wall. A familiar voice (with a little audio re-editing)...



"Steve Garnas. I don't have a rank. I'm in the Department of War. I report to Director Madders."

...

"Oh, right Jeff isn't here yet. I'm just hanging around until he shows up."

...

"We want to keep an eye on him. I hear he's a very unpredictable person."

...

((Domestic law?? you have that now?? ))

((Heh. In the loosest sense of the word. It's a whole new Iansisle! ;-)))

Garnas listened carefully, his heart beating very slowly as he digested this information. Considering that they had him drugged, he had half-expected something like this.

"That's a very nice toy," he said, assuming that Rick was listening in.