NationStates Jolt Archive

March 15, 2264

Downtown Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R. — Californian Commonwealth
His footsteps fell hard on the tiled marble floor as he made his way through the corridor of the building, obviously inspired from the sixteenth century Gothic designs of European cathedrals and government buildings, silently making his way to the office of the man he was there to dispose of. His conscience felt no remorse for the people's lives he had ended nor any forethoughts or even assumptions to the chaos and confusion these small — yet however isolated — pieces of puzzle would cause, except that inevitably and immaculately when pieced together would form at last the big picture.

Finally finding the office of his last target he opened the door and strode in with an air of confidence about him, he looked to the secretary and with a relaxed demeanor he flashed a smile and asked for the office of the Party Chairman, and after getting the directions he gave a quick thanks and continued on his way to his target. Upon arriving at the door he simply opened the door and walked in as if he had been expected, not even catching the attention of his target, who was sitting at his desk on his computer tapping the keys on his keyboard and pausing intermittently to record his rapidfire thoughts to be later streamlined into some form of policy or caustic rhetoric to be used against the present coalition government in Parliament. Not waiting for an opening he sat down into one of the chairs offering him a perfect line of fire and announced his presence.
"Good evening Mr. Chairman, I can see that you are visibly busy, and I hate to intrude but my superiors have sent me to relay a message to you and I would appreciate it if you would cease what you are doing so that I may speak with you instead of being ignored over here."

The Party Chairman simply sighed and looked over at him with an air of annoyance. "Alright, what the hell is it you want? The Parliament Elections are five years away and I need to start planning now to regain lost momentum and recapture the majority while we have the chance to recapitalize from this failure. So if you wouldn't mind I'd like to–" He cut him off midsentence visibly agitating the man. "It is a matter of fact I am here for that sole purpose... as I said my superiors have sent me to relay a message, and it is this: As per your failure for retaining your majority in Parliament, you have been deemed solely responsible for this utter failure and mismanagement of the party. Furthermore–" The Chairman now seething with anger burst out "This is outrageous! how dare you come into here and insult me like this, you have no authority and no right to come in here and demean me and my authority as the chairman of this party!" The man smiled waiting for his cue, and took it. "Furthermore, granted this authority by my superiors, I am here to inform you that you have been dismissed as the chairman of this party, for your failure to retain this party's majority in Parliament and in by your failure to do so, have handed our favored majority position in Parliament to those who would seek to place the reins of power in the hands of these blind and directionless souls on a silver platter." The Chairman still outraged from the man's previous words was now on his feet, his fists balled in fury. "You had better leave now or so help me, I will make you wish you–" The Chairman's words were cut off by a loud gunshot, he grasped his chest in horror trying to stop the gush of blood from the gaping wound as the man stepped closer to him and calmly stood there to admire his handiwork. "I would love to hear what you were going to say, but I have grown sick of listening to your pedantic threats, and standing here like this is wasting my time. I am a busy man as well — I have things to do, places to go and people to kill — so if you would excuse me I would like to conclude this conversation, it has been an utter displeasure talking to you and I find you to be completely pathetic. Good bye." as he raised his gun level with the Chairman's face and pulled the trigger.

He marvelled at his easy conscience as he strode down the hall past the secretary and out of the office and through the corridors until he was outside again, once far enough from the building he dialed his superiors and informed them that the last target had been disposed of. Walking at a steady pace as far enough away from the area, he could hear emergency sirens off in the distance closing in on the location, he smiled and stopped at a small café and ordered a cup of coffee and watched the DVS (digital video screen) as the news came on announcing the death of the Socialist Party's chairman. He finished his coffee and exited the café into the faceless throngs of people on the street and vanished.

Three days later...
Alexa S. Vassaretti Government Plaza. Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R. — Californian Commonwealth
"This is Angela Witwattersrand live for Californian Commonwealth News Network, CCNN and this is Top News Of The Hour, March 18, 2264. Recently thoughout California, in most of the nation's larger cities, and Los Angeles in particular, most of the Socialist Party's top echelon have been turning up dead, or are mysteriously vanishing... while the nation's intelligence communities are still investigating the matter it is still troubling that a new self-appointed leader of the Socialist Party has declared that he will be bringing the newly reorganized party to the forefront of a new revolution to secure its ideals and aspirations for the people of California.

Deeply troubled by these events the Californian President, members of the Cabinet and the Parliament have issued a statement deeming the Socialist Party an illegal entity within the Californian Commonwealth and have classified them as a threat to national security. Department of Defense spokesperson Alicia Winters has stated that the Californian Commonwealth Armed Forces are on a level of alert and have taken precautionary measures to ensure the political stability of the nation. I am here live at Parliament Square at the Vassaretti Plaza where you can see behind me members of the Commonwealth Armed Forces establishing a perimeter around the plaza and the government buildings. Armed forces here earlier have set up checkpoints along all routes coming into and going out of the plaza and are maintaining an alert for anything that may happen as a result of the Socialist Party and their declaration of intent made only days earlier. As you can see from the amount of personnel, equipment and armor here that this is no regular alert, as only five years earlier during the August Coup — also perpetuated in some part by the Socialist Party — the former Capitol building and Executive Tower 1 were destroyed, causing significant damage to the Houses of Parliament, and other buildings nearby when Executive Tower 1 collapsed ultimately ending the life of the nations second President Alexa S. Vassaretti, of whom this new government plaza is dedicated to. While the coup eventually failed after key members in the conspiracy were quickly arrested and tried for treason, domestic terrorism, and Vassaretti's assassination, her loss proved a tragic yet valuable lesson, a lesson this government hasn't soon forgotten. With soldiers patrolling the plaza's perimeter on the streets and tanks and a mechanized infanty company positioned in Parliament Square to protect from a possible show of force by the Socialist Party against a possible coup, this looks like it could get interesting if something indeed happens between Commonwealth Armed Forces and the Socialist Party and their supporters. Again, I am Angela Witwattersrand for CCNN"

March 21, 2264

Presidential Bunker 01-6A. Half a mile underneath ASV Plaza, Executive Tower 1
Former President, CNF Admiral Comtesse Alessandra M. Dévnostraéva and her security contingent arrived at the bunker via the Trans-Cal Light Rail System's secret entrance. After the routine check of her identity she was waved through all remaining checkpoints until she arrived at the cryogenics room, where five years previously she had the then President Alexa Sharon Vassaretti cryogenically frozen to lead her bitter rival Lindsey A. DeWinter into believing she was in fact killed in the terrorist attack that brought down the original Executive Tower that stood half a mile above them. After checking with the doctors and the medical staff she ordered them to begin the thawing process, she walked to the specialist in charge "How long before she comes out of the thaw?" He simply flicked his wrist, brushed the sleeves on his coat back and glanced at his watch "Give it thirty-five, maybe forty-five, fifty minutes tops" She nodded silently just staring at the elegant body of her lover sitting there frozen in state, following the graceful curves of her body made her long for the blissful days and passionate nights they'd shared together. She broke her stare and went to one of the many kitchen areas of the bunker to get herself a fresh cup of coffee and turned on the DVS and watched the news.

Alexa S. Vassaretti Government Plaza. Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R. — Californian Commonwealth
"This is Angela Witwattersrand live for Californian Commonwealth News Network, CCNN and this is Top News Of The Hour, March 21, 2264. Hundreds of thousands of Socialist Party supporters have taken to the streets in the last three days since our last update on the eighteenth, the Commonwealth Armed Forces as you can see in front of me are equipped in full riot gear, the sheer amount of armor located just behind me demonstrate that this is no ordinary riot. Several members of the 11th Mechanized Infantry Battalion are equipped with grenade launchers with tear gas and smoke grenades, others as you can see are brandishing powerful water hoses. Hold on! I am getting an update from our news desk downtown! Right now President Kensington has issued a statement to everyone here assembled in Alexa S. Vassaretti Plaza, in her own words 'deplores the use of military forces to suppress any incident that may happen here, but for the security of this nation's government [she] must ask that all of those assembled return peacefully to their homes'. Right now the official position of the government is to protect the nation's capital and its government offices from a danger that may be present here, as this situation develops we will be bringing more coverage to you this is Angela Witwatters—"

Even before she finished her sentence a large rock flew through the air and hit one of the military personnel in the face, shattering the plexiglass face shield and knocking him to the ground in a shower of broken plexiglass pieces and small blood particles. Before his body even hit the ground the military forces began firing off tear gas into the crowd, for those in front they were treated to a full bore assault with fire hoses on maximum pressure and smoke screens setup forward of their positions. As the crowd began to surge back away from the advancing units something went horribly wrong.

Presidential Bunker 01-6A. Half a mile underneath ASV Plaza, Executive Tower 1
Sandra sat there glued to the DVS, her eyes transfixed on the situation unfolding before her, as she was watching the crowd surge away from the raining tear gas, smoke screens and the fire hoses she could distinctively heard several gunshots. As the camera cut away from the news reporter and panned in the direction the shots came from something even more terrible happened that pierced the cacophony of screams, the occasional thump of the grenade launchers and the loud shouts. Just as the camera settled on the location of the gunshots she watched as something whizzed through the air thrown from far behind the maelstrom of humanity into the crowd, she could only watch in mute horror as a massive explosion ripped through the crowd throwing shrapnel, pieces of human bodies, cars, and various other items from the environment in a radial pattern cutting down all who were unfortunate to be within the blast range. Still watching the screen went total black for a minute as the cameraman hit the ground to avoid the blast, seconds later news reporter Angela Witwattersrand now ducking as well commented off screen as the cameraman now recovering knelt low panning his camera on the devastation. "This is live footage you are seeing here. Apparently during attempts to prevent this from becoming a riot, someone has thrown something at one of our military's fine servicemen injuring him greatly. It was then that the military forces were ordered to fire their tear gas grenades and smoke screens into the crowd after which several personnel opened up with fire hoses to push the crowd back. During the attempts tp push this frenzied crowd back shots were into the crowd and at these personnel killing two and injuring five others and seconds later an explosive device was thrown into the crowd from the far back over there as you can see the scene here is that of utter chaos. As I am being told now, the military has been authorized to use lethal force to suppress this riot, forces are standing by to try and contain this situation to bring it under control. Again this is Angela Witwattersrand of Californian Commonwealth News Network, CCNN".

Sitting there still in shock she said aloud to herself without even knowing it. "During my presidency none of this shit would be happening, not now, not ever. Just what the hell is President Kensington doing with this nation?" It was then that she realized that she should check her lover. Utterly disgusted with the news, she left the kitchen area and walked to the cryogenics room only to find her lover had already been thawed, resuscitated, dressed and waiting. Catching her first full glimpse of her alive and breathing, her shimmering blonde hair and her gorgeous red lips Sandra stopped midstride. "My God, you look gorgeous!" running to her and embracing her in her arms, lifting her off the the floor in her arms she kissed her passionately "God you don't know how long I have been waiting to do this Alexa!"
After savoring a five years in the waiting kiss, Alexa looked down at Sandra's golden-yellowish eyes "What year is it anyways; I was to be thawed in 2319..." Sandra frowned for a second "I am sorry about that hun, its March 21, 2264... And you should know of all things that I would have a pretty damned good reason for doing this". She nodded silently "So you thawed me fifty-five years early? Without being thought of as rude, may I ask why?" Sandra looked up at her with all the gravitas the situation could bear "Simple. Our nation, our government, our people need us. We are on the threshold of losing the very things we have went twenty-six decades perserving, the very ideals that have shaped this nation, the things we hold to be the values of what make this nation great. We are being threatened by forces inside our own nation. Just as we were five years previously, and if left unchecked like they were five years ago they will roam unchecked again, and will continue to gain strength where were we to have done something then as we should have — we would have stopped this problem in its tracks — but because of ineffective leadership and party politics, nothing, and I repeat nothing has been done about it. And if no one else is willing to step to the plate to remedy this situation — we, as the dutiful executives of this nations interests must. We have to protect the people first, because God help us all, should the Socialists take the capital, and we will be fighting for decades to come against an enemy that has become well-entrenched in the government, state and local administrations and all other offices. We have to act now! And to do this it is going to require more than just myself."

Alexa absorbed all of what she had just said, nodding in silent agreement "So, what part do I have in all of this?" At that Sandra smiled "You are. Tomorrow you are going to make your miraculous Second Coming — on live television broadcast nationwide, and of course I, myself will be beside you along with an old friend." She waved towards one of the entrances of the bunker to a figure largely unidentifiable because of the lack of lighting and the shadow covering much of her upper frame. As she stepped into the light she smiled "It is good to see you again, President Vassaretti" Alexa looked back at her and smiled "As to you President Jourgensen." Sandra smiled in sublime satisfaction. "This here, my fellow colleagues is the beginnings of a new government... as there are three of us; I hereby deem our organization the Californian Triumvirate. Tomorrow, after President Vassaretti appears on national television, the three of us will announce the formation of the new government, of course with the support of the incumbent president. She will be offered a position in our new cabinet, most likely as a vice president. But for now, I say we leave this cold dismal place and catch some fresh air, shall we Sharon... Jennifer...?" Both of them nodded and left the room, walking together to the light rail terminal holding hands one could see the wide grins on their faces... in twenty-four hours history would be made.

Tag! for more content to come!

Colonel Ian Daunt strode into the command center in Skye. What was once Warsaw, so many generations ago, had been buried in a metropolis that had slowly forgotten what it once was. Ian looked around at his Commandos and other Marines. They were the future of the Corps... but they would never forget their past like Skye had.

"Staff Sergeant, you wished to show me something?" he asked as he strode towards a non-Commando Marine who was scanning through various news reports. Most were from Sovereign California.

"Sir, I have been seeing more and more reports of chaos in California. Riots are breaking out... the military is being brought in, but that may just escalate things." The man paused. "They're using lethal force now."

Daunt's eyes narrowed slightly. "Sucks for them. I've had to crack some riots myself. Why are you telling me though, Sergeant?"

"That's exactly it sir... when the Vetalian's attacked us," he left out the part about how those attacks were nerve gas, "you helped stop the riots in Myer. If you can keep a city from tearing itself apart, perhaps you can... assist the Californian government?"

Daunt eyed the man and then slowly nodded. "Alright, get the Californian president on the line. Make sure that the Cali comm network knows who I am so they don't shunt me to some pencil pusher."

A message streaked through the satellite network used by NATO. It was one of the top priority channels used only in times of duress or when security was a must.

Colonel Ian Daunt, CO: Imperial Commandos, Crimmond Imperial Marine Corps, requests immediate uplink with President Kensington. Reason for request: Halting the riots inside of S.C. before they can grow to a point that containment is impossible. Colonel Daunt has first hand experience in such matters.

Daunt took a seat at the head of the command center's planning table and just watched the big screen in front of him. He went over the possibilities in his mind. He could travel there in person, with four or five squads of Commandos. In or out of their specially designed armor, they were a formidable force. They could bring the impression that NATO was not going to stand for any of this riot business, without actually stating as much. A few good shots of someone in a Commando uniform advising the Californians would have an impact on the rioters. If he had them in the sleek matte gray armor they wore on operations... that might kill them in their tracks. "Dammit, where's that uplink, Sergeant?"

"I'm trying, Colonel. I'm having a hard time getting the Californian network to put me through. I need another minute..."

"Hurry Sergeant. People are dying over there. Remind them of that, if you would." He looked to one of the Commandos. "Suit up, Lieutenant. Get five of your best squads together. We're going on an unscheduled deployment."

The commando nodded and paused. "Sir, may I ask where we are deploying to... exactly?"

"You ever been to Hollywood, kid?" He chuckled and turned back to the board as the Commando smirked and headed out to round up the squads. He wanted them ready, when the Californian President accepted. And... if they didn't accept? Oh well...

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/8919/daunt4xd1.jpg
Colonel Ian Daunt
CO: Imperial Commandos

March 21, 2264

ASV Government Plaza, Executive Tower 1. Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R. — Californian Commonwealth
Natalie Kensington stood at the railing of her balcony gripping the railing white knuckled looking down at the scene below in utter contempt, she had been standing there for the whole time watching the whole scene erupt starting from a small skirmish to a full-scale street war. As she stood there watching in complete disgust a figure appeared at her side, not bothering herself to look at the person to determine her identity she simply sighed "What is it?" Waiting for the answer she slowly turned to see one of her aides. She stiffened up and read the report to her, all the while she stood there and took in the details growing more and more disgusted with the carnage going on two-hundred some floors below her. As she was turning to continue her inspection the aide caught her "We also have an encrypted message over the NATO Secure Line from the Empire of Crimmond, They are asking if we would like some assistance from them in supressing this riot. How do you wish to answer it?"

She stood there contemplating before giving her answer "Tell them that we would be more than honored to have some of their finest forces here in our nation's capital to help suppress this riot and bring some civility back to the Capital District's streets."

As she watched from the balcony she wished she had her predecessor there to give her the moral support and guidance she needed to prevail in this situation. As she turned from the rail and walked into her suite she had no idea just how close her wish would come to being true.

The text response flashed on the screen and no one in that room thought that the Colonel could move quite so fast anymore as he bounded for the door. It took five minutes to get to the staging area for the Commandos. "Squads! Get your best gear together, because we have a green light." He watched them all start pulling out the fancy equipment and begin prepping it. "Now I want to assure you that we have full Imperial sanctioning for this mission... but I respect you all too much to lie to you. We're going bandit, in a sense. It'll take about three hours to get there on a routine supersonic transport that just so happens to be delayed on a tarmac on this very base. Get your gear together and get out there within ten minutes. We leave in fifteen." With that, he stepped out of the room and went to his own locker.

He ignored the suit of armor inside it. It was a Mark 1 version, as opposed to the Mark 3 being used by the squads, and it didn't fit him anymore. He had gained more around the middle than he cared to admit, though he had proved many times that under than bit of flab was a lot of muscle. He instead grabbed his own top notch gear and laid it out, giving it a good cleaning before packing it up and going. He grabbed his hat on the way out and was pleased to see that, less than six minutes later, the whole group was waiting on him.

=======

Three hours later, the plane's wheels hit pavement at Los Angeles. Being a scheduled flight(even if it was an hour late) and having no forward warning, he imagined that the Californians would be a bit surprised when they saw him and his sixty Marines step off.

He had them form up and could tell they were eager. "Marines! You will deploy immediately. Take a look at a news broadcast, find out where the news networks are working and show up. Now I want to be very clear... do not shoot to kill. I want non-lethal... I've got no orders for this mission and I'll be damned if I'm going to start an international incident that we see all of us fry. I'm sure you can all handle it."

The Commandos all saluted and took off running for the main buildings. Daunt could only wonder at the dumbfounded looks the people would have when sixty armed and armored Crimm burst in, stop to look at a TV for a few minutes, then run out. He chuckled and walked up to one of the Californians. He followed a few minutes later. "Excuse me... I'm Colonel Ian Daunt of the Crimmond Marine Corps. I believe you just met my squads. I'm looking for the heliport. I need to speak to your President."

====

Before he'd arrive at the heliport, the Marines had already commandeered a couple city buses and were heading towards the center of the city. No one molested the two buses at first... not with two armored commandos on top brandishing assault rifles. When they hit the riot though...

"Incoming! Rocks and debris. Ow! Bastards!" One commando aimed his rifle at the rioter. "Yeah, you better run!"

It took another ten minutes to make it to the next block. And then the buses were blocked in by the amount of people. And all those people were trying to set the buses on fire. "PILE OUT! CQC! Remember... non lethal! Make it to the next block. The cameras are all there!"

It took just a scant few minutes for the Commandos to make it to the heaviest rioting and to the cameras. "We got news vans! Aaaaand we're on camera." The commando who stated this made the proper first impression by backhanding a rioter into unconsciousness, then giving the camera a thumbs up. In their area, the crowd was rapidly becoming a sea of groaning bodies with many more fleeing that area, so the group moved on. They hadn't even fired their weapons yet and they were getting results as they strode into the the square and up to the Californian military. One saluted. "I am Lieutenant Marlena Mobuto. CIMC. Your president said you could use some more bodies on crowd control..." She motioned to the wounded crowd behind her. "Hope we didn't miss coffee and doughnuts."

March 22, 2264

ASV Government Plaza, Executive Tower 1. Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R. — Californian Commonwealth
President Natalie Kensington stood talking to Col. Daunt while they were going over plans for supressing the riot when out of the corner of her eye three figures exited the elevator to her floor far behind Col. Daunt. Her reaction was instant "What the hell are you three doing up here, this floor as well as the nine below are strictly off limits to civilians!" as she walked away from the Colonel she looked over at him for a second "Sorry, I will be right back I just need to handle this" Before she reached them former President Jourgensen cut her off "So you don't even recognize the voice of your own predecessor?" as she finished her sentence one of the other two started in "Or, even the voice of the founder of this great nation you are now leading?" As she finished her sentence the last of the three stepped forward wearing a black sheath dress "Or even that of one supposedly dead, of whom this building, and the several administrative centers and plaza is named after?" Natalie stopped cold in her tracks here in front of her were three of the greatest living legends in Californian history Devnostraeva, Jourgensen and... Vassaretti. Her jaw dropped completely dumbfounded. "All three of you... and you?!... You're D-d-d-d..." She finished the sentence for her "Dead? Yes, it would be easy to assume as much, I was cryogenically frozen and cloned... when Executive Tower 1 fell they found the body of my clone. I was quietly asleep half a mile under the ruins of Executive Tower 1 for five long years. And now... I have returned to help save this nation, with you and the two of my colleagues here." She looked over to Col. Daunt patiently waiting a few yards away "I think we should all speak with him on the plans concerning the chaos 264 floors below us on the streets... Don't you agree?" Together all four of them walked over to him and began laying out the plans for the containment and suppression of the riot, and a televised appearance to be taking place shortly on the steps of Executive Tower 1.

Daunt had gotten about halfway through his plan when the interruption occurred. He turned slowly and eyed the four women. "I take it your nation isn't big on male dominated politics." he chuckles deeply. "Anyway, back to business... us Commandos are the best Crimmond has to offer. Bar none. We can handle any mission and this one? No offense but your people aren't exactly intimidating to a group of men and women who hot dropped through enemy flak to reinforce a Freek beach-head. I've had them under orders to use non-lethal force. You might ask why... so I'll tell you. I'm here under my own authority. General Pace, and the rest of the military outside of my command, have no idea I, or the other sixty Commandos, are outside of Skye. Let alone the nation." he straightens up a bit. "We've gone what my superior officer, General Skorzeny, would call 'bandit'. No one to answer to and no way this could tack back to them and bloody their hands if things go bad. With that said, I wasn't about to let my commandos cause an international incident by killing rioters until I had consent of the Californian government."

=====

Down below, the Commandos were doing what they did best. Intimidate. They stood side by side and started walking towards the crowd of rioters, in lockstep. When they were within ten feet, they stopped and raised their rifles... and fired tear gas canisters right into the guts of sixty rioters. Inside their armor, the gas had little to no effect. The whole scene almost seemed a bit comical... if not for all the hacking and wheezing. The cameras ought to love this. The Commandos then backed away to stand in a ring around the entrance to the building.

March 22, 2264

ASV Government Plaza, Executive Tower 1. Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R. — Californian Commonwealth
President Natalie Kensington stepped out of the entrance of Executive Tower 1 and towards the throng of news reporters, as she walked toward them she saw behind them the thick cloud of tear gas and the crumpled forms laying on the ground hacking in pain. As she continued towards the reporters the Californian Triumvirate exited the building five steps behind her and quickly closed the gap behind her, she stood waiting for them to take their places behind her and spoke directly to the camera. "My fellow Californians... In these last few days a new, yet old and recognized threat has risen to try and place fear in the hearts of our fellow country men, their brazen ambitions have been to rip the very freedoms you all hold dear from your hands and place this nation under a dictatorship. As faithful executives of this nation's democratic tradition we will not stand to have the hard work the four of us have set down and accomplished in the last two-hundred and sixty-five years thrown asunder and destroyed" Sandra stepped beside her "It is because this threat exists that the four of us have risen to the occasion to combat this threat and to make sure that it never poses a threat to the people of this nation again. It isn't enough to deem the Socialist Party an illegal entity in this nation, we must take the fight to them rather than sitting silently waiting for them to make the first move... like they have done here." Jennifer spoke next "As with having to combat these same Socialist elements in my term as President of this nation not to long ago, I can speak with authority and certainty on this subject. Should we take no action now, these revolutionary elements will grow stronger until they are too strong for us to combat them, and when that happens they will be unstoppable. It is better that we strike now while the situation is manageable and favors us, we must strike their leadership and eliminate their forces from the top down, when these Socialist scum see that this fight is unwinnable they will scatter and when they run to hide we will be waiting for them." At last she stepped from behind the three before her, as Alexa stepped to the camera she smiled seeing that not only did the jaw of the reporter drop upon seeing her, but also with the entire camera crew and anyone in the crowd who wasn't gagging on tear gas or having their heads smashed by the collapsible batons.

Surveying the chaos around her she straightened body "I have returned from my five year sleep in cryostatis to help my three esteemed colleagues; Presidents Admiral Comtesse Alessandra Devnostraeva, Jennifer Jourgensen, and Natalie Kensington to form what we will declare as the Californian Quadrumvirate. The four of us are now the official heads of state in the Californian Commonwealth, and with our experience we will oversee the leadership of this nation through this dark chapter in our history." As she and the other three presidents were speaking with the reporters off camera one of the troops who'd arrived from Crimmond began wading through the crowd effortlessly and grabbed someone from the throng of people, turned and simply dragged him back to the front of the mass of rioters and through the line of military personnel to the group of four waiting presidents standing on the steps. It wasn't until he was finally set down on his knees in front of the four that he was recognized as the newly self-appointed Secretary General of the Socialist Party Markus Andreyevsky, the main ringleader in this godforsaken mess that was swarming the streets of the Los Angeles, S.A.R. One of the soldiers had drawn his sidearm and was steadying his weapon against the side of the man's head when Sandra spoke. "No, I want to do it myself!" The soldier smirked and then handed her the weapon, at which point she moved in front of him and positioned the handgun mere inches from his forehead and looked down at him with utter contempt "You fucking disgust me." and pulled the trigger spattering the marble tiled ground behind him with blood.

Standing there catching everything on camera the news reporter chimed in at the moment she deemed opportune "This is Angela Witwattersrand of Calfiornian Commonwealth News Network, CCNN. What you have witnessed was the public execution of recently self-appointed Secretary General Markus Andreyevsky of the Socialist Party, the mastermind of this riot which was began as a coup attempt but turned into a street war when groups of Socialist sympathizers banded together with members of the Socialist Party who had planned to assault the Alexa S. Vassaretti Plaza in an attempt to pull a coup d'etat on our President. These Socialist elements were met with fierce resistance in the form of the Commonwealth Army Ground Forces, members of the Crimmond Imperial Marine Corps and members of the Los Angeles Police Department, S.W.A.T. Team, and Riot Control Team. Since this morning these forces have been making efforts to contain and suppress this attempted coup turned into a street war, and have been making prgress. Members of the 15th and 21st Mechanized Infantry Battalions have been brought in and have contained the insurgency and are now moving to suppress these elements. Again, this Angela Witwattersrand."

Daunt exited behind the four leaders and passed them without blinking an eye at the faint stinging of tear gas. As he strode down the steps he held up a fist. The Commandos froze in place, save the one who had grabbed the leader. He strode back to the line and faced the crowd of rioters.

Daunt stepped into and then through the line. "Marines... you have permission to separate into squads. You are not to use lethal force. Shoot to incapacitate." A small pause. "Did I stutter?" He got a resounding 'sir, no sir' and the Commandos broke into five groups and headed in various directions.

Daunt strode towards the cameras and up to the reporter. "Excuse me, ma'am... but I'm Colonel Ian Daunt of the CIMC and am commanding officer of the Imperial Commando Program. I'll make this quick, as I'm quite sure that there's a very irritated General in Europe right now... seeing as this deployment had no authorization from top level commanders. The bottom line is that one of my men alerted me to the fact that this nation was having a problem that, while contained at that moment, could have spread rapidly. I've seen this all before, actually. In Crimmond, we had six cities inflamed in riots after a chemical attack from Vetallia decimated them. Even the capital was burning... I was there and I was in charge of securing the capital. I did it too... It took ordering my Marines to kill six hundred citizens though. I was convinced that these riots could be halted with a show of force and I was correct. Though, to be honest, I was not expecting to meet four Californian presidents in one day. Their presence, coupled with the loss of the riot's instigator, has led to chaos in the ranks. No organization and no goal... I predict no more than twenty-four hours before the riots end totally and you all start rebuilding the city in earnest." He nodded and turned away, striding towards the building and boarding the elevator to monitor the riots with the new joint leaders...

Arch-Priest Eschex had much on his plate. His brother's plane had gone missing out east near the southwest of Haven, and had not yet been recovered. APOC was threatening his borders with increased amounts of military forces, now the armies of Doom, Union, and Chevy were at his doorstep.The collapse of Granate has been somewhat of a good thing as the threatened invasion was surely never to come. And, across Haven, the threat of a titanic war loomed over all as the grim reaper hunches over his possible victims, mouth watering with the fruit of war that would come his way.
So, of course, things like a coup attempt that had been obliterated didn't really attract much in the way of attention. Eventually, however, Eschex thought it was that he do something. Not having the ability to send a large force, he decided he would send a much smaller, yet incrediblt deadly, signal.


Holy Warrior unit 1-13th was one of the few units to survive since it was founded. It came to be during the first founding in 566 AD, and had been a major player in many historical events in the nation. It was their defense of the third tier of the capital that had staved off complete destruction during the First Extermination War, and more than ten times in their history did they stand alone againat a Vile Lard army of ten times or greater their numbers. Fighting to the death and with superb skill, they emerged victorious each time. In modern times, they were the first Holy Warrior unit ro embrace air power, and they scored major victories across the board during te Tri-State War. In the Ninth Crusade, it was they who lead the breakthrough on the Lard flank that led to th complete and total destruction of the Lard's 7th, 9th, and 23rd armies. Indeed, Marsh history would be a sad tale without their input. The STT company in the unit was made up of bloodline, fourth generation soldiers. Their entire lives spent in the military and being trained under the harshest conditions, they were certainly ill-educated when it came to art and music. Lukcily for them, their lack of knowledge of classical pianists would hardly come into play on the battlefield.

Eschex snapped out of his train of thought and went back to his work. He preferred using a typewriter for his messages, it made it seem more personal. Sighing at his lack of computer skills and his justifying why he doesn't us ethem, Eschex finished pounding out his message.

To: President
Natalie Kensington

From; Arch-Priest
Eschex

Dear Mrs. President,

I wish to inform you that I personally support your repression of a coup attempt in your nation,m one that seeks to undermine authority and see innocents killed in the crossfire of a needless war. If your nation were closer and my worries for the safety of my nation not at the top of The List, I would send you many forces. Alas, it is with a heart laden with sorrow that I must inform you I can't. However, I can give to you STT-1 of Holy Warrior unit 1-13, and we can send this force through your colony that sites gently besides us.

More content coming... had to take a break for a while

March 23, 2264

ASV Government Plaza, Executive Tower 1. Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R. — Californian Commonwealth
Sandra Dévnostraéva stood at the balcony reminiscing of the times she used to stand there and look north towards downtown Los Angeles, as she stood there the other three members of the Californian Quadrumvirate were speaking with Col. Ian Daunt about the successes of their movements to contain the insurgency and how well the efforts of suppression have been going. It had been less than twenty-four hours since their controversial introduction as the Quadrumvirate on national television and more than two days since they'd brought allies in from NATO to help quell the insurrection, she had been feeling rather satisfied with the results. The insurgents were boxed in on all sides and were now battling to escape the quarantined areas, the gunfights erupting all over downtown Los Angeles, S.A.R. were wiping out scores of the bastards in hails of gunfire with the Californian Army Ground Forces and their Urban Operations teams alongside those of Crimmond's armed forces pouring on the fire round after round into the bastards. The sun had set now and parts of the city were burning, sending up clouds of brownish-black smoke highlighted by the flames licking below, and occasionally the eerily silent peace in the city would be punctuated by automatic and small arms fire and once in a while, explosions ranging from small concussive blasts to loud glass shattering explosions.

Daunt was tracking his Commandos on a small personal computer that was on the table, with each Marine having a green tag on a sidebar. Well, almost all of them did. Four were amber. Those meant injuries. Thankfully none were black, which would mean no lifesigns. "Ladies, this is all moving very efficiently. I have to say that your troops have guts of steel. Not many military personnel around this globe would be willing to take out their own countrymen like this. Hell, you're outright killing the bastards. My troops are shooting to maim. Leaves you some people to convict, if nothing else. And it saves me some paperwork back home."

==========

Working their way through the streets, they were constantly clashing with rioters. Many of those clashes were in front of cameras, it seemed. One clash in particular showed the armored Commandos were not invincible... a group of ten people swamped one (that had a sniper rifle over their back) and pinned them down, ripping the helmet off. One held up a piece of cinderblock, about to smash the commando's head open. Then the rioter's chest exploded as an assault rifle ripped into it. Another Commando entered the picture and started to beat the living hell out of the rioters as the first Commando (which appeared to be a woman now that the view was unblocked) donned her helmet and kicked one of the rioters fifteen feet down the road. This would be the only video proof that a Commando has used lethal force, but considering the alternative was a dead Commando, that would likely be overlooked.

Most of the scenes showed the Commandos advancing in groups of two, using cover and firing into the rioters methodically. They were aiming, not blindly shooting. The enemy dropped easily, missing kneecaps or having shattered shins. Most would be crippled for life, most likely. And it was up to the Californian's how long that life might be. Not the Commandos. They offered no medical assistance and advanced past screaming men and women as if they weren't there.

March 24, 2264

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
The deep blue of the morning sky and the light of the moon hanging aglow set an eerily quiet mood for the hour. The cityscape of Los Angeles lay mostly asleep save for the chaos still present in the 'Capital District'. While it was still somewhere between nighttime and early morning here, parts of the nation further east were just waking up to the sun coming through their windows. Miles from ASV Plaza, still shrouded in darkness save for the light of the moon glinting off the windows of the complex everything was beginning to come into place, despite the fact that it was early morning the members of the Quadrumvirate had come here out of safety reasons to conduct the final phase in suppressing this insurrection. For the time since their arrival she stood, though the remaining members of the Quadrumvirate had decided to sit, occasionally getting herself a cup of coffee from the kitchenette.

President Adm. Comtesse Allessandra Dévnostraéva nodded in agreement with Col. Daunt, her attitude on the whole situation was almost nihilistic regarding the treatment of the people of whom President Kensington had employed militaries of California and Crimmond in crushing. Standing there one could see that she was of noble blood and acted the part, but had also lived life in the military as evident by the way she handled things, the only evidence of her military career being the four stars on the collar of her jacket, those four stars being something of which she prided herself on earning. Standing there she smiled, for what seemed like the first time in days. "That will be fine Colonel; the more left alive the better, we of course have opted to shoot to kill. With all of the violence wracking this city we would like to restore order, and the sooner this can be brought about the better. However, it would work out in our favor to have some survivors to convict. After all, the news stations across the Commonwealth would enjoy being the first on the scene for the events as it would bring about greater publicity for them and it would see that this event is not forgotten by our faithful public, the citizens of this country would hang on every detail and would anticipate the day that those held responsible spend a term in prison or suffer execution for their crimes."

She looked through a pair of binoculars from what had been aptly termed the command center for the combined forces operation in the 'Capital District' at the chaos below, her face a mask of silent disgust at the damage these imbeciles had wreaked on the city so far. As she lowered the binoculars she mused to herself "Nine days and twenty hours, and these bastards have nearly gutted the heart of this city, it isn't enough that some people cannot simply accept defeat and try for the next parliamentary election, but these guys have to resort to violence, and illegal tactics to try and regain their lost "power and prestige"? I find it absolutely disgusting".

Meanwhile near the city center, several squads of Californian Marines Ground Forces had been dispatched to the area to help the CAGF and soldiers from Crimmond in their task of initiating the final phase in suppressing the insurgency. It had been an all day task, but CAGF Cpt. Samantha Andrews didn't feel tired, she had been at it since the morning sun began to give its light to the city. No matter where she and her company went there were always some fuckheads who thought that they possessed balls of steel and by virtue had to challenge anyone who stepped in their way, Cpt. Andrews smiled to herself finding such a group, about a dozen rioters stepped seemingly out of nowhere and positioned themselves behind automobiles and other items set up in the road as a barricade and opened fire at the pavement in front of them.

Instantly she dove for the pavement behind an automobile while Lt. Marcus Jameson ordered his platoon to return fire on them. She looked over the roof of the car and wondered where the hell the other three platoons where when she heard firing from behind her as several members of the other platoons came up the street behind her and began to pour suppressive fire onto the rioters as they advanced on the barricade. She smiled, as these assholes thought that they could overwhelm her and her company with superior firepower, and stepping out from behind the car she'd been using as a shield and joined the rest of the company and obliged the rioters with a rippling barrage of automatics fire, knocking them all of their feet. She had to yell to have herself heard over the gunfire but she was loving it too much to care "Concentrate your fire on every last one of those fuckers... we are taking no prisoners!"

Daunt nodded and started to go onto containment of further outbreaks, but a Commando strode from the elevator. The commando stood an impressive six feet three inches and crisply saluted. Even without reading the ID tag, he knew it was his best sniper. The hand built scope on her sniper rifle and the extra radio equipment she had on told him that. "At ease, Sergeant Laran. And bucket off."

She removed her helmet and revealed a woman who would have been beautiful, were it not for the almost cleanly shaven head and the scar that stretched from over the left ear back and down to the base of the skull. "Colonel, I have been contacted by General Skorzeny." Renowned in the Empire for following his great-grandfather's example of being as sneaky as one could be on a battlefield. "He has informed me that General Pace is ready to demote you to Corporal, but his hands are tied since you made that news statement. It got on Imperial networks and you're a hero. Again."

Daunt hmmphed, "Loses it's luster by the eighth time. Thank you, Samantha." He turns back towards the table, but notices she hasn't moved. "Something else, Sergeant?"

She shakes her head after a moment. "So sir. Nothing important enough to draw your attention from the task at hand."

That meant there was something... but she didn't want to say anything in front of the Californians. He just nodded. "Carry on then. Report back to your unit and finish mop up. You'll be debriefed on the trip home." He returned her salute and watched her leave. Once she was gone, he looked back. "Looks like I'm going to have a good stern talking to when I get back." He smirks.

==========

The rioters were all but crushed. There were small pockets, but they were desperate. Just how desperate became clear quickly. "CAR!"

A small car was barreling down the road towards the Californians and Commandos. The car was engulfed in hundreds of sparks as bullets tore into the metal... a scant moment before the car detonated three hundred feet from the military. Searing ball bearings and nails flew in all directions, turning the shops along the road into bombed out shells.

The Commandos were tossed around like ragdolls, their armor the only thing saving most of them from serious harm. As the dust settled, the Commandos emerged and surveyed the area. It didn't take long for the air to clear enough for the damage to be seen. One of the Commandos picked up a severed arm that was still in it's matte gray armor and removed his helmet. He simply stared at the arm for a few seconds and started to weep.

A sergeant strode over to him and took the arm away and tossed it aside. "Bucket on, Marine! I know it hurts, but dammit... take it out on the enemy. That's what the dead would want."

=========

Daunt turned sharply at the rumble of the explosion. "What the fuck was-" A warning tone from his laptop buzzed and he spun back around. He went wide eyed. Fifteen tags had turned amber and two had turned black. He stared at it for a long moment and keyed his mic. "All Commandos... we have lost two of our own. There will be time to mourn later. We have a job to do... and do it we shall. You have clearance to use lethal force on any remaining resistance."

OOC: What are the possibilities of Samantha Laran and one of my leaders hooking up? Comtessa Adm. Alessandra M. Dévnostraéva is former military and is attracted to those of the same 'profession' albeit females but yeah... you get the point :P

March, 25, 2264

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
President Adm. Comtesse Allessandra Dévnostraéva stood at the window looking out across the city, the columns of smoke billowing out over areas of the city causing her to frown in disgust, as she stood there one of her aides came up beside her looking in the same direction towards the billowing clouds of destruction. "I hate to bring bad news, but our forces along with those from Crimmond were attacked with a car bomb. Four of our personnel were killed as well as two from Crimmond's armed forces, several are injured but most seem fit to continue on. Are there any orders I should relay to our forces?" She lowered her binoculars and closed her eyes and swore quietly. She walked over to the large table in the center of the room and placed the binoculars down, and looked up towards her. "It seems that if we don't step this up while we have the opportunity to we will never get the chance to do so again while this confrontation ensues. I want an emergency broadcast issued, I want all civilians evacuated from a six mile radius of the affected areas. Also... call in the Californian Commonwealth Air Force, and issue orders under my authority to ready two squadrons of fighters to be ready on my command." Her aide looked at her in surprise for a minute "You're going to be conducting bombing runs on the affected areas?" She closed her eyes and nodded "Issue instructions for our forces and those of Crimmond to pull back to the Combined Forces Command Center. Do not send in the fighters until they are all safely secure out of harm's way, is that clear?" Her aide nodded "Crystal." and walked away.

Daunt stares at his computer readout as two of those ambers go green again. The black ones stay that way. "If I had my way, I'd nuke that fucking neighborhood." He rumbles, before sighing and tapping a single button on the computer. A message appeared. ABORT CODE GIVEN.

===========

All over the city, the remaining commandos immediately ceased firing and started running like hell. Daunt wouldn't issue an abort unless something had gone really bad, really fast. Within minutes, they had commandeered several vehicles and were leaving the area as fast as humanly possible. And it all occurred in silence to the outside world, as the commandos used their secure comm channels to speak to each other.

============

Daunt looked up at the Californians. "The first leader of Crimmond left us with a saying. 'To have mercy on an enemy is to always have an enemy. Let not one survive.'" He put his hat back on and drew his sidearm as he strode for the elevator. If they asked him where he was going, he'd stop and look back. "To where I belong. In the streets with my family." And then he walked out without stopping again.

Once at ground level, he strode outside as the first Commandos arrived. "COMMANDOS! This is only starting! We will end this in the next twelve hours. They upped the ante and now the Californians are going all in. You will sack out for two and a half hours. Then we move."

Sorry for being late on this... As of about 7:00am MST, May 2, 2008 some construction workers that were digging up the road a block or so from my house snagged some cables and it knocked the telephone/internet services out for an area of about two or three blocks.

I will be checking in every now and then and posting what I have since I have to work from my home computer without internet until those bastards fix the damage they've done. My next post should be along within a coupla days... I just have to add some finishing touches and it should be ready. Thanks for understanding Crimm.

Apologies for the length of time taken between May 12 and now. However, I am back into the swing of things now that my internet connection has been restored. Here soon within the next forty-eight hours my long awaited follow-up will be posted. Again... sorry for the delay.

‘At what point shall we expect the approach of danger? By what means shall we fortify against it? Shall we expect some transatlantic military giant, to step the Ocean, and crush us at a blow? Never! All the armies of Europe, Asia and Africa combined, with all the treasure of the earth (our own excepted) in their military chest; with [Napoleon] Bonaparte for a commander, could not by force, take a drink from the Ohio, or make a track on the Blue Ridge, in a trial of a thousand years. At what point, then, is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, if it [should] ever reach us it must spring up amongst us. It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide.’ — Abraham Lincoln. January 27, 1838.


March 25-26, 2264

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
President Adm. Comtesse Allessandra Dévnostraéva lay sleeping in a military cot on the floor in the conference room of the Operations Center; she lay there lightly sleeping as her aide strode in trying to be silent as possible so as not to wake her. Upon reaching her she noticed she was stripped down to nothing more than her unbuttoned blouse, bra and panties with her jacket, pants, and socks rolled up and placed under her head for a pillow, her shoes arranged side by side under her bed with a olive drab wool blanket draped over her lower body. She stood and watched Sandra sleep, her chest rising and falling with every breath following the curves of her body, admiring her well toned physique until she was interrupted. "Are you going to sit there and gawk at me all night or do you have something to tell me?" Sandra said with her eyes still closed, her mouth curled into a devious smirk. She blushed for a minute and regaining her composure saluted "Yes, Ma'am. Californian Army Ground Forces and Crimmond's military forces have reported that they have pulled back into the designated safe area, The other three Quadrumvirate members are awaiting your decision." She threw the blanket off of her and got out of the bed standing and walked to the table and looked out over the city, seeing the orange-gray clouds in the distance marking the affected areas of the conflict she grabbed her pair of binoculars from the nearby table and scanned the sprawling cityscape.

She looked out over the city through her binoculars, and unbeknown to her aide a small tear streamed from the corner of her right eye. As she set the binoculars down the turned to her aide and with an expression that could only be deemed as quiet resignation she sighed. “Four hundred years ago one of the greatest presidents in American history was quoted for this, he declared that should the United States ever fall, it would fall to its own people… and not those of any foreign army, as a warning of things to come. As it was the United States was beginning to become a divided nation when he made this speech in 1838 and now I am looking out and seeing that what he has said doesn’t just pertain to the United States of America alone.”

Her aide looked over to her not understanding the quote, let alone the identity of the man who made it, and asked out of abject curiosity. “Which president said this?” Sandra nodded “The man who said this was none other than Abraham Lincoln, and the scary thing is the startling reality of his words and the mute testament they bear to the events that happened on November 19, 1999, and the war that erupted not more than a decade later… some one-hundred and sixty years after his making this speech. I now understand what has to be done… and like Mr. Lincoln, this will undoubtedly be a heavy burden for this nation to undertake, and we will have to fight against these elements within our country that seek to destroy us. Should we fail… should we place our interests elsewhere… should we pause for a moment, we will lose the ability to retain control and this nation will plunge further into chaos."

Looking over her shoulder at her aide she sighed. “It is time. Contact the Californian Commonwealth Air Force, and issue the orders to scramble those two squadrons of fighters immediately, I want them to bomb this area until there are nothing left but glowing cinders!” Her aide looked stunned at her giving this order and answered “You’re serious about this? Dear God, help us all.” Sandra smiled and without looking back over her shoulder replied. “God has nothing to do with this. Our fates in our own hands now… and if we don’t act fast we’re not going live long enough to do anything about it.”

San Fernando AFB, California, California — Californian Commonwealth
At the signal several F/A-25E Phoenix MRF fighters left their hangars armed to the teeth with their designated armament for the mission they’d been briefed hours before on, a good portion of the pilots had reservations about conducting bombing runs on a civilian area… let alone a civilian area in their own country. However their worries were dispelled when told that all civilians had been evacuated from the area prior to the green-light for this mission. Capt. Jennifer Devereaux taxied her fighter to the runway and at the all clear signal she hit her afterburners and with a thunderous roar she began increasing speed down the runway until she lifted off from the runway and was airborne. Within the next two hours two squadrons of fighters were airborne and en route to Los Angeles.

Over Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R.
Capt. Devereaux found her targets easily and circling her target while descending to a lower elevation she leveled out at three-thousand feet over Hollywood Blvd. and flew south until she was over her target. After locking on to a fortified building which prior to being overran by its current occupants was a two-story music store at the intersection of Alameda St. and Florence Ave. after hearing the tone letting her know she was locked-on to her target she triggered two laser guided AAGM-121 Scythe missiles and banked to the right. Within hours all targets within the city were annihilated, with massive areas of Huntington Park and South Gate smoldering, with yellow-orange flames licking at the pulverized concrete and rebar littering the streets and ruins of what used to be the commercial district of these cities.

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
Hours later her aide returned to see Sandra fully dressed and enjoying a well-cooked breakfast alone in the conference room, without saying anything she took a seat next to her at the head of the table. “Reports have come in, the air strikes against are finished, all enemy fortifications have been destroyed and the remnants of the revolutionary element within the city who haven’t fallen victim to the air strikes are giving up and are being taken into custody.”

Sandra finished the mouthful of food before nodding. “Good. But I expect that this isn’t the last time we will be hearing about these people, if they are anything like I imagine, their leadership are regrouping and formulating a new plot against our country. People like this do not tolerate failure; setbacks like the one we have delivered today will not break these people and only further encourage them more to bring us to our knees. It is because of this that we will have to ever vigilant in our pursuit of these revolutionaries… these terrorists. From here on out, we will designate an entire section of the Department of State Security to monitoring this threat, keeping them under surveillance, we will need to train operatives to go undercover to ferret out these people until they are no longer a threat to this nation. I want it seen to it that the next time anyone or any organization advocates the use of violence to further a political goal that they are sent to prison and locked away! People like this shouldn’t be looked upon as heroes… these people are traitors and should be treated as such. As my friend Col. Daunt has said: ‘To have mercy on an enemy is to always have an enemy. Let not one survive.’”

Daunt himself had assembled the entire remaining Commando force to the roof of a skyscraper outside the bombing area. There they watched the fighters decimate the area. Several helmet cameras and three tripod cameras recorded the event, complete with commentary that was strictly business. Almost all of it was comments on how big a blast radius or how heavy the ordinance was. Occasionally, they'd comment on the aim of the weapons, if one seemed to strike an odd target. Occasionally, Daunt was seen on the videos, standing along the edge of the building, staring at the destruction. As the runs ended, someone asked his opinion on the operation. He turned and looked at the Commando. "A lot of blood got spilled on this trip. A lot of it was by my orders. Some of it was spilled by my brothers and sisters... by you men and women. But you never stopped doing your duty. You never stopped fighting. You never questioned why we were here. There isn't any unit in this world I'd rather be commanding than this one right here and now. We lost a few of our own... but those lives were spent towards a greater goal. Not wasted in vain. Remember that. Remember them." They planned on releasing the videos to the Californian and Crimm news agencies uncut, allowing both to do what they would with it.

After the videos were off and the Commandos sacked out for a while, Daunt approached his top sniper along the railing and spoke quietly to her. "Sergeant... I believe you had something to tell me earlier?"

Laran looked around for a moment, judging the area clear of anyone who could overhear. "Yes, sir. Several weeks ago I was approached by an officer outside the program. They have revealed to me that there is a growing movement in the military against General Pace. They know the Commandos dislike Pace and want our assistance. I informed them that I had no authority, but they said to inform you, so that you could make the decision."

Ian thought for a few moments. "It's true we have no real love for the General, but I'm not one to go committing treason. Even if I do think he's an asshole of the smelliest variety."

"I told them you might say something like that. They had an answer for that, as well. According to them, it isn't treason as the Brotherhood is a foreign military entity, not a home-grown political force. They intend to place a Crimm in charge of the nation. Not someone from the Brotherhood."

Daunt arched an eyebrow. If this unnamed 'they' could do that, the nation might be back on track. "Interesting. I suppose you trust the person well enough, or you'd have told me their name. Alright, Sergeant. Tell them they have our support. We'll be ready if something happens."

Laran nodded and stepped away as Daunt smirked to himself. Perhaps I can assist this person more than they know, too...

"Sergeant." Laran stopped and looked back, as Daunt went on. "Come with me. I think I can do one better than just promising our support."

=========

An hour later, Daunt and Laran were inside the command center, easily gaining access to the Californian leadership.

Once they were all gathered, Daunt looked at his Sergeant. "Well, Sam... it's your show. You know more about this person than I do."

Laran nodded and removed her helmet, setting it down. "According to my contac-" She paused as Daunt cleared his throat. She looked at him and nodded. "According to Colonel Sonya Volsung, one of our nations last remaining senior ranking nationals, we are in a position to take over the Empire of Crimmond from the Brotherhood of Nod. As you no doubt know, General Pace been in power for almost half a decade and have proven themselves just slightly less a tyrant than Kane was. The Brotherhood snuck into power during the reigns of the Coleman family... who led us into such pacifism that it makes me ill to think about it." She clears her throat. "Anyway, Colonel Vargas has worked her way up through the chain of command with the purpose of placing a Crimm on the throne again, deposing the invading force once and for all. Unfortunately, we will likely end up looking much as your socialist rebels did. As dissidents. Radicals. Threats to the public safety. To place a Crimm in charge of Crimmond, we will need someone outside assisting us. The Colonel is trying to woo Jai Resi into supporting us, as well as Automagfreek and Pantera. None have been responsive to our calling in favors, which has left us all infuriated. They want a stable Crimmond. And this would destabilize everything once again... they don't give a damn who leads us so long as they are firm and do what is needed to keep their power. Even if it means that the Crimmond they allied themselves with so long ago dies a slow and silent death. So now... we turn to you. All we wish is political support. Nothing military, as most of the armed forces are on our side. All we need is a strong voice from outside the nation saying 'we support the Crimm'."

"Thank you, Samantha." Daunt motions for the Sergeant to take a seat and places his hat on the table in front of him. "I think it must strike you as odd that I came here to help you put down an armed rebellion and have eneded up asking you to support another one, but I hope you can understand that I did not know about this movement in detail until an hour ago and that the reasons are more substantial than what the rioters and terrorists we just dealt with were screaming about."

March 26, 2264

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
President Adm. Comtesse Allessandra Dévnostraéva sat at the table acting casual while listening to Sgt. Samantha Laran go on in detail about the fresh internal problems arising in their nation. While trying to act as casual as possible, she sat and focused on Sgt. Laran, she made sure she was looking and changed her eye color from her usual golden brown to a luminescent yellow-orange and locked her stare on the sergeant’s eyes and gave a mischievous smirk and thought to herself with a full head of hair she’d be my type completely… even with the scar she is damned gorgeous… does she consider this scar a badge of honor… or would she decline the offer if I told her I’d be happy to remove it for her…. She leaned into the table, and placed her hand under her chin and gazed at her not caring if she seen her or not until Col. Daunt interrupted her. “Would you be interested in helping us with our internal problem?”

She blinked twice and getting her mind back on track she nodded “Absolutely, the one thing California needs is to further relations with its allies… and seeing as you have been more than helpful with aiding us in putting an end to this problem, I see it only fair that we return the favor. “ Sneaking a look at the sergeant, she smiled. “The only condition I have for this, is that I be allowed to accompany your group back to Crimmond. Furthermore after the success of this mission… I would like to extend the invitation to open diplomatic outposts in both of our nations… something to the tune of an embassy but without the need for formality and all of the protocol that comes with it.”

She shot a look at the sergeant again from the corner of her eye. “Plus, I figure that we can get to know each other and our respective nations more. California has been in what I can only term as an isolationist state for over one-hundred and fifty years… and the harm this has done has left is a little behind as far as our technological level is concerned. However, we don’t fancy ourselves with having to be as technologically advanced as others in the world… but only research those items that would aid us in having a chance against someone who may be more superior to us in technology.”

She turned and walked to the large glass windows looking out over the city, seeing the smoking ruins of what was once the bustling neighborhoods of Huntington Park and South Gate which had been overran with the Socialist extremists who just weeks prior actually had it in their mind that they were organized and strong enough to topple the democratic government of this nation. “Plus, we need strong allies to aid us when we rebuild. Who knows… can you think of the nations out there that wouldn’t look at this moment as a chance to strike us while we appear weakened? We refuse to allow ourselves to be lead by the necks down the same path, repeating history… making the same mistakes as the Americans. Three-hundred and twenty-three years ago… the Americans knew the Japanese would attack, they knew they were coming for Pearl Harbor. The hard intelligence was in hand and was verifiable, but did they act upon that intelligence? We would’ve never given any significance to December 7 had they acted on that intelligence. We refuse to be lead down this same path.”

She turned to face them... the midday sun illuminated her, giving her the appearance that she was glowing. “I say this only once. We may consider ourselves more deserving to be called Americans than those corrupted, morally bankrupt, sycophants east of our border. But repeat their mistakes? Never! They were the ones who set up their nation to be like the Roman Empire… and just like the Romans, they were divided and fell. And like Rome, it will never be the same again. We on the other hand being the dignified remnants of this former nation have decided that instead of continuing on in the place of the Americans… to change with the times. We moved on. Evolved.” She looked across the room.”It is because of this evolved state we are in that we have become something greater than the Americans could have ever imagined, and now seeing that we do not need the false securities of isolating ourselves anymore from the world… we now have trustworthy allies in Crimmond. Given a half a decade or less… we should have stepped beyond this isolationist phase and reenter the world stage again, taking our rightful place as the successor of the United States of America.”

She looked at Col. Daunt and briefly at Sgt. Laran, and then to the others. “I am sorry if I went on for a while, but the underlying point is there. Would your nation consider the offer of creating outposts in our two nations? Also, in case it went unanswered, we would be more than glad to assist you should you need our help in putting an end to any problems you’re having in Crimmond.”

Daunt leaned back in his chair and looked at his top sniper, then back at the President. "Ma'am, I'm sorry to say I can't answer those issues. That's setting policy... and while I might be able to give an opinion on what I think of the ideas, I can't do anything about making them happen. To be honest, the only reason I'll even have a job is the fact that the media is turning me into some sort of hero... and the people don't like seeing a hero get the boot." Beside him, the sniper sat almost perfectly still, merely glancing from one person to the other. If she caught any gazes, she most likely assumed it was because of the scar.

He leans forward. "There is only one person that can answer what you need answered. And that's the man we plan to have out of power in short order. I suppose you could pitch your ideas to Pace, but he's not exactly your normal politician. He's a straight up misanthropic head-case with delusions of dominating at least half the planet through some means or another. That's why he's rebuilding our military so throughly.

"I'm sure that we can provide you with technology at reasonable rates, but the Empire has also been rather isolated. Though we have always had an open door for the Freeks and Reavers. Except for that one short time... but I won't go into that woman here, beyond that." It was obvious he didn't think too much of whoever 'that woman' was. "The bottom line is, I can't give you a definite yes or no on any of the issues you raised. The most I can do is give..." he smirked just a tad. "...a definite maybe."

March 26, 2264

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
She took in all of the information and wasn't disappointed in the answer she recieved, she nodded her understanding and left it at that. Whiel sitting at the table she grabbed a pen and paper from the middle of the table and started writing, as she was writing she began musing silently to herself about Sgt. Laran and thought to herself I wonder if she would respond if I shown interest in her. Regardless of the scar she is still quite attractive. She shot a quick look at Sgt. Laran and while believing she wasn't seen licked her lips.

She turned and faced Col. Daunt and whether it be from her feelings for Sgt. Laran or because of being satisfied with finding some like-minded allies for once she was smiling. "Thank you for offering to assist us with your technology." And looking at the whole group, while looking more at the sergeant, she smiled. "Besides, if things workout soon, with these outposts you guys could concievably have a home away from home here in California." Looking at the sergeant she smiled. "For some of you, your job is all you have... but you cannot deny yourselves a little time away from work." That said, I would be more than happy to provide all of you, with a place of your own here in California. You can choose between Ranchos Palos Verdes, Hollywood Hills, or here in the Los Angeles S.A.R. at Executive Tower 1. You would not even have to reciprocate my offer."

She looked at Col. Daunt and smiled. "Besides… Colonel, I am slightly infatuated with one of your troops. And if she doesn’t mind… I’d love to take her on a date.”

Daunt nodded. "Like I said, that'll have to be sorted out by all those that have the power. I've stuck out my neck enough as it is for one trip." He rumbled out a chuckle. "I plan on keeping a low profile for a while, if I can..."

He blinked at the mention of 'date'. And 'her'. He looks confused, then looks at Laran.

She looks more than a tad surprised. She had been studying the President, but they seemed to make different things out of that. After a moment, Sam cleared her throat. "I'm afraid that I wouldn't be a very interesting a date... All I know is this." She raises one of her armored hands. "I haven't even taken an off-base leave in eight years."

Daunt chuckles again. "Madame President, Commandos aren't your average troops. We were the most hardcore Marines the nation had, then we were... augmented. Physically, genetically... we're killing machines and that's all any of us think about anymore. Even now, I've checked the defensible positions and escape routes from this room three times each for five different types of attack, from snipers to aircraft. The Sergeant here is one of the most dedicated we have. She'd have a target coming through that door behind you neutralized before your brain even registered they were entering. That's why the Senate wanted to trash us. We're more than just a little different from the normal run-of-the-mill humans."

March 26, 2264

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
Sandra smiled and nodded her understanding. "I completely understand your point; I am not one of those 'run-of-the-mill humans' either... Tell me Colonel, have you heard of a project codenamed Nightshade? This was supposedly a top secret pet project of the Soviet Union's during the decades between 1960 and 1980. The Soviets sent a vessel into space, deep space. So far that they were able to test one of the first working theories of space travel using wormholes… or rather very weak black holes. Those onboard this vessel found they were in a far corner of the universe unexplored by anything save for the human eye and high-powered telescopes. What they found there were a race of human-like beings much like we are now, save for a few differing characteristics. Being unable to find their way back this race allowed some of their own to accompany these Soviets back here, and once on Earth the Soviets kept these people locked up at Saratov, a highly guarded base and performed series upon series of experiments using the Recombinant DNA from these people in an attempt to create a superhuman race during the Cold War. A type of soldier that would be able to adapt to any climate, any terrain… a soldier created specifically for use against the United States.”

To prove she was serious she held up her open palm and within seconds the skin color of her forearm turned into a darker tan, the fingers on her hand nearly doubling in length ending in sharp talon-like nails. Turning her palm to the Colonel and the sergeant she smiled this time the nice warm golden brown of her eyes faded into a bright orange-gold color. “I hope I don’t put you off with this demonstration… but I along with three dozen others are the products of Project Nightshade.” She put her hand down on the table and slowly she changed her hand back into its human form, and smiled with her eyes still a bright orange-gold. “You see, I more than understand about being different. It’s part of the reason I am attracted to you sergeant.” She looked over at the sergeant, and smiled in a friendly manner. “You may not think you would be an interesting date, and I know you like your job. But as you stated, you haven’t taken an off-base leave in eight years. Don’t you think you need to relax once in a while? Look at it this way, were you to acquiesce and go out on a date with me, were I plan to take you neither of us will be in any danger, and hell you might even like this place. It’s one of the places I go when I feel overburdened.”

She looked over at Col. Daunt. “Have you thought about my offer of having a place of your own here in California?” She looked over at Sgt. Laran. “Like I said earlier, I wouldn’t mind giving you guys places to live here within California, these would be like vacation homes… of sorts. Like a home away from home kind of thing. Helps ease the burden of having to travel with a lot of gear and what not from Crimmond all the way here if you have some of it already here…wouldn’t you agree?”

She smiled looking at Colonel Daunt and Sergeant Laran. “Besides… I am not entirely helpless. I didn’t make it all the way to the rank of Admiral of the Navy based on my looks.” She opened her coat to reveal two shoulder holsters carrying a pair of Colt 1911 .45s, each fitted with a full profile compensator. “Though I walk through the valley in the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil. Because I am the baddest motherfucker in the valley.” She smiled. “Some may think us Navy types as being unable to defend ourselves without being on open water, these same people forget that we have the SEALs” and gave a devious smirk, her orange-gold eyes appearing to glow as she smiled.

Daunt didn't answer or react at the demonstration as the President spoke, instead he looked over at the Sergeant to gauge her reaction.

She leaned forward slowly as the other woman finished and cleared her throat. "You don't want to be involved with a commando. Trust me. We're shock troops. We drop from near orbit in pods, throw off the enemy from the high ground and secure landing zones for the main force. Then we act as shock troops, penetrating deep into enemy territory and disrupting them. At the wars end, we are the last to be pulled out of the warzone. Our lives are measured in days and weeks. Not months and years. No commando can afford attachments that might distract them. No friends. No family. No one outside the commandos. Anything else would put the operations in danger."

Daunt leaned back. "I'm afraid she's right. I was hoping to dissuade you gently, Madame President... but there are standing orders for Commandos to not mingle with those outside the program except where orders call for it. The Sergeant can't go out with anyone, without violating those orders. And before you ask who issued them... It was me. Ten years ago. As the most senior Commando, I saw the need for such an isolation when three of my men were killed because another tried to run and stopped laying down covering fire. He was running because he wanted to see his girlfriend one last time. I could not allow the operations to be put at risk. If we fail to achieve an objective, the whole war could be lost. If one man or woman fails to do their duty, an invasion force could be facing insurmountable odds. It's harsh, but required." By the way he said the words and the look in his eye, he meant it. Laran seemed to agree, by her body language.

March 26, 2264

Combined Forces Command Center, Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles S.A.R., California — Californian Commonwealth
Sandra gave a sigh and smiled. "I understand, Colonel... But you can't blame me for trying. Even with the scar she is quite beautiful, it doesn't make me think less of her. In fact if it doesn't come across as an insult for me saying it serves as some kind of reminder that she is still somewhat human." From casual observation one couldn't tell if she was making an attempt to hide her disappointment, and if she was making any attempt it wasn’t that great of an effort, either that or she was showing a side of herself rarely seen. She looked up at the colonel and the sergeant and smiled. “Hey, God knows I tried.”

She walked over to the small kitchenette and opened the liquor cabinet and stood there trying to make up her mind as to what she felt in the mood for, and finally setting her eyes on a bottle of one-hundred and fifty proof whiskey she nodded to herself and grabbed a tall glass, and opening the freezer went to the task of filling it with some ice before pouring her whiskey until it was less than an inch from the rim of the glass. Taking one large drink, she closed her eyes and swore under her breath. And while still standing there in the kitchen with her back to them she wiped a solitary tear from her left eye. She smiled to herself. “Even after all that’s happened, regardless of what I have become… I still possess some humanity.” She dried her eyes and turning back to them she took a nonchalant sip of her whiskey and smiled. “So, when do we leave for Crimmond? Regardless of what’s happened here regarding the sergeant, I won’t renege on my pledge to help you with the problems you are having at home. ”

Laran arched an eyebrow. "I don't need a scar to remind me I'm human... I've never forgotten it."

Daunt spoke up at that point, to cut off any possible disagreement. "We can leave as soon as you like... though the bulk of the Commandos will remain here to provide your forces with that little added intimidation in this... difficult period."

[going to speed things along here, for convenience. Feel free to add in a filler space for your people]

======

After only three and a half hours in the air, the supersonic transport touched down in North Africa. Cairo, to be exact. As the plane taxied to a terminal, Daunt looked towards the President. "One more sign of the Brotherhood's influence... the base of power in the Empire is here in Africa now, instead of in Europe, as it has been for generations."

Daunt and Laran lead the way off the plane, where they are greeted by a man sporting a single star on his shoulders. The other distinguishing factor is that he was missing an eye, a ragged scar running right over it. "General Skorzeny." Daunt salutes and gets one in return.

The man looks Daunt over and then the President. "Do you know how much paperwork you've caused me, Daunt? You know I despise paperwork." Despite the words, he sounded amused. "Now, I suppose this is one of the Californian leaders... welcome to the Empire. Forgive the heat, if you will. You had the unfortunate pleasure of arriving in the late morning. Don't worry though... I assure you it will only get hotter as the day progresses." He smirks a tad.

March, 27, 2264

En route to the Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond
President Dévnostraéva sat comfortably inside the plane and whilst waiting for the plane to taxi and come to a complete stop she conversed with the colonel, when he made reference to their base of power residing in Africa she smiled. “I remember this area… back when it was the Republic of Egypt, I had to kill — or rather… assassinate — someone here. Not a lot of good it did, we went to war with the Egyptians anyways after that incident.”

After the plane stopped and everyone had exited the plane she greeted the general, and looking around she seen that or, rather the area that was formerly known as Egypt was still like she remembered it in a lot of aspects, she couldn’t say that she didn’t like what they did with the place. After having her attention caught by General Skorzeny she smiled about his comment about the heat and replied with one of her own. “Don’t worry; the heat doesn’t bother me much. Besides, I have clothing that keeps my body cool regardless of the temperature on the outside.” She tapped the smaller of her two suitcases. “As soon as we get into some place where I can change I’ll be putting this (http://www.mi6.co.uk/media/gallery/eon_characters/nadanova_2.jpg) on, It might not look fashionable, but I am not here to make a fashion statement.”

The General shook his head. "No need... we have introduced the wonder of central air to the peoples of Africa. And all of the units are industrial strength." he motions towards a vehicle pulling up. It looked like a modified light military vehicle.

Once they were traveling, they would pass several large swaths of open land, where one man trikes were tearing through terrain. Why they would use a three-wheel configuration is unclear, until several dismount and yank up on the control yoke. It lifts up and reveals a hidden minigun, which they use to shred targets at medium range. Daunt motions to them. "The guns are only 10mm... but you get fifty of those out there and you can tear the ass out of an infantry line. We proved it when taking all of North Africa from Vetalia. And it only took us three days to do it." He seemed more than proud of that fact.

After around ten more minutes, they entered the city of Cairo and tore through the main streets towards the largest building in the city. Dévnostraéva would be escorted inside by the General, but he ordered Daunt and Laran to return to the base. Apparently General Pace did not wish to look at the Colonel at the moment. As the two walked down a long, air-conditioned corridor, he looked over the President. "I think we'll be meeting Pace along with another Colonel... Sonya Volsung. I believe you know her name." Apparently the coup was spreading into the staff officers as well. More and more likely to succeed then.

He opens the door to the conference chamber and steps inside. "General Pace, I present you President Dévnostraéva of California."

Pace just nodded slowly. He was seated in an oversized chair at the head of the table, wearing a bizarre combination of a Victorian long coat over a bare chest, with standard Marine fatigue pants and boots. More than a dozen scars and tattoos covered his body and one eye was painted up like the Eye of Ra. It was a throughly strange and fittingly Gholgothic choice.

There were two other persons in the room as well. A tall woman in a perfectly groomed uniform, Colonel insignia on her collar. Her long hair was pulled back and behind the neutral mask lay cold and calculating eyes. The other was a man who was just as imposing as Pace. He was wearing the standard full body combat armor of the Crimm (as opposed to the specialized Commando armor). It was obviously a Nod design and was mostly black with red highlights. On the table in front of him was a custom made helmet, with a mask in place of the face shield. If Dévnostraéva knew anything about Gholgoth's history, she'd recognize it as a replica of the mask Damien Dreadfire once wore.

Pace stood slowly. "Madame President... welcome to the Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond. May I introduce two of my other officers... the lovely Colonel Sonya Volsung, one of my most valued field commanders... and Chimola 'the Butcher' Amin, better known as The Redeemer... clone of Damien Dreadfire. He is my best field commander, bar none."

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond
She have a disappointed yet amused smile when Gen. Skorzeny told her that there was no need for her to don her ‘catsuit’. Her lips curled into a smile. “Central Air? I can honestly say that this is a vast improvement from when I was here about two-hundred years previously. As I said on the plane I was sent here with a SEAL team to assassinate a royal member of the Saudi family… I believe his name was Bin-Laden.” After getting into the provided vehicle she simply looked out of the passenger window at the passing scenery while Gen. Skorzeny informed her of the three-wheeled ‘trikes’, she was impressed with their overall construction and all the more impressed with the hidden 10mm mini-gun.

After roughly ten minutes they made their way to a large building that dominated the skyline of the city, as the vehicle drew near she reminisced about how it was a lot like Executive Tower 1 at the A.S.V. Plaza. When they finally drew to a stop and exited she remarked on she was escorted inside without Col. Daunt or Sgt. Laran in attendance, as they walked down a long air conditioned corridor she couldn’t help but feel she was in the underground bunkers or command center half a mile under Executive Tower 1. When the mention that she’d be meeting up with another Colonel she instinctively stiffened, thinking to herself. This just got a little uncomfortable… after familiarizing myself with Col. Daunt and Sgt. Laran they want me to meet another colonel? She kept preparing herself to have to introduce herself and get to know this new colonel until she heard the name ‘Volsung’ and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

She momentarily clenched her jaw. News must spread fast… faster among allies she thought to herself, but as she was brought to the doors she kept it mind that she was there to help them… just as they had been for her. After the door to the conference center was opened the first thing that caught her eye was the eccentrically dressed Gen. Pace, and then Col. Volsung. Learning her lesson from her past encounter with the sergeant she tried to refrain from giving too much attention to the colonel… though she did look beautiful.

Her eyes then set upon a figure dressed in full body combat armor, and looking at the helmet with the mask upon casual observation she thought he was Damien Dreadfire, that was until he was introduced as Chimola 'the Butcher' Amin or The Redeemer. After being informed that this was a clone of Dreadfire, she walked up until she was within two feet from him. Her lips curled into that demonic little smile of hers again. “Wow, he looks exactly like Damien Dreadfire. I have done business with him in the past, in fact I bought one-hundred thousand tanks from him several decades back.” Turning to everyone else she wore an impressed look on her face. ““You had me thinking he was Dreadfire, right up until you introduced him.”

She then walked back to the table and clasped her hands in front of her. “So, now that we have the pleasantries out of the way, what can I do for you?” Smiling she looked at General Pace. "Also, you can call me Sandra."

the Butcher stood up under the scrutiny well. He was certainly a match for Dreadfire in physique and presence. He chuckled. "And that is why Damien wants me dead. He has met me once and in that meeting, he knocked me flat for merely speaking to him. Unfortunately, killing me would cause an international incident and a rift between our nations. So I am but one thorn in the Warlord's side." The man even sounded like Damien. It was probably the reason he grew his hair... to differentiate himself from the original.

Pace leaned back. "Chimola is actually a leftover of a previous ruler's scheming to twist Damien and make him bow to Crimmond. That failed, of course... When Delta, the leader in question, was taken from power... The Redeemer, as he was still known then, dropped out of sight. In fact, I had taken him prisoner and was working to undo the psychological damage done to him. I turned him from an animalistic killing machine into a tactician in only a few short years. When I took power, I immediately made him a field commander and placed him in charge of internal security."

Moving away from the topic, Omar leans forward again. "Now, then... Sandra... we have a very interesting case indeed. Apparently Crimm forces defeated a Socialist uprising. While I can appreciate and be filled with joy at the sight of socialists being crushed... I am filled with annoyance at the fact that this action was undertaken without orders and resulted in the deaths of several top Commandos. I would have Daunt's head, if I could. Unfortunately, the man is an expert at taking reckless actions and manipulating the media into calling him a hero... that way he can't get touched. It is a double bladed sword indeed."

He is about to go on, when Volsung speaks up. "General, I know that Daunt broke procedure, but one cannot deny that t has gained us an opportunity that would not be here otherwise. To have California in close alliance... together our nations control vast swaths of land and resources."

Pace nodded, seeming annoyed. "I am well aware of this, Colonel. As I am aware of your own strong support for Daunt in the past. If you would allow me to continue?" He waits for a slow nod and looks at the President. "My quandary is simple, really... how to make the most of this. A strengthening of economic ties seems the immediate option. Perhaps strengthening of military ties following in time. So... tell me, Sandra... what is it your country is in need of?" The question seemed innocent enough, but the way it was asked held the feeling of a spider inviting a fly to 'step into my parlor'.

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond
She smiled and paused when asked what she needed. It would be lovely to beat those corrupt American scum east of California into submission and bloody the nose of their Menelmacari puppeteers. But that would be asking too much she thought to herself. “California has recently purchased 2.75 million Arca IV Nakíl 1A3 tanks from the Macabees so I believe we’re safe on ground units. What we need are air units. Air superiority, attack fighters and multi-role fighters. And as far as naval requirements go… anything smaller than a dreadnaught will work.”

She stepped back from the table and thought more to herself, hoping she wasn’t causing any impatience. “As for your proposal for strengthening our economic and military ties, I am all for it.” She wove her fingers together and smiled “This is all I can think of for now, I am sure when I can think of anything else it wouldn’t be too much for you to handle.”

Pace hmmed softly and considered for a long moment. "We are currently adjusting our air power to include the new NATO/Gholgoth joint fighter in the near future. Our current fighters are most likely going to take a secondary role to the joint project. I'm sure we can come to some sort of agreement for the transfer of a few squadrons for test purposes. The fighters are twin engine, mid-sized, multi-role planes, meant for attack and fighter missions. They work best when armed exclusively for one or the other. They are within the standards of other nation's fighters. Not the best in the world, but good enough to win you a war without much difficulty."

He leans back for a moment, then forward again. "As for naval forces, I cannot spare anything. The Imperial Navy was only one carrier battlegroup and a thousand or so submarines several years ago. I'm currently pushing shipyards to produce ships quickly, without loss of quality. Our navy numbers in the low thousands of ships and we need every one. You would do better to buy ships from another nation, for you will be in for a long wait with my Empire." He taps a finger on the table top as he changes subjects.

"As for economics, I can offer you the benefits of on-Earth terraforming. You have been to Africa before... you know the wasteland it used to be. The arid, cropless expanses. Ethiopia in particular was nothing but substance farms and dirt. Lots of dirt. I focused countless amounts of money on developing this area of Crimmond into fertile land. Terraformers prepared the area for short-term use and long term use was from soil-enrichers and gigantic condensers working together have resulted in a man-made Fertile Crescent in Africa. I have expanded this to other areas and have actually shrunk the Sahara 12%. It's still a beast of a desert... but it can be tamed. I leave it as an obstacle for any invasion force to deal with. I would be willing to trade this technology to you, in exchange for allowing Crimm corporations into California."

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond
Sandra looked a little displeased that she wouldn’t get anything out of Crimmond as far as naval assets went, but was pleased nonetheless with the agreement on getting some better fighters for her air force. She had previously taken the stance of shunning foreign dependency as far as trade and military equipment went, but regardless of her beliefs that California would be better of producing their own units internally she knew that as soon as they developed their units, someone would be along to trump theirs with something better. She smiled thinking to herself, We could always reverse engineer the bastards until we find something we like…. She smiled before giving her answer. “Ok, We’ll take the aircraft. I will admit that I am a bit disappointed about the issue with naval units. But this will suffice.”

At the mention of terra-forming she smiled with satisfaction, she began to think if what she could do with the arid stretches of Old Mexico, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. She nodded in agreement. “Twelve percent is a rather huge portion when you think about it… regardless of how small the number itself sounds. Having demonstrated this ability to terra-form massive areas of desert has intrigued me greatly.” She walked over and sat on the edge of the table. “Now the price for this technology is my allowing Crimmondto setup corporations in California? Consider it done. I only have one caveat… since you have demonstrated to me your skill with cloning.” She pointed her finger at Colonel Volsung. “My price for allowing Crimmond to setup corporations in California, I want a clone of her.”

Omar nods. "Yes... it is a large number. Some 420 thousand miles of desert turned into grasslands and crops. There are still some three million miles of sand, but as I said... it is allowed to remain because of it's defensive benefits."

At the request... nay, almost demand... Omar and Amin both turn and look at Volsung. Who seems quite surprised indeed. Omar cleared his throat. "Officially, all of that equipment no longer exists. It was destroyed upon the coming of my rule." Which meant that it almost assuredly still existed, in some facility deep under wraps. "And there are only a handful of clones in Crimmond. It is a very... delicate process. If it is not done correctly, there can be serious mental complications. Downs, autism and straight up permanent vegetative states are common. As far as I know, there are only four people in Crimmond that are confirmed clones."

Sonya waves Omar to stop talking, which he allows given the odd circumstance. "Now wait just a damn second here, President Dévnostraéva... I've got a few questions for you... namely, why the hell do you want a clone of me? And why shouldn't I strike you for even requesting such a thing?"

A cleared throat from the far end of the room announced that Skorzeny was still in the room, lurking as he so often did. "Temper, Sonya... I know you're used to sticking a Negotiator in someone's ribs, but let's hear her out."

Sonya did not look pleased in the least. Beside her, Amin looked... amused.

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond.
At the questioning of the Colonel as to why she would want a clone of her she blushed, the first time she had done so in decades, still yet another sign of her possessing some humanity. She cleared her throat and looking at her with as serious an expression as she can muster. “You were present at my little demonstration back in California were you not? You should be aware by now that while I am human in appearance, I am something far from being human. That demonstration back at the Combined Forces Command Center was merely illustrating to them that I wasn’t just another ‘run of the mill human’. The fact is, and it has probably become one of the many interesting notes in the dossiers of many nation’s reports on me… is that I prefer the company of women. And before you think I am choosing you based on your looks, while you are beautiful, you also possess great military skill and should I be allowed to have a clone of yourself I would hope that your memories would be left intact on the clone as well. My intentions aren’t merely sensual or sexual although it does make up a large factor of my reason for choosing you."

She smiled at the Colonel trying to be as pleasant as possible about her reasoning. "However, my reasoning is simply because when my Soviet creators decided to combine human and Aurezecian DNA they failed to realize in their blundering oversight that this particular race is almost hermaphroditic in nature. In the Aurezecian system of planets there are no males, and this is owed to evolution to be simple about it. A neighboring system developed a genetic virus which mutated the genome structure of all Aurezecians making it impossible for them to breed and further continue the race. Their population dwindled by the hundreds of millions as those affected by this virus died from the effects or killed themselves, yet somehow through genetic manipulation they had managed to beat this curse and created what became Aurezecius Hominis Superiorae, or rather collectively known as the ‘New Breed’.”

She again demonstrated her inhuman ability, this time transforming completely until no shred of her humanity remained, her bright golden eyes shining in the dim room. “As such, it is impossible for me to appreciate the company of males, in fact it is rather painful for our kind. And thanks to my Soviet creators oversight I am cursed to remain as you would deem a woman of this situation… a homosexual?” She looked over to Sonya and smiled, her teeth seeming to glow whiter against her darkened tan complexion. As I told Sgt. Laran, I hope this puts none of you off. But now you have my reason.”

Omar rolled his eyes visibly at the transformation. He seemed unimpressed. Being he was who he was though... he had probably seen all sorts of experiments that had very strange results.

Sonya just stared at her for a long moment, absorbing the information and floor show. She leaned back slowly and rubbed her temples slowly. "Are you telling me you want a clone of me... so you can have sex with it? And not just a physical clone, but a full clone?" She sighs and looks at the President. "I don't suppose you know my background, do you? Alright, here it is... my real name is Sonya Volsung, but for years... I was Epsilon. An agent of the Black Staff. Imagine an intelligence organization meeting the Waffen SS. I was assigned by the Corps to infiltrate and inform on them. To do so, I had to become the best agent. I was one of only a few that received code names and not just numbers. I was the only woman to get such a designation. I rose to the top and then tore the Black Staff apart from inside. Years later, the Imperial Inquisition rose in it's place. I infiltrated it just as I had the Black Staff and I destroyed it just as I had it's predecessor." She leans forward. "In my mind are secrets that no one in this room is authorized to know. Not even Pace. No one on this planet can know some of the things I know. To flash copy my mind and memories into a cloned body... it would be a breach of security on unprecedented levels." She takes a breath. "I cannot allow such secrets to fall into anyone's hands... regardless of who they are."

She runs a hand through her hair slowly. "Besides, if you wanted Sonya Volsung that badly... you could have just asked the original."

She smirks just a tad at the looks from the three men.

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond.
Sandra still in her Aurezecian-human form licked her lips. “Sassy, I like that. Tell me, would the original Sonya Volsung have the same attitude as you?” She looked at Sonya her eyes seeming to pulse in brightness with her smile. “Also, would it be possible to keep your personality and most of your memories intact save for the ones you’ve just mentioned?” She looked over to the others. “And if it were so impossible to create a clone, what of this original you speak of?” She walked up to Sonya and standing not more than six inches from her looked her in the eyes. “I don’t know what the original Sonya Volsung would be able to offer, as I have kind of taken a liking to you.” Her golden eyes almost seeming to hypnotize her with their pulsations, she then broke her stare and walked away from Sonya and while she still had her back turned to Sonya she asked. “Say I asked for the original Sonya, and got her. And later on you are killed. Would I be forced into the position of allowing another clone to be made from the original? California also has some very deep secrets, as do I. One of my biggest was displayed right here in the midst of all of you. Were the people of California to come to the knowledge that their nation has been ran for the last twenty-five or so decades by something that was ‘more human than human’ they would understandably panic. The results would be… catastrophic.”

She then walked back over to Sonya and using those evil golden eyes of hers looked directly into her eyes, and brought her hand to the left side of Sonya’s face. “There’s a lot more than sex I want from you… or rather your clone. You possess a natural beauty and a ruthless instinct, almost predatory about you. Granted you… or your clone came to love something like myself, I believe that this predatory instinct would come out to defend me if put in danger. You can expect that I would so the same for yourself or your clone in the same situation.” She slowly brought her hand away from Sonya’s face and broke her stare looking down at Sonya’s body. “I need more than just a lover. I want a companion. So, if you’re telling me a clone would be impossible, then I guess I will have to settle for the original Sonya Volsung.”

Sonya remained seated, watching the other woman and leans back. "I know that sort of feeling... this nation was ruled by a demon in a man's body. Literally... If the people had known exactly what he was, they would have reacted in blind fear and been slaughtered. now, as for the rest of all that... There's only one Sonya Volsung on this planet, Madame President. And that's the way it's going to stay." She stands slowly and tilts her head over to one side. "And 'settling' for her is far from settling."

Omar had planted his face firmly in his palms, not believing the scene playing out before him. Or how he was rapidly loosing power to Sonya because of this... Chimola was barely containing laughter and down at the far side of the room, Skorzeny wasn't even trying to control his.

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond.
Sandra smiled, not knowing exactly what just happened. First she’d been essentially rejected, and now she was just told that she was the only ‘Sonya Volsung’. Looking around the room and seeing Omar plant his face in his palms, she sat there almost completely confused as if she had become the punch-line of a joke she wasn’t aware of. “Okay, please tell me — what the fuck just happened?” Sandra looked around the room, her golden eyes reducing in their usual bright glow to a near metallic sheen.

Sonya places a hand on Sandra's shoulder. "You got told you couldn't have a clone of me. There's too much risk of classified information leaking out. However, you then got told you could have a shot at me." She smirks.

At the table, Omar lifts his head. "This is insane. Colonel! Return to your seat. I'm not letting this go on." Unfortunately, he could find little ground to order her to cease. The Brotherhood had no rules about sexual orientation. It was seen as just better to ignore any acts or homosexuality so long as they did not interfere with duties.

Skorzeny slowly composed himself and stood up. "Oh, come off it, General... let the girl have her fun. It's not like this won't strengthen an alliance."

That fact angered Omar even more. This was taking power over the Californian away from him. "Very well... for the benefit of the alliance, I will not... force the issue."

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond.
Sandra looked over at Sonya and smiled, her eyes immediately resuming their near hypnotic glow. “So, which will it be; my place or yours?” Bringing her arm over Sonya’s shoulder, they calmly began walking out of the meeting leaving the others to themselves. As they left the meeting she couldn’t help but resent Gen. Pace, for the entire time of the meeting she knew he had been trying to manipulate her into doing what he wanted. This fuck, thinks he’s going to manipulate me like some fucking puppet?. She thought silently to herself. The mere idea alone of being the pawn in someone else’s plans was an insult to her, the more she thought of it, the more it brought back painful memories of her past as a member of Nightshade in the Soviet Union. She remembered back to the Brezhnev years in the Soviet Union, coming of age in the years of Andropov, Chernenko and later Gorbachev… she remembered how humiliating it was to be treated like she was an object, something she wouldn’t allow this fuckhead to do.

She looked over at Sonya and instantly felt that regardless of what happened she’d finally met the person she’d been searching for in the last twenty-seven decades. Sure, she once had Alexa Vassaretti and even though she was a fantastic lover and an understanding companion, she was too much in love with the fact that she wasn’t human. She clearly understood that Alexa loved her only for the sex, and as a result of it they drifted apart. She never felt so frustrated in her life at trying to get an understanding out of Alexa that she wanted more from the relationship than just sex, all of these years of unrequited love had finally taken their toll, and at last she believed her destiny was to live alone for the rest of her life. Without any joy behind her smile, she prided herself though on the fact that while she did have Alexa as her mistress while president of California, she helped groom her to become the next president.

As soon as they were out of earshot from everyone else, she asked Sonya in a hushed voice. “What the hell has Pace so goddamned upset? So you’ve agreed to be mine, and in so I have agreed to being yours. What the fuck is the issue with that?!” She smiled devilishly at Sonya, her golden eyes glowing brighter. “As for information being leaked, I am not interested in that at all. But right now, all I want with you is some alone time.” She stepped around Sonya and embraced her from behind bringing her head over Sonya’s shoulder and whispered in a low sexy voice. “Besides, though I may have shown myself in front of you in this form, you haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until the clothes come off, you will never desire another man again.” She lightly kissed her neck and smiled; looking back at those still attending the meeting she knew she immediately disliked Gen. Pace and almost as if to spite him, she whispered to Sonya’s ear again. “So babe, do we go to your place or mine?” and kissed her on the neck again.

Once they were out in the corridor, Sonya chuckled and shut the conference room door behind them. The smile slipped a bit. "Pace is Nod. And Nod is nothing but a conglomeration of egotistical bastards working together because it gets them more power. The way to advance is simple... take someone else's power. Make it your own. And if they try and object, you kill them." She leads Sandra out to a standard military light-truck and gets in. "I have a residence here in Cairo. We can... speak more there." She chuckles.

Once they had arrived and were inside the residence, which appeared to be full of relics from Crimmond's past, Sonya invited Sandra to join her on the plush couch. "Before we get to us, we need to discuss them... I need political support from outside Crimmond to make the coup seem more than a power grab. I need the moral high ground. Once I have that, the population will swing my way... an old ally will see to that. What I need from California is a powerful voice to say that Nod must be deposed in the name of returning a Crimm to power. Namely myself. There's no one else that has my level of experience with Crimmond's enemies. And be forewarned... any Crimm corporations that are allowed into your nation will be fronts for Pace. He will attempt to spread the Brotherhood through your nation. And do not say it is impossible, for he did it to Crimmond and it only took him half a dozen years."

After she had all that out of her system, she smiled softly at Sandra. "And now... what I need from one of California's beautiful leaders is what she needs from me. Something more than just physical pleasures. Something that can last a lifetime. I've been hiding my true nature for almost my whole life and it's time that I was honest with myself, as I spread honesty and truth to the rest of the nation."

========

Meanwhile, Pace was stalking around his office. "That BITCH! She thinks she can horn in on my deal? Fah! I'll have her killed for this."

"Unwise." came the response from Rayden Vorder, who sat nearby. "If this Californian leader is so infatuated with Volsung, her death will most likely result in all ties being severed with Crimmond. We would lose everything we hoped to gain."

Omar whirled on the man he had been grooming to replace him. "And what would you have me do, General? Roll over and let Sonya Volsung take everything?!"

Vorder shook his head. "No... let Sonya have the heart of the Californian president. Let Sonya keep her distracted. It helps us to have the focus on her. We can continue as planned. Archangel Industries is prepared to move overseas and begin producing and distributing Nod technologies. Once they begin to become dependent on us, we can begin taking over their government."

"And then... we shall have doubled the size of the Brotherhood." Pace chuckled. "Now I know why you are one of my top advisers. You have the skills and the even temper to lead well. One day you will take my place. Perhaps soon... after the takeover of California."

March 27, 2264

Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond.
Sandra followed her out of the conference room and listened intently, smiling at the knowledge that she hated Pace just as well as she did. She figured Sonya had her own reasons, and in time their reasons will become one and the same. Sandra stepped into the light truck and seated herself across from Sonya and waited until the vehicle was moving to ask her. “So, Pace is the target?”

After arriving at Sonya’s residence she looked around and was thoroughly impressed, she noted all of the relics which were all from Crimmond’s past, and could equally say that she had her own stash of relics at her residence from First Republic California, the Soviet Union and the United States. When Sonya sat down on her couch and asked her to join her she obliged and listening attentively she realized that she had in fact planned to take Pace out of power herself. When asked of political support she smiled and lightly kissed Sonya. “You have my full and undying support, lover.” And when she brought up the fact that she planned to take the reins of power for herself this made her smile even more. “Forgive me for sounding greedy here… but with you in power of Crimmond, and I being a member of the Quadrumvirate I can spend as much time with you here in Crimmond or you can spend as much time as you please in California.”

When she outlined Pace’s true intentions for California she frowned in disgust. “Pace obviously doesn’t know how much my people detest foreign governments trying to put a foothold on their land. As you probably already know, under my leadership after reestablishing California after its independence from the United States, I did what the Soviet Union spent 60 years trying to do. Albeit without the help of the Soviets we couldn’t have done it alone. We bloodied their noses and kept pushing them back until we were in Washington D.C. and then to make a point we struck D.C. with an EMP before demanding their surrender.”

After getting through the formalities she smiled at Sonya’s comment, and repositioning herself on the couch so that she was sitting behind Sonya she embraced her and turning her face to hers she passionately kissed her. “Here’s to a lifetime together.” Remembering what she said earlier, she broke the kiss and frowned for a moment. “I hope this doesn’t come too sudden for you, but would you mind staying in California with me for a while? This thing about Pace and his intentions with those corporations has me bothered. If anyone would be able to offer me any advice about what to do with this situation… it would be you.” She kissed Sonya again.

Sonya seemed more than happy to return the affection, but shook her head slowly at the question. "I can't... not now. We're too close to starting. If I hadn't got support, we would already be in the middle of the coup. Now that I have support though, I can wait a short while and rework the plan a bit. And believe me... once Crimmond is mine, I'll need all the distraction I can get from ruling... I'd love to have you stay in Skye. If we act quickly, the Nod run corps won't be able to get into California at all."

She stands slowly and walks over to a display case. It was full of pictures from the 1930s and 40s, by the dates. "I don't want any other nation to suffer what mine has. I fully plan on destroying the Brotherhood for good. Nod must die... and get buried so deep that not even Kane could dig it up again." She scowls and balls her hands into fists. "I cannot fail them." It might sound like she was talking about the people of Crimmond, but she was staring at the photos of the first generation Crimm. She probably meant them, instead.

March 27, 2264

Residence of Sonya Volsung. Cairo, Imperial Brotherhood of Nod.
Sandra listened attentively and seeing her with her fists balled she smiled thinking to herself. This is why I love you Sonya… such passion. I now know we will never be apart. She licked her lips at Sonya’s proposal and nodded. “I would love to stay in Skye with you.” She got herself up from the couch and smiled, her golden eyes glowing brightly even in the well lit room. “You have seen me in this form, but you haven’t seen all of me. She smiled and raising her hand she turned her palm upward and signalled Sonya to come to her in a 'come hither' motion and smiled. Kissing Sonya on the lips she stepped back and asked innocently. “Are you sure you want to see what I am about to show you?”

Sonya turns to look at Sandra and arches an eyebrow. She moves away from the display case and chuckles. "Follow me..." She says, leading Sandra down a hall, to the bedrooms...

Almost an hour later, as Sonya lays beside Sandra, she sighs. "When I contacted Sergeant Laran, I had no idea things would end up this way." She chuckles. "If I had, I'd have probably tried to contact you sooner." She sits up and walks across the room, opening up a laptop and tapping at it. "There... things are being set in motion. It will take several days to prepare. Perhaps a week."

She looked back at the bed and Sandra. "I suppose I'm entitled to a bit more fun..." She grins.

===============

Chimola looked down at the small portable computer he carried as it buzzed. Interesting. It has begun. Quickly, Amin began contacting those that needed to know the time had come. Generals across the nation were preparing their commands to throw out the Brotherhood. In a few days, all it would take is the announcement that Pace was out of power and the whole military would throw off it's chains.

Let not one survive...

March 27, 2264

Residence of Sonya Volsung. Cairo, Barbary Province. Imperial Brotherhood of Crimmond.
Sandra lay nude on the bed sipping a glass of champagne as she paused and returned her lover’s grin. “You’re damned right you are entitled to more fun.” She smiled devilishly, her eyes glowing again as she produced a tentacle from her abdomen and extended it to her lover in lieu of a hand beckoning her back to the bed, she patted the mattress next to her and licked her lips. “Come back over here lover, and I will show you what fun we can really have. If you think what we just did was fun, you are in for a very generous surprise.”

Sandra smiled as she watched her lover slowly climb onto the bed next to her and grinned as Sonya straddled her and pulled the blood red silk sheet and light quilt over her shoulders before she reached down and kissed her on the lips. “Let the games begin.” Sandra looked back into her lover’s eyes and smiled. Giving a mock salute she grinned. “Yes, Ma’am!” and pulled her close and returned the kiss.

Two and a half hours later…
Sandra lay there in the bed embracing her lover, Sonya lain on top of her lightly kissing her neck and chest while she lightly ran her fingers through Sonya’s hair. Sandra mused aloud while she was stroking Sonya’s hair. “About Sergeant Laran... I don’t know if you know this already or not, but before I met you I was and still am quite attracted to her. Hell, I even offered to take her on a date.” She stroked Sonya’s hair and looking down into her lover’s eyes she smiled. “I hope this doesn’t come across in a wrong way, but once you become the leader of Crimmond, you think we can invite Sgt. Laran into this bed with the two of us? I realize she is a commando and all… but hell, like you said you’re entitled to having some ‘fun’. I only think it right that she not deny herself the same.”

OOC: I am going to be carrying on with this roleplay more but will be basing this more in the events to follow from this RP: The End of an Era. [closed] (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=559700)

More will be coming shortly.