NationStates Jolt Archive

[Looking for people to play role of nation whose waters are breached, Demo-Bobylon ship goes missing, international incident, blah blah blah. Please post for role below].

Demo-Bobylon Space Control Bunker, 9:03am
**************************************

Alarms sounded, all the lights were red and guards ran down the narrow corridors. in the centre of the rising chaos stood Comrade Yuri (Space Research Minister) and Comrade Ysevold (Defence Minister).
"What's going on here?" hissed Ysevold at a passing guard.
"Sir, erm, NavSatellite 3 is re-entering the atmosphere...um..."
"Why?"
"I-I don't know, sir," came the reply. "Somebody must have started the re-entry sequence. We'll be offline for the next two hours...um, sir."
"Who could have done this? What about the passwords, the usernames, contstant monitoring, programming codes?" said Comrade Yuri.
"Anyone in the bunker," came the reply, and the guard ran on.
"Close the exits to the bunker," Ysevold commanded. "There may be a spy here, and I don't want anyone leaving the base. Anyone."

[I'm sure this could become an interesting RP, so please try it. The ship that goes missing, the SS Marx, is very important.]

[A country has shown that they want to take part in this thread].

Telegram: 09.42am, Demo-Bobylon Space Control Bunker -> Foreign Ministerium. Confidential, URGENT

Comrade Dmitri,
At 0907 hours today, the SS Marx entered foreign waters. At 0911 hours we lost contact with it, and could not regain radio communication. Due to NavSatellite 3 unintentionally re-entering at the time, we have no idea as to what happened to the ship. Please contact the owner of the waters and enquire as to what happened to the SS Marx.
"From slavery sprang liberty"
Comrade Ysevold

0905hrs - Tartarian Waters - HMS Triumph

Petty Officer Fenton sat at the radar screen onboard HMS Triumph, listening to the endless bleeps, as he did every day. All of a sudden the pitch changed.

"Sir, we are picking up an unknown craft entering Tartarian waters"

The Captain walked over to the screen. "Send out a message requesting identification"

"Yes, sir." Fenton hit the com button. "This is HMS Triumph, you are entering Tartarian waters. Identify yourself and state your reason for being here". There was no reply.

[ooc. I hope this is kind of what you wanted]

SS Marx, 9.08am
**************

"Erm, Captain?" The navigational technician's uncertain voice broke the silence in the bridge of the SS Marx.
"Yes, comrade?" came the reply.
"We're entering Tartarian waters."
"And...? We have to be here to relay the codes to NavSatellite 1. If we don't, then Demo-Bobylon may never have a space station."
"But one of their ships is trying to contact us..."
"Ignore them, comrade. We'll be out of their waters in twenty minutes. Just tell the radio technician to transmit the codes."
"Yes, Captain." The technician nodded meekly and returned to his post, sighing.

HMS Triumph, 0908hrs
*******************

"Captain, they are not answering."

"Keep sending the message, all frequencies" The Captain turned to Lieutenant Carter. "Get the Admiralty on the line, we may have a situation here."

"Yes, sir"

The Captain looked at the radar screen, watching the symbol moving closer. "Send a warning that if they do not send their identification we will be forced to consider them hostile and take the relevent action."

"Yes, sir." Fenton begins sending the message...

SS marx, 0909hrs
***************
"Captain, they are proceeding!" The radio technician's voice was urgent. Terror was in his eyes.
"Carry on," roared the Captain. "If those fascists want to stop our socialist paradise from gaining power, we'll defeat them."
"With what, sir? We don't have many weapons - other than that twig..."
"Just carry on. We'll be out of here within minutes."
The SS Marx sailed further into hostile waters...

[PS: Sorry for calling you a fascist - no offence meant, just that Demo-Bobylon is fiercely protective over socialism.]

HMS Triumph, 0910hrs
*******************

The message had just come through from the admiralty when Lieutenant Carter rushed over.

"Sir, we're picking up some kind of transmission coming from the enemy ship."

The Captain walked over to the comm unit and listened. "Do we have any idea what the signal is for?"

"No, Sir. It could be anything. Some targeting device or something". He looked over at Lieutenant Carter. "We have to assume that the ship is hostile. Prepare to launch missiles." He grabs the link to the admiralty. "Sir, we request permission to fire".

The voice on the line said, "Permission, granted"...

SS Marx, 0911hrs
***************

"Captain?" There was a worried tone in the technician's voice.
"Yes?"
"The people you sent up onto the deck..."
"Ah, yes. We have only one torpedo, and I sent them to make the old 280mm gun functional."
"Ye-es. Well, they've...they've...they've started a fire which has knocked out the com dish."
The Captain sighed. "Brilliant. We've done more damage to ourselves than they have. Well, aren't we a brilliant navy?" He sighed again. "We're 34% done with the transmission - we need to get out. Just eight more minutes, just eight more..."

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker, 0911hrs
**********************************

"Sir, we've lost communication with the SS Marx."
Comrade Ysevold sprang up.
"What?" he roared.
"It was being approached by a Tartarian ship, according to the radio, when it...stopped."
The air around Ysevold burned. "Send over the SS Demo and the SS Mikhail. We shall bury them."

HMS Triumph, 0911hrs
*******************

"Sir, the torpedoes are in the tubes, and are ready to fire on your mark."

The Captain looked over to Fenton. "Have they made any attempted to answer our warning?"

"No, Sir."

The Captain turned to Lieutenant Carter. "We have no choice. Launch topedoes!"

"Yes, sir"...

Admiralty House, Cordor, 0913hrs
****************************

Commander Hatton walked up to the desk, the eyes of the destinguished gentleman following him the length of the office. He handed him the message he was carrying.

"Hmm, this doesn't look good." He read down the page a bit more. "There are reports of other ships in the area?".

"Yes, Admiral. We have confirmed that there are two approaching Tartarian waters."

"Have we received any communication from them?"

"None, Sir. Triumph is currently sending out a comm to them, but so far there is no reply".

"Put the navy on high alert." He picked up the phone. "Put me through to Lord Hawkridge, at once"...

SS Marx, 0915hrs
***************

"Sir, they're firing!"
"Employ defensive movements! Sharp turn starboard, prepare torpedoes. Is the 280mm cannon operational?"
The arms technician looked more relaxed - this was stable ground. "Yessir."
"Then aim and fire on my orders. In the next few minutes, the fate of our country could be determined."

HMS Triumph, 0916hrs
*******************

"Sir, the ship is turning!"

Captain Trent glanced out to watch the ship's movement.

"It's turning towards us. It's preparing to return fire." Lieutenant Carter shouted from where he was standing, "Sir, second wave of torpedoes are ready to launch and are waiting for your orders."

Captain Trent turned to Lieutenant Carter, "Sound red alert. Prepare for incoming." The siren filled the air, putting everyone's nerve on edge. "Give the order to open fire, all weapons".

Lieutenant Carter nodded, "Yes, sir"...

SS Marx, 0918hrs
**************

"They're firing again, Captain," said the arms technician.
"Aim for their bridge with our cannon. On my signal, give them everything we've got," came the Captain's reply.
"But sir," replied the technician, "That's not enough. We do not have the weapons capability to fight this vessel. We do not want to enter a conflict."
The Captain snorted. "We can take them on. We will win!"
"I must object! I will not give the order to fire."
"Fire!"

[Hellooo? Gehenna Tartarus?]

Military Base, Conal Venture, 0920hrs
*******************************

Lord Hawkridge listened patiently as the voice on the other end of the line explained the situation.

"And there has been no word from the ship as to who they are or what they are doing?"

"No, sir", the voice replied. "HMS Triumph has launched weapons, and is taking enemy fire."

A frown creased Lord Hawkridge's brow. "The last thing we need is a full-scale conflict. Tell Triumph's Captain to cripple only, I want the crew taken for questioning."

""Yes, sir", the line went dead.

SS Marx, 0921hrs
***************

"Sir, transmission complete!"
The Captain gave a sigh of relief. "Turn back and exit Tartarian waters at top speed, the cannon providing covering fire. Do not hit the ship anymore, but just fire close to them. Try to contact them and say it was a mistake - one com dish is operational, the one we were using for the satellite transmission. And for Christ's sake, man, get us out of here!"

HMS Triumph, 0921hrs
*******************

"Sir, the ship is turning and moving away from Tartarus." Fenton turned to the Captain. "They have sent a transmission".

Captain Trent walked over to Fenton. "What do they say?"

Fenton handed over the message.

Lieutenant Carter turned to the Captain. "Third wave are ready to fire, Captain."

"Hold fire. Our orders were not to destroy the ship." He turned back to Fenton. "Did they identify themselves?"

SS Marx, 0923hrs
***************
"What should I say, Captain?"
"Anything, lie if you have to."
The radio operator gulped. "Um...this is the SS Marx of the...um...New Young fleet. We are currently at war with the oppressors of Demo-Bobylon." He took his hand of the com button.
"No, you idiot!" hissed the Captain. "You shouldn't have mentioned our name. Is there any chance that they could have intercepted the transmision to the NavSatellite?"
"Perhaps, sir..."
The Captain turned to the arms officer. "Carry on for two minutes, then fire like mad. Take the ship captive - we need to find out how much they know. When we have the Triumph, examine the radio records."
"Yessir..."

Home Affairs Office, 0923hrs
************************
Comrade Viktor ran down the road in front of the Bureau's hall, where every political move was made. Posters covered the walls: "Comrades, throw down the oppressors!"; "Our chains have been melted down into freedom!" and "Every grain of corn is a blow to fascism, comrades." His finest works of propaganda. Metres in front of him was the bronze statue of Mikhail, the man who had started the revolution. On his plinth read:

MIKHAIL, PRINCE OF THE REVOLUTION
"FROM SLAVERY SPRANG LIBERTY"

Viktor gave it a quick glance and ran into th Office. They were already printing posters - "Fight Gehenna Tartarus! Death of Death, and Hell's Destruction..."

OOC: IS it possible if i could join in plz?

HMS Triumph, 0924hrs
*******************

"Sir, they're opening fire on us again!"

"Lieutenant, inform Admiralty that we are under fire". He turned to Fenton. "Have they replied?"

"Sir, we have their country of origin. Demo-Bobylon. Then the transmission stopped."

"Return fire! I want that ship stopped!"

The Captain walked over to Lieutenant Carter, and took over the conversation with the Admiralty. He gave them the information they had just received...


Military Base, Conal Venture, 0926hrs
*******************************

Lord Hawkridge turned to his generals. "We finally have a name for our antagonists. Get Intelligence involved. I want all the information we have on Demo-Bobylon." He looked at the huge screen on the wall, showing the location of HMS Triumph. "And get that ship some back up, now!"

OOC: IS it possible if i could join in plz?

[ooc: Its Demo-Bobylon's thread, but I don't see why not. At the moment we are not aiming for all out war, just a little international incident. In case you hadn't noticed my military and weaponry knowledge is limited :oops: ]

Lurking off the Tartaran Shore, invisible to all involved in that brief skirmish, was a submarine. Blue Sub 6.

They had just witnessed the brief skirmish between the HMS Triumph and the small, old, dirty submarine they had been tailing for the past two days.

Hovering silently on her caterpillar drive, she tried in vain to intercept the tranmission the Marx had sent to a satellite. They had caught only a snippet of it, and sent it down to the crypt for deciphering.

Sonar Officer Yamada chose to speak up at that point.

"Captain, that submarine is turning tail and running as fast as she can. Looks like they got what they came for...and got plenty spooked, the 280mm is still banging away."

Captain Iga nodded.

"Start up the screws, ahead 1/3rd. 20 degree down angle on the bow planes, come arout to new heading 2-4-0. Do NOT cavitate, I don't want the Tartaran fleet coming down on us. Get us up to speed and then activate the MHD Caterpillar."

The helmsman and the planesman...or planeswoman...both nodded.

"Twenty degree down angle on the bow planes, aye, sir."

"Come about to new heading 2-4-0, aye sir."

The captain turned to his weapons officers, a woman named Shiro and an old geeky looking man named Okawa.

"Get me firing solutions on the Triumph and...that old dinky thing." he said, gesturing in the general direction of the Marx. Compared to a "Ryuou" class submarine, the Marx was something akin to a soda can. "I want to be able to fire back if they decide to take shots at us."

Shiro nodded.

"Aye, sir, calculating firing solutions."

Nearly an hour later, the sonar aboard Triumph picked up a brief blip that was registered as seismic activity. In actuality it was Blue Sub 6 activating her caterpillar drive. By the time anybody got around to looking, she was already heading at 35 knots into international waters, silently tailing the Marx.

(ooc: Mind if I jump in? Don't worry, I won't bite...)

A few miles away from the skirmish the FBS Protector, a destroyer was doing normal patrols until they noticed the skirmish.

"Captain there seems to be a skirmish six miles north east." Said the Radar officer

"Can do determined who is fighting?" Replied Captain Capel.

"I can identify, one it seems Demo-Bobylon are involed in the skirmish but that is all i can determined at this range."

"Ok we are going to investigate. Contact HQ that we are investigating a skirmish."

"Roger sir."

There were many things going through his mind, will he have to defend his ship, what were the other ships and would he be starting a international war. But his gut told him to go forward.

OOC: Not really going to start a international war. :)

HMS Triumph, 0928hrs
*******************

Lieutenant Carter looked up. "Sir, We're picking up sonar traces, looks like a submarine.

"Is it in Tartarian waters?" The Captain turned.

"No, Sir. It's heading further out into international."

The Captain looked relieved. At least we don't have to worry about that one for the moment, he thought. "Keep track of it, I want to know the moment it turns around."

"Yes, Sir."

Captain Trent looked out of the window watching the retreating ship, when the officer on radar caught his attention.

"Sir, we're picking up another ship in the area!"

The Captain walked over. "Fenton, see if you can contact them. We really don't want any more trouble."

"Yes, Sir". Fenton turned to the radio. "This is HMS Triumph of the Tartarian Navy, please identify..."

Sonar Officer Yamada winced for a second as the sonar pulse raked the hull of the ship.

"Jeez...sir, they're tracking us."

Captain Iga nodded.

"Fire Con, launch four 66mm torpedoes on a bearing of 180 degrees. Set them to detonate 400 meters from the ship, for maximum water cavitation."

Shiro smiled and typed rapid commands into the computer. She shook her hair and answered:

"Torpedoes ready to fire, sir."

Iga gave her the go-ahead. She hit a button and launched the four projectiles. Essentially high-explosive in a canister, the 66mm torpedoes were used to create super-high pressure in the area they detonated. Hopefully the pressure took apart the enemy torpedo. So far the system hadn't failed.

The 4 torpedoes took off, interspacing themselves between the Triumph and Blue Sub 6. Roughly 400 meters away from Blue Sub 6, they detonated, creating a huge wave of pressure and bubbles that obscured the sonar aboard the Triumph. The men aboard scrambled to reestablish the lock, but with the area between Blue Sub 6 and Triumph frothing and churning, they couldn't acquire the submarine.

Iga smiled.

"Good job, crew. No more noise, we're going silent."

"Sir incoming message from one of the ships. It seems to be Gehenna Tartarus ship."

"Ok lets here it." replied the captain.
A crackly message came over the radio

"This is HMS Triumph of the Tartarian Navy, please identify..."

"This is FBS Protector, we are investigating a skirmish, that just recently happened here. We were looking to pick up injured people."

HMS Triumph, 0930hrs
*******************

Captain Trent watched as the torpedoes detonated. "Lieutenant, do we still have track on that submarine?"

Lieutenant Carter turned to the sonar, waiting for the water to calm. "No, Sir, we've lost it".

"Keep searching." The Captain turned to Fenton. "Anything?"

Fenton turned. "Sir, the ship has identified itself as the FBS Protector. They were alerted by the trouble and are asking to assist in the rescue of the injured."

Captain Trent grabbed the speaker from Fenton. "This is Captain Trent, on HMS Triumph. This incident is a Tartarian matter and will be dealt with by the Tartarian Navy. Your assistance is not required."

He gave the speaker back to Fenton. "Let me know their reaction the moment they send it." He walked over to Lieutenant Carter. "So much for keeping this one quiet."

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker, 0932hrs
**********************************

The technicians were running backwards and forwards, as they had been for the last half hour. Comrades Ysevold and Yuri watched a computer screen with bated breath.
"Comrade Ysevold? Sir?" said a controller timidly.
"What?" came the hissed reply.
"There are many foreign ships entering the area. They could decrypt the transmission."
Suddenly Yuri yelled. "WHAT?! I spent 3 years developing a space station and another country discovers my research. We are one of the most scientifically advanced nations, and our work is stolen. No, stop them. NOW!"
The controller trembled. "B-b-but how s-sir?"
Ysevold grinned. "We have an old IRBM, highly powerful warhead. If we fire that, we'll destroy all the ships in the area."
"But that would destroy the Marx."
"Exactly! Removing all evidence. Rather neat, I think. It hurts to do it to your own side but..."
Yuri interupted. "I'm not having that ship destroyed but I'm not losing my research. Send out an ultimatum: leave the area or be destroyed."

Military Base, Conal Venture, 0933hrs
*******************************

"Sir, we are picking up a transmission. It seems to be some kind of warning from Demo-Bobylon."

Lord Hawkridge walked over to the officer. "Put it on speaker!"

The room went silent, everyone straining to hear the message. Once it had finished, Lord Hawkridge turned to General Nicholas Rayne. "Send a transmission back, we will not be threatened in our own backyard. And call an emergancy meeting. I think we have a major incident on our hands."

Yamada turned to the captain.

"Sir, the Marx is coming about. Looks like she's ready to fire something."

Captain Iga nodded. Lieutenant Yun at communication turned to him.

"Sir, the Marx has issued an ultimatum. I think we know what they're getting ready to fire."

Iga swore and closed his eyes.

"No time for sublety, DIVE, DIVE, DIVE! 30 degree down angle on the bow planes. Even us out at 3000 meters, and brace for depth-charge!"

Demo-Bobylon Intelligence Ministerium
********************************

Comrade Maria Kharivna, Head of Intelligence, looked at the platoon of special troops before her. These were the cream of the creme de la creme. Each was wearing a flak jacket, helmet, gas mask and radio system: they were preparaed for anything.
"Alright comrades, you know what you have to do. Ysevold is planning a putsch - he's in the Defence Bunker. You will be equiped with tear gas and rubber bullets; we want no fatalities. Arrest him before he starts a war: there's an international incident at this moment."
The group shouted "Liberty from slavery!" and started to sing The People's Flag. They were all nervous, and their voices trembled.
"We'll keep the Red Flag flying here," finished Maria. He'll be edgy, I know Ysevold, she thought. Just pray he doesn't fire that IRBM before we arrest him...

Military Base, Conal Verture, 0940hrs
*******************************

Lord Hawkridge looked at the men seated at the desk, until his eyes rested on the screen. He disliked using a satelite link, he wasn't one hundred percent satisfied that it was secure.

He could see the image of Admiral Fitzwalter seated in his office, he had just finished his report.

"At least the other ship and the submarine have moved away from the area." He again scanned the room. "But the threat from Demo-Bobylon is still there. We cannot withdraw our ship as requested. This would be a sign of weakness, and an invite to anyone to camp in our waters."

General Rayne spoke. "The Empress would not want a war."

Lord Hawkridge turned to look at General Rayne. "Neither do I."

"Sir, leveling out at 3000 meters. Ship braced for depth charge, all crew at battle-stations."

Iga nodded.

"Very good. Helm, turn us around. Fire control, get me a firing solution on the Marx. If that bastard so much as twitches, blow him into next century."

Shiro turned to the captain.

"Firing solution calculated, sir. Tube 1 through 4 are being fed the firing solution right now. We've got 4 533mm torpedoes loaded, high explosive as requested."

Iga walked to her station and examined the flatscreen.

"Good work, Shiro. Helm, plot a course that runs us away at a 90 degree angle from our current position. I don't care which direction, just get us out of here if they decide to launch that IRBM."

[I'm annoyed at having the SS MARX described as a rusty sub. It's a state of the art ship with few weapons, that's all. Oh, and whwere is the Empress' wedding thing? I can't find it.]

[ooc: I never described the Marx as a rusty submarine. :(

The Empress' wedding is called Invite/Arrival at Federico and Lady Gehenna Wedding.]

Administrative Bureau Recreation Area, Demo-Bobylon, 0943hrs
*****************************************************
"Comrade Dmitri! Message for you."
The Foreign Affairs Minister looked away from DemoTV, the government-owned station, to view the secretary standng in the doorway.
"What is it, comrade?"
"Fly to Gehenna Tartarus immediately. There's an incident." The secretary habded him a telegram.
Dmitri skimmed it and swore under his breath. "Get me a jet," he said. "And inform foreign airspace. This sounds like Hell," and he chuckled at his own joke.
"Just one last thing, comrade. Ermm, Miss Kharovna..."
"Maria?" Dmitri knew her well - they were engaged.
"Yes...Well, she said that Ysevold's gone mad and may start nuclear war. Just so you know."
"Brilliant."

HMS Triumph, 0944hrs
*******************

The atmosphere on the bridge was tense. Everyone there has heard the message from Lord Hawkridge, and were fully aware of the iminent threat of attack.

"What is that ship doing?" Captain Trent walked back and forth along the length of the bridge, adding to the tension. "We should count our blessings that they haven't done anything yet."

He walked back to the window. "It's the waiting I hate the most".

[ooc: I never described the Marx as a rusty submarine. :(

The Empress' wedding is called Invite/Arrival at Federico and Lady Gehenna Wedding.]
Sorry, another country did.

[ooc: Apology accepted. :D ]

SS MARX, 0946hrs
***************
"What shall we do, Captain?"
The Captain sighed. "I don't know. Sail back into our waters - the navigational technician says that the SS Mikhail is nearby. If we take heavy damage, fire the torpedo."
The air in the bridge hung still. Silence clutched everybody in the room. The radio technician broke it. "Sir, I suggest that we send out a condition of surrender..."
Five minutes later and the message went out to the Triumph. The Marx stopped. The telegram invited the radio technician and Captain to board the SS Marx - all crew were unarmed.

(ooc: Sorry, 'twas me. I just assumed that, since you were asking for intelligence equipment and had a struggling economy, that your stuff wouldn't be top-of-the-line. Besides that, this submarine class is the most advanced thing in our navy, custom designed for stalking Boomers and Aircraft Carriers. I was thinking of your being along the lines of Capitalist Russia: Not many new weapons, lots of old Kilo's and Romeo's.)

IC:

Lieutenant Yun walked up to the captain with a printed-out transcript of a transmission they had intercepted.

"What the..." he started, then shook his head. "Nevermind. Keep us quiet, Lieutenant Yun. Shiro!" he barked.

The woman turned in her chair.

"Sir?" she asked quizically.

"What kind of weapon do you think they're getting ready to fire?'

She glanced up for a second, deep in thought. Finally, she looked back.

"Hard to say, sir. Yamada?"

The sonar officer spoke without turning. "What, Shiro?"

"How many weapons did you detect being loaded?"

"One, Shiro. Mean anything to you?"

She nodded.

"It does now. Captain, I think they loaded up a nuclear-yield weapon. Medium Range Nuclear Torpedo, maybe even an IRBM. Only way for them to surely take down something as big as the Triumph in one shot."

The captain also nodded.

"That's what I thought, too. It's the only logical way for them to get out of this mess unscathed. Start an international catastrophe, and destroy the evidence too."

The Helmswoman started to say something, but he cut her off.

"Not now, Frida. They don't know that we're down here...not the Marx anyways. Whether the Triumph has found us or not is debatable...the point is, something's not right here. From what I know of Demo-Bobylonian Naval Tactics...and believe me, that's not much...this is running totally counter to their style. Risking a high-tech submarine to send one transmission just doesn't add up." He turned back to Shiro. "You think we could survive an IRBM blast down here?"

She nodded.

"Yes, sir. Get us 500 meters deeper and its guaranteed. The water will get nice and warm, but it'll shield us from the blast and the radiation pretty well. Still, I'd suggest trying to get as far from the Marx as possible if her captain assumes that course of action."

Iga nodded.

"Suggestion taken into account and acted upon, Shiro. Boys and girls, get us to 3500 meters, 10 degree down-angle on the bow planes. Make your speed 25 knots, do not cavitate. Use the caterpillar drive, if you please."

(ooc: BTW, Demo-Bobylon, we donated 3 old minisubs to your intelligence department. Hope you can find something to do with 'em.)

[Thanks for the minisubs. Erm...the IRBM isn't on the Marx. The Captain has no idea of Ysevold's plan.]

[Thanks for the minisubs. Erm...the IRBM isn't on the Marx. The Captain has no idea of Ysevold's plan.]

(ooc: Well...erm...that was stupid...)

IC:

The captain turned to Sonar Officer Yamada.

"Yamada, there isn't an IRBM on that ship! What in blazes are you talking about?"

As Yamada was chewed out by the captain, and lectured on the importance of sleep and proper eating, Blue Sub 6 continued downwards, trying to escape notice.

HMS Triumph, 0951hrs
*******************

"Sir, message from Demo-Bobylon vessel." Captain Trent turned as Fenton spoke. "They are offering an unconditional surrender."

Captain Trent looked back out of the window at the ocean in front of him. "This could be a ploy." He took walked over to Lieutenant Carter. "Inform admiralty." He turned back to Fenton. "Tell them we accept, and then let's approach cautiously. Make sure all weapons are prepared, just in case."

"Yes, sir."

[Thanks for the minisubs. Erm...the IRBM isn't on the Marx. The Captain has no idea of Ysevold's plan.]

(ooc: Well...erm...that was stupid...)

IC:

The captain turned to Sonar Officer Yamada.

"Yamada, there isn't an IRBM on that ship! What in blazes are you talking about?"

As Yamada was chewed out by the captain, and lectured on the importance of sleep and proper eating, Blue Sub 6 continued downwards, trying to escape notice.

[Out of character: lol. The way you phrased that is quite funny. :lol: )

In character...

SS Marx, 0953hrs
***************

"They've accepted, sir. Their guns are still aimed at us, though."
"Well, keep our gun aimed at them. They could attack us from the inside if we're not careful."
The radio technician nodded. "HMS Triumph, 5 members of your crew have been granted access to our ship..."

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker, 0955hrs
**********************************

Guards fell forwards, spluttering from the tear gas. Elite troops with gas masks ran in the handcuffed the soldiers, levelling their rubber-bullet filled guns at them. The Red Legion Elite Team I had already breached the first two security sectors with no casualties.
"Where's Comrade Ysevold?" asked the captain of the team.
"In the inner sector, presumably," Maria Kharovna replied over her radio. "Two more to breach and we're at the doors to it. Troopers 9,10 and 11: cut the com link from the base - Ysevold won't be able to fire the IRBM."
General Ysevold listening to all this with rising amusement. It had been a good idea to plant microphones in every room and corridor - you never know when someone will lead a putsch against your putsch. "Well," he mused. "That's what she thinks..."

HMS Triumph, 0955hrs
*******************

Captain Trent assembled his crew of five to board the SS Marx.

"Lieutenant Carter, I don't need to tell you to proceed with caution. Even if they have declared their desire to surrender, I don't trust them." He walked towards Fenton. "Inform the Marx that we are ready to come aboard."

"Yes, sir." Fenton turned to the radio.

SS Marx, 0956hrs
***************

"They're ready to come aboard, Captain."
"Good work, comrade. Let them board. Are the other ships nearby?"
"2km, sir."
"Good. Thank you."

SS Marx, 0957hrs
***************

Lieutenant Carter and his four companions boarded the SS Marx. Casting an eye around at all times, Carter moved towards the man, who looked to be in charge.

"I am Lieutenant Carter..."

"And I am Lieutenant Piotr," replied the second-in-command. "Please, let me take you to the Captain. Who are you all? Is the Captain here? The radio officer? Please, follow me."
Eight officers followed him up to the bridge.

"Captain Trent is unable to leave the ship, as I am sure you can understand". Lieutenant Carter let his eyes scan the area as he walked. "It is also not custom for the radio operator to leave his post during engagements."

SS Marx, 0958hrs
***************

"Well, it was in the surrender that we clearly stated that we have the Captain or radio officer on board," replied Lieutenant Piotr coldly. "But, we'll accept you. What ranks do you have?"
They reached the door to the bridge.

"I fully understand your displeasure at the absence of the Captain, but he is unable to leave the ship." He pointed to himself, then at his companions as he gave their ranks. "I am Lieutenant Carter, second-in-command on HMS Triumph. This is Sub Lieutenant Dean, Petty Officer Lowcroft and Able Seamen, Green and Peters."

SS Marx Bridge, 1000hrs
*********************

Lieutenant Piotr nodded. "Pleased to have you on board." He opened the heavy bridge door and stood aside.
Suddenly five men rushed forward and grabbed the five visitors - they were assisted by eight seamen behind the Triumph crew. Within seconds, Lieutenant Carter's men had been painlessly restrained and handcuffed. The Captain steeped forward.
"I am Captain Ivorsky. Pleased to have you on board. Do not worry, you will be returned to your crew as you came. But first..." He turned to Lieutenant Piotr. "Take two to the 280mm gun, quickly. Another to the engine room, and leave two here. If the Triumph tries to take out our bridge, cripple our defences or shoot out the engines, they will hrm their own men. Radio technician: inform the enemy ship of the situation - assure them that their men are safe."
Piotr left with the prisoners, apart from two: Dean and Carter.
"So, gentlemen," said the Captain. "What have you heard over the radio?"

HMS Triumph, 1001hrs
*******************

Fenton's face looked bleak as he turned to Captain Trent. "Sir, message from the Marx, they have taken Lieutenant Carter and the others prisoner."

Captain Trent swore. "Inform Lord Hawkridge of this new situation." He turned back to Fenton. "Have they given any conditions?"

"No, sir. Only that we are not to open fire."


SS Marx, 1001hrs
***************

Lieutenant Carter looked at Captain Ivorsky in a puzzled fashion. "What do you think we've heard?"

SS Marx Bridge, 1002hrs
*********************

"It doesn't matter," retorted Ivorsky. "What have you heard?" He turned to the radio tecnician again. "Oh, and tell all those ships surrounding us had better tell us what they know or..." He looked at Dean and Carter. "Well, let's let them imagine, shall we...?"

SS Triumph, 1003hrs
******************

Fenton took the message. "Captain, the Marx has sent another transmission."

The Captain walked over, and Fenton relayed the contents to him. "Send a message explaining those ships are not Tartarian and we have no power over them."

Just then another officer walked over. "Message from Lord Hawkridge, if the Triumph is considered in iminent danger, the missing crew are to be sacrificed in order to save it's personnel."

Captain Trent grimaced. "As if they'd advise anything else."

The Captain listened to the last transmission that the Marx had sent. It wasn't very clear, but he heard enough to know that somebody had been taken captive.

He thought for a second and then said out loud:

"This could be our ticket outta here. Comms Officer, I want you to send a transmission to the HMS Triumph. Inform them that we are aware of their predicament and ask them if they want our help. Shiro, check the Marx's position, and compare it with the previous trajectory."

A minute later, the ELF transmitter was pulsing out a short message to the Triumph. It read:

"HMS Triumph. We are aware of the situation aboard SS Marx. We have been shadowing Marx for 3 days now. Do you require assistance, Triumph?"

HMS Triumph
***********

Fenton turned to Captain Trent. "Sir, we've received a transmission from that submarine. They are requesting permission to help."

The Captain turned. "So, they hadn't left the area. See if you can find them. I want to know where they are in relation to us and the Marx."

He walked back over to Fenton. "Inform them that we are grateful for the offer, but are currently holding off until we know what's happening in the Marx." He went to walk off then stopped. "Let them know we'd appreciate their back up."

SS Marx Bridge, 1007hrs
********************

"Sir, we've picked up a transmission from a submarine to the Triumph. They're offering back-up."
Captain Ivorsky frowned, and replied, "Do not say confidential information in front of the prisoners, comrade."
"Sorry, Captain. But shall we reply?"
"Yes. Tell the submarine to cease decrypting the message we sent to the sattelite to ensure the safe return of the hostages."
Lieutenant Piotr suddenly walked in with a handcuffed Marx crewman. "Comrade, arrested this man for breaking the Mikhailovitch PoW Rights Act - he punched a captive. Shall we detain him?"
"No, Lieutenant. Send him to the HMS Triumph to assure them: we will not harm their men if they do not harm our man."

HMS Triumph, 1008hrs
*******************

Fenton looked at the Captain, puzzled. "Sir, message from the Marx, they are sending over one of their men."

Captain Trent walked over to Fenton. "Are you sure that's what they said?"

"Yes, sir" Fenton nodded. "They say it's an assurance of the safety of our crew."

Captain Trent looked worried. I don't like this. I don't like this, at all

SS Marx, 1010hrs
***************

"This is the SS Marx. We are growing impatient. Hand over your recording of our transmission and we will return the prisoners. Message over."
The Captain turned to Dean and Carter. "We can't hurt you," he said, "but we can hold you here for as long as we want. Now answer my questions."

Lieutenant Carter turned to the Marx's captain. "We have no transmission recordings. I don't know what you are talking about?"

Sending out message to Ancient And Holy Terra:
Send us all copies of the transmission to the NavSatellite to ensure peace. We will return the hostages and leave once we have it. Thank you.

[Erm...hello? Ancient and Holy Terra? Gehenna Tartarus?]

[ooc: I'm waiting on your response. Carter has declared they received no transmissions]

[ooc: I'm waiting on your response. Carter has declared they received no transmissions]

[I need Terra here! They're the one's with the copy!"]

SS Marx Bridge, 1016hrs
*********************
"So did you hear anything at all over the radio?" asked Ivorsky. "And radio officer, ask how our man is doing in the Triumph."

[PS: Wanna buy some antimatter? :lol: Thread in NationStates forum]

Lieutenant Carter was starting to get annoyed, which probably wasn't a good idea in his current situation.

"If I recall, we had complete radio silence from this ship." He answered.


HMS Triumph, 1018hrs
*******************

"Sir, another transmission from the Marx. They are asking after our prisoner."

Captain Trent raised his eyes to heaven. "Inform them he's safely tucked up in the brig." He walked over to the comm. "What's taking them so long? Why don't they tell us what they want?"

SS Marx, 1020hrs
***************

"Captain, I've blocked all transmissions from Terra's vessel. They won't be able to tell anyone what they've found."
Ivorsky nodded approvingly at the radio technician. "Good, good." He signalled at the prisoners. "Free one and send him back. Keep the others."

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker, 1022hrs
**********************************

"Comrade Ysevold?" said a guard in a navy uniform.
"Yes?"
"The Red Legion have breached the inner sector...someone opened the armored doors for them and -" But he could not finish.
"What?" roared Ysevold. "Who?" He eyes smouldered. "Yuri," he hissed. "Yuri!"
The Minister for Space Programs looked at the bellowing general and began to run - Maria Kharovna's forces were just one door away. If he copuld get to them...
But two guard pounced on him, bringing Comrade Yuri to the floor. "Idiot! Traitor," yelled Ysevold, and punched Yuri, knocking him unconscious. He grabbed a guard's gun and -
The 30cm thick titanium door blew open, showering the control with lethal shards. Two trooper sprayed the area with rubber bullets, and one figure, slightly smaller than the rest, aimed and fired...
Ysevold was stunned, losing consciousness. And his hand swept a button labelld "IRBM FIRE - DANGER"...

[Hellooo?]

HMS Triumph, 1026hrs
*******************

A man comes rushing onto the bridge. "Sir, they've let one of the men go."

Captain Trent walked over. "What about the others?" He walked over to Fenton. "Get on the radio and find out what the hell is going on! If this goes on much longer the Admiralty will decide our crew aren't worth the effort of saving."

Fenton turned to the radio. "SS Marx, this is HMS Triumph..."

Yamada swore.

"Sons of bitches blocked the communications!" he yelled, clamping his hands over his ears as static burst from the headphones.

The captain nodded. He hadn't expected them to just let him get away with that transmission.

"Any other allied ships in the region?" he asked, probably for the second or third time. His second in command, Yuri, nodded.

"Sir, Blue Sub 3 is in the region...another Ryuou, like us."

The captain nodded...perhaps his messaging choices weren't so limited afterall. He turned to Yamada.

"Do we still have communications with Triumph and Marx?"

Yamada checked and nodded.

"Yes sir. Apparently neither vessel is equipped to jam our super-low band and ultra-high band transmissions. I'd guess they can't intercept them yet because we haven't used either bands."

"Good. Get me a link with the Triumph. Any encrypt, just make sure it won't interfere with the transmission."

The link was opened to the Triumph. Despite the encryption, the voice kept dropping out from the jamming.

"Attention, HMS Triumph. This is Captain Iga aboard Blue Sub 6. We're being jammed by the Marx, presumably because of this transmission we intercepted. Crypt is working on deciphering it, but we can't get it out to anybody else unless this jamming is gone. Torpedoes are locked onto the Marx, but we understand there are hostages aboard. There's the possibility we could relay the transmission to another of our submarines in the area, but we need to get her closer...within 20 miles, to break the jamming."

The Captain continued to read off the coordinates of Blue Sub 3, and at the same time he hit a transmit button. This transmission was actually a ruse...there was no way thatlue Sub 3 could break the jamming, especially considering that they had the same communications gear...however, Captain Iga's message masked a file upload into the Triumph...the file was a copy of the Marx's transmission to their satellite. The Marx's message had been broken in several places, but techs aboard the Triumph were already trying to piece the file back together. No longer caring about the ruse, Captain Iga smiled.

"I presume you got our little present, Triumph?" he asked, imagining the look on the Demo-Bobylonian Captain's face when he realized his transmission had just gone walkabout.

SS Marx, 1030hrs
***************

"Captain, picking up transmission from the sub to the Triumph. It appears to be an encrypted transmision, using...oh...it's our message to the satellite."
Ivorsky swore. "Can we block both ships?"
"No, sir."
"Then issue a warning to the Triumph: we know they have a copy of the transmission. Hand over everything they know or we keep the hostages."

HMS Triumph, 1030hrs
*******************

"Sir, we have the transmission from the A&HT Sub. We are currently trying to decipher."

Captain Trent turned to Fenton. "Let them know we have it." He turned to Lieutenant Adams. "Send word to the Admiralty, and see if you can get that transmission off before the Marx know we have it."

Lieutenant Adams turned to his control panel and began work.

Captain Trent looked out of the window towards the Marx. "I want to know the minute they make a move." If they try anything, we'll do out best to save our crew, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made.

SS Marx, 1033hrs
***************

"Captain Ivorsky? I have good news and bad news."
The Captain looked uncomfortable. "Bad news first, please."
"The Triumph is attempting to transmit the message to their admiralty?"
Ivorsky swore. This was getting worse by the minute. "Good news," he croaked.
"The SS Mikhail is here, Captain. And the SS Demo, the most powerful battleship in our navy."
"Then issue a warning quickly, cease transmission or be destroyed. Get the Demo to fire warning shots." Captain Ivorsky's face twisted with anger. "If they don't stop, this is war."

HMS Triumph, 1035hrs
*******************

Fenton swung round suddenly. "Sir, it's the Marx. They are insisting that we cease transmission, or they will destroy us."

Captain Trent began to walk towards Fenton. Suddenly from the other side of the bridge. "Sir, we're picking up two more ships in the vicinity."

The captain turned to Lieutenant Adams. "Under no circumstances is that transmission to be stopped. It's obviously more important to them than was first thought." He turned back to Fenton. "Send out a message to those ships. If they enter Tartarian waters, they will be destroyed." He spun round to another officer. "And prepare all weapons."

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker 1038hrs
**********************************

There was a solemn mood as Maria Kharovna watched a streak in yellow move slowly across a computer screen. Over countries, over seas, towards Tartarian waters.
"How long until the IRBM reaches its target?" she asked.
"40 minutes, an hour. Not long."
She sighed. "Any way we can stop it?"
"we haven't got a missile defence system."
It was going to be a long 40 minutes.

"Sir, a load of crap just popped up. Looks like Triumph is engaged in a standoff with the Marx, and we've got two more ships on the way. It's going to hell in a handbasket, Captain." said Yamada.

"Great, this just keeps getting better all the time." said the Captain sarcastically. "Anything they're demanding us to do?"

Yamada nodded.

"Mostly to just hand over the transmission or die..." he answered.

"Well then, that's not right. I think it's high time to leave, helm. Make all possible speed to the edge of Bobylon's jamming, then we'll transmit a message to Admiral Yamarus. I think it's time the Blue Fleet figures out what's up. Inform Triumph of our momentary departure, then go to silent running. Engage to Caterpillar Drive as soon as we're up to 30 knots."

There were acknowledgements, and the massive "Ryuou"-class submarine picked up speed and began moving away from the other vessels.

SS Marx, 1041hrs
***************

"Message from home, Captain."
"What is it, comrade?"
"IRBM locks onto transmission signals...signals using the code we transmitted to the satellite...here in 40 minutes..."
Ivorsky was perplexed. "What IRBM? What are they talking about?"
"I think," crackled Kharovna's voice, "We need to tell you what's been going on at the bunker."

Military Base, Conal Venture - 1041hrs
********************************

The computer screen messaged a warning, the eyes of the operator flared. "Sir, it's confirmed. A missile has been launched from Demo-Babylon. It's heading this way."

Lord Hawkridge grunted, and looked at the huge screen on the wall opposite. He watched as the image of the missile made it's way slowly towards it's destination.

"Inform the Empress, this is an act of war."

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker, 1042hrs
**********************************

"Gehenna Tartarus, do you read me? Gehenna...The missile lainching was accidental. Please cease transmission and vacate area. Repeat, Gehenna Tartarus..."

SS Marx, 1044hrs
***************

The air was solemn. "So there's a missile coming this way?" said Ivorsky for the third time.
"Yes."
He sighed.
"We can't let it hit. Get the SS Demo to torpedo the Triumph's engines, we'll aim at the com array. We need to stop that transmission."

Military Base, Conal Venture, 1045hrs
*******************************

An officer spun on his chair. "Sir, we have received a message from Demo-Bobylon."

Lord Hawkridge walked across and was handed a copy of the transmission. "Accidental missile launch? Do they think we were born yesterday? Davidson send orders, that missile is to be stopped at all costs." He walked over to General Rayne. "If they want war, they've got it."


HMS Triumph, 1046hrs
*******************

"Sir, the second ship is moving position. They are coming into firing range."

Captain Trent looked at his weapons officer. "The second you have a lock, open fire." He walked over to Fenton. "Send them a warning."

SS Mikhail, 1047hrs
*****************

"Admiral? The Demo is about to fire."
Good, good. Just keep us out of the range of the Triumph, we don't want this flagship going down. Radio technician?"
A bearded man swivelled round on his chair. "Yessir?"
"Block the Triumph's transmission, make sure the Marx is blocking the sub's."
The technician nodded. "SS Demo, cleared to attack. Fire at will."

HMS Triumph, 1050hrs
*******************

The klaxons blared around the ship, as the ship's crew rush around in the red lit corridors. The hull had been breeched and was letting in water. A crew were already near the damaged area assessing the problem.

Captain Trent turned to the weapons officer. "Fire all weapons." He turned to another member of the crew. "Inform Lord Hawridge with taken damage."


Military Base, Conal Venture, 1050hrs
*******************************

"Launch the fighters, I want that ship at the bottom of the sea!" Lord hawkridge bellowed from his position by the radio.


Military Base, Sarv, 1051hrs
***********************

"Standby for immediate launch!"

SS Mikhail, 1052hrs
*****************

"Send out a message, technician. We'll help the HMS Triumph if they surrender. Launch our lifeboats," ordered the Admiral. "Also, radio Comrade Dmitri. Where is he?"

Gehenna Tartarus, 1054hrs
***********************

The learjet slowly ground to a halt on the runway, and half a dozen bodyguards ran out. In the centre was the Minster for Foreign Affairs, who straightened his tie and walked towards the airport building.
"I am Comrade Dmitri," he called to the guards rushing towards him. "I arranged for negotiations - there's been...a misunderstanding."

HMS Triumph, 1054hrs
*******************

Fenton turned to the Captain. "Sir, message from the Marx. They say they'll aid us if we surrender."

Captain Trent laughed. "Surrender! I never knew that ship was full of comedians." He turned to Fenton. "Tell them they can go to hell!" He turned to another officer. "When are those planes getting here?"

The officer turns. "They should be here shortly, Sir"

Captain Trent smiled. "Then we'll fight until they get here."


Erebus International Airport, 1055hrs
*******************************

Home Secretary Daniel Walker stepped forward to greet the man as he exited the plane. "Comrade Dmitri, this had better be good. Tartarus is ready to declare all out war." He looked the newcomer over. "And it better be quick!"

Erebus IA Conference Room, 1059hrs
********************************

"So, Comrade Walker, we do not want war. We do not have the capacity to engage in large scale conflict. I think that it would also damage your economy - something you seem proud of.
What I am proposing, comrade, is that we reach an agreement now. We pay for any damage caused, look after any casualties, return the hostages if you cease that transmission and hand over all copies. We have already shown our good intentions with the return of one hostage and the handing-over to you of one of our crewmen. It may be difficult to trust me, friend, but unless you do so, an IRBM will hit the Triumph very soon. 25 minutes, in fact.
What do you say?"

Daniel walker looked at Comrade Dmitri dumbfounded. "Let me get this straight." He counts the points on his fingers as he talks. "Your ship enters Tartarian waters, and refuses to acknowlegde it's identity. You take several members of our crew captive on board your ship. You fire a missile at our country. And you want us to bend over backwards for you." He coughed. "You don't really leave us any choice, do you? We'll have to declare war."

"Then what would you consider a treaty of surrender? What are the conditions? Comrade, I'm trying to negotiate, to stand stubborn. Remember, I have many allies, some with nuclear capacity. Please, contribute to the agreement, but let me ask you one more time - do you accept?"

"Comrade Dmitri, do you think that we have no allies to call?" He sighed. "We don't want this to turn into an all out war, as much as you don't. But you have to admit, coming here shouting the odds when it's your country that is in the wrong, it's not good politics. And it's not the way to get what you want."

"Please, Mr. Walker, we have to resolve this now. We have 20 minutes. We are prepared to hand over Ysevold, responsible for the firing, to be tried - using international law. But what are your terms? Is there actually any way we can prevent the war?"

"As a sign of your desire not to go to war, you can release our men off the Marx. Then you can destroy the missile that is heading towards our ship." He looked Dmitri. "Then, and only then, we will hand over the transmission." He smiled. "If you fail to do this, not only we will be at war, but we will be broadcasting the transmission internationally." He looked at his hands, and then back at Dmitri. "Do you accept?"

"The transmission is classified information, comrade. Space research. But remember, we have a tape of our own. Remember your Empress' wedding? There was an 'incident' involving her husband and Lord Nefarious, if I rightly remember what my deputy told me. Second, we do not spend much on our military - we have no missile defence system. The missile locks onto radio signals using the encryption code for the satellite. We have to make a decision in this minute, Comrade Walker, otherwise our ships will not be able to vacate the area in time. The Demo-Bobylonian ships will leave the area back into international waters - do not follow and do not try to start transmitting. Instead, run away - the IRBM will destroy everything in a 10km radius. We will start transmitting a decoy message from our coast, so that the missile turns around. Then the SS Marx will start transmitting, and then the coast, and so on until the IRBM runs out of fuel. It will be risky, but it is the only way to stop it. We have under a minute. So, friend, do you want to co-operate? I believe we have no choice."

"Comrade Dmitri, this whole incident could have been avoided if you had just seeked permission or at least acknowledged the reason for being where you were." He looked at the man in front of him. "Our only interest in your transmission arose from your secrecy and your threats. Perhaps you will have learnt from this situation." He turned to his aid. "Inform the Triumph to cease transmission and to vacate the area." He turned his attention back to Dmitri. "The tapes and copies will be returned once this incident has been rectified.

Dmitri nodded and smiled. "We're getting somewhere, now. Thank you for your co-operation. My government acknowledges its mistakes and you can expect a full appology. I hope that this incident can be resolved hastily, and without conflict. Our ships will not re-enter your waters, after they have left, without permission."

Daniel relaxed slightly into his chair. "I too hope it can be resolved without further incident. The ball is in your court now." He leant forward. "But if anything - and I mean anything - goes wrong, we will retaliate."

Dmitri nodded. "I understand. Our plan is: we hand back another hostage, you give us the transmission. We then hand back the remaining prisoners, and finally you hand back your hostage. Do you agree? If we do not keep our promise, we lose the tape and the hostage."

"Agreed." Daniel looked emotionless. "But it all rests on the destruction of that missile."

Twenty miles from the Demo, an alert sentry might have noticed a couple of air bubbles rise to the surface. Alas, the watchman was helping the gun battery crews load additional shells. The source of the bubbles went unnoticed.

However, something was down there. Specifically, 500 meters down Blue Sub 6 led a triad of "Ryuou"-class SSNs as they closed on the Bobylonian Battleship. Iga wiped some sweat from his brow and studied a computer screen. They had met up with Blue Sub 8 and Blue Sub 4 less than 30 minutes ago after dashing away from the Triumph and Marx at flank speed. Every second had seemed like hours. Even now an IRBM was hurtling its way through the atmosphere. They were outside the nuclear weapon's range, and Iga had already made sure that Blue Sub 6 had gone to NBC Alert.

He picked up the comm system.

"Captain Manchisco, Captain Aki? Do you read me?"

The response was nearly immediate.

"Roger, Captain Iga. We read you. Anything new?"

He shook his head.

"Nobody is too sure at the moment. We're getting little garbled bits of information suggesting that the IRBM might have been diverted, but it's probably just wishful thinking. We recieved a transmission from our embassy in Gehanna less than 30 minutes ago. Looks like Gehanna and Demo-Bobylon are working on some kind of one-sided deal."

Nobody spoke, so he continued.

"Unless that nuke gets diverted, we've got a war on our hands, and we'll be stuck in the middle of it. The Demo looks like she can do the most damage, so if war breaks out that's our primary target. Go to silent running, and get firing solutions on the Demo. Otherwise, don't make a move."

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker, 1026hrs
**********************************

The staff watched breathless as the minute electronic figure on a computer screen that was the missile turned to face the coast. Towards a new transmission.
"How long do we keep it up for?" asked a Red Legion trooper.
"Until it runs out of fuel," came the reply.
"How long will that be?"
Kharovna shrugged. "3 hours."
"3 hours! How many times back and forth?"
"About 3 or 4."
"What do we do until then?"
"Pray that no-one changes the signal."

Administrative Bureau, Interior Affairs, 1030hrs
****************************************

Ysevold looked at the floor, locked into a small room. He was being held there until he was tried. The Minister had been given a 30 minute break from questioning, when a visitor walked in.
"Matthew?" he said.
"Yes, sir. I'll get you out of here. There was only one guard at the door, no-one comes down this part of the corridor anyway. I drugged the guard, and Borrissen is in his uniform."
"But how do we escape?" whispered Ysevold. "What of the cameras?"
"I linked the surveillence camera to one in an identical piece of corridor. They'll be watching the wrong corridor in the control area."
Ysevold sat shocked, and then a smile slid across his face. "You always were inventive, Matthew. Remind me to promote you."
"Come on," replied Matthew. "We have a train to catch."
"Where to?"
"Vadrinsk. Let's go."

HMS Triumph, 1130hrs
*******************

"Damn! We're a sitting duck here!" Captain Trent paced back and forth the bridge. He scanned the other officers, their faces showing their concern.

"Sir, they are sending rescue ships to evacuate us." An officer shouted. "The first should be here in minutes."

Captain Trent looked out of the window towards the Marx, then turned to the officer. "When the ship arrives, sound evacuate ship."

Yes, Sir."


Military Base, Conal Venture, 1145hrs
*******************************

Lord Hawkridge stared silently at the huge display screen. Watching as the missile continued its journey. He walked over to one of the Generals. "I don't trust these Demo-Bobylons. Ready retaliatory missiles, if they make a mistake, I want them destroyed."

Tartarian Waters, 1050hrs
**********************

A half-dozen inflatable rafts and two patrol ships equipped with medics circled the Triumph. "Attention Captain Trent!" one medic shouted. "If you have any injured, please let us take them. Repeat, Captain Trent..."

Administrative Bureau, 1056hrs
***************************

"Ysevold's got 15 minutes," called out Maria. "Then we question him. Garov, how's that guard we sent to check on him?"
Garov sat at a computer, staring blankly. He licked his dry lips and began, in a croaking voice.
"The guard says he's at the room, but I cannot see him on the camera. We do not have visual confirmation."
"What?"
"He says there's a guard inside, tied up. No sign of Ysevold or the visitor."

HMS Triumph, 1051hrs
*******************

Fenton turned to Captain Trent. "Sir, the Demo-Bobylon ship is offering assistance to evacuate the ship."

Captain Trent walked over to the window and looked at the approaching ships. "Do you think this is another ploy to gain more hostages?" He thought of the striken Triumph and then of the missile possibly heading towards them. "We have little choice. Thank them for their assistance and get our crew off this ship."

New Demo Train Station, 1100hrs
*****************************

Ysevold, Matthew and Borrissen jumped aboard a train as it left the station. They had no tickets, but transport was free anyway.
"Are you sure this goes to Vadrinsk?" shouted Ysevold.
"Positive," Matthew replied. "We're going to the Vadr Hydroelectric Dam."

Tartarian Waters, 1100hrs
***********************

The medics were loading injured crew onto their patrol boats. Lieutenant Piotr looked up from a lifeboat. "Do we have permission to come on board?"

HMS Triumph, 1100hrs
*******************

Lieutenant Green looked at the man on the man on the lifeboat. "Permission granted." He stepped aside as he allowed the lieutenant on board. "Captain Trent is on the bridge, I'll take you to him. Follow me."

Lieutenant Green lead the man to the Captain, who was far from happy seeing a Demo-Bobylonian on his ship. "I'm Captain Trent. Thank you for your assistance." Although we wouldn't be in this mess if it wasn't for them, he thought. A slight frown showing his inner feelings.

HMS Triumph, 1101hrs
********************

Lieutenant Piotr stepped on board with four medics. "We are very pleased to be of service - our medical system is envied by 98% of the world, according to the UN." He walked on, boasting of his country's acheivements, as they entered the bridge. Piotr had utterly bored the Captain, and so Trent did not notice one junior medic slip away, searching the bridge and pocketing any recordings...

Lieutenant Green watched as the medic slipped away and attempted to pocket some recordings. He walked over to him. "I think you should leave them where they are." He smiled. "Anyway, there's nothing on them. We don't copy onto hard disk on the ship."

The medic froze, but then smiled. "Just looking for any first aid kits. Just looking."

Lieutenant Green returned the smile and pointed to a box on the wall. "They would be the boxes marked First Aid."

The medic took the kit, hurriedly thanked Green and ran off. He whispered something in Piotr's ear, and the lieutenant nodded.
"Captain Trent? I believe it was in the agreement that you handed over the recording and any copies. Do you have them?"

Captain Trent turned to Lieutenant Piotr. "It was my understanding that the transmissions would be returned to you once that missile was destroyed." He looked the man in the eye. "Unless I misheard my orders." He turned to one of his officers. "Did I mishear, Kent?"

Kent replied. "No, Sir. That was the message."

"And we don't have copies. They will be dealt with futher up the chain of command."

Lieutenant Piotr gulped. "I actually believe the agreement was that we gave back another hostage, you give us the transmission. We've already returned Peters, here is Lowcroft. Now please, the transmission."

Captain Trent just stood looking emotionless. "Yes, that is the order of events, following the destruction of that missile. Do you think the Tartarian High Command would let you take your transmission and run. Leaving us to pick up the pieces once that thing hits?" He walked over to the comm channel. "But I will confirm their orders."

Piotr spoke again, but this time with a little anger showing in his voice. "The agreement was, Captain, we hand back a hostage, you give us the transmission. No more. The destruction of the missile was not mentioned in this part of the informal treaty. The part was, you were going to declare war on Demo-Bobylon if the IRBM was not destroyed."

Captain Trent turned suddenly. "If it was up to me, I would have declared war the minute you fired that damn thing!" His anger rising. Who did this man on his bridge think he was? "If you want the transmission, you will wait for me to check with my superiors. Or you will get off my ship!"

The medics looked on stunned. The lieutenant thought for a moment, and spoke again, this time in a calmer tone. "Comrade Trent, you do not have any authority over me. However, please feel free to contact your superiors." He stressed the word superiors very slightly.

Trent called the Admiralty, and after a brief discussion he turns to Lieutenant Piotr. "They have decided that we are to hand over the transmission to you, as a show of good will." He walked over to the transmission bank and removed the data cartridge. "And you are mistaken, I have authority over everyone who steps foot on the Triumph." He turned to Lieutenant Green. "Get this man off my ship!"

"Do not worry, Trent. I am already leaving. However, if you wish our medics to continue to help you, please show a little courtesy." Piotr walked away with the disk, whispering into a microphone.

Captain Trent was angry. If he'd had a gun to hand, Lieutenant Piotr would be leaving in a body bag. He walked over to another officer. "Make sure that those medics are watched. I don't trust them."

just write a book. u make $$$$

[ahem,. thanks Lil Tiny Brothers...]

SS Marx, 1104 hrs
****************

"Transmission secured, Captain. Release remaining hostages."
"No," replied Ivorsky. "Test what's on the disk first. And search the Triumph once everyone's off. Search all crew."

Deep in the Marx hull, a small black box suddenly lit up, red figures on its front.
45:00...44:59...44:58...

HMS Triumph, 1105hrs
*******************

Captain Trent turned to Lieutenant Green. "How are is the evac going?"

"Sir, the ship should be cleared of all but the security crew within the next ten minutes." The Lieutenant walked up to the Captain.

Trent turned to face him. "Get the Demo-Bobylon personnel off, and do a sweep of the ship. I want to make sure they're all off."

Lieutenant Green smiled sardonically. "I think those medics did more harm than good. Although I have my doubts about the medical knowledge of most of them."

HMS Triumph, 1106hrs
*******************

"Get off me! We are trying to assist you! No, we will not..." protested the chief medic, Dr. Harz. "We are part of the medical team. I will complain to your superiors!"

[ooc: is the disk genuine? and most of the medics are really doctors - there is only that 1 soldier and Piotr]

[ooc: Yes, its the one that took the transmission]

Lieutenant Green walked up to the naval officer, who was manhandling the medic. "Dr Harz, accept my apologies, but all crew except security personnel are leaving the ship." He indicated the lifeboats. "We appreciate your assistance with the injured."

SS Marx, 1107hrs
****************

Piotr and Ivorskys' faces were illuminated by the blue glare of a computer screen. A familiar line of encryption figures scrolled down the screen.
"Yes! It's genuine," muttered the Captain.
"What now, comrade?"
"Hand back the remaining hostages. Once those Tartarians have done their search, search their ship ourselves."
"And the disk?"
"Destroy it. We don't need it now."

[ooc: apparently, I have 230,000 troops. I know you have milions, but I'm nice. Let's avoid a war.]

HMS Defiant, 1108hrs
******************

"Sir, we have a visual on the Triumph."

Captain Devon walked across to the window, and took a long look at the stricken ship. "Inform Captain Trent that we are here. If the Demo-Bobylon's make the slightest move, we have permission to open fire."

Demo-Vadrinsk Express, 1113hrs
****************************

"Police! Everybody, please put your hands above your head. A unit is present. Do not move. Repeat - do not move..."
The shouts startled the three renegades. "Borrissen," hissed Ysevold. "Cover us. Matt, try to open the nearest door. I'll keep watch."
Twelve policemen with rubber bullet-guns entered the carriage, searching the passengers. Closer and closer, now barely 10 metres away.
8 metres, 6, 5 metres...4...
"Halt! By the authorit..." shouted one, before he was cut off by gunshot. He fell, as two officers rushed forward. "Go, go," yelled the Minister. The door fell away, its lock shattered. There was only the track now, and the train was travelling at 90km/h. A fall could be disasterous.
The explosion of tear gas filled the carriage, accidentally let off by one officer. Matthew saw his chance - he rolled a smoke grenade under the approaching men and - the carriage was shrouded in a thick veil. Police shouted into their microphones for the driver to slow down, that it wasn't safe...and as the train hit 20km/h, Ysevold rolled up and jumped out, followed by his two assistants.

HMS Triumph, 1109hrs
*******************

Fenton turned from the comm. "Sir, the Defiant has visual. They are positioned and ready to open fire."

Captain Trent walked around his bridge. "Lieutenant, any news of the missile?"

"No, sir." Lieutenant Green turned to face the Captain. "Lord Hawkridge has sent no further news."

Trent turned back to Fenton. "Inform all ships in the vicinity to move away from the Triumph, expecially the Demo-Bobylon vessels."

HMS Triumph, 1113hrs
*******************

"Captain Trent! We have some hostages for you. Now, I believe you have a crewman?"

Captain Trent turned to the man who spoke. "He was taken aboard one of your rescue ships. Did you think we would leave him on board this one, with the possible danger facing it?"

"Understood. Do you want the hostages put straight on a rescue boat to save you the trouble?"

Captain Trent smiled. "That would be appreciated. Although I suggest you make it known which ship they are on. I'd hate for us to go to war over such a small detail."

"They'll be on the SS Mikhail, the navy flagship." Lieutenant Piotr paused, realising that he wasn't permitted to name the flagship. "I mean, to the SS Mikhail. A ship." He smiled nervously.

Captain Trent noted the slipped but showed no outward emotion of doing so. "Thank you." He watched as Lieutenant Green escorted Lieutenant Piotr off the ship.

The captain turned to Fenton. "Inform the Defiant that at the first sign of trouble, they are to take out the Mikhail."

Piotr walked away, wide-eyed. Oh not now, he thought, that could cost me my promotion. How will I explain this?

HMS Defiant, 1115hrs
******************

Captain Devon smiled. "Get me a target lock on the Mikhail. That's our first target if this gets messy."

The First Officer turned to face him. "Sir, some of our people are on that ship."

"They are expendable." He looked at the crew. "The Empire cannot afford to show a weakness."

SS Mikhail, 1116hrs
*****************

"Admiral! They know that we're the flagship. We need to vacate the area!"
The Admiral stood shocked. "How?" he hissed.
"Lieutenant Piotr. He..."
"It doesn't matter. Move out of HMS Defiant range. We are unarmed!"

HMS Defiant, 1118hrs
******************

"Sir, the Mikhail is moving out of range." The First Officer spoke to the captain.

Devon walked over to the comm and told the crewman to send a message to the ship. "They have members of our navy on board. This could be another hostage situation. Inform them they are to remain in Tartarian waters."

"Yes, sir."

"What?" The Admiral was incredulous. "What? They complain when we move into their waters and they complain when we try to leave?" He sighed. "Mad. Absolutely mad. Explain that it's for medical purposes, they can track the ship by air if they want. God, we're unarmed. Can we say that?"
The orderly looked uncomfortable. "With the deepest respect, sir, I think that would be unwise..."
"Yes, I thought so. Then just explain, will you? I'm sick of this affair. How do we get them off our back? I don't know, I really..."

HMS Defiant
***********

The radio finally went silent. Captain Devon smiled. "Medical purposes? Shouldn't they be rendezvousing with on our own ships to drop off our crew? I don't trust these Demo-Bobylons. They cause trouble and run at the first chance they get." He removed his cap, ran his fingers through his hair, and then replaced it.

"Hello, and welcome to 'The World Today', the best satirical programme around. I'm Lucy Harrovna, and our top story - struggle with Gehenna Tartarus. John?"
"Thank you, Lucy. Yes, we have had reports that we've changed our national anthem to the Beatle's Help." (canned laughter). "And judging by the size of the Tartarian army, for our sake, they better give peace a chance". (more canned laughter).

Sergei turned the TV off. "How," he began, "Did this get leaked?"
"I-I don't know, sir," stammered his secretary. "I honestly don't know."
"We're the laughing stock of the region. This just get's worse and worse."

Military Base, Conal Venture, 1125hrs
*******************************

Lord Hawkridge continues to watch the large display on the wall. "What's the latest info on that missile?"

General Rayne looks up from a computer screen. "We've not heard anything from the Demo-Bobylons. The round up of the transmission copies are almost complete."

Lord Hawkridge smiled. "Good. The sooner we get rid of them, the sooner we can wash our hands of the Demo-Bobylons."

SS Marx, 1128hrs
****************

"Attention, Triumph. We have altered the transmission again. THE IRBM is heading back, around 35 minutes away. Repeat..."

HMS Triumph, 1129hrs
*******************

"Sir, that IRBM is back on course for the Triumph, eta twelve hundred hours."

Captain Trent looked around the bridge. "Who would have thought, without even leaving Tartarian water, we would be having this kind of day." He turned to Fenton. "Inform the Defiant. They may want to increase their distance from us."

"Yes, sir."

[I'm going on holiday so I won't post until next Tuesday or Wednesday]

[ooc: Have a good holiday]

[ooc: Have a good holiday]

[Thanks. Are you going anywhere? So I won't be offended if you don't respond for a while...]

[ooc: No, I'll be here when you get back.]

[Ok. We'll continue this next week.]

SS Mikhail, 1131hrs
*****************

"NavSatellite 3 is online, Admiral. Base has visual."
The Admiral nodded, contented. "Good, good. Inform the Marx that we wish to transfer the crew to our boat and the Demo, as it is unsafe to remain on a damaged vessel. Get Captain Ivorsky and Lieutenant Piotr on board for questioning - we need to know everything that has happened. And tell the SS Demo to move away, so that if things turn ugly, it can attack the HMS Defiant from the flank. Engine technician?"
"Yessir?"
"Move out - 12km from the Marx. We don't want to get involved."

Meanwhile, the box in the Marx' hull continued to count down. 19:03...19:02...19:01...

HMS Defiant, 1133hrs
******************

Captain Devon watch the radar screen, as the two Demo-Bobylon ships began to move themselves out of the area. A bad feeling entered his body, and he didn't like it.

Turning to one of the crew, "Contact Lord Hawkridge, something seems to be happening." He walked over to the main observation window. "I believe they are up to something, and I'll be damned before I'll let them get the better of Tartarus."


Military Base, Conal Venture, 1135hrs
*******************************

General Rayne walked up to Lord Hawkridge, a grim look on his face. "Message from the Defiant." He handed over a copy of the transmission.

Hawkridge sighed. "Umm, prepare to launch. When I give the signal, we hit them with everything we've got. Let's just hope for their sake, they don't try anything stupid." He turned to face Rayne. "And move our ships further out of the area, but keep them close enough to retaliate."

Demo-Vadrinsk Autobahn, 1140hrs
*****************************
Cars are banned in cities, but not on main roads. So the three renegades ran onto the road onto a not-very-busy-at-all stretch. Matthew managed to flag down a car. Shouting, he waved a pistol in the driver's face and threw the unfortunate man out of the car: Borrissen and Ysevold climbed in after him.
As the car sped away, Comrade Ysevold muttered half to himself. "Don't worry, we're on target, don't worry." He had a voice on the edge of panic.

HMS Triumph, 1140hrs
*******************

Fenton turned to Captain Trent. "Sir, the Defiant is moving away. Air support is currently being depatched."

Trent turned and stared at the Marx. He smiled as he thought what he'd like to do with it and Lieutenant Piotr.

Tartarian Waters, 1144hrs
**********************

Lieutenant Piotr helped Ivorsky onto the lifeboat, which then took off towards the Mikhail. The Captain turned to face the SS Marx and shouted, "Lieutenant Josef! You are now acting captain. You have full control over the evacuation of the SS Marx."
The small man on the deck nodded, and went below.

HMS Triumph, 1145hrs
*******************

Captain Trent watched as the crew of the Marx were slowly taken off the ship. He turned to one of the officers. "They didn't take any damage. Why are they evacuating?" He walked over to Fenton. "There's something strange going on here, contact the Defiant and the Admiralty. I don't like this at all."

HMS Triumph, 1145hrs
*******************

Captain Trent watched as the crew of the Marx were slowly taken off the ship. He turned to one of the officers. "They didn't take any damage. Why are they evacuating?" He walked over to Fenton. "There's something strange going on here, contact the Defiant and the Admiralty. I don't like this at all."

[I did take a little damage. And to be truthful, I'm not planning anything. However, Comarde Ysevold is...]

[ooc: my military are overly wary of everything your people do. Let's just say they don't trust them.

Sorry about the damage thing, I didn't realise they had taken any serious damage that would warrant evacuation.]

SS Marx, 1147hrs
***************

Josef strode into the bridge. "Well?" he asked.
"46 of the 92 crew off, acting-Captain Josef. Exactly half. But we'll need a few more rafts."
"Well then, would you accompany me with some men to the hull? There are 5 emergency ones there."
"Of course, sir," came the reply, and the officer got up. He gestured, and three more men joined them, and they began to descend the stairs. The radio technician swivelled round. "Oh, sir. The IRBM is about 10 minutes away. We need to cut the signal at 1154hrs, or thereabouts."
"Of course. Do it while I am in the hull."
The technician seemed contented.

4:37...4:36...4:35...

HMS Defiant, 1148 hrs
*******************

Captain Devon signalled the all stop. They had moved away from the Triumph and the Demo-Bobylonian ships. Not that he was happy. He didn't like to let the enemy too far out of his sight.


HMS Triumph, 1149hrs
*******************

Captain Trent listened to the radio message from Conal Venture. They had just received word that the IRBM was only minutes away. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead.

SS Marx Hull, 1150hrs
*******************

"The lifeboats are here, sir. How many -"
The crewman was interupted by the shout of another officer. "Ahh! Josef, Josef! What is this?"
Five men clustered round a dark object with red figures on its display panel. 1:11...1:10...1:09...
"A bomb," hissed Josef. "Quick, get bomb disposal. How many people onboard?"
"37, sir, at the latest count. But just as many in lifeboats which could be capsized by an explosion."
The acting Captain swore. A voice boomed over the intercom, "4 minutes under IRBM changeover."

Gehenna Tartarus, 1150hrs
***********************

Dmitri was beginning to relax. If everything went to plan, there would be peace. Everything is under control, he thought. What could possibly go wrong?

Military Base, Conal Venture, 1150hrs
*******************************

Lord Hawkridge watched as the missile edged its way closer to the target. He could feel his heartbeat begin to rise. He turned to General Rayne.

"That's too close for comfort. Has the Triumph been evacuated?"

The General nodded. "All but a security detail and a few Bridge officers are on board. Once this is over, we will begin to offload our personnel from the Demo-Bobylon ships."

Lord Hawkridge shook his head. "I will forever rue the day that I heard the words Demo-Bobylon."

SS Mikhail, 1151hrs
*****************

Piotr and Ivorsky climbed onto the flagship. "Well," muttered the Captain. "Everything alright on the Marx?"

SS Marx, 1151hrs
***************

Josef mopped the brow of the bomb expert, cold sweat dripping down the faces of everyone there despite the warmth of the engines. 00:37...00:36...00:35...
The room had not a breath in it. The diffuser seemed to be lost in a sea of wires, puzzling over which one to cut. A couple of officers edged towards the stairs. 00:23...00:22...00:21...
"For God's sake, man," bellowed the acting-Captain. "Do something!"
"I don't know what to do!"
"Anything!"
00:11...00:10...00:09...
The officers ran for the stairs at once, only the bomd disposal expert staying, petrified to his spot. Five men stumbled up the stairs.
00:03...00:02...00:01...
Josef closed his eyes and waited...
Silence. Nothing. Gradually, he opened them. The expert had fainted, but no wires had been cut. Why hadn't it exploded?
A senior officer released his grip around acting Captain Josef's lehs and stood up with surprising dignity. 00:00...00:00...00:00 flashed the display.
Josef croaked. "Go back up to supervise the signal change. And one of you find out where that wire leads," he added, pointing at one trailing away into the shadows.
The elite of the navy nodded in unison, turned, and ran up the stairs screaming.

Military Base, Conal Venture, 1151hrs
*******************************

Lord Hawkridge was the missile still heading in the same direction. He stood waiting for anything to change. If they've double-crossed us, I'll throw our entire military at them. He thought, as he remained motionless.


HMS Triumph, 1151hrs
*******************

Fenton turned to the Captain. "Sir, message from Conal Venture, they want us to evacuate the rest of the crew off this ship."

Captain Trent walked over to another officer. "Give the order to abandon ship, and get yourself onto a boat."

"Yes, sir."

SS Marx, 1154hrs
***************

The crew were back on the bridge, ready for the operation. "Standby," ordered Josef. "Coastline transmitting signal in 3...2...1..." A row of small bulbs lit up. "Signal transmitting. Cease transmission in 10..."
The officers were relieved after that ordeal, and not any of them spoke of their hasty retreats. They avoided each others' eyes with great skill.
"2...1...transmission stopped." Another row's lighs went dark, and Josef watched the electronic beap that was the IRBM on the screen for five seconds.
It continued. On the same path.
The officers saw this, and looked in perfect unison at their acting-Captain.
He had alrady fainted.

SS Marx Hull, 1154hrs
*******************
The bomb expert had tracked the wire through every dark corner, and found it end here, on a ledge outside the main body.
He swore.
For on the ledge, in the open air, a satellite com dish spun gently. A light showed it was transmitting.

Military Base, Conal Venture, 1155hrs
*******************************

General Rayne walked over to Lord Hawkridge, who stood transfixed to the large display screen. Rayne knew that he didn't need to mention the fact that they had a problem, he could tell by the look in the other man's eye that he understood fully.


HMS Triumph, 1155hrs
******************

"Sir, that missile we're tracking has gone past it's target." Fenton looked over at the Captain. "We have to get off this ship now."

Trent turned towards the young officer. "Right, let's go!" He just hoped that they still had time.

SS Marx, 1156hrs
***************

"IRBM ETA is 2 minutes, Captain!"
Josef paced up and down the bridge. "How long will it take to turn away?"
"For 90 degrees, an IRBM direction change. Ooh, about a minute. Depends."
"Then we've got no time. What shall we do?"

HMS Triumph, 1156hrs
*******************

Captain Trent watched as the few remaining crew began to lower themselves into the lifeboats. He knew that if that thing hit, they would be killed. He attempted to keep the fear and sadness out of his eyes, as he said his last goodbyes to the ones he loved.

SS Marx, 1158hrs
***************

"30 seconds until IRBM hit! Bomb disposal's taken out the transmitter, but it was too late for the missile to turn." The technician's voice dropped. "Well," he said. "Goodbye then."
"Goobye," came the murmured reply. Some were praying who'd never prayed before, others were shaking hands for the last time, others were softly crying. As the countdown reached zero, the entire ship was in a forlorn mood.

The IRBM hit the glistening water as its targeting sensor rapidly tried to change direction. The sudden impact set off the explosive in its warhead.

In the resulting explosion, the SS Marx and HMS Triumph exploded in a barrage of molten steel. A cloud 4km high of evaporated seawater reached up into the sky; a heated tidal wave swamped the lifeboats; the SS Demo capsized from its force.
In New Demo City, alarms went off. A hundred hands went to phone grieving mothers. The Premier sunk his head into his hands.
And on the Demo-Vadrinsk Autobahn, Ysevold laughed.

HMS Defiant, 1159hrs
******************

Even at its safe distance from the explosion, the Defiant could feel the effects. The emergency sirens were blaring and the crew raced along the ship in a panic.

Captain Devon watched the underfolding scene before him, frozen into silence at the destruction that had just occurred. "Holy Sh*t! Get onto Conal Venture. Tell them what's happened!" He turned to another officer. "And get some lifeboats out there, before that other ship goes down.


Erebus, 1202hrs
**************

Daniel Walker put down the phone and looked across at Comrade Dmitri. "It appears your missile has just struck. First reports state that it detroyed the Triumph and the Marx. Another ship has been damaged in the explosion." His face was drained of all expression.

Erebus Conference Room, 1202hrs
*****************************

Comrade Dmitri sat ashen-faced. "What? H-how?" he began. "But..."
His radio burst into life. "This is the Foreign Ministerium, Dmitri. Are you there?" He mumbled. "Good. Casualties: estimated 30 on the Marx, 35 in lifeboats, 1 drowned from the Demo. Not including Tartarians. Dmitri, continue with negotiations."
The ambassador looked up. "I'm sorry," he said, reaching for a sip of water but draining the glass. "I need a few moments."

SS Demo, 1202hrs
****************

Klaxons sounded, red lights flashed. "Self-righting mechanism failed, Captain," someone cried. "Two people in the hospital bay, reporting loss of sight. We're taking water. Sir?"

Erebus Conference Room, 1203hrs
*****************************

Daniel watched as Dmitri took the call. If this was there plan all along, he was one hell of an actor. His distress looked genuine.

"I take it there is a good explanation for this happening." He took a sip of water. His mouth suddenly dry as he listened to the casualties. They could have been much worse, he knew. "Remember Comrade Dmitri, if this is some kind of cross on Demo-Bobylon's part, then you are looking at full scale war. The Empress will not take kindly to this."


HMS Defiant, 1203hrs
******************

Captain Devon watched as the boats that been used to help evacute the Triumph now turned their attention to aiding the Demo.

Erebus Conference Room, 1204hrs
******************************

"It appears," said Dmitri flatly. "That I have won the election and am now premier of Demo-Bobylon. However, I have enabled a clause putting the previous ruler Comrade Mikhailovitch in power for a temporary period, since we have declared a confedential state of emergency. In other words, we panic but no-one must hear about it."
"Our deepest thanks for your aid in the capsizing of the SS Demo. We hope to repay you. We would also like to explain that this is the work of a renegade general, namely Comrade Ysevold, the former Minister of Defence. He is now wanted for at least 70 accounts of murder, following the explosion, and several serious offences including misappropriation of funds and crimes against the state. No doubt he is now on your most wanted too - can we prosecute in an international court?"
"And last, our sympathy. We managed to save many of the Triumph crew, only around 25 were lost. How many were on board?"

Daniel looked at Dmitri. "Congratulations, on your victory. It's a pity that you should come to power with this hanging over your head." He took a sip of water. "This man that you speak of will indeed be placed on our wanted list, but I have to say that I am not impressed with the way you allowed him to do what he did."

He got up from his chair and paced the room. "He was able to interfer with your military equipment and in the process took out three ships. The number of lives saved will not overshadow the people that we lost today."

He turned and placed his hands on the table. His body leant forward. "We want him prosecuted. If we should find him before you, his punishment will be swift and painful." He looked Dmitri in the eyes. "If he has a god, he'd better start praying that you find him first."

"I am glad that you understand, comrade. We could organise for an inspector team to enter Demo-Bobylon in the hope of finding him. But we would still like to prosecute him under an international court, abiding by international law."
"In the meantime, I have arranged for an intelligence dossier to be written on the subject: it will be shared with you."
"Are there any more matters you wish to cover? Otherwise I shall book in at a hotel - this has been a very tense time for both our nations, and I need a rest."

Daniel looked at Dmitri and shook his head. "No, there is nothing more I wish to discuss. And I need to inform the Empress of the facts." He moved to the door. "I'll arrange for transport to take you to the hotel."

He left the room, and walked to the nearest phone. He hoped that this Comrade Ysevold could be brought to justice quickly.

Demo-Vadrinsk Autobahn, 1210hrs
******************************

"Matthew? What is the plan? Why are we going to Vadrinsk?" Borrissen's voice sounded weak, and his two companions gave him a smug smile.
Matthew spoke first. "Ysevold's got a lot of support in the barracks - we can get around 2600 men to join our cause ."
"And there's the Dam," interrupted Comrade Ysevold. "Largest centre of research in the country. Vadrinsk is our second city: I was born there and it'll be a strategic city if we take it. Which we will."

Erebus, 1212hrs
**************

Daniel got into his car and headed for a meeting with the Empress and Emma Sarie. He was not looking forward to it. He knew that she would demand this man found. But he felt sure the Demo-Bobylons would not be happy.

RATED: URGENT
HIGHLY CONFEDENTIAL
Telegram Demo-Bobylon -> Gehenna Tartarus

Comrade Ysevold Ryov
Criminal record (previous of today): Possession of firearms, fraud
Medical record: Claustrophobia, delusions of grandeur, overtly aggressive
Personality notes: Cold-blooded, highly ambitious, determined - WARNING, very dangerous
Came to power when his father, also Minister for Defence, died. Regards democracy lowly, and was not appointed by Comrade Robert Mikhailovitch but by selection.

Ewige Verdammnis Palace, Erebus
****************************

Emma Sarie read the telegram sent by the Demo-Bobylons. She wondered how someone had managed to get through the ranks without drawing attention to his faults. Perhaps they should bring in psychological analysis on all their employees.

Daniel walked in to find Emma sitting at her desk. She looked up from the telegram as he entered. "This doesn't look good." She said as she indicated the report she had on her desk. "We'll wait for the Demo-Bobylons to tell us whether they require our assistance before we move in. Although we may want to prepare someone ready, in case we decide to go in."

RATED: NORMAL
CONFEDENTIAL
Telegram Demo-Bobylon -> Gehenna Tartarus

Good afternoon. The Demo-Bobylonian Intelligence Ministerium will be holding a meeting on the developing situation at 1.00pm. If you so wish, you can be present via a conference computer system projected onto a plasma screen. Approximately 8000 troops have been sent to Vadrinsk, but have been delayed due to rail difficulties. We would also like to inform you that the estimated cost of defence per citizen is under £30 (45 commiegeld, compared to £1000, 1600 commiegeld, to healthcare) and so we are limited in military capacity. We have 240,000 military personel, of which 70,000 are soldiers, although some may be loyal to Ysevold.
RSVP,
Maria Kharovna,
Minister for Intelligence

**Telegram**

**Confidential**

To: Maria Kharovna, Minister for Intelligence
From: Emma Sarie, Minister of Foreign Affairs

I would like to be present at the meeting you mention, a conference link is currently being set up.

If you require assistance to catch Comrade Ysevold, the Empire is willing to send aid.

The plasma screen burst into life.
"Ah," said Maria. "Now we know who we're talking to. Yes, we will allow you to enter the country with under 5000 troops, but we would be just as willing to catch him ourselves. Hopefully, conflict can be avoided. At present, we have 3 police units pursuing him, and are setting up a roadblock."

Emma Sarie looked at the face that had appeared on the screen in front of her. "We would rather not send any military into your country, as such an action could be miscontrued by the international community as an invasion force." She smiled. "We will continue to watch your progress in apprehending this fugitive. If we are unsatisfied with your attempt, we may then become involved."

The background against Maria was one of 20 spies working in a crowded room, printers constantly working and the madness-inducing sound of fingers on keyboards.
"Would you like to send unarmed inspectors?"

Emma thought for a moment and nodded. "Sending in a small group of inspectors would please us, although we would need your quaranteed that no harm will come to them while in your country." She looked rather bleak. "As you can imagine, our trust in you is very fragile at present. I would hate for anything to happen that could destroy that trust completely."

[I want to know what Ancient and Holy Terra makes of this...]

"Then it is agreed. You have permission to send in an inspector team. On the intelligence front, we have this news: estimated 3000 of 4800 troops in Vadrinsk central barracks are loyal to him. Another 6000 on the outskirts of the city are loyal to Ysevold, as opposed to 1200 to the state. In New Demo City, 3100 renegade, 12,000 state. In Kharograd..." The list went on and on. "Total number: 28,000 loyal to Comrade Ysevold, 35,000 loyal to the state, 8000 insufficient information. Based on psychology reports and known actions. Any questions?"

[I want to know what Ancient and Holy Terra makes of this...]

"Then it is agreed. You have permission to send in an inspector team. On the intelligence front, we have this news: estimated 3000 of 4800 troops in Vadrinsk central barracks are loyal to him. Another 6000 on the outskirts of the city are loyal to Ysevold, as opposed to 1200 to the state. In New Demo City, 3100 renegade, 12,000 state. In Kharograd..." The list went on and on. "Total number: 28,000 loyal to Comrade Ysevold, 35,000 loyal to the state, 8000 insufficient information. Based on psychology reports and known actions. Any questions?"

Emma listened intently as Marie read of a list of statistics. She knew from the numbers being mentioned that Ysevold had a large following. Her features remained emotionless. "Do you have any idea what his ultimate goal is? Is he intending to attempt to overthrow the government?" Her eyes stared at the image on the screen.

"He was planning to lead a putsch and appoint himself dictator, but his plans may have changed. His initial target is clearly to take Vadrinsk. But I don't think the support there is the only factor - the Vadr Hydroelectric Dam, pride of Demo-Bobylon, supplier of water and electricity to millions and the home of our greatest research centre is nearby. But it's just a feeling."

Emma's face began to take on a curious look. "Without prying too deeply into the projects that your research centre is carrying out, is there anything in there that could be a threat to your country, or any other?" She waited silently for an answer.

Marai shifted uncomfortably. "Well, it's one of the biggest dams in the world - there's that psychological warfare. But..." She paused. "We've been doing research into antimatter, and have successfully contained it safely, for as long as we want, in something we call Project Gemini. It quite changes the scientific opinion of physics. But it has a practical use - antihydrogen power. Clean, efficient, cheap. Leaves no waste, but completely destroys the fuel. Antihydrogen was contained in the IRBM warhead. It has the potential to revolutionise the power system, rendering nuclear energy useless."

Emma sat back in her chair with a sigh. "So, he's either going to blow up your dam causing untold death in your country, or he's going to steal this research, thus laying his hands on the means to cause untold death and destruction." She stared at the screen, and finished sardonically. "You appear to have quite a problem."

"Yes, it would appear we have," replied Maria. The Security and Intelligence Network director gave a small cough. "But it's your problem as well. You see-" Another cough. "The problem is to overcome it. We need to think laterally and-" A small fit of coughs. "And will you stop coughing!"
The director looked up,, and collapsed. Three agents ran over to him.

Emma watched silently, as the man collapsed. She looked at the screen emotionlessly. "Our problem? This man is running amok in your country, is planning to cause serious harm to your nation. How is that our problem?"

She sighed. "Granted he destroyed one of our ships, killing our people, but I do see what we can do, when all you will allow us to do is send in a group of inspectors. What exactly do you expect from us?"

Maria Kharovna wasn't listening. She had run over to the director and was talking into a radio. "Paramedics, doctor and toxicologist please."
At the far end of the room, the telephone rang. A young man ran to it and listened. "Erm, Miss Kharovna?" he said, offering the wireless telephone. "It's...it's Comrade Ysevold".
"Ah, Maria," game a gloating voice. "I'm having some trouble with the police. Do you wish to trade? Get the police off my back and I'll tell you the antidote. But he hasn't got long. 20 minutes, I would make it."

Emma sat watching the action taking place on the screen. She then looked at the telegrams that Demo Bobylon sent containing details of Comrade Ysevold.

"20 minutes..." mused Maria. "And you wouldn't have got the poison into his system before 2 hours ago. Coughing...What else do you feel, director?"
The poor man signalled that his throat was on fire and explained that his legs ached. He tried to get up, and collapsed. "Dizziness, throat swelling, aching legs, effects in under 2 hours...I would say adiphanine." She heard Ysevold swear over the radio. "Standard antidote for adiphanine, Agent 55-FF. You haven't got us this time."
"Maria, I not only have Plan B, but C, and D, and reaching down to L. You cannot beat me! But, please, stay on the radio."

Hearing what was going on through the conference link, Emma began to realise just how desirous of success Comrade Ysevold was. In a strange kind of way, she began to pity the Demo-Bobylons. Fortunately this man was not in Tartarus.

"Listen, you prat, I'm busy." Maria went to switch off the radio when the Minister called out, "Before you go, Maria, tell them about the Acras Station. I'm planning a visit there."
Kharovna visibly froze. She switched off the radio and turned to the video screen.

Emma sat forward in her chair, as Maria returned onto the screen. She was playing with her pen, running it through her fingers. Her face was emotionless but her eyes reflected her anger. "I get the feeling this is one problem that isn't going to go away quickly." She began to tap the pen in the table. "What exactly is going on? And what hold does he have over your country?"

"The Acras Station is a UN-sponsored factory. It...I'm sorry, I can't disclose any more information without authorisation. We'll keep you posted."

Emma shook her head. "I not trying to pry into your top-secret research, all I'm trying to do is get to the bottom of this problem." She sighed. "If there is nothing else you can tell me, I will begin arranging the departure of our inspectors to your country." She looked at the screen, waiting for Maria's answer.

Maria Kharovna paused. Here was a chance to let both countries have a tactical advantage over Ysevold, but it was confidential. What would happen if they found out? The location of the plant was top secret, she'd already given the approximate situation away. Could they be trusted?
"I'm afraid I can say no more," she replied at length. "Over and out."

Emma stood up as soon as the screen went blank. She turned to Dane, who stood off to the left, leaning against the wall.

"I don't know what they want from us." She began to pick up the papers from the desk. "Arrange to have some trusted people sent out there, although I fear they'll will gain nothing from their time there."

She walked over to the door; Dane following closely behind. "Then get someone to go over that tape with a fine-tooth comb. Just in case I missed something."

They continued down the corridor.

[Oops, I didn't mention the location at all. I just thought I had. It was a bot stupid of me to put an afvert for the Acras Station in International Incidents!]

"What shall we do?" asked a senior officer, as the director was lead off by stretcher.
"I don't know. Triple the guards at the Acras, make sure no news of Ysevold reaches Vadrinsk. Get the loyal soldiers to barricade themselves in a fortification until assistance arrives in 8 hours. And if Gehenna Tartarus finds out anything, we still have the wedding tape."

[ooc: D-B, you couldn't have a tape of the incidents at the wedding.

1) The security at the Palace was very high. There is no way that anyone would have been able to place bugs and cameras in any room, let alone all of them. My country is very strict on security.

2) You can't have footage of the murder, as this was committed on a country road, in the middle of nowhere.]

[We don't have the murder. But we do have the assault, pictures taken by bodyguards protecting a chargé d'affaires. Hang on.]

"Speaking of the tape, go and make another 5 copies."
The agent nodded and turned to his computer. Maria watched as a junior officer ran over to her. "Miss Kharovna, you've been summoned to an emergency meeting of the Administrative Bureau. Bring your dossier on Ysevold, time: 2pm."
"Thank you." Suddenly, the first officer's voice rang out.
"Um, Comrade Maria? Look at this."
She turned to the man she had told to copy the evidence. Scrolling down the screen was:

SO, MARIA, I DO HAVE MANY PLANS. YOU CANNOT WIN,
-YSEVOLD
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAHA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA

Kharovna shook with rage as the laughs carried on endlessly. "Close down all e-mails, this virus could spread to the whole network." She stormed out of the room.

[ooc: the assault took place behind closed doors, even the Empress didn't know about it.]


Dane had been on the phone for the last three hours, making arrangements for the inspection party that were to go to Demo-Bobylon. As he replaced the receiver and sighen, finally everything was complete.

The group of four people had been informed of their mission, and would be sitting in a briefing within the hour, not that there was much to tell them. Still, once they arrived, they might get more of an insight into what was going on.

Administrative Bureau Office
************************

Maria ran into the room, clutching what looked like the combined mass of all the files in the entire government building. "Sorry I'm late," she said breathless. "I was..."
"It doesn't matter," interrrupted Comrade Mikhailovitch. "You're here now. So, Yuri, what do you suggest we do?"
"Confine all potentially treacherous soldiers, sir. Kill Ysevold."
"Rubbish," said Maria. "Keeping the news of Ysevold's escape from them is pushging the boundaries of legality, this is breaking them. I say pretend that the Vadr has flooded. Set up sandbags, roadblocks, etc. Just don't let him in. Besides, we've still got 10 policemen chasing him."
"Actually, Miss Kharovna, we've lost him." She looked at Comrade Sergei. "Very well. Then may I suggest we get to work?"

Emma sat at her desk, contemplating the events of the day. It seemed to have done downhill pretty fast. First an unprovoked attack on the Triumph, and now a lunatic running around Demo-Bobylon with the potential to cause more harm, not just to Tartarus but the whole international community.

She picked up a document from the table and began to read it.

Erebus Royal Hotel, 14:32hrs
*************************

Dmitri strolled casually up and down his room, stopping occasionally and idly removing the several hidden microphones he found. Once he was satisfied, he turned to talk to his companion.
"Mr. Ivanovitch, you are my envoy on this diplomatic mission. Please travel to the nearest council centre and ask for the Empress' policies on the state. Use a false name. At the library, find out everything you can about Gehenna Tartarus and Empress Gehenna. Agent Schwarzwasser will accompany you. Agent Johannsen will stay with me."
The junior diplomat began to leave: Comrade Dmitri called him back.
"Oh, and Karl," the Premier continued, unlooking a bug from the phone wire. "Make sure no-one notices."

The Liberal Socialist Party's Journal August Edition
******************************************
(NB: It is now the Left Democrats Party)

Happy summer holidays, comrades! August 1st marks hte opening of the new Acras Station, north-west of Vadrinsk. Visit the site at www,research.db/acras (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=68570&highlight=). But remember, access to some parts are strictly controlled by password. It is a UN-sponsored factory creating environmentally sound automobiles.
The elections are approaching...

Ewige Verdammnis Palace, 14:45hrs
******************************

Emma had just entered the Palace, when she saw Empress Gehenna walking towards her. Her face was one of thunder.

"Have we finally closed the book on this Demo-Bobylon fiasco?" She turned as Emma drew near, and began walking towards her office.

Emma sighed. "It seems that the instigator has escaped capture, and is currently heading for some research facility. I couldn't get any more details out of their respresentative."

Gehenna shook her head. "They could make a laughing stock out of us. I am beginning to regret my decision not to attack them in retaliation for their unprovoked attack on the Triumph." She went silent for a moment. "But that is not the image we want to portray."

They walked down the corridor in silence, then the Empress spoke again. "This man...?"

Emma gave Gehenna the details she had received concerning Yvesold, the Empress read them briefly. "And they won't let us send anyone in to help bring this traitor to justice."

Emma shook her head. "It seems their justice doesn't work as swiftly as ours. They'll hold a trial and throw him into jail."

"And we all know there is only one way to deal with traitors." Gehenna smiled. "Keep me informed. The moment we can send someone in, we will."

Internal Memo
CONFEDENTIAL
Comrade Robert -> Comrade Sergei

Comrade,
I need your help. Once again, we are facing economic hurdles and, if there is a poor harvest, the potential collapse of socialism in this country. With Ysevold at large, this threat is hightened. Spin-doctor all statistics we leak. GET PUBLIC SUPPORT UP - it is essential to our success.
Solidarity is the future, comrade.

Telegram
CONFEDENTIAL, NORMAL URGENCY
Comrade Maria Kharovna -> Her Imperial Highness Empress Gehenna

Your Highness,
You will be pleased to note that the arrangements surrounding Gehenna Tartarian inspectors in Demo-Bobylon have been given the all-clear. A team of up to 60, with assistants of up to 200, is now permitted with our borders.
Dac Verdanya,
Comrade Maria

**Telegram**

To: Comrade Maria Kharovna
From: Emma Sarie


Her Imperial Majesty Empress Gehenna has given her seal of approval for the immediate departure of twenty inspectors and fifty accompanying personnel to Demo-Bobylon, to aid you in any way you see fit.

Following recent developments between our two nations, I am sure that the Empress need not fear the safety of her people, while they are guests in your country.

Emma Sarie
Minister of Foreign Affairs

on behalf of
Her Imperial Majesty Empress Gehenna


*****************

Three hours later, a plane bearing Tartarian personnel leave for Demo-Bobylon.

Vadrinsk, 1903hrs
****************

The soldiers saw the car speeding towards them from a distance, but did not stop to look. Instead, they continued to pile sandbags up the road until it was only 30 metres away. A shot was fire from the car: a Red Guard cried out and fell backwards, followed by his two comrades. Seconds later and the sandbag wall flew apart as Ysevold crashed into it at 85 km/h.
"So," he called out to the remaining 12 guards by the road. "Are you with me, or do you have to be persuaded?"

Several hours later, the plane carrying the inspection team lands in Demo-Bobylon. The first person to exit is the leader of the group, Edmund Darcy and his second, Laura Connors.

The other people in the party milled around getting their things organised.

Demo-Bobylon Defence Bunker, 2002hrs
***********************************

The ministers sat in a ring around a large table covered in small plastic figures. One got up, and swiftly knocked the whole thing on the floor.
"Idiot!" hissed Comrade Yuri. "You've ruined our battle plan."
Comrade Robert Mikhailovitch appoligised, but continued. "It would take Ysevold...2 hours to get from Vadrinsk to the Acras, and it would take us..1 hour 30. Rail transport is unavailable in such terrain, so we'll have to use road. It would take the fool...20 hours at the least to capture Vadrinsk in the minimum way to progress on, and our troops are...how far from Vadrinsk?"
"8 hours, sir."
"Good. So that's 12 hours to prepare, reinforcements will arrive with 7 hours to spare. It's looking good: we'll outnumber Ysevold almost 3 to 1. Oh, and Maria: do me a favour will you? Enquire as to whether Gehenna Tartarus would enter into a diplomatic situation if we disbanded our army. Econo,mic support, perahps...?"
Yuri got up to complain, but Robert waved him back down.
"Please, just ask, will you?"

Edmund looked on as the rest of the team organised themselves. He lowered his eyes to the brief he was holding. He knew they were hear to inspect proceedings, but he wasn't really sure what the Demo-Bobylons wanted them here for. Personally he would have been happier if Tartarus had just sent someone in to wipe the madman off her face of the planet.

Just then his thoughts were interrupted by Laura, as she walked up to him a similar document in her hands. "Any word from the Demo-Bobylon government?"

Edmund shook his head. "Not even a reception committee. I guess we wait here until we hear from them."

Laura looked bleak. "The Empress isn't going to be happy if we've come all this way for nothing."

New Demo City Railway Station
***************************

Maria and Yuri watched as the trains carrying 3000 troops slowly set off. Only when the last car had disappeared out of sight did Miss Kharovna turn to Comrade Yuri.
"Yuri? Send a message to the inspector team, please. I've done some research into his history and it looks like he's a haemophiliac."
"What? That's not in his medical files." Neither said who "he" was, but both knew without doubt.
"In his psychology. Come on, Yuri, you must know a bit of Latin. It means 'love of blood'."

Edmund and his team entered the transport that was to take them away from the airport. He hoped that they would meet someone soon who was in a place to inform them of their duties.

Once seated, Edmund pulled out his electronic organiser and began to input details of their arrival.

[Please TG me with any useful info about Gehenna Tartarus - ie. politics, trade, international affairs...]

Vadrinsk Barracks, 0051hrs
************************

Ysevold looked on with pride. He had already uncovered his hidden weapons, and was now using them to great effect against some 1600 loyal soldiers. His forces had surrounded the last building: the barracks HQ, heavily armoured, and were pouring all they had into it. The tear gas grenades and rubber bullets flying from it did little to deter the wall of sub-machine gun bullets.
He smiled as he heard another man's last moments, as a cry went into the night. Only 200 of his men were suffering from light injuries, but 500 state fools had been killed, 350 taken. Which made it against 750 remaining. And speaking of the prisoners...
"Kill them," he ordered. "Kill them all."

Edmund and his team were driven off deeper into Demo-Bobylon, not sure where they were heading. They all peered out of the window, to get some idea of their destination. The scenery rushed past, giving them no clue.

Edmund turned to his companion. "Do you think we'll be met at the other end?"

Laura shrugged her shoulders. "I wouldn't like to call it either way."

Kharovinsk, 0532hrs
******************

The trail of jeeps passed through the the city, a blazing sunrise beginning again. The convoy turned into the barracks, and guards led the tired and jet-lagged inspectors to their accomodation.
"What we want to know," explained the Commander at the barracks, to Edmund in his room, "is what you want to do next. If we continue north, you'll need a heavily armed escort: Ysevold's up there. You could wait to see what happens, head back down to meet with the government or make your own plans. What are you planning to do?"

Edmund looked at the Commander standing before him, a bemused expression on his face. "As we are here as in an observational role only, I thought we'd go wherever you saw fit." He pondered a moment, then reached a decision. "Perhaps we could split the team. I'll lead the group and go north, while Laura takes the others to your government. How does that sound?"

"You have our resources at your disposal. We'll give you a few hours sleep, and then we can arrange the groups."

Acras Station, 0612hrs
*******************

A convoy of armoured vehicles pulled to a halt at the Station. From a line of jeeps a kilometre long came 1200 Red Guards, fitted with flak jackets, rubber-bullet guns, riot shields, stun and smoke grenades and literally tons worth of equipment. As the slightly larger body of men camped at the foot of the slope, the soldiers began to set up fortifications.

Edmund joined the group heading north, he wasn't really sure what to expect when they got there, or what they would be expected to do. They were only there for observational purposes.

He sat in the back of an armoured vehicle, listening for any clues about what they were about to come up against. He had been briefed about Ysevold before leaving Tartarus, but reports out of Demo-Bobylon couldn't necessarily be trusted. They had been told to be on high alert, for some reason The Empire was wary of this nation.

As the vehicle came to a halt, Edmund prepared his things, and exited. He was accompanied by two other observers. Turning to the Commander, he waited for instructions.

The Commander stepped out of the leading jeep. "That was Comrade Yuri," he said. "Your inspector Laura is 2 hours from the capital, and a briefing has been prepared."
He stopped and looked at the surroundings, a dense wood: it would be impossible to progress by vehicle. "We're on the border of the Vadrinsk National Park, our greatest nature reserve. While we're here, you can see our efforts to prevent Comrade Ysevold from damaging our nation, humanity. And if you're wondering, we're at least 90km from Vadrinsk, so we're safe." The Commander paused. "280km north west, our forces are securing the Acras Station. More information will be revealed at a later date, but we can tell you that machinery there that must be protected. We are struggling..."
Captain Erich was bored, looking around. He felt that his Commander's speech had a narcotic effect: indeed, he felt that it had delayed his promotion by at least two years. But now, there was something unsettling about these surroundings. He sighed, and looked at his shoes. His heart froze.
A small red dot could be seen clearly on his chest. Erich waved his hand over it franticallyp; the dot transferred onto his hand. He looked up, span round and shouted:
"Snip..."
A red-hot bullet flew from the trees, sending Captain Erich falling backwards. Three men went to bring the injured man to safety, another bullet rang out and the party ran behind the jeeps. They were pinned down.

Edmund ducked down beside the truck, the vision of Captain Erich's shooting fresh in his head. He knew that Ysevold was dangerous, but within minutes of arriving he already had them pinned down and vulnerable. He shook his head in disbelief.

Turning to the Commander, he vented his frustrations. "I take it you have air support of some kind for this mission, or are we walking into are deaths?"


Transport enroute to Capital
************************

Laura looked out as the scenery flashed past the window, her eyes surveying her surroundings. Her thoughts turned to the other team, and she hoped that they had not run into any of the trouble the Commander had described.

Returning to the here and now, she wondered what waited for her at the end of the journey.

The Commander stammered in terror. "Er...n-no, we-we have no air support. Apparently it's a waste of money, and we usually don't try to kill the enemy."
Another shot hit the jeep, ricocheting off into the forest. The medics hastily brought Erich to the (relative) safety of behind the vehicles and began their work.
It was then that Captain Magnus saw the man, dressed in khaki, creeping towards a heavy machine gun mounted on one of the rear jeeps.

Edmund looked at the Commander, his face a picture of incredulance. "You mean we're out here, without any backup? At all?" He looks around the area, nervously.

They've made us sitting ducks. If only they'd let us bring in military instead of inspectors.

The shots were happening more often, he wished he had a gun or something, this was suicide. It he survived this, he swore he'd kill the Demo-Bobylons himself.

Captain Magnus ran forward, using the jeeps as cover. He had to get to the last vehicle before Ysevold's man.

Vadrinsk
********

"Comrade Ysevold, sir?"
"Yes." He spoke to a young captain that had surrendered from the barracks. Once the soldiers saw what happened to the prisoners, they quickly gave in in exchange for their lives. He could advance so much quickly!
"The preparations are complete. We can advance within the hour."
"Good." The glory of the Varangian Empire shall arise again. We fools fought for freedom against it 300 years ago. But it had so much potential! Fools! Remove the Administrative Bureau. Behold the Bobylonian Empire!
The captain left. "Yes," muttered Ysevold to himself. "Emperor Ysevold. That has a nice ring to it."

Edmund looked around at his colleagues, stranded in this death trap unable to do anything. He yearned for the security offered by an armed air cover, but there was nothing. He sighed, not wanting to die like a sitting duck, waiting for the bullet to find him.

He spots the Captain moving amongst the jeeps, his eyes fixed to the man's progress. His goal as yet unknown to Edmund.

The Commander looked about anxiously, a voice crackling over his radio. "We're just getting in air support now. ETA 17 minutes."

In Kharovsk, 3 men ran across the runway to their fighters. They were the entire Air Force division in that region.

Captain Magnus' eyes darted from the rebel soldier to the heavy machine gun. He covered the last few metres in a second. The soldier was turning the gun...
His right foot found a strong piece of ground. Magnus catapulted up, knocking Ysevld's man to the ground.
The soldier's arms were restrained: "You're under arrest". The hail of gunfire ceased, and movements in the trees showed the soldiers retreating.

Edmund was relieved, as he finally saw the reason for the Captain's run. He spotted Magnus' final goal seconds before he tackled the man. He coundn't surpress the sigh that managed to escape from his lips, as he heard the gunfire cease. He moved out of his place of safety and looked around.

The soldier was thrown against the jeep, four guns levelled at him. He snarled.
"As a POW, I am only required to give you my name, rank and identification number." The man grinned insanely: Magnus was not impressed.
"You're not a POW, you have the status of rebel at the moment as this is not yet a war. You're arrested with a police charge and we shall use police questioning. Whatever you say could get you off a life sentence" - now it was Captain Magnus in charge, the soldier's smile fading rapidly.
"I'm..." he paused to savour the moment, "Captain of the Imperial Guards, Protector of the New Empire and of the Great Ysevold."
"A posh name for a grunt. Your name?"
"Erikssen."
"So what do you know, Erikssen?"

Edmund moved to where the Captain was interrogating the wouldbe assasine. He stood near enough to hear all that was going on, but far enough away so as not to get in the way. He watched closely as the man was questioned.

One of his assistants, Thomas, was standing slightly behind making notes of everything said. He scribbled down words and actions, to be out into their report later.

"Ysevold plans to...divide Demo-Bobylon. He'll set up another Principality in the north, with Vadrinsk at the centre. Acras Station, Vadr Hydroelectric Dam...He'll have all the good 'uns, so to speak."
At that point, a young member of the inspection team interrupted - "What is the Acras Station?"
Captain Magnus and the Commander visibly tensed.

Edmund, with Thomas still standing slightly behind him, stood listening as the question was asked. They stopped what they were doing, their attention captured completely as they waited for the answer that they knew, from the look on the two men's faces, would be a long time coming, if at all.

Edmund had a feeling that whatever was at the Acras Station wasn't good, otherwise this Ysevold wouldn't be trying so hard to get there, and the Demo-Bobylon's wouldn't be so secretive.

Erikksen smiled as he saw the men panic. "The Acras Station," he said at length. "Is a UN-sponsored...I want immunity, Commander."
The group stopped. "Well, you'll have it if we can use your information to catch Ysevold..."
"Now. Or the foreigners know what it is."

Edmund was starting to grow a bit tired with all this. He didn't know what was going on, and this circling the subject and dropping half-hearted hints were beginning to bug him.

He turned to the Commander. "Can you tell us what exactly this is all about? Otherwise we might as well get back on the first plane to Tartarus, as we're getting no where fast."

While the Commander stammered, Erikksen was quieting looking away. Eventually, the captive spoke. "Fine. The Acras Station dismantles nuclear, chemical and biological weapons."
The two soldiers looked down with an expression of guilt on their faces.

Finally feeling that he was getting somewhere, Edmund turned to the Commander, briefly casting his eye over Erikksen. His voice held in it a mix of contempt and resignation. "And this Ysevold, he has or will have, a multitude of weapons as this fingertips?"

"If he takes the Acras Station, he will have..." The Commander tapped in a few digits on his personal organiser. "He will have 47,000 tonnes of nuclear weaponry."
A silence fell over the group.

[OOC: RL Russia has about 50,000 tonnes of nuclear/chemical/biological weapons, the US about 40,000]

Edmund looked at the Commander, his face emotionless not giving away the tiniest hint of what he was thinking. He stood silent as the seconds rolled into minutes, not being able to hold the statement back any more.

"And this man, can just walk into this 'Station', meet little to no resistance and then hold your country - countless countries - to ransom." He looked over at Thomas, who had stopped making notes. "And the resources you have to take back control are what?" He looked at the surrounding officers, and the total lack of arial or any other kind of backup.

"1500 Red Guard. With...er, 5 jet planes air support. We're disbanding our army, anyway. Among the troops, around 160 armoured vehicles."
Magnus interrupted. "I'm afraid Ysevold has around 2000 men at his disposal."

Edmund looked at the Commander, not trying to hide the stunned expression from the man before him. "You're disbanding your army?" He turned to Thomas, who was busy making notes, wondering whether anyone would believe this report to be anything other than a work of fiction.

He returned his attention to the Commander. "So he has five hundred more men than you? You have five planes and a few armoured vehicles. And this Yvesold has his hands on nuclear weapons." If this hand been a scene from a film, Edmund would have been laughing, but it wasn't and he didn't feel that happy. "I think you have a rather large problem, don't you?"

The Commander swallowed a few times, and made a signal for Captain Magnus to head back to the convoy. "I understand your concern," he started, as if he had memorised from a textbook, "and value your advice. However, I assure that the situation is under control." He mumbled, and went on. "Umm, we should go up to the mountains from here: an hour in the cars and then make camp."
The group started to head back to the jeeps. A snowflake fell slowly onto the ground, followed by a myriad more, as the first armoured car began to pull away.

Edmund listened to the Commander not eased by his assurance that everything was under control. as far as he could see, they were far from control, and a lunatic running around with access to nuclear weapons seemed to back up his point. But he was here to study proceedings not give orders so he followed the others and entered the transport, making ready to begin their onward journey.

Sitting in the back of an armoured car, watching the snow begin to fall, Edmund couldn't help wondering whether he would every leave this place alive. But he would say something for the Demo-Bobylons, they were optimistic...even if that optimism was misplaced. He sighed as the car pulled off leading him to a very worrying destiny.