NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: My fist RP! I'm very angry, as I typed up this whole thing once, and it was better than this, but the message board said "invalid_session" or something like that. :x

[ C L O S I N G B E L L S ]

The city of Drana sat before a wide plain, upon which the rising sun dislayed its full splendor. In ancient days, people gathered there to worship the dawn, but times had changed, and brought monotheism in their turbulent wake. There would be little other reason to go to Drana, except to practice the religion (for the monotheistic faith had claimed the city as its center, like the religions before it), but for the fact that the Lunak River, largest in the Huac, flowed through the city from the Lunak Mountains to the west. The river had watered both city and plain, and brought farmers to till the land, for time out of mind. As the farmers grew more prosperous, they widened their fields and increased the population of their livestock. Of these, the most highly esteemed was the bull, for its strength. As with the dawn, it had been an object of adoration for the people, who wished to attain its greatness by their admiration of it.

Today the Huacians worshipped a different kind of bull, though they would be loath to admit it. It was not literal, but this bull too brought strength and prosperity to those who patronized it and gave it a home. This home was the Drana Stock Exchange. For the past eight years, all the news coming from the Exchange had been good, and there was no sign of any economic downturn. The tiny, pro-business government, led by Pesident Tanak Ramoz, helped see to that. Every weekday, the closing bells would chime an ode to the successfulness of the Huac's capitalist system.

******

He looked down at the oblong object he held in his hand. Cell phones. A sign of business, and of busy-ness, he thought. Nothing showed importance, showed productiveness, like the presence of a cell phone. They were necessary equipment for any successful person with even the slightest interest in the happenings of the day. Of all the trappings of moneymaking, the cell phone had to be the most ubiquitous.

Across the street, he saw a woman speaking animatedly into a phone of her own. He didn't need to hear her voice to know she was discussing market numbers. "The things we value," he said softly. "Instant communication, and numbers scrolling by on a screen, and things that have no worth other than that which we give them."

He looked at his watch: 3:52. It was a simple model, and tended to be about two minutes behind. In a country so preoccupied with time, and finding the most productive ways to use that time, many would wonder how a man such as him could bear to keep a watch that was inaccurate, by however small a measure. But they had never understood him and the values he stood for, nor he them. Perhaps a time would come when they would begin to understand, somehow...

Five minutes later, the closing bells began their song: another day of lucrative trading had ended in Drana. His cue. He dialed several numbers on his phone. Nothing unusual there; he could see two others doing the same from where he was standing. But he was calling, was summoning, something far different than they.

From the farmlands where the bulls still roamed, the fireball was easily visible. The sound of the explosion soon followed, along with the cries of a fear-struck people. The smoke drifted lazily over the fields, but it was just the first sign of a new shade that had shrouded those shaken lands...

(ooc: You'll get used to the "Invalid Session" very soon. It's impossible not to see it appeare on the screen when you make more than four or five posts a day.

So, what kind of RP did you have in mind? How can I participate?)

(ooc: You'll get used to the "Invalid Session" very soon. It's impossible not to see it appeare on the screen when you make more than four or five posts a day.

So, what kind of RP did you have in mind? How can I participate?)

OOC: Well, I'm going to continue this soon; it is about anticapitalist terrorists attacking places in my very capitalist nation most important to free trade, like the Drana Stock Exchange in this case. Like I said, this is my first RP, so I'm learning as I go along. I would like to get the nation who made up the Order of the Invisible Hand (a capitalist cult) to "secretly" help out my government against the terrorists, and some anticapitalist nations to help them out. You can enter on either side. The course of this RP will depend on player turnout. Anyway, if you're interested, TG some people who you think would want to play!

*tag*

OOC: I'll jump in over the weekend when I get some time. Nice job with the set-up, btw.

OC: Thanks, Gaeltach! Can you tell me exactly what "Tag" means? I see it everywhere on the reole play forums, but I don't know what it signifies.

IC:

"Five, four, three..."

The man stopped his counting down and resorted to gestures. When his fingers reached "one", President Tanak Ramoz looked intensely into the camera before him. Ramoz was one of the younger presidents the Huac had elected. Of sturdy build, with high, prominent cheekbones, dark brown hair and eyes that shifted between green and gray, he was also considered one of the more handsome and refined-looking politicians of the country, which may or may not have been a factor in his election. The fact that he was the eldest son of Rono Ramoz, owner of Clockwork International and one of the wealthiest men in the Huac, certainly was, however.

"At four-o-clock last evening, a terrorist group unknown destroyed the Stock Exchange of our capital city," he began grimly. "The aims of these extremists, and the methods in which they managed to defy our security measures, likewise remain unknown. Rest assured that our government will find the answers to these questions, which all Huacians are asking, and bring justice to the terrorists in the name of all they killed yesterday. These are not empty words, but a promise from all who respect the law.

"I implore you to not succumb to the fears you no doubt feel. This is what our enemies wish us to do. Though many changes will come as a result of this attack, we must not let change rule our lives. We have overcome many great trials in our nation, and this will not be the last of them.

"However, let no one among you forget the evils of that day. Do not forget the anguish you felt, or the horrors you saw. To put these things out of mind is to insult the memory of all the great ones who died in the Closing Bell Attack.

"As a measure against further attack, I have requested that Congress give me emergency powers. There will be increased presence of police forces, and curfews in the larger cities, among other changes. We will not allow more terrorists to destroy the most indelible symbols of our way of life ever again. May we all be constantly vigilant, my fellow citizens of the Huac."

TAG is when some one is interested in the RP and wants to se it later, they can search there name and it will come up. Easier than looking throughj the forums. (Anyone got a better explenation?)

The Emperor woke up and walked to the breakfast table where he read his morning paper....
He suddently swollowed his bread and called his secretary

Eric, Anti-Capitalist actions in Huac.....Send a message immidiaetly..

What should be in it?

I don't know, let the parliament decide that, I SAY SEND A MESSAGE!

**glouks** Sir, yes, Sir!

Official Message of the Camewottian Government

We have heard of the terrorist attack in youre country and state the following:
If you want any help from us just ask.
Help may coming in the following; Peacekeepers wich will prevent (try) further attacks
Soldiers wich can attack these terrorists..
Special trained "questioners"

Have a nice day,
Camewot

Bump

OOC: I might get involved after my current war.

Thanks, BD. (Poorly disguised bump.)

(ooc: alright, let's get this party started)

IC:

"UNITY, EQUALITY, FREEDOM!!!" the call thundered through the huge but gloomy hall, reapeated by dozens of voices and numberless echoes.

Unity, Equality, Freedom. The war-cry of the Anticapitalist Unity (ACU).

Unity, Equality, Freedom. The sound, that meant death to all those who stood against the ideals of ACU.

Unity, Equality, Freedom. The call that would change this nation and shake the world.

..............................::::::::::Unity, Equality, Freedom::::::::::..............................

A tall man, standing on a small platform in front of his audience, had started the chorus. He now lifted his arms to regain their attention. Silence fell over the men and women in the hall and the speaker started to talk again.

"Today was a great day for us." rejoicing sounded from the audience.
"Our first strike destroyed the mightiest symbol for capitalism in this nation, the center of injustice, the sinful halls of the Drana Stock Exchange." more rejoicing.
"And now it is time, "he lifted his voice, " FOR THE SECOND STRIKE!!! SOON, VERY SOON, WE'LL GAIN OUR'S END!"

The cheers seemed to blast the hall.

(OOC: Thanks Tat...I was looking for an excuse to exercise this character :twisted: )

Harper stood behind the speaker, silently flanking him from the shadows. The big man had been with the organization since its conception, and since then had played varied roles as the need arose. He folded his arms across his chest, and across the sling to an AK-47, watching the audience with a mastered stoic gaze.

He was a man of his word, but also a man of many secrets. These assets made him invaluable to operations such as this. Little was known about him before aiding in the birth of the ACU, however the most credible rumors suggest him to be a renegade agent from Gaeltach's Agency for Security and Intelligence. Patiently, he glanced down at the cell phone clipped to his hip. He was expecting a call from their contact in Drana...hopefully it would wait until the din died down.

Steely eyes hardened and his mouth twisted into a grin as the audience chanted and cheered with the orator's delivery. Their praise and enthusiasm was unmistakable. Yes...Unity, Equality, and Freedom. Drana was just the beginning. Their success here was crucial, and there was still much to be done.

OOC: Good stuff, guys. I will try to get Knootoss' Order of the Invisible Hand in on my side, if possible. If not, I'll just go it alone, I guess. This doesn't exactly please me, as I don't know a great deal about the subtle workings of government. Much of this stuff I'll just kind of catch out of nowhere, I'm afraid...

IC:

[Thirty days later]

Enur Manka, Minister of Security of the Huac, was not pleased by the most recent reports. Though the increased police forces and strictly enforced curfews were making the people feel more secure (which was the primary intent for their implementation; only a fool could truly believe such things alone would help catch ruthlessly competent terrorists), little else being done, either admitted to by the government or not, was proving effective. The wiretappings, surveillance of Internet usage, checks of mail and bank accounts, imprisonments without trial, and unwarranted searches were not turning up anything of significance. He knew it would take awhile, but the press was clamoring for some sort of development, and the more they pressed the government, the worse the government would look if it did not respond.

Manka walked into Ramoz's office nonchalantly. He had been summoned earlier in the day by the president to give a preliminary report on his agents' findings: the terrorist group was suspected to be that of the Anticapitalist Unity, which had never attacked within the Huac before, though many of his people had told him it would only be a matter of time until they did.

After discussing the details of the report with Ramoz, he decided to impart his course of action to his superior. "Sir, I am coming to believe that the best way to fight zealots is with zealots."

"Do you truly think using one extreme against another is wise?" inquired Ramoz skeptically. "I have little desire to treat with extremists of any sort, except in the greatest need."

Of course, thought Manka. Being a new president, he is naturally still idealistic. This will end in short order, though...

"The sooner we conquer these people, the better. If we must use fighters against them who aren't the cream of the crop, then so be it. Our voters will see us as weak if we cannot bring these terrorists to justice. I seek permission to contact the government of Knootoss—"

"Knootoss!" Ramoz interrupted him. "Are you asking that we make use of the Invisible Hand cult? This could spell disaster for us if such information were to leak out!"

"Having another of our buildings attacked will spell disaster much faster," replied Manka, rather harshly.

After several more minutes of such banter, Ramoz paused for a moment, then spoke. His voice seemed weary, almost sad: the voice of one agreeing to a poor course of action in hopes that the end would justify the means. "Very well; I will authorize you to make contact with the Knootian government and treat with the Order through them, but only if your agents can make no progress in infiltrating the ACU."

Leaving the office, Manka smiled. He was well known for his manipulativeness of those above him. The former president had been able to control him much better, but only because that man had been as wily as Manka himself. Ramoz did not have such talents, and Manka had been again and again surprised at how easy influencing the man was. It was Manka who had persuaded the president to give him the power to hold prisoners without trial and wiretap suspects (and anyone else who Manka wished to keep tabs on, naturally...) and all the rest of the things that were actually against the Huacian Constitution. Manka had also advised the President to ask Congress for emergency powers; if Ramoz had them, then that basically meant he did. He had wished to get in contact with the Order of the Invisible Hand for a long time, though the past president had not allowed him to, and had watched Manka's compliancy closely concerning the matter. Now, however, he need not fear such restrictions...

OOC: This got frighteningly "RLish", and I'm sorry if that offends some. It just came out this way as I wrote it, especially with Manka, and I'm loath to write it again...

ooc: Tag, I am interested and depending on how my other threads go I might join in, if that's okay. But as for now don't want to be in to many pies at once.

OOC: I'm glad to hear it, NH. If you do enter, would you mind being on the side of my government, since I already have two nations RPing the anticapitalists. Your aid would be quite helpful to the Huac

B U M P !

( Tag. Which side needs help? )

OOC: My government does, Hauptland. Like I said, there are two nations currently playing the anticapitalists.

(ooc: I think the government could need some help, hehe :twisted: )

IC:

11:40 am

Zina sat on a bench in front of the Clockwork International Headquarters building and checked her watched for the fifth or sixth time within the last five minutes. She did it as inconspicuous as possible; everybody had learned that to be conspicuous turned to be a bad idea these days.
And Zina had to be afraid of being captured by the police more than anyone else today as she was what the others had called “the spearhead” of this operation, the Second Strike.

Like most of ACU’s members Zina was a child of the lowest class of society and had never owned proper clothing (without the stuff her souteneur had given her, but nobody would call that proper clothing). So she felt even more uncomfortable than she usually would have in the expensive, but nevertheless very short, dress they had bought for this mission. Nobody would let a beggar enter the headquarters of one of the largest and most prosperous companies within the Huac but for a successful and rich manager there shouldn’t be any insurmountable problems when she tried it. Especially not when she was as beautiful as Zina was.


11:45 am

Dale sat on his chair behind the desk and the bullet-proof window and starred at the glass portal that diverted the acclimatised inside of the building from the hot outside. Or, to say the truth, he starred at the young woman that stepped through the portal.
One of the things Dale loved his job for was that he saw dozens of the most beautiful women living in the Huac (thanks to the cosmetic operations industry) but this girl was…huh, he couldn't descripe her with words.
________

Zina didn't give him a glance but she also didn't let her thoughts reflect on her face Guard dog of the rich. Enjoy this, you don't have much time for fun anymore.
________

As she passed Dale didn’t even think about asking whom she wanted to meet, he only stared at her. And so did every single man and most of the women in the entrance hall.


11:50 am

Zina left the elevator and still felt the looks of the lift-attendant at her back (or deeper) before the elevator doors closed.

25th floor, high enough to give team Beta a clear line of fire when they start the birdie in, again she checked her watch, 11 minutes. I’ll have to hurry.

She searched for the next restroom and “forgot” her document-case with the radio transmitter there. Then she made the whole way back and left the building at 11:58 am. Two minutes left until team Beta would start the rocket. This rocket would follow the signal emitted by the transmitter in Zina’s document-case and then… Dale and the others would never stare at her again.

(ooc: I have a terrible headache, hope I didn't write to much nonsense)

Bump!

adding own Bump

The Armed Republic of Rufai is concerned about the terrorist attacks in your country. We can aid you by sending RdK anti-terror forces in to patrol cities etc.

A construction crew worked outside the Clockwork International building. They had been there for a two or three weeks, making repairs to cracks in the foundation, and eroding insulation on the building's water pipes. With his broad shoulders, and fine-tuned muscles, Harper looked every bit the part in a dirty wife-beater and work pants. He stopped shoveling long enough to wipe a thin veil of sweat from his forehead, leaving a dirty smear from the back of his hand. His watch read 11:30. Half an hour until Second Strike began, and hopefully more than enough time to carry out his part of the mission.

"11:30! First break shift!" he yelled gruffly, no different than any other day.

Since the crew had arrived on site, there had been two break shifts every day. Harper and a few others took the first break without fail, so when they entered the air-conditioned lobby, no one found it unusual. The seven men entered a service elevator like usual, and decended to the basement, like usual. The bottom floor was where the maintenence crew took their breaks, so the construction workers fit in without being bothered. No one really wanted to see them in a public area of the prestigious building anyway.

However today was not usual. All seven men on the elevator were grim-faced, knowing their duty. It was no coincidence that these seven were from the ACU. Harper grinned darkly as the elevator doors slid open to the dim and gloomy basement of the building. Casually, he pulled a 9mm pistol out of the cargo pocket on his work pants. Lucky for them, maintenence was staffed lightly today. There were only three men down here.

"Hey, Tony!" called Harper amiably, and waved to him.

"Hey there. What's up?"

With a speed surprizing for his size, Harper lunged at Tony and held him in a tight headlock. Two of the other workers grabbed the remaining maintenence guys and restrained them by duct taping them securely to pipes, with an additional piece over their mouths.

"What gives?"

"Show me the electrical and support grids," he barked, shoving the barrel of the gun beneath Tony's chin.

---------

Harper and the others rode the elevator back up to the lobby. He checked his watch again, 11:52. They were back up a little early, but hopefully no one would find this suspicious.

Time to get the hell outta dodge...

They left through the opposite side of the building, so as not to alert the construction workers. If anyone asked, they'd just say they wanted a quick cup of coffee. Never mind that the closest coffee shop was in the other direction. In the basement, Tony and his two co-workers were trapped mute and helpless. 13 pounds of C4 which had been smuggled in through their collective cargo pockets was carefully rigged and wired to the main electrical panels and support structures. When the clock struck 12:01, they'd shut down the building's electricity for Zina's attack, via remote detonater. If needed, the blocks attached to the infrastructure would be detonated to cripple the building.

The seven man team made their way down the street as casually as possible. An unmarked van was waiting for them another block away. They would drive back to pick up Zina, and then it was time to get as far from here as possible.

(ooc: won't be able to post until Sunday night or Monday.
oh, and...BUMP)

OOC: Neither will I; my computer's being worked on. I apologize for this lull in the RP, everyone! :?

Eôsphoros Theodore Wilsey looked at his door with a chuckle as he walked in. He usually took notice of his title tag, god of the Morning Star loosely translated. He wondered if anyone got the biblical reference, it was odd that he did, not being Christian and all. In his office he inhaled deeply, taking in the scent. He could be called a paranoid man, this was his 2nd office this month at another undisclosed location. Every time he moved the office looked identical, he had a team set it up that way, and every time he reprimanded them. He wasn’t sure if it was the change in location, elevation or what but he could always detect a faint change in the scent of his office. Sitting down in his new, yet identical leather recliner he smiled. Maybe he liked this new scent more, it’d be a pity to leave it again next month but such as was his job. Moving on to his memos he began to read. Meticulous as anything each memo took nearly an hour to deal with, researching and then making the arrangements. Some more, a lot took less. Today was different though, today an ecomically powerfully little nation by the name of The Jingoistic States of The Huac.



I, based on information gleaned from encrypted messages and from the MO of the terrorists inside The Hauc believe that the ACU has begun operations in said country. Recommend:
1)

We should Infiltrate the country with a variety of teams with different covers. Each team would work independently of each other except where the case warrants. Some would be in an anti-capitalist fashion allowing for their recruitment into the ACU. Others should be placed in as observers attempting to gain informers in the government. This plan is not recommended as the best as it means this would be a black ops and neither our nor the Haucian government would be aware of our prescence.

2)

The same as option one but approach the president and get official sanction to work inside The Hauc, this would allow us to work more closely to the official government.


Theodore did some more research on the situation, his interest was piqued. Formulating a plan in his head he could see two birds with one stone, yes. A man inside the ACU, if possible, and closer relations with The Hauc which he would be accredited with. This would defiantly give him some more clout come budget time, and if option one was taken then no one would be the wiser to a failure. Swiveling his chair to his computer he sent an IM over an encrypted line to the memo writer. RE: Memo 4562. We will be taking option #1.

OOC: Hauc I need some info on your country. Language, ethnicity, a few major cities and international airports. It’s also be good to know if you bordered any other countries. I’d like info based on smuggling people in, also how fancy is your air detectors? (radar, infra-red etc)

#tag#, I got The Huacs TG, will read this RP laterish... local time approaching 4 AM. :wink:

OOC: Many thanks, Knootoss, for showing up! :D

I'm sorry about leaving this thing hanging for so long...

I'm afraid I have no idea as to how to make a map of my country...

IC: All right, here's some information about the country:

Name: The Jingoistic States of the Huac

Current Leader: President Tanak Ramoz, elected two years ago

Current Population: over 200 million

Languages: English (spoken by nearly 100% of population, in some form of fluency), Huacian (a language of the Indo-European family; the official tongue of the country)

Ethnicities: white (72%), African-American (12%), Asian (9%), other (7%)

Major cities (in descending order of population): Drana (capital), Truna (home of the Clockwork International headquarters), Kenelun, Murnul, Aduné, Lemnu

Drana and Kenelun are located in the center of the nation; Truna is in the north. The others are south of Drana.

There are international airports in Drana, Truna, and Murnul. The other major cities have national and/or regional airports only.

Armed Republic of Falangist Reich sends it's deepes regards for victims of this terrible attack. If you'd give us some intel about these terrorists we might be able to do something about it.

Bring
Up
My
Post

:P

From: Hans van Mierlo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss
To: Enur Manka, Minister of Security, Jingoistic States of the Huac
Subject. Order of the Invisible Hand

Dear Mr. Manka,

The Knootian government has a longstanding appreciation for the separation between private organisations and the state. As such, we can unfortunately not negotiate as an intermediary between the Order and your government.

The government sympathises with your plight, and I can reassure you that we despise the destruction caused byt those who attempt to spread anti-capitalism as much as you do. We also recognise dangers that are stemming from this ideology in general. Indeed, we are experiencing the adverse affects of it right now, as terrorist elements from Tanah Burung known as ‘the Rumbiak Brigade’ have attempted to smuggle weapons into Knootian Colombia. We would appreciate it if the government of The Huac would condemn this organisation and declare it illegal.

Likewise, we are willing to condemn the terrorist organisation that has attacked your stock exchange. If we can be of any assistance, for example in extraditing them this can be arranged. Anticapitalist Union. However, this is all we can do. Without any bilateral treaties binding our two nations we will observe a strict neutrality in your international affairs.

Yours sincerely,

Hans van Mierlo



Arriving only a day later was another letter, not bearing any official insignias and contained a postal address that was clearly not someone’s living address. The government may not have negotiated, but somehow the letter had found its way to certain influential people.



To: Enur Manka

We support your cause 100%. The Anticapitalist Union is a threat to the Market. It is vital that you do not allow them to destabilise faith in the Market, be strong. The State is the shield, the defender of Market forces against those who would destroy it. You must compete with them on the Market of ideologies; if your product is superior you will win the Market.

Unfortunately, we have no troops, no weapons, no mercenaries. Some of our followers have been asking what exactly it is that you desire of us.

The Order of the Invisible Hand


((Sorry… that was long coming.))

OOC: I'll reply to the Clockwork International thing above when I get the chance, as well as give some intel on the terrorists, such as the government has been able to determine thus far.

IC:

Enur Manka read the telegram, a feeling of wrath rising within him. His intelligence sources had apparently failed him. Even in such a small, efficient government as the Huac's, incompetence was still rampant. It was with some surprise that he read the cult that called itself the Invisible Hand was weaponless. Zealous they were, yet peaceful. Most unusual, that. Still, he and his forces could certainly make use of their zeal, albeit in a different fashion than he had planned. He prepared a letter, and sent it to the address his contacts had given him:

"To the leaders of the Order of the Invisible Hand:

The Huacian government recieved your letter with great pleasure. We recognize the fact that your cult is peaceful. We do not wish to break your peace, so we will ask that your group only aids in operations that should not involve armed conflict, if that is your preference. Some explanation concerning their nature is in order:

As you may know, the Huac has always adhered to the principle of limited government. This helps the Market run with less interference, something I am sure you feel to be quite important. The primary function of the Huacian government has been, until recently, to provide stability for the Market, an issue addressed in your letter. Though this remains an important part of our doings, other priorities have reached the government's attention of late, put forth by officials of questionable standing who have dared question the importance of free trade in Huacian life. Many officials high up in the government are now more concerned with such issues as eliminating dangerous religious groups, censoring market products for violence, and other unimportant issues that should not be decided by the government, or anyone else at all: none of the actions taken in these situations were necessary, and some even threaten the well-being of the Market once so highly revered! As a consequence of these foolish actions (bitterly opposed by myself and others), funding for the Security Department has decreased significantly.

My chief request of your people, should they be so willing, is to aid in infiltrating the Anticapitalist Unity, as our own agents have had troubles doing so, in no small part because of debilitating budget cuts. A cult such as yours, with a tightly bonded membership and an understanding of the workings of closed organizations such as this, would be an invaluable asset to the Department of Security and our attempts to gain intelligence on this movement. If you are willing, you could tell us some things about the hierarchy of your group; this could give us insight as to how the ACU is being run.

Sincerely,
Enur Manka
Minister, Department of Security"
_________________

Two days later, Preident Tanak Ramoz made a rousing speech, widely considered one of his finest, outside the Capitol Biulding of Drana. He denounced terrorists worldwide, but targeted especially the Rumbiak Brigade, a terrorist group known to be harassing Knootian Colombia. Ramoz specifically referred to this group as a "blatantly illegal organization bent on destroying the peace of not only Knootian Colombia, but also the entire world". Though his words were forceful, and the aim of the speech was certainly well-respected by the so recently traumatized Huacian people, there were some who wondered why the President had addressed a terrorist group not mentioned by the government ever before, and which did not appear to be connected to the ACU...

Anson Lethridge was part of the crowd listening to President Ramoz’ speech. The beginning was nearly what the ACU had expected, something against terrorism in general but then the theme changed to a flaming speech against the Rumbiak Brigade. Lethridge stopped short then he remembered what he had heard about the Brigade.

Knootoss? What the …? At the moment when the speech ended and the audience started to applaud the perception struck his mind.

Gerry would be very interested and this Harper-Guy too, indeed.

Bump

ooc: I'd hate to think this is dying, its well written, keep it up guys. Hauc, still waiting for the info on your border security. Otherwise I'll wing it.

To: Enur Manka
Status: Personal, encrypted.

I am afraid we as a group rather keep to ourselves. We respect the privacy of our members, so providing information on our hierarchy would be violating the trust that has been placed in us.

Several members have expressed interest in providing funding for your agents. We do not believe in charity, however, so in exchange for this perhaps these members could arrange for some profitable ventures in your nation. Acces to markets, subsidies and such.

If you are able to sufficiently influence your minister of economy to this end, the funding would be sure to come your way, making this a mutually profitable venture. If this succeeds, we would be glad to offer you membership of the organisation.

~Order of the Invisible Hand

Bump. I'll reply to this a little later. Be patient, Nova Hope! :wink:

Bump. I'll reply to this a little later. Be patient, Nova Hope! :wink:

ooc: Sorry interesting things are unfolding and I want in..... I'm like a spoiled child in so many ways. :P Don't take my badgering too seriously, take it as a compliment, I can't wait to join this RP. And when you do tell you might want to mention your air intercept and detection capabilites. Nothing sinister I promise.

OOC: Here we go: in which I reply to Nova Hope (who has permission to join this open RP anytime he wants :) ). Oh, and a belated thanks to Rufai for the reinforcements. :D

IC:

Enur Manka smiled at letter he held in his hand, his eyes gleaming. Those eyes, one blue, one green, had beheld many things in his lifetime that had the potential to bring him to greatness, but nothing like this. This letter, of simple parchment, could be the catapult that sent him the pinnacle of this nation. Five times he had run for president of the Huac, five times he had lost, only to be picked by the winner to head some branch of the government insignificant compared to the position he had run for. Minister of Security was indeed his highest post yet, but still not enough for his ambitions to be content with. As President, he would be Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and be able to fend off those who might... disagree with some of his policies. With the intelligence sharing brought on by the Closing Bell attacks, he was wielding unprecedented power in the armed forces, true, but not enough yet to make a decisive move...

Shaking the thoughts from his mind, he lifted his pen and began to write. "Got to be diplomatic here," he reminded himself.

"Esteemed leaders of the Order, I give you greetings:

I did not, and do not, wish to invade your privacy, which is no doubt of the greatest importance to you, and I offer my apologies for making it sound this way. I will gladly accept your financial assistance; however, you must operate using front groups not easily traced back to your organization. Certain powerful figures in my government, foolishly averse to your organization, would use my collaboration with you for my downfall if they discovered it. Such instability caused by a government investigation would cause fear among the people that their nation is not being properly guarded against more attacks (nothing could be further from the truth!), invite the ACU to assail us again, and destabilize the Huac's market even more.

I am flattered by your of membership. I have admired your group for many years from afar; never have I allowed myself the luxury of thinking I could be inducted into it! I will gladly accept this honor, if ever you choose to give it.

To conclude this message, I must tell you that your offer of economic assistance is just what this country needs, even though some will not let themselves believe it. Our people must put their faith in the market again, especially if we are to resume our economic upturn anytime soon (and the longer that takes, the less faith consumers will have that it will ever happen at all). So very many of the ingredients for a good economy rest in the optimism of the consumers...

Sincerely,
Enur Manka"
________________

After sending the letter, Manka looked at his latest reports.

"...border security increased: new fences, guard dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, metal detectors, and crima data computers installed at official crossings. Jets doing daily flybys of borders... new detection installations running..." He glanced down the page. "...Anti-terror task forces from Rufai have arrived... are being deployed in major cities as per orders..." Manka was pleased. His security forces were finally making progress against this threat! He lifted another dossier, marked "Top Secret", from his desk. He read, "The ACU has been successfully infiltrated. Our spies have assumed some positions in the bottom rung of their hierarchy, and gradually working their way up into the higher places in the organization. Their data indicates that the ACU's next target is—"

His phone rang, making him jump. It was his most secure line, and the last time it had been used was after the Drana Stock Exchange had been bombed...

He lifted the receiver. "Yes?" He paused, his face becoming mask-like. "I see... send forces right away! Why am I even talking to you!? Don't you have enough initiative to do this yourself? Your inability to take quick action may cost the lives of hundreds, and let's not even talk about what will happen to the market, or rather, its smoking remains!" He slammed down the phone, fear and anger battling claiming equal parts of his facial expression. Walking out of the office, he barked, "Get me Ramoz!"

OOC: Well, finally I'm caught up with everyone: Knootoss, Rufai, Nova Hope, Falangist Reich, Tadzikistan, and Gealtach. All in one post!

((Errrr... no bribe = no aid. :P As sympathetic as they may be to your cause... they are not going to do something that is unprofitable. I can't ICly have Order folks be charitable.
~Knoot))

(ooc: @ the Huac: so I guess your latest post is set immediately after the Clockwork-thread and the speech happened before it? )

It had taken Anson Lethridge some time to reach the hidden headquarters of the ACU as it was far away from Drana. Now he was sitting on one of the uncomfortable iron-chairs in Geraldine Metcalfe’s “office” and waited for her reply to his report.

The leader of the Anticapitalist Unity and one of its founders looked at Anson without saying a word for more than 10 seconds. Then she nodded.

“We should have expected that.” She didn’t say that maybe Harper HAD expected exactly that. “Whatsoever, I’ve just been informed that operation Second Strike was a success and this means that the government,” she pronounced the word as if it had some very bad taste,” will have to do something effective very soon if they don’t want to loose the people’s trust. And if they do what we expect…” an evil smile crossed her and Anson’s faces. Even if the damnation of the Rumbiak Brigade meant what Metcalfe and Lethridge supposed their next strike would hit the Huac even harder than the first two strikes.

“We’ll wait for Harper to return from Truna. Maybe he has some ideas how to make our next steps more effective.”

OOC: I’m taking my information from the facts that you gave me and the report on your nation stating you have a crippling crime rate. (Hence the smugglers)

IC:

There were always illegal aliens trying to get into The Hauc, hoping for a better life. They paid what little they could and smuggled themselves in via the borders, the ports however they could get in. Posing as illegal aliens one hundred NNAO agents attempted to infiltrate the country in pairs. Looking as poor as dirt and squished into trucks, boats and large communal rafts they made their way towards The Hauc blending in with the other poor denizens which frequented this method of travel. Looking over to a fairly filthy young man agent Jones smiled,
“What are you going to do in The Hauc.?” The young man grinned,
“This will be my fifth time trying to get into The Hauc eh. I’m gonna wash dishes, and maybe cook the food and live in a live apartment.” Well looks like we’re with a winning crowd, hope he doesn’t get busted again.

OOC: Some should get in judging by your crime level. The others would just get turned away and then picked up from the country they were entering yours.
IC:

Meanwhile at the airport an inconspicuous day traveler had disembarked the plane with two suitcases. Coming to the security check he prepared his papers. One of the suitcases was filled with clothes, amenities, things you’d expect a businessman to be carrying. The other was a locked case with a warning label across it. When he reached security he smiled politely and presented his ID and papers to the security agent.
“Just put your case here.” The security guard said motioning to the X-ray machine.
“Aah, about that. If you check the last paper in that pile there you’ll see Clockwork International has vouched for the contents of that sealed case and” he shuffled with his coat for a bit. “You’ll see that I have security verification from the company.” Looking at the case and the papers the security guard asked with a raised eyebrow.
“What’s in the case?”
“Some electronic equipment, prototype stuff that was lost when the main building went down. We need to set up a makeshift HQ and start rerouting network traffic to offshore servers, time is money right?”

ooc: Okay I’ll stop there with that to allow you to respond with the security guard. The papers will all look genuine they’re done by the forgery department in the NNAO and with the amount that I allocated for the authenticity they should fool airport security, besides the main check is boarding the plane not getting off it.

IC:

The NHS Hopeful approached the shores of The Hauc. Running silent and deep there was little chance of her being detected, but the captain was taking no chances. Moving at one quarter speed and staying near natural obstacles the sub was maneuvered in to sit off the coast and sat to watch sea traffic via passive sonar. Anytime a contact was confirmed the sub would activate its listening devices and attempt to listen in to the conversations within the ship.

OOC: Basically they’re trying to establish a pattern to your patrols and see what protocol is for incoming ships.

IC:

Back in Nova Hope proper at a military rocket base the launch countdown had begun. The base commander watched as the rocket was burning fuel and straining against the restraint.
“5” The PA counted down in its monotone voice. The commander chuckled Jackson was not very happy when he was told that he would no longer be counting the launches down, the computer would.
“4” He checked the MO info again, this was the second satellite he’d launched today to put into a geo-synchronizes orbit over The Hauc. He’d never heard of the country but he knew better than to ask questions.
“3” The satellite would follow a lazy path to give the appearance that it was not specifically to spy on the country, although with the amount of sophisticated equipment on this thing the commander was sure that it would be doing more than spying.
“2” The first satellite would be reaching orbit over The Hauc within the next hour, with this one gaining its position in thirty six hours.
“1” The base commander sighed and turned to the window. No matter how many times he saw the rocket leap out of sight he never grew tired of it. He sipped at his coffee and smiled as,
“0 we have liftoff.” The rocket pulled away and then shrank smaller and smaller in the blue sky. The base commander listen to the noise in the back ground as the technicians ran telemetry and systems checks.

OOC: Just letting you know, I don’t know if you’d even notice those two small satellites seeing how every one and their dog has a piece of space garbage.

((Errrr... no bribe = no aid. :P As sympathetic as they may be to your cause... they are not going to do something that is unprofitable. I can't ICly have Order folks be charitable.
~Knoot))

OOC: Ah, heh, heh. :oops: :oops: :oops: I knew that. Money makes the world go round! Expect the OIH to recieve 5 million Huacian dollars in initial payment, and an open credit line to be set up, from which the OIH can withdraw as they see fit (i.e., within reason... :wink: ).

(ooc: @ the Huac: so I guess your latest post is set immediately after the Clockwork-thread and the speech happened before it? )

Well, actually it was supposed to be a report from one of the spies, relayed to some official who had the stupidity to call Manka rather than do something about it himself, that the basement of the CI building had just been stormed. Sorry for not making it more clear...

Anyway, I'm starting a job tomorrow, so I won't be able to reply to this as often. I hope it doesn't die, but I can't make any promises without help from y'all :wink: You see, I thought the RP would be done before I started working, but it's just getting warmed up (not that that's a bad thing)! I really don't know much about this stuff. I ought to head over to Role Play University sometime...

I must add that in connection with this job there will occasionally be periods of about four days when I will be unable to come to a computer. That won't be for a few weeks, and hopefully this thing will be wrapped up by then. If not, I'll make sure to post that I won't be on for a while.

And... BUMP!

Bump

Bump

ooc: Just waiting for the security gaurd to respond bump man

Bump again. Sorry, I don't have enough time to reply tonight.

OOC: Knootoss, feel free to use the funds the Order has been given, and is being given, in your other RP(s). I've been looking at your Rise of the Order RP, and it's impressive. I would be honored to do anything that could help you with it.

Ah, Nova Hope, I'm not really sure what all is going on in your post. If you could give me some intel on your activities, that'd be great. :wink:

IC:

The guard looked at the traveler skeptically. "Sir, I'm sure you've heard of the new security measures," he replied, his voice full of the strain of weariness and stress from overwork. "I cannot allow you to do this." He motioned for a colleague to take his position and led the traveler to a booth adjacent to the security complex.

"Really?" asked the man. Out of his pocket came several Huacian hundred-dollar bills. "I thought there were . . . exceptions."

"That is possible," returned the guard hesitantly, "but only with higher clearance than you have."

The man pulled out more money. "I have shown you some impressive clearance already." He was getting tired of this game.

"Yes, I am beginning to sympathize with your desire for entry, but it's still not enough."

Sighing loudly, the traveler retrieved yet more bills. "Ah," said the guard, putting extra volume in his voice so that the odd listener wouldn't suspect the true nature of the events in the security booth, "that is the paperwork I wished to see. You may proceed."

A disgruntled traveler emerged from the booth and moved toward the conveyor belt on which his suitcase sat. Shouldering it, he drifted off into the crowd.

OOC: Your guy got through, but now he will be rather lacking in funds...
__________

The border crossing was busy, as usual, but something attracted Officer Kemir's attention to the large truck. All his border guard's instincts told him that it was the perfect vehicle to hide illegal immigrants in. Before the attacks, the security forces' hands had been tied when it came to inspecting such trucks, as the large corporations paid the government off to keep out of their affairs, including cheap labor trafficking. Now, however, he had unprecedented power to stop and inspect dubious vehicles such as this one. He could finally play into his hunches.

The suspicious-looking truck slowly inched its way toward the crossing. "Inspector Kruso, please stop that truck and do an inspection of the entirety of the vehicle," he ordered. Kruso nodded curtly; all the surprise he might have had in receiving such orders was gone. Detailed checks were the rule rather than the exception these days.

"Sir, I would like you to pull over to the side, stop your vehicle, and turn it off," Kemir told the driver. "We wish to do a full inspection of your vehicle." The driver seemed puzzled, and a bit nervous, Kemir thought. Perhaps his suspicions were true...

Kemir turned away and began to type information on his computer. He saw Kruso indicate the driver where to move his truck to out of the corner of his eye. Just as Kruso and another guard moved to the back of the truck to open it, the driver accelerated as fast as he could. The bulky truck lumbered back toward the line of cars with reckless speed, causing those in the vehicles to panic and cry out. As the truck grazed by the cars, making a beeline to the border and by Kemir's booth, utter chaos ensued. Many of the cars in line tried to back away from the truck, and crashed into each other. Kemir's booth shuddered violently as a car hit it. Border guards all over hopped in their own cars to pursue the truck but, after squeezing between the lined-up cars and the fence, the truck made it onto Huacian soil, and was rushing with the most speed its driver could force out of it along that soil. Kemir turned on his radio and cried, "Guards, to your cars! We have a break in at Crossing Foxtrot! Repeat, we have a break in at Crossing Foxtrot! Vehicle is a large, white truck, and heading northeast from Crossing!" Swearing in anger and fear, Kemir rushed out of his damaged booth to help secure Crossing Foxtrot as other guards' cars drove after the truck, riding in the most urgent speeds.
__________

OOC: I'm a little nervous about responding the sub thing. I know almost nothing about military protocol aside from what I've seen in movies, and I don't want to be seen as "godmodding"... :?

OOC:

Well, Intel on my activities. The crossings at the border were done to get people into the country. I figure fifty different attempts would probably, out of simple probability, yield some results. The man who got in through the airport is their mule. He got in the things I wouldn’t be able to get in your country, spy gadgets and the such. I am however limited by the fact that I couldn’t get in anymore than a suitcase worth. The post was simply me smuggling men into your country so that I would have them available to me later. Could you tell me how many of the fifty crossings came in successfully?

The satellites should be obvious. This allows me uninterruptible communications for all my operatives inside your country. Not to mention contact from my country to my agents. If you’re wondering how a small directional antennae was smuggled in via the suitcase. For you to crack my code you’d need to intercept the laser first (not more than a few millimeters wide) and to do that you’d have to be directly between the satellite and the antennae. (Just setting up to operate stuff)

The submarine is insurance. It’s my fast getaway. For you to be able to respond to it you’d need to be doing active sonar pings around it. And right now since its resting on the sea bed it is unlikely, but not impossible, to detect. Reason #2 for the sub is to observe shipping and coastal security. The sub is benign, its simply taking in information.

Now, back to the show.

IC:

Jones wasn’t very happy. The truck rocked side to side and the bumps were loud shattering noises. Well I think we’re going to be caught and sent back across the border. I just hope this idiot truck driver doesn’t kill us. Jones was rocked against the wall again. On the other hand if manages to get into someplace populated we can bail and put on our more respectable clothing. Jones tapped his satchel and thought of the better clothes in there. Nothing in the bag would arise too much suspicion. There was less than a hundred Haucian dollars, some nicer clothes and a pair of shoes, nothing that would blow his cover if caught. The truck shuddered again. This was growing annoying but there was nothing Jones or his partner could do, all he could do was wait.

Meanwhile at the airport the traveler now a grand and a bit lighter flagged a taxi. Stepping in he relaxed a bit. He smiled and struck up conversation with the cabbie.
“Hey I’m new in town and looking for a condo, you know of anyplace?” The cabbie grunted the affirmative and his traveler smiled.
“Great could you take me there I need to get a place.”

OOC: Now I just need a bit of info on housing in the capital city.

Bump; will post tomorrow.

(You know, if the rest of you could aid in bumping, t'would be... t'werrific :wink: ).

Public Announcement by the ministry of foreign affairs
“The government of the Dutch Democatic Republic announces that it will be providing the security ministry of the Jingoistic States of The Huac with approximately 500 million euros in military aid annually, to be used to combat terrorist groups inside the nation. The government would like to commend the Huac minister of security, Enur Manka as a capable minister who was able to procure this package of aid through insightful negotiation. The Jingoistic States and the Dutch Democratic Republic have a good man leading the fight against terrorism there.

The ministry of economic affairs is also considering aid funds at this time, but negotiations are not yet finalised."

---

The Order worked quick, and the military aid package was proving to be beneficial to all. First and foremost it provided the Order itself with a steady flow of income from outside of its own members. If Enur Manka ever where to make a trip to the DDR, he would find himself amongst friends.

OOC: working with: thirdgeeks (http://www.thirdgeek.com/nseconomy.php?region=1989_Anti_Communist_Alliance) exchange rate of 1 Euro = USD $1.9511 = 1.4589 The Huac dollars ))

An excerpt of an article in the Huacian newspaper:

DRANA—In a speech in Congress today, President Tanak Ramoz spoke of the aid given by the government of Knootoss. "In exchange for our denunciation of the activities of the Rumbiak Brigade, a terrorist group much like the one assailing our own nation, the Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss has agreed to give us aid in our war on terror. I wish to thank my Minister of Security, whom I may want to consider changing to my Foreign Minister," he said among laughter, "for his work in making contact with the Knootians possible." Ramoz reiterated his strong stance against terrorism and anticapitalism, and spoke of his determination to fight both wherever they may be found.
__________

Ren Tanku read his paper in interest. He paid close attention to politics, and had dreams of becoming a politician himself, though he was far too young for such things as yet. He believed he knew the agenda of his nation's major leaders quite well, though he was willing to admit that such a statement could be attributed to the hubris of youth. Ah, never mind that; something else was more important here, something that had stood out to him when reading the article: the last part about Ramoz "fighting terrorism and anticapitalism wherever they may be found." He could not be sure that was a direct quote, but he was willing to bet it was. The thing he had picked up on immediately was that such a statement did not sound like something of Ramoz's much at all. Sure, Ramoz had certainly delivered some fiery speeches, especially after the Closing Bells bombing (as the press had come to call it), but he had not talked about taking action in foreign countries, except for the Rumbiak Brigade thing. That, too, had not sounded like Ramoz. It had Manka's fingerprints all over it, or Ren had never read any statements by either of the men in his life. He had, of course, and he was fairly confident about his judgment on this.

What could it mean, though? Was Manka gaining power in the government, and Ramoz becoming unable to rein him in? That sure sounded like Manka. That man had been in the political scene longer than Ren had been alive. He knew how to get his way, and was somewhat well known for that. He had certainly been a driving force in this whole Knootoss thing. And that was another matter that bothered Ren. Until about a week and a half ago, most people in the Huac didn't know a nation called Knootoss even existed, and could care less if they did. Now they were staunch allies of the Huac. Why? Manka had engineered this, and clearly had much to profit from it. He, and the rest of the Huacians, was obviously missing something. Well, that was no surprise; of course there were things the government wanted to keep secret. Still, he wondered why it had to be Knootoss in particular the Huac allied with. Rising from his chair, Ren resolved to find out as much as he could about the country. He didn't expect to discover anything earthshaking, and could do little about it even if he did, but knowledge was power...
__________

"Well, you're a hero now," said Ramoz lightly to Manka. The two were sitting in Ramoz's office, sipping fine Lunakian tea. "My analysts say that our new relations with Knootoss have been quite well received. I must admit, I had many doubts about this when you first mentioned it to me."

You would have far more if you knew the full implications of this, thought Manka. "Yes, thank you," he said instead. Hopefully he would not have to deal with Ramoz for much longer. The man was no politician by any stretch of the word. He should have been content with inheriting Clockwork International from his father. "Sir, I would like to travel to Knootoss to cement our relations with them."

Ramoz looked annoyed. "That's a task for the Foreign Minister. You've already come close to putting him out of a job."

"But I wish to—" Manka began.

"I will not allow it," Ramoz cut him off. "You are dismissed."

After Manka had left, Ramoz stared pensively out the door the man had walked through. Manka had helped him a make a wise decision this time, but Ramoz still did not trust him. He resolved to keep him on a tight leash, and denying him access to visiting Knootoss was a good way to start. Manka had an unhealthy interest in some of its... organizations, he knew. He had also decided to have his personal intelligence division watch Manka's activities with Knootoss when Manka's negotiations with them had started, and wasn't sure about what they had found. He had a feeling Manka's intelligence had been leading his own on, as his division's briefings were overly rosy concerning Manka's actions. Still, he could hardly fire the man; not only because it would show weakness at a time when doing so was most inopportune, but also because Manka was now one of the more popular men in the Huac, thanks in part to Ramoz’s own actions. Slick as grease, that man, the President of the Huac mused.
__________

Manka sat in his own office, looking at his calendar. The Huac's major holidays were in two weeks. He did not plan to be in the country to celebrate them, however...

ooc: still wondering what's fair to get in over the borders? sixty forty sound fair? Meaning I would've gotten in 20 agents. I'm just waiting for your go ahead before I continue.

Bump. I am sorry for not posting here at all this week, but we had a string of nice days and I didn't feel like being inside. I will be gone for the next four days (though this shouldn't be much of an issue since the site and boards will be down for a while).

Nova Hope, let's just say that the truck got caught and all inside it deported, but the Huacians didn't find any of your other people. However, there is increased security at all border crossings.