NationStates Jolt Archive

Ambassador Cassandra Von Drackenfels hurried to the Marathon Transport that was waiting to take her and the rest of the Foreign Guard Command to Cyro, in Dtelli Beybi. On Board she stowed her bag and seated herself next to a taciturn Lassean gentleman.

"General Imro?" she inquired as she offered her hand "Pleased to meet you, I'm............"

He shook her hand as he finished her sentence "Ambassador Von Drackenfels. Yes, I read your dossier."

She grinned "This should be exciting, althugh I'm a bit leery about dealing with communists."

General Imro didn't change his expression "Quite."

Cassandra shrugged and opened her book "Well pleased to meet you anyhow."

The General nodded as the SST lifted off.

Cyro International Airport was a huge establishment with multiple runways all built on reclaimed land on the river delta, as was indeed most of the city of just over 11 Million. Further North, the river snaked lazily back towards Klatch's lakes while on either side stretched miles and miles of relatively flat and heavily farmed land.
There was not a cloud in the sky as the aircraft pulled in to land, outside it was hot, 36°C or 96.8°F despite the cooling sea breeze. Further inland the country baked.
Peculiarly on the grassy stretch of land next to the main runway the military had parked a dozen flak vehicles, while more could be seen scattered elsewhere about the airport. It was a reminder that Dyelli Beybi was a State that always seemed just on the verge of being invaded.

The Marathon Transport landed and taxied to a stop at the air port. Once stopped the ramps at the rear of the transport deployed and the first person off was General Imro.

The Ambassador and the rest of his staff moved down the ramp behind him. The physically imposing 6'2" General wears his Guardsmens longcoat, pinned open at the shoulders to reveal his form fitting body armour. Everything he wears is drak grey and devoid of insignia, other than the silver Generals Jaguars on his lapels. He seems perturbed as he reaches to his side in response to his Staff Seargent racing down the ramp to hand the General his Rifle.

The party pauses as they await the Dyellians, the Ambassador moves to the Generals side as he took an accordian plug from inside his jacket and plugged it into his rifle.

The heat was certainly unwelcome to just about the entire party, except the General, who remained expressionless and indifferent.

Ambassador Von Drachenfels fanned herself and looked to the General

"Do you really think you'll need your rifle?"

The General replied without turning his head "I am a soldier, I ALWAYS need my rifle."

The Ambassador nodded " Great."

A few Dyelli Beybian troops were hanging around near the runway. They wore no armour whatsoever, they weren't even wearing helmets, rather floppy caps. The uniform was a flat sand colour with short sleeved shirts, shorts and long socks, all in all rather reminiscent of a WWII desert uniform. Technically Dyelli Beybian troops were supposed to wear a kevlar helmet, and vest along with a camouflaged jacket and trousers, but most opted to abandon this while on sentry duty.

On the appearance of someone with a gun, ten seperate assault rifles were leveled at the general, by the looks of it H&K G36s.

Before anything else could happen, a woman in a grey uniform with blue trimming (especially around the cap) stepped in between the two groups, "Greetings and welcome to Dyelli Beybi." he said, flat out ignoring the suspicious sentrys, seemingly completely unaware all their rifles were now pointed at her back, "I believe you are the delegation from Ilek-Vaad."

She was a strikingly attractive woman, probably in her mid to late twenties, with blue eyes, chestnut coloured hair held back in a pony tail and a curvaceous body that was not at all disguise by her military uniform, "Commisaar Zara Alwood." she introduced herself, "Assistant Political Officer 1st Class."

She was Cheka. While the delegation from Ilek-Vaad were unlikely to have encountered the Cheka before, if they had done any background research on Dyelli Beybi they'd have found innumerable references to the Cheka - the secret police and intelligence network of Dyelli Beybi. They were said to be ruthlessly efficient, and to practically run the country. Their biggest failing was their failure to uncover the recently crushed rebellion in Fiord Harbour. They also had a fairly unique role (for a Secret Police Service/Spy Network) in that they also frequently doubled up as a second Diplomatic Corp.

The Ambassador stepped in and offered her hand to the Commissar

"Commissar Alwood, I am Ambassador Cassandra Von Drackenfels and this " she motions to the General " is General Ramtheosz Imro. Yes, we are from the Free Republic, very pleased to meet you."

The General Raised his fist in the Defiant Salute of the Retliatory Guard " My Life for the Republic."

The General seemed absolutely oblivious to any guns leveled at him and he cradled his FN-Minimi against his forearm, his eyebrow did raise noticeably at the appearence of the Commissar.

The Ambassador continued " We are very pleased to be here and thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to establishing an embassy in your nation and I am certain that General Imro is just as eager to get to work with the Foreign Guard."

Ambassador Von Drakenfels smiled brightly. The rest of the General's staff, who were unarmed aside from their sidearms, did appear a bit leery about the gun, but tried their best to look unfazed.

The Commisaar smiled politely, "The pleasure is all ours Ambassador... General."

Her eyes were lingering a little longer than necessary on the General's machine gun, then lowered her voice so that hopefully only Von Carstein could hear her, "Does he really need that?" she asked in a whisper, "It's going to cause problems , Dyelli Beybi is very security conscious, I mean nobody will care if you're carrying sidearms... but that is just going to raise eyebrows."

The Ambassador looked sympathetic and was about to reply when the General, who had obviously heard speaks up.

"Quite soon, Commissar , I will leading a force of eighty thousand armed men , here in your nation. I would hope that trusting me to do that , you would trust me with my rifle?"

The Ambassador looks about to say something, when the General grins

"But, in the name of better relations.........." he pauses and hands his rifle to his Staff Seargent, who then moves to stow it on the transport, although he does eye the soldiers present, ready to pause if an objection is raised.

The General then motions "Lead on Commissar."

The Commisaar looked a little abashed, partly because she'd apparently misread the general, "Of course General, thank you, I'm just worried about suspicious guards and such... we have an overabundance of them in this State."

And indeed her words were given a ring of truth as the collection of sentries around the runway all owered their weapons.

She led them across the tarmac to a waiting collection of limousines and military APCs. A driver, also wearing the grey uniform stepped out of one of the limousines, opening the door for both the Ambassador and General. He gave a brief salute as he did so.

The General took the lead to the cars, his staff in lock step behind him , the Ambassador moving a bit off to the side and staying with the Commissar. The General raised his fist in salute in response to the Commissar open the door for him.

"At ease." he stated with authority as much for the Commissar and the Dyellian soldiers as much for his own men.

They settled into the car, the General staying silent as Ambassador Von Drackenfels engaged the Commissar in conversation "So tell me more about your nation, I understand that you have a communist government? "




OOC: If the Cheka have done their homework they will know that Vaadian Ambassadors and staff are drawn from the active Velite Guard (Citizen Army) and are technically subordinate to higher ranked Velite Guard and Retaliatory Guard. Only in matters of state can they assert rank.

Ambassador Von Drakenfels, like all Vaadian Ambassadors come into their own only when seperated from military command and in their own embassies.

General Imro is much more authorotative than most Retaliatory Guard Generals, he isn't trying to be insulting, he's just personally obsessed with order ;)

Inwardly alarm bells were ringing for Alwood, technically nobody here was at his Command, yet he had given an order. Perhaps this whole business was the mistake the National Government had tipped this to be. Perhaps this was a Colonial move from Ilek-Vaad, but in the end the fact that the enemy regime in Scandavian States had done so, but more importantly, the money involved in this deal had proved too much for the Government. Their would be the sale of military hardware, and then presumably the ongoing purchase of Dyelli Beybian oil. This base was deemed to be set up only a day or so's drive from the oil fields.

She became aware the Ilek-Vaad Ambassador was speaking, "Mmmh, Sorry, ah, some people would say so, although the Communist Party has yet to successfully contend an election, and private enterprise is not illegal. I guess you could say we'e a Socialist state, although personally I'd say we're not extreme enough."

She paused, for a moment before changing subject, "Now we're being driven to the Offices of the High Chancellor, that's the head of State. Now he doesn't have that much time, we are running a war, but allowing a foreign army to set foot on Dyelli Beybian soil is well... significant."

She gave a slight smile, "It was also felt that you, General, might be in need of a local guide, so as to speak. For that reason I've been given to you, in an advisory capacity until this army is properly set up, or beyond if you feel you still have need of a direct line to the Government."

General Imro nods "Very good. The first thing we will have to do after meeting the Chancellor is of course drop off the Ambassador so that her and her staff can begin setting up their Embassy. I would then like to view the area selected for the base, with architects handy, if at all possible. I would like to have plans and cost projections for building the site by early next week.

We will also need to begin a recruiting drive. The Minister of Defense has told me that we have some twenty thousand recruits already lined up from various nations, but they will not begin to arrive until we are set up here.

I will also need to meet with your arms and armour contractors. Everything for the Guard is to be provided locally. It would be good to invite in other Klatchian States so that their defense contractors can also bid for contracts. The thing I am most interested in is armour. I am a former tank commander and I would like to find a tank at least comparable to a Thunderer II if possible.

Other than that, I think everything else can be delegated to my staff."

The Ambassador just looked at Commissar Alwood and shrugged

"Just so long as I get an Embassy up and running, I should be okay!"

"There is plenty of office space to rent in downtown Cyro." the Commisaar remarked, "Although not being certain exactly how large an embassy you're looking at we havn't actually earmarked anything."

"We've set up a meetings for tomorrow with salespeople for DBFC Automobile, Wilson Heavy Vehicles and Gorbachev Aeronautics, they do a light tank you can airlift quite easily... oh and PEC is also coming along. They do general kits and produce vehicle sand filters."

The city of Cyro seemed to have a lot of bridges in it, spanning uninhabitable ground. Below the bridges there were reed choked waterways and dense swamps, although a general lack of the crocodiles that made this river famous. Those bits of land which were inhabitable were filled with high rise buildings. The column pulled up to one, fairly non-descript bridge to find it guarded by a police check-point. Apparently the first car had already shown papersn and they were waved through with no fuss, "We're entering the Parliament precinct now." Alwood explained, "It's basically the old Tzarist Royal Palace renamed and redeccorated."

The convoy passed another check point on the far sdie of the bridge before finally pulling up in front of a massive square building. The entry way was located up a flight of steps between a dozen or so massive doric columns. The building was fronted by a huge square in the centre of which stood a massive stone statue of some kind of industrial worker waving a Dyelli Beybian flag. Again the driver opened the door, the Commisaar stepped out first, smoothing her skirt as she waited for the Ilek-Vaadians to follow her, "Now." she asked, "Do you have any questions you'd like to ask before entering the meeting? We're still 10 minutes ahead of schedule."

Ambassador Von Drackenfels smiled

" We won't need too much Embassy space, our Embassies generally have only a staff of twelve, although most of the staff do prefer to reside at the Embassy. I don't think I have anymore questions."

She paused and looked to General Imro.

"I believe everything has been arranged in a satisfactory manner so far. Tell me, is the readiness and discipline of the airport security a usual display of Deyllian military discipline? What is the general level of technical skill of your military arms suppliers? "

He paused to allow for answers.

Military discipline. That was something Dyelli Beybi was notable for, or notable for it's lack of at least. The armed services usually seemed more interested in making money than carrying out an organised campaign. It was partly why there were so many Cheka Agents floating around the military, to make sure they were doing what they were supposed to. The troops were also notoriously trigger happy, a few of them had gunned down some JDF troopers accidentally in the jungle a month or two back. It wasn't that they were poorly trained, the training was excellent, it was more that the soldiers were perhaps a little too free thinking, not that it didn't have it's advantages at times...

"Yes." Alwood replied, well they could be trusted to guard stuff, "Although the Secuity proceedures you will see around the city were initially set up by the Cheka rather than Military High Command."

A passing police officer saluted Alwood, she responded with a nod, "Err, anyway, I think you'll find the military vehicles, particularly the tanks, are quite advanced, especially stuff like the Model 6, they are perhaps a little fuel guzzling, but oil is cheap and plentiful around here. Some people have expressed that they feel the APCs we're running need heavier firepower."

She shrugged, "I'll let you assess what there is to offer tomorrow.... shall we?"

She led them up the stairs and into the main entrance hall. It was a dark hall, a lot cooler than the outside though, and long, paved with marble, and with a dimply lit ceiling maybe 12 metres above their heads. Clearly there had been statues against the left wall, but now all that remained were the feet. They must have stood some 3 stories high. Now there were two balconies, the lower one of which had several red banners draped over it, which hung down where the statues ought to be. Some were Dyelli Beybian flags, but there were two other forms as well, one which looked unmistakable like a nazi party banner, except with the swaztika removed and a chi-rho put in it's place, while the third had a giant golden hammer and scicle on it, "Symbols of the Revolution." she explained.

The balconies were patrolled by a fair number of heavily armed police officers, they glanced suspiciously at the delegation, but seemed placated by the prescence of a Commisaar. The end of the coridoor was marked by a marble staircase, but Alwood led them underneath it, and into another, much more modest single storey corridoor, the whole place was crawling with police, all of whom seemed to be at least carrying a shotgun or assault rifle, a fair number were also armed with grenades and one they passed was packing a flame thrower. It was as if they were expecting an army to try to storm the building, but then again, this was Dyelli Beybi, they probably were.

After going through several more coridoors they reached a guarded lift, "Papers." the guard demanded.

Alwood handed him a wad of A-4 paper, which he scanned over, before radioing getting into a brief discussion in German over his radio. After a minute or two he nodded, "The High Chancellor is expecting you Commisaar, and the delegation from Ilek-Vaad."

Stepping into the lift it was fairly clear that this lift served just one point in the building, it only had two buttons, marked 4 and G. Alwood pulled a DKS key out of her pocket which she inserted into a reciever, before pressing 4.

The first thing that would strike the delegation upon stepping onto floor four, was the fact that they were facing a machine gun nest. The next thing that would strike them were the 6 other heavily armed police officers, scattered about the room they had entered. The way out of the lift was flanked by two chest high desks, with a metal detector about 6 feet further on that they would be forced to walk through, "Can you please place all metal objects in the box." one of the police officers on their left had put a box on the table, "You can collect weapons upon returning, other objects can be collected immediately."

Alwood handed her pistol and watch over to the guard then stepped through the metal detector. Despite what the Guard had said both objects were immediately returned to her, aparently that kind of rule didn't apply to the Cheka, "The High Chancellor's Office is to the Right of the Machine Gun." she explained, "Once you two are through we can go right in."

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A few metres down the coridoor, Eamon Collins, the High Chancellor of the United Socialist Republics of Dyelli Beybi was seated opposite Felix Dzerzhinsky, the head of the Cheka. Collins' office which overlooked the river, the pair had disected the agreement they'd made with Ilek-Vaad on several occasions, "I still find this while thing about protection somewhat amusing." he commented to the Cheka agent.

Dzerzhinsky gave a short laugh, "Well they are dumping the equivalent of 8 of our Divisions worth of troops on us, even if they aren't protecting us as such, it means we can free up troops for elsewhere, it really seems to be a winner for us, even if the rest of Klatch is too damned blind to see the economic and military benefits, besides, as much as some of the other states seem to think it is, I doubt Ilek-Vaad is using this as a staging point for the conquest of Klatch."

Collins rolled his eyes in disgust, "Well National pride is a fine thing, but a lot of these Klatchians take it too far, fancy calling us sepoys..."

General Imro didn't seem to take any particular notice of the surroundings or the security, moving like an automaton following Alwood's lead. Ambassador Von Drakenfels however was wide eyed at the level of security. Nowhere in Ilek-Vaad would you see the 'Shadows of the Republic' (Ilek-Vaad's secret service) , much less see them with guns. Security in sensitive places in the Free Republic was heavy but invisible.

Taking the elevator up , Alwood could see the obvious alarm on the Ambassador's face, once again the General didn't even seem to notice, either he was very well trained and disciplined, or oblivious.

The metal detector presented no problem to the Ambassador, General Imro was a different story. He took the time to remove everything metal in his gear, two FN Browning 9mm High-Power handguns, a diving knife, skinning knife, boots with metal shanks and greaves, ceramite form fitting body armour, SAP gloves with re-inforced knuckles and backs, his watch, ring and belt buckle. After this he passed through without a beep, he knew where everything was.

They then followed Alwood to the Chancellor's office, and waited to be introduced.

Alwood knocked politely on the door, "Enter." a voice called from behind the door. She opened the door, allowing the Ilek-Vaadians in first, before closing the door quietly behind them.

There were two men in the room, both were tall for Dyelli Beybians, which meant about average height for anyone else, one was a slender looking man with a black goatee, now slightly greying. He wore a very similar uniform to Alwood. The second was a very heavy set, muscular man with a receding hairline, despite only being in his 30s. He also had dark hair and eyes. This had to be the High Chancellor, aparently under the Tzarist regime he had been one of the most wanted terrorists in Southern Klatch...

Alwood, who was still standing by the door took this as an opportunity to introdue everyone, "May I introduce the delegation from Ilek-Vaad, General Ramtheosz Imro and Ambassador Von Drachenfels."

The Dyelli Beybians nodded politely, "May I also introduce the Head of the Cheka, Commisaar Felix Dzerzhinsky."

The man with the goatee nodded to indicate he was the Commisaar in question, "And The Right Honourable Eamon Collins, High Chancellor of The United Socialist Republics of the Djel Valley, East Benjia, New Dyelli and the D.B.A.T."

"Pleased to meet you." the High Chancellor said in a particularly thick Dyellian accent (one which was quite often mistaken for Irish).

"Thank you Zara." it was Dzerzhinsky, it seemed slightly odd he'd use the junior Commisaar's first name, but none of the Dyelli Beybians seemed to view it as such.

"Now." the High Chancellor anounced, clapping his hands together, "As I am sure you are aware, this marks a truly historic moment in Dyelli Beybian history. This will be the first time a foreign power has been permitted to set up a permanent military base on our soil, there has not even been a Klatchian State to do so, or indeed even a permanent National Army base in the State.

"However, times are changing and it seems a good time to extend the hand of friendship, especially to an ally of the Federation, which has to this point had little contact with Dyelli Beybi."

Dzerzhinsky took this as his lead to continue, "At the same time we understand the Dyelli Beybian culture will probably prove to be highly alien to you. While we are similar in some ways, you will undoubtedly find we are highly different in others. For that reason I've assigned Commisaar Alwood to you. She will of course remain under State command, but she will be at your call to help resolve any problems that may arise, General."

The General nodded to the gentlemen and listened quietly as they spoke.

"The Free Republic is very greatful for your genorosity in allowing a Foreign Guard Army to be stationed within your nation. We understand that such a thing is unique and may understandably cause some tension, so I will address the main points that I see immediately so there will be no confusion about them

First, the Free Republic currently has no alliances. We are very friendly with the Federated Klatchian Coast State of the Glorious Kingdom of Vrak. It is our trust in them that led us to seek establishing a Foreign Guard Army in the Klatch. In time we may grow to be as friendly and show such trust in you.

Second, If I were in your shoes I would be concerned about the Free Republic and imperialism."

Here the General pauses and gives the Chancellor a hard glare

"The Constitution of the Free Republic of Ilek-Vaad forbids imperialism, colonialism or the setting up of dependencies or protectorates. The price for breaking this law is treason, punishable by death. The Republican Council and it's members are held liable for such things by the Velite General and his prosecutors and they are extremely vigilant. We have no desire for empire and oppose any nation that does."

The Ambassador nodded " The Free Republic has a long history of anti-colonialism and anti-imperialism. While this has only rarely meant military involvement, it is simply something that we do not become involved with.

The reasoning behind the Foreign Guard is simply one of convienance. Recently we deployed forces when your nation was invaded. While a single Naval Guard Tactical Group is indeed awesome the Republican Council regretted that there was no way in which ground forces could be quickly mobilized. A matter of months would have been required to deploy a Retaliatory Guard army.

The Foreign Guard will allow us to act in weeks instead of months and to quickly eliminate , or at least stall such threats until the full might of the Retaliatory Guard can be mobilized.

We believe that the simply the threat of an army that can quickly deploy will be good to help stabilize whole regions of the world. The Foreign Guard armies may not even be permamnent, we are still studying their viability and future actions will be taken into consideration.

I think everyone involved in the recent haphazard invasion by Neo Tyr would agree that a rapid deployment of eighty thosand men would have eliminated such a threat much quicker. Not to imply that your forces could not handle it, but in military actions having friends always helps."

OOC: Excuse this blatant God Mod, but I wanted to get in on this ASAP.

IC:

Reichsgeneral Fourth Class Falldtmann, escorted by his own guards and hurriedly followed by Dyelli Beybi guards. Falldtmann stood easily at 6'5" and wore his the traditional Wolf fur cape which hung almost to the floor. He wore 4 silver chains across his chest which held his cape together. The four chains indicated his general's rank. His eyes were a piercing, crystal blue color. He wore no helmet, but pulled his long dirty blond hair back. It almost reached down to his shoulders. His thick blond beard hung down around 5 inches. He was massive, as were almost all high-ranking Germanian soldiers.

His guards were of slightly smaller size (6'3") and wore regular-styled uniforms. However, they wore the grey Nazi-styled helmets with horns and black face covers. There were a total of four. Two carried H&K G36E's, one carried a CAR-14 with night vision and regular scope, and the other toted am H&K MG-43 machine gun, with belts of ammo hanging off his shoulders.

They all wore thick body armor and well over 100 pounds of equipment. They were all dressed in grey. On the shoulder-areas of their uniforms, there was writing in Germanian (similar to Runes, but with a modern influence). These guards were members of the ESPK, Germania's Black-Ops, Special Ops, Personal Guard Group, and Assassin Group. Each fluent in every language of the Klatch, and a minimum of 3 outside languages, they could communicate with most anyone.

The general was speaking to them loudly in Germanian as he was walking down the hall. Dzerzhinsky and Alwood could hear them approaching very clearly. The loud Germanian, similar to old Norse, but slightly more gutteral, was unmistakable and any Dyellian knew where the approaching individuals came from.

The door burst open and Felldtmann entered, followed by his guards and a crowd of Dyellian guards. The ax he carried on his back was obvious, as were the two pistols and broadsword he carried on his waist.

(In a thick Germanian accent)

Felldtmann: Please pardon our interruption. I understand you are here to discuss establishing a Foreign Guard Army here in Dyelli Beybi. If you are in need of any assistance with arming your soldiers, or if you would like to officially establish an embassy or an alliance with North Germania, this is why I have come.

Excuse me, I did not introduce myself.

I am Reichsgeneral Fourth Class Rölf Felldtmann. I am the highest ranking general of the Reichswehr, the army of North Germania. I represent the Reichschancellor Einheit, III and come for and with diplomacy and assistance.

Mr. Dzerzhinsky, pleased to meet you in person finally, my high sir. North Germania comes to assist Dyelli Beybi, as always.

And your name, my lady, is?

- N.G.

OOC: so much for Cheka security ;) Falldtmann obviously didn't have to pass through the metal detector, bloody favoritism ;)


The entrance of the Reichsgeneral Fourth Class Falldtmann was most certainly a suprise. The Ambassador nearly jumping out of her skin and even General Imro nearly reacted.

The Ambassador stammered to Falldtmann " I am Ambassador Cassandra Von Drackenfels and this is General Ramtheosz Imro, and yes we are establishing a Foreign Guard Army in the United Socialist Republics..........."

She trailed off not quite sure what else to say, fortunately General Imro stepped in.

General Imro looked up at the Reichsgeneral , still no change in his expression or any indication that any of this was the least bit exciting or unnerving.

"Greetings Herr Reichsgeneral. I was in fact saying to Commissar Alwood that we should be contacting other military contractors in the FKC to place bids for equipment to be used by the Guard.

As for an alliance or an embassy, that would be a matter for the Republican Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I'm afraid that at this moment we were only expecting to add one embassy , I will of course contact the Minister of Foreign Affairs and pass along your request to establish an embassy. I can't imagine there would be any obstacles to that request."

The General turns and smiles to the Chancellor and then back to the Reichsgeneral "It would of course be very helpful for recruitment to bring in as many nations as possible. I still have sixty thousand men and women to recruit, not to mention logistical support. Assstance will be appreciated, and noted, of course."

(OOC) Err NG, want to rewind that a bit? Your guys would have had to shoot their way past about 700 security guards if they wanted to carry weapons into the High Chancellor's office. The only people allowed to carry anything more dangerous than a toothpick this close to the High Chancellor are his security guards and certain Cheka agents.
Secondly they wouldn't have got up that lift without a DKS key, which they wouldn't have been issued. They'd need to get permission from the High Chancellor to get in, (which they would get as DB trusts NG). This is among Dyelli Beybi's 3 most secure places, there is absolutely no way anyone could burst in on it.
Swap them for unarmed guys and you can continue, but please don't burst through my security systems again without asking, thanks. :)

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Collins did not look exactly happy to see the North Germanians, any other State getting in on the arms contracts was not in the Dyelli Beybian agenda.

It was Dzerzhinsky though who spoke, "Greetings Reichsgeneral. I must say we are curious as to your precise reasons for being here."

It was a bit politer than the 'what the hell are you doing? You're not getting any money off us' that was likely to come out of the High Chancellor's mouth. While he was a charismatic politician he had a notable bad temper.

Alwood meanwhile had sidled over to General Imro, "It'd probably a good time to tell you, that while Vrak did alert us to this, they and well, every other State that spoke on the matter was decidedly anti any form of Foreign Guard which is why this is a Dyelli Beybi only affair."

She lowered her voice further to make sure only Imro heard her, "Basically with the amount of flak we took for this you'll find the High Chancellor isn't happy about letting any other states getting a contract out of this."

General Imro nodded slightly as Alwood spoke, and replied to her in a sufficently hushed tone.

"There will be no reason for outside contractors, so long as I am able to get what I require here."

General Imro actually smiled, sensing that things just may go better than planned.

Ambassador Von Drackenfels smiled weakly a bit , she didn't see any way to get out of this awkward situation, so she tried to look as upbeat as possible.

"Only thing you can't get is a good IFV." Alwood replied, discreetly again, "Although most of the vehicles are quite easily modified, we can probably just get one of the companies to put a bigger turret on one of the existing models."

Alwood had decided her initial skepticism about the general was ill founded. Sure he was proud, but didn't seem to be so overly proud that he'd tread on too many toes, "I've done some background research on the vehicles, to find out the stuff the manufacturers won't tell you, which should help get this Army off the ground. If you want to talk military stuff rather than politics I can probably excuse you from this meeting?"

General Imro nodded to Alwood

" Yes, let the Ambassador deal with this. That's what her job is anyhow. I'm sure we can find a productive use of time, than political wrangling."

Alwood nodded, then suddenly snapped to attention in a manner obviously designed to gain attention, "With all due respect Sirs, the General wishes to discuss matters of a more military matter, and allow the politics to be discussed by those more qualified for the task."

It took a moment for the High Chancellor to register this, "What? Oh by all means go and have your discussion, I'd be assuming you're wanting to talk about some of the logistics of this enterprise. You'll find an unoccupied meeting room down the hall on your right, just after the machine gun, my apologies for this unexpected turn of events General, undoubtedly we will have the pleasure of your company again before too long."

Alwood waited for the Imro to say his goodbyes to the pair who essentially ran Dyelli Beybi, before leading him to the metting room Collins had mentioned, it was a sparsely decorated room, although solid oak wall pannels and a large window overlooking the river gave it a certain elegance. It was dominated by a large polished round walnut table, probably designed for about 6 people to sit at comfortably, and indeed there were 6 plushly cushioned chairs. In the centre of the table, someone had left a decanter of whiskey and half a dozen glasses.

Alwood took off her cap, laying it down deliberately on the table, "Now what would you like to discuss first?"

Secretly Zara Alwood was very interested in General Imro, she wanted to work out what she was dealing with. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something unusual about him, she hoped a little one on one time would allow her to fully understand what motivated the man.

The General was more than happy to say his goodbyes , leaving Ambassador Von Drakenfels to sort out the mess in the Chancellor's office.

General Imro follows Alwood into the conference and pauses by the window with a view of the river. His expression still neutral he speaks as he looks out the window.

"What I want to know is what obstacles can I expect in building my base and equipping my men. What is going to slow me down?"

He pauses and turns back to Alwood.

"I am very anxious to get the Guard founded and up and running, Uncle Istvan..." he pauses , having shown an actual emotion in saying 'Uncle Istvan' "I mean the Supreme Republican Commander, wishes that the Foreign Guard be up and running before he retires.

I do not intend to let him down. I have a substantial budget. I want the Guard base built as quickly as humanly possible. In three months at the most."

"Oh I don't think you can expect any construction problems." Alwood seemed quite confident on the matter, "You've already been granted resource consent to build whatever you like up to 5 stories high, and you can go underground as much as you like. I don't think they'd like you much higher though in case you interfere with the wind farm."

"Only problem is...well it's 25 Square kilometres of coastal land...you might want to apply to get a second base somewhere else, it could end up rather crowded."

She paused, trying to think where exactly the Dyelli Beybian Goverment would allow a second base, up North certainly, but you'd get all the horrible wild animals up there... New Dyelli was possibly worse in those respects, probably somewhere in the desert or the foothills between the Djel River Valley and East Benjia.

General Imro nodded.

"Yes , we will need additional bases. What can we build in the water? Will we be allowed to build breakwalls and slips for ships? It would be very helpful toi have room for Naval Guard ships when they are in the area.

We will also need room for an air strip or two as well. If we are constrained by base size, I may be forced to purchase transports from Avery Frost."

He pauses and looks at Alwood

"Avery Frost builds most of the Retaliatory Guard's air craft. They have a line of VTOL capable transports. It is very convienant for saving space."

He moves over to the table and has a seat

"How eager do you think your nations citizens will be to join the Foreign Guard? We have recruits from dozens of dofferent nations but we would like at some of the Guard to be local. It will also be interesting to know how we can expect the other Klatchian states to react to the Foreign Guard, especially should we need to deploy."

The General looked thoughtful.

OOC: Alright, they're all unarmed. I just liked the guy with the machine gun.

IC:

Feldtmann: We've come to donate a few things to your cause.

One: $2.56 trillion
Two: 10,000 Reichswehr Soldiers
Three: 200 Leopard 3 Heavy Tanks
Four: 25 F-22 fighters and 25 MiG-33 fighters

That is all we have interrupted your meeting for. We wish to be of assistance, especially since we are all at war. At your request and permission they will be sent to an established base, anywhere within the Klatch. Assuming you wish these things to occur. We will be in contact. Good afternoon.

The general and his escorts turned around and walked abruptly out of the room.

- N.G.

Ambassador Von Drakenfels was suprised by the departure of the Commissar and General Imro and then equally suprised by Felldtmann's statement. She quickly stepped in before the Reichsgeneral and his staff could exit.

"That is very generous of you Reichsgeneral, but the Foreign Guard is intended to be a branch of the Retaliatory Guard, under the command of the Supreme Republican Commander. While the forces and money you have just offered are very generous, I'm not sure if you want your forces based with and under the command of the Retliatory Guard?"

The Ambassador pauses and looks around a bit.

"Maybe there has been a misunderstanding on exactly what the Foreign Guard will be? We're looking for recruits from all nations that want to join the Guard, not soldiers assigned from other nations armed forces. We certainly want to work with nations in the region to make sure that the role of the Foreign Guard is understood. It's role will to be to react quickly to international incidents that concern the Free Republic, in it's geographic scope . It is not intended to be a force to police Dyelli Beybi, or the Klatch.

Maybe we should discuss in greater detail the role of the Foreign Guard, and more importantly your conceptions about the role of the Foreign Guard?"

She looked hopeful that things were cleared up, or that they could be.

Reichsgeneral Felldtmann stopped for a few seconds, turned and walked back into the room slowly. He took a seat at the table.

Felldtmann: I understand fully the intentions of this formation, my lady. I am offering you these troops, weapons, and money as a gift, to operate under the control of the Retaliatory Guard.

He pulled out a package of tobacco and rolling papers from his Wolf fur cape. He quickly, but calmly rolled a cigarette and lit it. After the 2 minutes of silence, he began to speak in his thick accent.

As he inhaled the cigarette smoke...

Of course, North Germania would commit troops to any nation within the Klatch if they were attacked, whether I have given you this great gift or not.

North Germania is not trying to avoid dedication to its neighbors and friends by buying off a potential conflict. Germania has been a member of the Klatch for a long, long time and has sacrificed millions of soldiers to protect it. You must understand, my dear, Germanians are exceptionally loyal, and are by no means cowards. We will fight until every last man has been killed, if it comes down to that situation.

I have given you these things for the support of the Retaliatory Guard. The soldiers are under the command of the said identity. Unless we believe that they are being used as cannon fodder they are to be used at the Retaliatory Guard's disposal. They are under orders to fight to the death. And believe me, my lady, they WILL fight to the death. However, Germanians have a certain, how would you say...knack? for survival. So death is not quite so much of an issue in this sense, is it?

I hope you will accept.

Felldtmann took another drag off his cigarette, and exhaled.

Ambassador Von Drakenfels smiles at the Reichsgeneral

"I assure that we in no way mean to imply that you are not committed to defending the Klatch, and we do not question your loyalty or bravey. I am also very greatful for the aid that you have given us.

I will have to see how the Supreme Republican Commander feels about commanding North Germanian troops. It is not a question of their valor, or their training , it has simply been that the Free Republic has historically been reluctant to put others in the line of fire."

She pause to search for the right words

"We have always felt that it is best that if we become involved in a military situation, that the responsibility should be ours, we do not want to endanger others. This is why we have founded the Foreign Guard, so that we may act quickly in remote places without asking others to place themselves in harms way.

I am also not certain that in the long run it would be appropriate for your forces to serve under Retaliatory Guard Command. The Foreign Guard may be called to serve in conflicts outside of the Klatch, that may not even serve Klatchian interests. I'm not sure how comfortable you would be in having your brave soldiers deployed to serve the interests of the Free Republic?

I am certain that General Imro and the Supreme Republican Commander will accept your aid, assistance and support. I just think that it is important that we are all on the same page and have the same expectations. We don't want any misunderstandings, and we certainly do not want to appear as though we are abusing your generosity."

Felldtmann: Please, take them. They are inexperienced, but well trained. They need to see combat action before we place them in the Advanced Reserve department of the Reichswehr. They ENJOY fighting and risking their lives in combat. It is the only form of honor in Germania.

General Imro nodded.

"Yes , we will need additional bases. What can we build in the water? Will we be allowed to build breakwalls and slips for ships? It would be very helpful toi have room for Naval Guard ships when they are in the area.

We will also need room for an air strip or two as well. If we are constrained by base size, I may be forced to purchase transports from Avery Frost."

He pauses and looks at Alwood

"Avery Frost builds most of the Retaliatory Guard's air craft. They have a line of VTOL capable transports. It is very convienant for saving space."

He moves over to the table and has a seat

"How eager do you think your nations citizens will be to join the Foreign Guard? We have recruits from dozens of dofferent nations but we would like at some of the Guard to be local. It will also be interesting to know how we can expect the other Klatchian states to react to the Foreign Guard, especially should we need to deploy."

The General looked thoughtful.

Alwood considered all this for a moment, she hadn't actually considered building out to sea, but she doubted there would be trouble with resource consent, "I don't see there being any problem with that, although you might find it better to build any Naval facilities in one of the fishing towns on the Coast. There aren't that many natural harbours and the waves are quite big."

She gave an apologetic smile, "I really should have brought a map of the area, but I'm sure tomorrow you'll have plenty of time to survey the land. The constraints are in place because the area is very intensively farmed, and well... fertile land in Dyelli Beybi is at a premium, you'd be able to expand, but you'd be paying through the nose."

She paused again, as she seated herself opposite the General, "As for recruits, well... Dyelli Beybi is a big Country, you'll find your recruits although I'm not certain what kind of quality they'll be. If you open a recruitment office out West in Quisa you'll get some of the desert nomads signing up. They tend to make fairly good soldiers, but can have 'issues' with authority."

No matter how hard you trained them, there was always a tendency among Dyelli Beybians to think they knew better than their Commanding Officer. It had caused problems in the past.

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

Meanwhile in the other Office, the High Chancellor was looking far from happy, giving 200 free tanks to the Ilek-Vaadians meant he was looking at losing millions of dollars worth of contracts for his own companies. Inside he was fuming, but decided it was probably best not to yell at the North Germanians, they were after all regarded as a friendly Klatchian State.

It was as usual though, the senior Commisaar who spoke, "A further 200 tanks would be very useful in the assault on Neo Tyr." he remarked, "As I'm sure would an extra 10,000 troops."

In any case, he gave a sideways glance at Von Drakenfels, "In any case, I'm sure North Germanians will be welcome to join the 'Foreign Guard', but perhaps absorbed into Ilek-Vaadian formations rather than opperating as a stand alone unit?"

Felldtmann considered the situation. Giving away money, troops, and weaponry would mean a loss of money for Dyelli Beybi. And after all, this was their meeting.

Felldtmann: High Chancellor, as you are also involved in this, I am willing to donate to your cause $25 billion in aid, as a starting figure. If perhaps you need more in the future, I'm sure the Reichschancellor will have no problem with donating more money, or even weaponry and equipment. Our economy is perpetually growing and we have a surplus of over $24 trillion from Germania's old storefront sales.

And Mr. Commissar, North Germania does not need advice on how to govern its military. Nor would it be wise to send in 10,000 inexperienced troops into a complicated and highly dangerous war zone while we already have over 15,000 veteran soldiers of the two most elite Armed Korps, the 4th and 9th, in the Neo Tyr region.

We also have over 40,000 tanks. Our personnel and equipment are quite high in numbers.

However, I appreciate your concern for our war with Neo Tyr. I mean no disrespect.

He stubbed out his cigarette on the bottom of his boot...

The General nodded to Alwood

"The Naval Guard has a system for installing artificial harbours. They have been used extensively to enviromentally safeguard natural harbours. It is costly, but effective."

He grinned as Alwood explained the recruiting propostions and problems with authority.

"Believe me Commissar, NO soldier trained under my direction has ever had a problem with discipline, or with authority. The Retaliatory Guard prides itself on free thinking, intelligent soldiers, but this never interferes with authority, chain of command or discipline. I do not tolerate lapses in discipline, ever."

*****

Meanwhile Ambassador Von Drakenfels watched the Reichsgeneral and the Chancellor back and forth for a second before answering the Commissar.

"Well, I don't know how they would be handled exactly. That is up to General Imro and Retaliatory Guard Command as to how the North Germanian soldiers would be integrated.

The two hundred tanks will be useful, I know that a normal Retaliatory Guard Armourd Division can consist of around two thousand tanks, General Imro was a tank commander, I know he's anxious to get that sorted out."


OOC: just a note, a Retaliatory Guard Division is twenty thousand men. An Armour Division uses all twenty thousand men as tank crew and logistical support, making it very large, although when deployed it is usually broken up into smaller battalions and units.

OOC: I'm sensing...............some tension......

If there was one way to get on a Dyelli Beybian's good side it was to offer money. Dyelli Beybians liked money, "It is of course entirely over to the Ilek-Vaadian delegation." Collins concluded, $25 bilion dollars would go a long way, and was worth more than 200 tanks, if the corporations didn't like it, they could lump it, they were mostly state owned anyway.

"And we do of course accept the well intentioned offer of North Germania, it will go quite some way in rebuilding the damage done to Fiord Harbour."

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

Alwwod didn't look entirely convinced by this, "Oh don't get me wrong. Our troops behave themselves most of the time, occasionally though, one unit will play up, it's like they get some kind of fever. If you take the Campaign on Murphy Island, the troops acted perfectly, but in previous Campaigns..."

She shrugged, "Occasionally units have been known to 'run amok', which is why we have Commisaars watching over the troops these days."

'Run amok' sounded a lot nicer than 'they went on a murdering, pillaging rampage'.

She smiled, raising her eyebrows, "Are you sure you don't want to reconsider the fishing village idea. Friendly soldiers bring money, I don't imagine any local council would turn you down. There are at least two within a couple of hour's drive of the precinct."

Ambassador Von Drakenfels smiled, pleased that everything appeared to be worked out.

"Well gentlemen, I think that resolves just about everything?"


******

General Imro looked a bit put off

"A military Naval base would make whatever town it was in a military target. I could not in good conscience put civilians in harms way simply for convienance."

He furrows his brow

"I will have to speak with the Supreme Naval Commander to see what his opinion is. I also think it would be best to find out which are your populous cities to set up recruiting offices. Tomorrow perhaps, I think we're running out of time for today."

He looks Alwood in the eye and deadpans

"I must return to my crypt for eight hours each day."

Maybe that was a joke................

"And I used to have pointy ears." she replied with the exact same deadpan expression. That could have been a joke as well, especially considering Dyelli Beybi's reputation for brutally slaughtering anyone meeting that description.

"Shall we say 8.00 am tomorrow?" all efficiency again, "Provisionally I've set a first meeting with the arms dealers for 10.00 and a helicopter flight to survey the grounds at 2.00, naturally this is all subject to your agreement."

The General nodded as he stood

"Very well then, tomorrow at 8 am."

******

Ambassador Von Drakenfels looked hopefully to the Reichsgeneral and the Chancellor

"Well, is there anything else we need to go over tonight?"



OOC: if not we can get right into equipping the guard and the base

"If you're in need of accomodation, you can be put up in basically any hotel in the city." Alwood said as she stood up, "On the State account of course... the war has meant that we're getting maybe 1/4 of the visitors we used to."

She surreptitiously checked her watch, it was perhaps an hour until she was due to report to Benjia House. It was a fairly unimportant meeting just to make sure she didn't have any major concerns, but it was best she was on time. This assignment was an opportunity to repair her reputation following the Reilly fiasco...

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

The Chancellor looked to the senior Comissar, then back to von Drakenfels, he shook his head, "No. I assume you'll be able to locate suitable office and accomodation space? If there is any trouble feel free to contact the Cheka at Benjia House."

(ooc fast forward away)

OOC: Fast forward? Okay, 15 years later, Dyelli Byebi had become part of Greater Ilek-Vaad. We open on a scene of two colonial gentlemen, complete with mutton chops and pith helmets, having brandy and cigars on the verandah, attended by walrus servants.

Colonial Vaadian #1 "Jolly good how we tricked those dimwitted Communists."

Colonial Vaadian #2 "Quit, old boy, quite. Dreadful business, communism. Shall we go oppress more minorities?"

Colonial Vaadian #1 "Sounds smashing!"

Off they ride on the backs of some poor Dyelli Beybian street urchins ;)

Now, back to IC RL-

IC:

The next morning the General was refreshed and ready to scout out the location for the Foreign Guard Base as well as talk to arms contractors. He already had plans drawn up for the base and was anxious to get the local construction companies and architects input on them to get it all moving as quickly as possible.

The General met Alwood at their pre-arranged meeting point to to get to the helicopter and various other meetings.

"Good Morning" The General Stated as he met Alwood, raising his fist in salute.

Meanwhile Ambassador Von Drakenfels had found the perfect spot for the Vaadian Embassy and had gone about purchasing the building and making arrangements to decorate and outfit the embassy. Equipment such as computers and phone systems would still be coming from Ilek-Vaad, but she was buying everything else locally.

The only thing that may alarm her hosts are that diplomats and their staff are drawn from the Active Velite Guard, and the first thing they unpack are their uniforms and equipment including assault rifles and sidearms, by law they must be close by.

Ambassador Von Drakenfels was determined to stow away the Velite Guard equipment as discreetly as possible, so as to not alarm her hosts.

Thw Ambassador had also contacted the Minister of Foreign Affairs about North Germania. The Minister penned a short letter.


Friends in North Germania,

I have recently been contacted by my Ambassador in Dyelli Beybi. She has informed me of your generous support and contibutions to the Foreign Guard. We are alwys pleased to open relations with nations who value stability and I would be pleased to explore the possibilty of further co operation between our nations and an opening of diplomatic ties.

I will proceed at your convienance and I would be pleased to receive visitors from your nation at any time, or to send an Envoy to meet with representatives of your nation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

Forward message, from the Reichschancellor:

Your offer sounds excellent. I would like an envoy to meet with me, personally. I would like us to each establish an embassy in eachother's country, if you are willing.

Of course, the details can be worked out with your envoy.

- Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III

- N.G.

Forward message, from the Reichschancellor:

Your offer sounds excellent. I would like an envoy to meet with me, personally. I would like us to each establish an embassy in eachother's country, if you are willing.

Of course, the details can be worked out with your envoy.

- Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III

- N.G.


To:Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III of North Germania
From: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

I will begin conferring immediately with the Republican Council to appoint an Envoy to travel to your nation.I look forward to improving relations between our peoples.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

(OOC) Haha! Damn those Imperialists.

The Dyelli Beybians didn't seem at all alarmed by the weapons, despite all previous evidence that they didn't like non-military/police carrying them. Apparently so long as nobody carried them too close to Senior Government officials, nobody particularly cared. A few military personnel had shown up outside the new Embassy, for reasons known to only them, although they appeared to be doing little more than smoking and hanging around.

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

Alwood seemed to be in a good mood this morning. She returned the salute smartly, looking slightly abashed that the General had saluted first. She had a manilla folder tucked under her arm, "Good morning General. Looks like it's shaping up to be a fine day."

It was marginally cooler than the previous day, "I've set you up a meeting with the arms manufacturers, to set the ball rolling for today. I've made a few notes for you on the tanks and APCs they're peddling, just to help you out a little."

She handed over a piece of paper from the folder, "It's brief, but you'll get more detailed stuff from them anyway... I havn't made notes on the armoured cars, I wasn't certain if you were interested in them."

"I've organised to meet in the People's Plaza Hotel, they have a private function room."

The function room would turn out to be a fairly small white room with a large, round glass table in the middle, 5 chairs surrounding it. There were 3 delegates coming, from the 3 main arms firms. Idly Alwood wondered what the Cheka would dig up on the General and the Ambassador. She had asked to run background checks on both just as a general security measure, although she was quite curious what they'd find on the General.

(OOC: It'd be great if you could give me some general info on what they'd find out in a run of the mill trawl through old newspapers, internet sources etc etc)


Tanks:
Model 1 (Variants: 1J) Training vehicle. 1J is a very poor tank destroyer. - Manufactured by Wilson Heavy Vehicles
Model 2 (Variants: 2J) Another training vehicle with similarly poor tank destroyer variant. - Manufactured by Wilson Heavy Vehicles
Model 38 (Variants: 38J) Very lightweight tank, and tank destroyer variant. Built to be airlifted. - Manufactured by Gorbachev Aeronautics
Model 3 (Variants: 3J, 3S, 3F, 3C) Main Battle tank, smaller than Model 4 or 5. Model 3S is a heavily armoured mobile howitzer. 3F is a mobile AA missile battery, inferior to the 4F-O. The 3C is a mobile command vehicle. THe gun on the fron of the 3C is a fake. - Manufactured by DBFC Automobile.
Model 4 (Variants: 4J, 4F-O, 4F-W) Main battle tank. Between model 3 and 5 in size. 4F-O is another mobile missile battery. 4F-W is a mobile flak cannon. Note, this last variant has extreme problems with ammunition storage. It requires a dedicated tender or else it will deplete it's stocks within 2 minutes. - Manufactured by Wilson Heavy Vehicles
Model 5 (Variants: 5J, 5N, 5C) Main battle tank and tank destroyer variant. 5N is fitted with an IR search light. 5C is similar to 3C, also has a fake gun. Note, due to the war there is a 3 month backlog on orders for this model. - Manufactured by DBFC Automobile.
Model 6 (Variants: 6J, 6S, 6R) Very heavy tank. Has more engine problems than other models, due to having two engines. 6S and 6R are nearly identical mobile howitzers. - Manufactured by DBFC Automobile.

APCs: All Wilson Heavy Vehicles
Model 7 Unarmed half-track. Seats 15 passengers and driver.
Model 250 (Variants: 250/2, 250/3) Lightly armoured half-track. Seats 10, as well as the driver. Armed with one machine gun. 250/2 is a mobile howitzer. 250/3 is a mobile command vehicle.
Model 251 (Variants: 251/N, 251/UHU, 251/4, 251/5) Armoured half-track. Standard model has two machine guns. Seats 10 and driver. N variant is fitted with rocket pods, UHU with an IR searchlight. 251/4 is a howitzer while 251/5 is a mobile AA vehicle.

Background report on General Ramtheosz Imro

Born: Nov. 26th 1971 City of Lassic at Vaad's Gate Medical Center, age: 41

Served compulsory duty in the Velite Guard 1989-1990

Enlisted in Retaliatory Guard in 1991, assigned to Levelers Army in 1994

Achieves rank of Tank Commander in 1997

Earns rank of Field Marshal during the 1999 Communist Insurgency, takes part in the campaign to retake the city of Coventry from Communist forces under Command General Ibn Baibars. Receives Unit Commendations, and Accord of the Republic for bravery in combat and excellence in command.

Transferred to 4th Dark Horse Armoured Division in 2001, promoted to General.

Takes part in the sucessful invasion of Milosylvania in 2002, earns second Accord of the Republic and Red Cross for being wounded in combat.

Transferred to 4th Purifiers Armoured Division in 2003

Takes part in Haven conflict under Command General Adan Ring in 2012. Earns Purifier Mark of Distinction for battlefield bravery and command.

Assigned to organize 2nd Foreign Guard Army in 2013

Other than military service records, General Imro does not appear in any newspapers, or public articles and has no political or public presence.

Background report on Cassandra Von Drakenfels

Born: Jan. 12th 1989 City of Kursk, Kursk General Hospital, age: 24

Served compulsory duty in Velite Guard 2007

Enlisted in Velite Guard 2008

Served as Assistant to Secretary to the Assistant of the Minister of Foreign Affairs 2007-2012

Graduated from Coventry University in 2012 BA in Political Science, AD Philosophy

Assigned as Ambassador to Dyelli Beybi 2013

******

The General has a seat and looked over the tank and apc configurations and designations.

" I see that most of your armour falls into the classic categories. In the Retaliatory Guard we do not use artillery and generally have larger numbers of armour to fill that role.

Of course the Thunderer II , the Retaliatory Guard's main battle tank, is designed with this in mind and is a multi-role vehicle capable of artillery support, anti-aircraft and elimination of enemy armour.

The Thunderer II does give up mobility and speed with it's increased role, but I would prefer a single multi-role tank if at all possible. I do not intend to equip the Foreign Guard with artillery. While having tanks serve in a multi role capacity slows the tanks down, it increases the overall fluidity and agility of the entire force.

Perhaps the Model 5 or Model 6 can be modified to fit this role? It does require a heavier chassis and larger crew, so the smaller models probably will not do.

As far as the APC's go, the Model 251 looks fine as it is."

"I'd run with the model 6 if you want anything within the year." Alwood advised, "But I'd speak to the sales reps when they arrive, they'll know a lot more about the vehicles than I do."

Indeed even as she was speaking, a junior looking soldier in field grey entered and saluted. He waited for her to finish talking before putting his own piece in, "Sales representatives have arrived Sir." he spoke directly to the General, "Shall I send them in?"

The General noded and returned the salute

"By all means, send them in."

The soldier saluted again, "Yessir."

He departed, and returned a few minutes later with 3 very serious looking men, "General Imro." he announced, "may I present, Mr. Martin Foster, Wilson Heavy Vehicles, Mr. Bernard Major, DBFC Automobiles and Mr. Alex Prozetski, Gorbachev Aeronautics."

Each man stepped forward as he was annouced, extending a hand to the General. Major kept darting sideways glances at Alwood, apparently he wasn't entirely happy to see her.

"Hello Bernard." she said cheerfully, "Long time no see."

"Yes." he replied darkly, "I trust you are well Commisaar." it looked very much like he hoped she wasn't.

"Oh fine" she smiled warmly, "Gentlemen, could you please all have a Seat, I'm sure you all know what we're here to discuss, and the General has a very tight schedule."

The General nodded to all three men in turn and stood and shakes their hands.

"Pleased to meet you, I am General Ramtheosz Imro of the 2nd Foreign Guard. I'll cut right to the chase so as not to waste any valuable time.

First, I need a multi-role armoured vehicle. The Thunderer II Main Battle Tank serves the Retaliatory Guard in mobile artillery, anti-air and anti-tank roles. Mr. Major, I believe that the Model 5 or Model 6 would most likely have a robust enough chasis to modify to mount additional equipment? We need to explore one of those as an option.

For an APC the Model 251 looks serviceable as is and I'm guessing that I will want four to six thousand of them. A lighter four man patrol vehicle would also be nice.

I would also like a VTOL capable troop transport and possibly some other form of large transport plane, Mr. Prozetski, your company manufactures aircraft as well?

That is what we are here to discuss. Now let's hear how you are going to accomodate me so that I will spend my money with your companies."

The General sat back down and relaxed, regarding the gentlemen carefully.

Prozetski nodded, "We have purchased liscences to produce several foreign designs, although we are currently working on a Dyelli Beybian designed helicopter."

He blinked, aparently aware that he was drifting off the topic, "We don't do anything larger than a harrier in the way of VTOL craft. We are however able to supply a MI-38 helicopter. It can accomodate up to 32 passengers and lift 5 metric tons. As for transports, we have liscences for the An-124, IL-76 and C-130J-30, depending upon exactly what size you're looking at."


Major on the other hand gave the General a blank look, "Well they're both robust enough, but it depends entirely on what exactly you're looking for. I mean the standard Model 6 already comes fitted with a K20 150mm rifled cannon. Standard ammunition types are HE and HEAT. I mean that's practically artillery already when you load the HE rounds in, the barrel just doesn't elevate enough for it to be as effective as a mobile howitzer. We could fit a new turret, but it would involve raising the profile and it's already 3.4 metres."

He paused, "What kind of AA system would you be thinking of fitting to it? It currently has a roof mounted AA machine gun. We could fit it out with a radar array and some missiles mounted to the hull fairly easily, but it would mean you wouldn't have 360 degree turret rotation."

The APC contract seemed sewn up by Wilson Heavy Vehicles, they were after all, the only APC manufacturers, although the four person vehicle had provoked some competition, "The 253 is an open topped all terrain vehicle." Foster declared, "It is unarmed, but we have often considered fitting an MG to it. There is also an amphibious variant."

"The reason it is unarmed." Major butted in, "Is because the army only uses it for driving senior officers around in. For patrols they use the DBFC manufactured model 254 motorbike with sidecar attachment. One driver, one gunner. It's two manned, but they can easily be moved in groups... and they're cheap, reliable and easily maintained. One of our armoured cars, the 232-6 also carries 2 passengers."

The General rubs his chin and responds to Mr. Prozetski

"The MI-38 sounds like a good start, I would like to have at least a few planes that can carry around one hundred or more troops each. I think I would like at least five hundred or so MI-38's. We'll look into other transports a bit later. Afterall, I don't have anything to transport jst yet."

He then turned to Mr. Major.

"Radar would be good, missles , mounted to the turret to maintin a 360 degree movement for the gun. I know that Jaguar-Daimler resolved the issue of raising the gun by giving the Thunderer II a hydraulic suspension that can be raised and lifted, so the gun can be pojnted forward, elevated, and then the rear suspesion drops practically to the ground. The Thunderer II also has turret mounted AA missle pods , but the turret does extend nearly to the back of the tank, they deploy on a cherry picker arm, I think they have that patented, you may want to call them about production rights."

He pauses and chuckles

"I remember when our tanks crossed the Lumpen border without air support, the Milosylvainins sent in a wave of A-10's thinking they had a turkey shoot, we shot most of them down before they even saw us."

He pauses again

"What about onboard tactical computers?"

He then turns to Foster

"Give me a closed top machine gun mounted version and I'll take them."

It was obvious that General Imro, ws indeed a tank commander. He seemed to know every little detail of his beloved Thunderer II battle tank and seemed as though he wasn't going to compromise on getting an equally versatile, robust tank.

"You'll be wanting the C-130J-30 it holds 128 equipped combat troops or 92 paratroopers." Prozetski declared, looking quite pleased with himself, it looked like Gorbachev Aeronautics' stocks would be rocketing after this one.

Foster also looked fairly pleased with himself, "We can get you a preliminary quite for the vehicle within the week. Will you be requiring the amphibious variant?"

The army hadn't actually bought any of the amphibious variants, they had declared they were a huge waste of time when defending a desert.

Major in fact was the only one of the three who didn't look entirely happy with the proceedings, he didn't look like he really thought that fancy suspension was going to be a real option, it would mean completely remodelling the track system which would take months, "The tank is running a PBISA digital fire control computer, it also has a laser range finder and passive IR sights for both the gunner and driver. The gunner's sights are gyrostabilised. I don't think you'll find many better onboard computers out there."

He paused, "Well I mean we can slap a few missiles on the turret, I don't see any particular need for a cherry picker arm, we can just do them the way we have in the AA vehicles, but we'll need to take off some of the armour plating, either that or face some nasty problems with rotation. I will warn you though, without a decent air search radar, which we cannot mount into the turret, unless we completely remodel the vehicle, those missiles are going to be strictly LOS."

"Turret elevation is up to +35 degrees, which, when you compare to the average howitzer, which can do +75, isn't much. Meaning of course this will not replace a howitzer, but can replace an assault gun. Any alterations to the track suspension may require the tank to be lightened, and will take time. In any case, even if we dropped the rear right into the dirt you'd only gain an extra..." he paused, doing the maths in his head

"5 degrees probably. It just isn't a practical option. It would be incredibly expensive for little gain. The only real alternative is to increase the turret height."

In the background, Alwood had left the room. She returned a couple of minutes later though, not making any effort to communicate where she had been.

General Imro nodded to Foster and Prozetski

"I think we will require an amphibious option. Hopefully whereever we deploy we can do it by air, but we should reserve some amphibious capability. Just in case." The C-103J-30 sounds like a serviceable option. Before I buy any of them I'd like to have my staff go over the vehicles and their service and test records as well as a full recall history."

He then pauses and regards Major

"When Jaguar-Daimler stated how revolutionary the Thunderer II was when they released it three years ago, it looks as though they meant it. I suppose we will have to make do with the main gun and it's elevation ,but I think we can all agree that when facing off aginst mach capable jets, line of sight weapons are not an option. It will have to mount radar.

I'll leave these issues for your engineers. You can get back to me when they've come up with a plan."

He pauses again and then says as an afterthought

"The tank does have reactive armour plating? I am assuming it does...."

Major nodded, "Every tank in Dyelli Beybi bar the Model 2 and 1 which are training vehicles, have a 1mm ERA coating over all critical surfaces. The Model 6 also uses a Chobham armour system with a Boron carbide ceramic layer and a DU layer. Did I mention 650mm frontal?"

He decided he wouldn't mention the fact that the missiles they were planning to put on would have poor range against a jet fighter anyway, they were supposed to be for dealing with helicopters. He guessed he could put some of the big one's on, just to make the General happy, but he was worried he'd end up producing a tank that would be vaguely good at a variety of roles, but not overly good at any of them...maybe he could fit the little radar on, it wouldn't pick up cruise missiles, but hey you can't have everything...

The General frowned and nodded

"Okay then gentlemen take the next weel or so to draw up official proposals and cost projections for design and procurement of said vehicles."

He then turns to Alwood

"I think we need to be moving on to view the projected Foreign Guard installation and set the contracts in motion so that we can get it built."

He stands and gives the gentlemen a nod. He then turns to Allwood

"Well then Commissar let's go take a look at where we're putting the base. I do have with me preliminary plans and blue prints for a standard Retaliatory Guard base, they should be easy enough to get built. It sounds like we have plenty of room."

Within the hour the General would find himself seated in the back of a somewhat modified Military Hind. It was bloody noisy inside, not exactly a helping conversation, Alwood would occasionally raise her voice to point something out, but the vista was fairly unspectacular.

The trip took an hour along the coast, passing numerous small fishing and farming villages dotted about a landscrape that was intensively farmed. The main crop seemed to be sunflowers, although just as many paddocks held cattle or occasionally sheep or deer. The whole area seemed to be served by one huge water pipe from the river, although here and there huge net like structures that could be mistaken for radar arrays had been set up. Alwood called them 'fog catchers'. There was also the occasional wind farm, or collection of tidal generators. To the North, the desert sands gleamed.

They eventually landed in an area surrounded by a barbed wire fence with a few bored looking police officers patroling the boundary. The helicopter touched down outside a small shed which seemed to be the HQ at the moment. A man in a blue police uniform was waiting outside it to greet them, he saluted in a somewhat unfamiliar manner (police in Dyelli Beybi don't salute), "Superintendent Walker." he introduced himself, "Epsom County Police."

The General saluted back crisply.

"So, this is it."

He paused opening the base plans, they were fairly straight forward, dozens of barracks buildings, administration buildings and transport pools. None of the buildings were taller than four stories. He paused and looked up, scanning the horizon.

"How close are we to the coast?Do we already have road access to this site?"

He starts walking off the perimeter while his assistants also look around, taking notes. The General nods.

"I think this will do fine, let's contractors in here and get them to work as soon as possible."

The General grins.

"I think that this spot will be a perfect start."

The two questions would become fairly obvious as the General walked the perimeter, followed by Alwood and the Police officer. His questions were fairly immediately answered. The land was coastal and surrounded by a large nulber of dirt roads, although there was a properly paved road maybe half a kilometre North of the land.

It was also very flat, rising slightly from the beach. For reasons that had no immediate explanation, this particular spot was quite a lot rockier than the surrouding land, which was probably why no farmed had plowed it.

OOC: did I mention the General has two glass eyes?

The General surveyed the road and the coastline.

"Excellent, excellent. This will be perfect. I hope we've got contractors ready? Let's get them out here and get them to work."

He then headed back to the helicopter, talking as he went

"All we need now is to equip the men. Assault rifles, small arms, machine guns and other gear. I'll have my seargent see to contracting supply companies for base supplies, I imagine that contract will be worth several million Drachma in itself. I can see this base filling up quickly so we should start looking at additional base sites. "

He paused and looked back to Alwood

"Maybe a base in North Germania, they seem to be eager to participate."

Off they were again, the General was wating no time.

"So what do you want to do next General?" Alwood was a little surprised at how quickly this had all gone by, she'd seated herself next to him on the flight back to make talking easier, she still wasn't quite certain about him, but was sure it would all come out in time.

She waited for him to reply before asking the question she'd been wanting to ask for a while, "If you'll pardon my curiosity General, but what made you come to what must be for you, the far side of the world?"

The General thought for a moment to the first question

"Next, we buy enough assault rifles and equipment for eighty thousand men. I want everything in place so that as soon as the base is completed we can start arming and training recruits. The only obstacle I can see at this time is the armour division, but everything else will be up and running."

He didn't even stop to consider the second question.

"I was ordered to come here."

He didn't sound happy or unhappy about it he just stated it matter of factly.

To: Founders of the Klatch Guard
From: Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III
Subject: Generosity

As you well or well may not know, I will be dead within 6 or 7 months. As a last gift of generosity to the Klatch, I am donating $34.9876 billion to this Klatch Guard. I want to ensure that I will at least have some hand in the prevention of the fall of the FKC, and its continuing prosperity and strength.

I am also donating $14 billion to charities of each country within the Klatch.

Your truly,
Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III

BUMP

Alwood decided it probably wasn't a good idea to pry any further down that avenue for the moment, she was begining to feel a little frustrated about the lack of any real information about the General. He seemed rather secretive, or possibly his comment about the crypt had set her imagination running wild...

"The two small arms companies to visit are Socialist Industries, and H&K also has a branch... you'll probably be familiar with them. For uniforms and other bits of kit you can speak to PEC, they're a general equipment company."

To: Founders of the Klatch Guard
From: Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III
Subject: Generosity

As you well or well may not know, I will be dead within 6 or 7 months. As a last gift of generosity to the Klatch, I am donating $34.9876 billion to this Klatch Guard. I want to ensure that I will at least have some hand in the prevention of the fall of the FKC, and its continuing prosperity and strength.

I am also donating $14 billion to charities of each country within the Klatch.

Your truly,
Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III


To: Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III
From: Theleb Kanaan , Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad

Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit III, your aid in helping us establish the Foreign Guard Army in the Federated Klatchian Coast has been beyond generous. I am very pleased that your nation is so committed to helping the cause of international stability and that you and your people are generous beyond exception. I will see to it that your generous donations are put to good use.

There have been some concerns that the initial base provided in Dyelli Beybi may prove to be too small. It may be possible to re-invest your generous donation and use it to build a smaller auxillary base in North Germania.

I have contacted Special Envoy Madrid Arden who is currently with our ships monitoring the situation in Neo Tyr and I have directed her to contact your Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrange a visit as soon as she is able.

I was not aware of your condition and I hope that you will find peace and happiness in the next life.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-vaad

*******

Back in Dyelli Beybi-

The General nodded to Alwood

"The rifle that is standard issue to the Retliatory Guard is a modified FN-Minimi, it is modified with titanium alloys to make it lighter, as well as to accept a caseless ammunition and a tactical computer. Hopefully we can find something comparable. The Velite Guard uses the FN FNC, a rifle that fits either specifications or is somewhere in the middle will work just fine."

He rubs his chin

"I haven't even considered uniforms, they probably should be different from your militaries uniforms and from Retaliatory Guard uniforms, I wouldn't want any confusion."

To: Theleb Kanaan , Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilek-Vaad
From: Reichschancellor Wilhelm Kübler Einheit, III

I hope the money is put to good use, and I thank you for your kind words.

I shall have who takes my place establish a strong alliance with you, and all the members of the Klatch.

- N.G.

Alwood was giving the general a funny look, "You issue a machine gun as standard? With a computer? We toyed with fitting a computer to some assault rifles, but eventually decided it too expensive, and too vulnerable to EW... some units are issued with the SSA123/12 case gun, but apart from that there is no computerisation of guns.

"Most units carry the SSA1801 which is a long range assault rifle designed for long range combat and the SSA1270 anti-vehicular sniper rifle... oh and that Benjian M19... which is basically an exact copy of the M240... oh and they're issued with the Yarygin PYa pistol which is manufactured under liscence by SI. I think H&K have sold some G36s to the EBA and police forces."

General Imro smiles

"The Tactical computers are very sturdy, and light, coupling the accuracy with the range and the additional penetration of the Minimi gives our adversaries a nasty, nasty shock. With the materials they are constructed out of and a fifty round box with caseless ammunition, even with the computer it's only seven and a half kilograms."

He turns and looks out the window

"You'd hate to see our heavy assault rifle. I'm not familiar with the SSA1801. The M240.........ah, the FN-Mag, yes we use those as well, a very efficent, very durable. I'm not all that concerned with the assault rifle as long as it works when it should, it's not a priority to give them a tactical computer."

"The SSA1801 has a 700 metre effective range, which I think you will agree is fairly impressive." Alwood pointed out, "Only thing is it's a bit slow firing, 180 rpm cyclic if my memory serves me correctly. They had to make it slow so that it doesn't rip the firer's arm off on full auto. It's not supposed to be used on full auto though, semi automatic or 3 round burst, that way you make the most of the added accuracy, most sections just give their sniper a standard rifle with a better scope added, it's got a nice little rail on the top, you can add all sorts of stuff."

The General nodded to Alwood

"We'll have to take a close look at the SSA1801. Hopefully we can get out and test them ourselves. It's been months since I've had a chance to get to the firing range and shoot things."

He checked his watch

"Anyhow, after meeting with the arms companies we should have accomplished enough for today. I need to call the Ministry of Defence and have them start authorizing payment so that we can get the construction in full swing ang get the vehicles ordered so that we can have them when the base is ready.

We can leave all of the minor details to my staff."

The General seemed upbeat and relatively comfortable now that most of the major questions had been answered and things were moving ahead steadily.

The helicopter landed where it had irst taken off from. It only stopped to refule though. This time it headed upriver past the suburbs of Cyro and towards an altogether smoggier city. Dyelli Beybi's largest city, and main industrial base, Alexigrad. It was a smoggy city, with the factories churning out huge amounts of smoke. The helicopter pulled in to land inside one complex, the huge sign on the main office roof proclaimed they'd reached the headquarters of 'SI'.

"We're at Socialist Industries." Alwood explained, "They've got a firing range here so you'll get your chance to personally test these things. I can give you field reports on all of the weapons this place produces, although I think I can sum it up by saying they're highly reliable and don't require that much maintainance, which is exactly what Dyelli Beybi needs, this country is a tough place once you leave the green belt."

They were greeted outside by a guard in a desert uniform with a flak jacket, and, oddly enough, a beige cloth tied about his neck, "Welcome to Socialist Industries, Commisaar, General, we have your visitor's passes."

He handed over a pair of pass cards, Imro might notice that Alwood's didn't in fact say visitor, but rather 'Cheka Official', "The passes cover the main office block and firing range. If you wish a meeting with the CEO we can arrange it."

As the approached Alexigrad, the General looked absolutely appalled. No where in the Free Republic would pollution like this be tolerated. He simply shook his head in disgust, not making any comment on it.

The General saluted the gurads sharply and attached the pass to lapel, before following Alwood in.

He shrugged to Alwood as they entered

"I'm not concerned about service record at this point, as long as the models here are up to snuff, one is much like another. Let's just test what they have and leave."

The firing range was indoors, underground and through a firedoor, guarded inside and out by security guards armed with some form of SMG, ironically manufactured by their competitors.

A large sign read 'Please wear earmuffs in firing range'. A box of them was set at the door, to which Alwood helped herself. The range itself, was basically it was a long tunnel perhaps 500 metres long, with targets at the end. A series of booths housed different weapons. The first was the SSA1801. It looked much like an enlarged AK47, except that the clip clipped in the side, and the direction of the scicle was reversed. It also seemed to have been made out of a different wood. It was more golden in colour. The bullets were an odd calibre, larger than anything used by most other Nations, and the general would discover, this made the gun kick like a mule, although it was, as Alwood had claimed, very accurate. Peep sights appeared to be standard, although the next booth held a model fitted with a scope.

Along from this was the SSA1270, which was nearly an exact replica of a Barrett Light 50, while the next booth held the SSA123/12.

This was the only weapon with a computer, it seemed to fire some kind of elongated shotgun shell. Indeed, it looked like a shotgun with a scope and laser targeter fixed to the top. Some instructions for use were included on the wall.


1. First select the target by pressing the target select button located on the right of the scope. This number is measured in metres.

2. Move your aim until the centre of the crosshair meets with the digitally projected red dot. This feature automatically calculates trajectory of the shell.

3. Ensure the weapon is set to 'case' mode. This button is located on the left of the scope. Depress the button. If this mode is deselected, the weapon will not engage the case shot fuse and will fire solid shot.

4. Ensure the fire selector forward of the trigger points to the right. This selects case shot rather than HESH shot. For safety reasons, no HESH ammunition is permitted on the range.

5. Gently squeeze the trigger to fire the weapon.

6. When reloading the weapon. ONLY load the right tube. The left tube is designed for HESH shot and will block if loaded with case shot.


The final booth had a target set at 50 metres. This was where the Yarygin pistol was held. Unusually this weapon produced no sound other than the click of the firing mechanism when fired. It was completely silent. Probably something to do with the somewhat unusual ammunition they were loading it with...

OOC: The case gun is based on a Napoleonic cannon round, similar to your old WWI and WWII flak cannons, although a bit more high tech. Basically it's a fused shotgun round that goes off 5 metres in front of the target rather than immediately upon leaving the barrel. The Yarygin is using some Russian ammo type, the name of which I've forgotten.

The SSA1801 was no problem to the general (who happened to also have his own earplugs) , having been trained for years with a squad automatic as an assault rifle, the kick didn't didn't seem to bother him to terribly.

"This one isn't so bad" he yelled " I'm not sure about this clip, it seems it might be in the way."

He moved on to the SSA1270. The Retaliatory Guard used the Steyr AWS 2000 with a large 15.2mm APDS round.

"Not bad, but then again, I'm no sniper." He yelled again.


He then moved onto the SSA123/12, he seemed mystified about it, and read the instructions carefully and fired it several times. He paused and looked it over.

"This could be very useful, since I'm not getting the tank I want , giving the men these might be effective."

He looked the firearms over and yelled "So, what do all of these cost? Will I get a discount for buying in bulk?"

He seemed pleased by the weapons.

*****

Meanwhile Ambassador Von Drachenfels was getting everything in place when her (encrypted) satellite phone rang.

"Ambassador Von Drachenfels." She liked saying that.

"Oh yes sir, of course sir, right away sir. Thank you sir."

Then she called in her assistant

"Great news, the Supreme Republican Commander wants to visit in a week or two to see how things are going , see if you can get a hold of General Imro and someone at the Chancellors office." She paused and looked at her assistant " Has the Supreme Republican Commander ever visited a nation that he's not currently invading? I think this is some kind of first?"

They thought about that for a second before dashing off to get a hold of the Chancellor and get things in order.

"Only problem we've had with the side clips are they tend to stick out a bit if you're firing left handed, but it's not such a major left handed problem as what you'll get with an Enfield L85." Alwood "It hasn't really got in the way, any more than with the Sten."

The guard had appeared to answer the question on pricing, "$1,800 US for the 1801, $3,500 for the 1270, $4,500 for the 123/12 and $360 for the Yarygin. A bulk purchass discount can of course be negotiated."

General Imro nodded

"Not that I'm left handed or anything it just seems unwiedlly to have something sticking off the side like that. Well, let's go talk to the sales reps and see what sort of deal they'll give me."

****

Ambassador Drachenfels wasted no time and called the High Chancellor's office

"Yes, this is Ambassador Von Drachenfels from Ilek-Vaad, I have just received a call from the Minister of Defence and she has informed me that the Supreme Republican Commander wishes to visit in two weeks to view the progress with the Foreign Guard.

I just need to know who would handle co-ordinating and setting up such a visit."

The sales rep they met didn't seem entirely prepared for the visit. The main office block was built around a central atrium, glass fronted offices facing into it. They were in such now. "Naturally." he said, "Any discount depends entirely on how much product you want to buy."

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

The secretary at the High Chancellory wasn't entirely certain who the 'Supreme Republican Commander' was, but wasn't going to let on her ignorance, "You'd be wanting to speak to Commisaar Dzerzhinsky... he's not in the Parliament precinct at the moment, if you want I can try putting you through to his other office in Bejia House?"

(OOC) Is the Supreme Republican Commander head of the military?

Polluting, unorganized and sloppy, General Imro wasn't particularly liking these people. He gave them a disapproving glare.

"One hundred thousand of the SSA1801, five thousand of the SSA1270, and five thousand of the SSA123/12. Oh and two hundred thousand of the handguns. We of course will need to contract for maintenance and regular ammunition deliveries.

I'm sure those numbers are a pretty good start and should convey our interest in having these things produced locally. I'm sure that if your numbers are too high that your competitors may be able to help me."

He turned to Alwood "Maybe even a North Germanian weapons firm? That local enough for me, after all the Klatch States are in the same boat."

*******

Ambassador Drachenfels responded

"That would be fine if you could tranfer me to his office, thanks."



OOC: background on the current Supreme Republican Commander: http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=368928 (start at 1995 when he was appointed) and here http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=361940&page=2&pp=15 (post #19)

"I'm sure the North Germanians would be interested." Alwood agreed, although secretly she knew that SI would give a fairly hefty discount. They were the only company who made the ammunition for the 1801 and 123/12, so they were prepared to accept borderline profit, or indeed no profit at all to secure a deal like this.

"Hrrrm let me see." the rep was doing sums on a pocket calculator while consulting some form of chart, "We're looking at 292... we're prepared to offer you that for 254 Million US or 169 Million Kr. Each weapon comes with a cleaning kit and one clip, additional clips maket at $5 each."

"We can produce more than enough bullets for your Guard, it's all fairly cheap except for the SP-3 silent handgun ammunition. For 8.01 x 57mm you'll be looking at $12 per 100 round tin, for the 123/12 5" shells you're looking at $21 per 100 round box, we sell the HESH and case at the same price. A tin of 100 12.7 x 99mm goes for $18. The PYa fires eitheir the SP-3 or 9 x 19 mm. You're looking at $2 a box for the 9 x 19, 100 rounds or $50 for 100 SP-3.

"W'ere prepared to send one of our guys to give some of yours a maintainence course on all of these guns for no additional fee. We are prepared to offer a 3 year warranty on the weapons, the warranty does not cover damage due to gross negligence or enemy fire."

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

Drachenfels was left on hold fora moment listening to Karl Orf, before Dzerzhinsky answered, "Felix Dzerzhinsky, Ambassdor, I understand you have matters of some importance to discuss?"

OOC: What about gross enemy negligence?

General Imro looked thoughtful for a few minutes , before nodding

"That sounds alright to me."


*****
"Good afternoon Commissar Dzerzhinsky. Yes well it would seem to be very important. I was called by our Minister of Defence this afternoon and I was told that the Supreme Republican Commander would like to visit in two weeks to see the progress on the Foreign Guard's facilities.

I imagine he'll be travelling with several hundred of his Red Jaguar Command and I wanted to see about making sure we could arrange for this visit in a manner that is satisfactory to everyone."

Ambassador Von Drachenfels sounded upbeat and a bit excited.

OOC: Does that mean grossly neglecting the fact that there are enemy present?

"We can get some MGs off the Benjians." Alwood pointed out as they left, "These guys don't actually sell any, the market is pretty sewn up round here, but I'd leave it for tomorrow... it would take about 2 and a half hours to get out to their head offices in Tek'n'Brik, then another 3 back to Cyro. It might even be easier to talk to a Rep in Cyro, you could always ask the army to borrow one of theirs, or even get an MG off one of the vehicle companies, they should have a few waiting to get banged onto things."

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

"Uhuh." The Commisaar sounded vaguely concerned by this, "Could we get an exact number? That way we can get them billeted. I presume they won't mind being housed in a vacant barracks?"

To the outside it seemed like his concern was over where to house the influx of troops, but inwardly Dzerzhinsky smelled disaster brewing...

From what background research he'd done on Ilek Vaad it, and especially the 'Supreme Republican Commander' were highly anti-Communist, and while Dyelli Beybi liked to pretend it wasn't a Communist State, a quick look at how the State controlled every aspect of the economy would reveal just how close to Communism Dyelli Beybi was. Furthermore, Ilek Vaad seemed vaguely anti-Catholic. While Dyelli Beybi was basically entirely Catholic with the exception of the D'Reg tribes which practiced Islam to a certain degree.

All it would take was for one of the more outspoken 'children of the revolution' to make an innapropriate comment and this visit would turn into a circus.

OOC: damage to the weapon caused by enemy negligence ;)

General Imro nodded again

"I suppose I've acclompished enough for today. We'll have enough guns when for when everyone starts arriving and everything but armor starting to come in in the vehicle department.

We'll look at more guns tomorow and go over the most likely places to open recruiting offices. I want to start training as soon as the base is complete."


******

Ambassador Von Drachenfels in her excitement didn't seem to notice Commissar Dzerzhinsky's concern.

"Well, I'm not entirely sure Commissar, the Supreme Republican Commander has never actually visited another nation before. From what I understand he will be arriving aboard the Battleship Tetzcatlipoca, and I know it's large enough to carry his entire Red Jaguar Command, two thousand troops that is.

I don't think they all plan to get off , most likely they'll just stay aboard. Most likely his lifeguard and commanders will probably accompany him, that's around one hundred men altogether."

(OOC) Oh yes it covers that.

The trip back was fairly uneventful, although on landing in Cyro, Alwood was presented with a sheet of paper by a police officer, she read it quickly, "Wilson Heavy Vehicles wants to put Titanium alloy armour over the doors and roof of the 4 seater vehicle you requested. They say it will give a lot better protection than the standard steel, but will triple the price tag. Basically they want to know whether you would be interested in them making a model like that or if you'd prefer them to do it on the cheap?"

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

"Sounds fine." Dzerzhinsky said, "If they want to sail in they'll need to come up the Coast from Fasta Benj to avoid the minefield. We will of course need to know the exact number of warships planning on entering the harbour."

Although Dzerzhinsky was inclined to trust the Ilek-Vaadians, he did not like the idea of a Battleship in Cyro harbour while the whole High Seas Fleet stationed in Neo Tyr along with most of the submarines. Although he figured, if they moved the Vrak from Saint Guineford's and the Prefect and her sister ships downriver from Bath Ewing and the Home Fleet have enough firepower to blow any Battleship out of the water if things turned ugly. It never hurt to be careful.

General Imro shrugged

"How much better? I'd want to see tests first to see if a tripling of the price is justified. Say it only offers one and a half times the protection, that's hardly worth the price. "

He grinned as he walked

"I think they think they've spotted a pigeon. Car salesmen always do that, sell you a vehicle and then they try and sell you the undercoating, classic."

****

"Just the one warship Commissar, the Supreme Republican Commander doesen't want to clog up any shipping lanes or cause too much of a commotion."

"Quite possibly." Alwood agreed, "From memory the original is roughly the price of a family car and was about as well protected as a loaf of bread... I'll tell them to make a prototype to test run."

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

"Will it be requiring an escort?" The Commisaar asked, "We can send out a couple of Scout Cruiser squadrons to make sure nobody tries any funy stunts. I mean Neo Tyr has only just surrendered.

"I wouldn't worry too much about clogging the place up, there are usually nearly 100 warships berthed here and in the nearby anchorages, but they're off overseas."

General Imro nodded

"Very good, ask them how much extra the undercoating is as well.So what is there to do Cyro in the evening?"

****

"I understand that the Tactical Group Revenge will still be in the area, they can provide an escort, I doubt seriously Neo-Tyr even at full strength could muster an attack on entire Tactical Group and do any sort of damage."

Like most Vaadians Ambassador Von Drachenfels didn't believe that any foreigners could damage any od the Free Republics assets, after two centuries of wars fought well beyond their borders made it easy to believe.

" Of course if you're more comfortable with your ships escorting the Tetzcatlipoca, I'm sure that would be fine as well."

"Okey Dokey Sir." Alwood flicked a salute, she was wearing a wry smile.

"Cyro in the evening." she shrugged, "What are you looking for? There are over 11 million people here from all parts of the Nation. There are casinos, night clubs, bars, restaurants, and the best bit is, it's safe, we have enough police on the beat that rape and murder are practically unknown."

It was true. Murder made the headlines when it occured. Alwood look Imro up and down, that half-smile still in place, "Well I'm sure you have no problems anyway, General."

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

"If you're providing an escort we'll need to know the size." Dzerzhinsky replied, "It's General Klatchian policy that we need to know that kind of thing, last thing we want is el gran Presidente breathing down our necks... his breath is rather fishy for a start."

General Imro shrugged

"I was hoping for a nice place for dinner and drinks. I don't think you have any Vaadian style restaurants about?" He wrinkled his nose " I find most foreign cuisines rather distasteful."

He kept walking as he spoke

"I suppose I should stop by the embassy as well to check on Ambassador Von Drachenfels , it is her first posting. I should make sure she's not gushing any state secrets to your younger, more attractive gentlemen Cheka agents that are probably hanging about, not that she knows anything mind you."

He pauses and turns to Alwood

"Not to imply that you would be fishing around for state secrets."

He smiles and keeps walking.

********

Ambassador Von Drachenfels nodded as she spoke

"Well, what I guess I'm trying to say is that our escort is up to you, if you would prefer no Naval Guard units in your waters then we won't send them in, we'll security up to your Navy. If you leave it up to us I'm sure there would just be an Arsenal-Cruiser screen for the Tetzcatlipoca, no more than five Arsenal Cruisers."

She sounds a bit perky as she continues

"I mean, it's not like you don't have a handle on security, it seems to be everywhere from what I've seen."

"Tsk tsk, and I though Generals were supposed to be risk takers." Alwood chided, she apparently had decided to keep pace with him, "But if you're looking for a McDonald's you're plum out of luck... sure you don't want a crocodile kebab?"

"We don't tend to do that with women." Alwood continued, still following the General, "We tend to find men are more vulnerable to an attractive blonde."

"Good off you to notice I'm not searching for State secrets." that half-smile was back again, "Of course I'm sure you've realised I'm actually fishing for information about you, personally... unless that is a State secret."

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Von Drachenfels was right, Dyelli Beybi was obsessed with security, at least on land...when it came to the Sea though things tended to get a bit more slack, in fact, some locals had nicknamed the section of Coast from the Squall straights through to the Eastern tip of the Gonad, 'the pirate coast', due mostly to the efforts of Jiggadians and Dyelli Beybians.

Dzerzhinsky considered this for a moment, "Actually I am going to recommend you bring an escort, just because a lot of our regular patrol craft are off overseas. I'd hate to feel I'd caused some kind of accident just by being pig headed. We'll send out a Destroyer Escort to make sure they don't wander into mined water. Some of those mines are captive torpedo which makes them a bit of a pain to pick up on sonar, we lose a fishing boat every year or so."

"Now Mr Collins is in North Germania at the moment, but he has provisions to cut his trip short so I'll let him know."

General Imro wrinkled his nose at the mention of McDonald's

"Vile stuff. I'd prefer a good steakhouse if possible, if not I could be tricked into trying crocodile."

He turns to Alwood when she mentions personal information

"My personal information is no state secret. I'm afraid there isn't much to tell. I'm a very dull person , I joined the Velite Guard at eighteen, and then the Retaliatory Guard at nineteen and the rest is history. I've always been in the armour divisions and promoted regularly for excelling at battlefield command and bravery and such. Nothing important."

He pauses

"What about you? How young do they recruit Cheka agents?"

*****

Von Drachenfels smiled " I'll let the Supreme Republican Commander to bring his own escort, as I said we have about two weeks before he arrives so no hurry back from North Germania I suppose. Is it far?"

"Normally at about 16 to 18, then there's roughly two years of training depending upon what role you're meant to be doing. Of course, the Cheka was only founded just over four years ago, when the revolution was in full swing. I was recruited in the first few weeks." she looked skyward for a moment, "I would have been 22 at the time, Commisaar Quentin led an attack on our village... he was quite impressed I'd managed to kill the local Lord before he got there."

The way she said it implied she'd had a rather personal grudge against the local Lord, "Most of the first were similar to me, mostly freed serfs or slaves, depending upon what you prefer to call us, the one's with an axe to grind. We were originally founded to root out every trace of Tzarism in the country, and we were ruthless in the hunt... unfortunately a few of the bastards managed to slip past us, we weren't so well organised in the begining, and well... I'm sure you've heard of what happened recently in Fiord Harbour."

She gave an apologetic smile, "I'm sure you're not that interested in all the details of my life. One day General, I am going to ply you with alcohol until you cough up every little detail about your life."

That half-smile was back again, "After all, I need to know so that I can work out whether or not you're a threat to the Revolution."

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"About a five hour flight from Cyro" Dzerzhinsky replied, "three hours behind us too. We sent a senior Commisaar up with him, she was prepared from the start to step in and take over from him in the event of an energency."

General Imro looked a bit shocked

"Four years ago? There were still serfs four years ago? Positively barbaric. The Vaad freed the serfs and abolished the monarch in 1211 ad. I often forget how lucky we are in the Free Republic, there are so many nations that can't even take the smallest of freedoms for granted as we do."

He smiles

"I doubt very seriousli that I'm a threat to your revolution. We Vaadians traditionally stay out of other nations affairs. So long as you don't try to export your revolution to the Free Republic, I doubt anyone would take notice of it."

*****

"Very good then Commissar Dzerzhinsky, I will contact the Supreme Republican Commander and tell him what you've told me and make sure that we do as you request. I'm sure I'll probably need to contact you once or twice more just to make sure everything is all ironed out."

Alwood actually laughed, "Barbaric?" she laughed again, something about this was amusing, "Well General I hope you realise you've made the trip to the edge of civilisation, Most of the other Klatchians think we're completely insane and a little unpredictable. It's probably got something to do with the desert."

Everything in Dyelli Beybi seemed to come back to the desert in the end, "Anyway General, I won't hold you up if you need to meet with the Ambassador. If you're still lost for a good steakhouse feel free to page me, its not like I actually have anything better to do."

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

"Naturally, Ambassador. You can rest assured though, that we'll make this a top security priority, I'll organise everything with the Metro and Epsom County Police over the next week." Dzerzhinsky was begining to feel a little less nervous about this whole business, he was sure the Multiple branches of the Police could handle this whole business.

"It's been a pleasure to talk to you Ambassador, I trust the establishment of the embassy is going well?"

General Imro raised an eyebrow

"You wouldn't call serfdom and slavery barbaric? I can't think of any other word to describe it. Being unpredictable isn't necessarily being insane. The Tolteca of the Southern Republic are quite unpredictable and ornery. They live mostly in and around rainforests."

He smiles to Alwood

"I don't think it's the desert, it's the heat. I will go to the embassy, think of a good steakhouse and I will page you."

With that he headed off to the Vaadian Embassy.

******

"Yes, the embassy is coming along just fine Commissar Dzerzhinsky, and I'm sure your police can handle everything just fine. I will contact the Supreme Republican Commander and let him know we're getting everything set. Thank you for all your help Commissar."

"I'll see you later General." Alwood quickly checked her watch. She'd need to meet with Felix and change into civies...a Cheka uniform did tend to alarm people. She set off towards Bejia house...

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

"Don't even mention it." Dzerzhinsky replied, "If there are any problems don't hesitate to call."

After putting the phone down, he sat down at his desk and began pouring over reports. While the Tzarist rebellion in Fiord Harbour was destroyed, Lord White was still at large, somehow he had slipped through the net... and he still had no idea who in the Cheka was feeding the Tzarists information.

"Commisaar Alwood to see you Sir." Felix hadn't really been aware of the knock on his office door.

"Hrrm. Oh send her in."

The junior Officer saluted and departed, being replaced a few moments later by Alwood herself, "What's this I hear about rank changes?" she asked as soon as the door closed behind her, "Apparently I'm becoming Inspector Alwood."

"It's just harmonisation with the other Police Branches... take a seat Zara."

She did, folding her hands on her lap, "So." Felix began, "Have you decided whether we have anything to worry about with this General Imro yet."

"I don't think he's a threat." Alwood replied, "At least I'm fairly certain he would agree more with the current structure than Tzarism."

"Good." Felix replied, "I trust everything is going well as far as organising his base are concerned."

"Yessir." Alwood smiled briefly, "If I don't say so myself, I think I managed to organise everything quite well."

Felix noted the junior Commisaar was checking her watch, "I take it you have plans for this evening? If so I won't hold you."

"Err maybe." the answer was a little evasive, "Thank you for your time Sir. I think I can safely say the second part of my assignment is complete - the Ilek-Vaadians are not a threat."

Idly, Felix wondered what the girl was so evasive about, but then decided he knew full well.

General Imro parted ways with Alwood and headed to the new Vaadian Embassy.He walked past the Cheka congregating near the embassy and then he strolled in among the new furniture and the staff setting up desks and work stations and then into the Ambassadors office where he took a seat.

"Ah, General Imro, how is everything going?" said Ambassador Von Drachenfels grinning from ear to ear.

He frowned as he replied " Adequate I suppose. "

"I'll bet you're wondering why I'm smiling General?" she queried

He simply nodded and waited for a reply.

"I received a call from the Minister of Defence, she informed me that the Supreme Republican Commander wants to check progress on the Foreign Guard Base, personally." she grinned

Imro nodded "That is interesting. When will he be arriving?"

The Ambassador looked abit deflated at Imro's response, or lack there of. "In two weeks General. I thought you'd be excited? Uncle Istvan never visits anywhere!"

General Imro nodded "That is true. But above all Istvan is unpredictable. Nothing he dose suprises me. I've known him for nearly twenty years , meeting him is no big deal."

The Ambassador shook her head "Well, it's a big deal for me, I've already got the ball rolling arranging things."

General Imro smiled and nodded "Ver good Ambassador, keep me apprised." He stood to leave " Good evening Ambassador."

She sighed "Yes sir, good evening General."

He strolled out of the Embassy and paged Commissar Alwood as walked. He paused by one of the Cheka agents inconspicously milling about.

He smiled at the man "There's a good a lad. Keep an eye on the place for me."

Cyro, unlike the mroe inland areas of Dyelli Beybi, actually stayed warm at night, and dusk brought out swarms of biting insects. Alwood had been in two minds as to whether or not to wear a uniform, but had eventually gone with her first instinct, Cheka agents did tend to frighten people a little. If she really wanted to frighten people, she still had her badge in her pocket...

She had decided though that a professional image was still in order, so (in keeping with Dyelli Beybian fashion) had gone for a long black skirt and matching black top, that while perhaps a little on the tight side, didn't show any cleavage (which by Dyelli Beybian standards was very modest indeed). She smelt ever so slightly of insect repellant, but then again, everyone in Cyro did.

This evening she hoped she'd be able to really get a good grasp on Imro, what motivated him and so on, it was partly because the Cheka wanted to work out whether he was a threat, but mostly for personal interest at this point. She had already decided he was fairly unlikely to make a move against the State. Getting a grasp on his personality would also help her make a good impression, something she was uncertain she was achieving, it was so much easier with Klatchians...

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

"Problems, problems, problems." Felix Dzerzhinsky mused, "This time at least we can be fairly sure it is non of our doing... Now I'm looking for ideas that will make this visit run more smoothly."

He was speaking to a briefing room full of Cheka Officers, most of whom looked completely stumped. One officer raised a hand...

General Imro didn't even change clothes. He stayed in his Retaliatory Guard uniform , and despite the warmth still kept his longcoat on, although the breasts were pinned open. While it might seem out of place in Dyelli Beybi, in Ilek-Vaad active Guardsmen rarely went out without their uniforms, so it never occurred to Imro to even consider a change.

He moved briskly to meet Alwood and took the walk to mainly gauge the reaction of the people in the streets to him. Not that he personally particularly cared, but he was a bit concerned about how the average Dyellian viewed uniforms and authority, other than the open agitation that they exhibited around the Cheka.

He caught up with Alwood "Good evening Commissar. I hope the place you've picked has air conditioning? "

He didn't even seem to notice she had changed clothes.

Dyelli Beybians didn't like authority, but they did offer repect to the police, more so than they offered to the military. And the police were everywhere. No wonder it was safe... there seemed to be a pair of uniformed police officers on just about every street corner.

"General." Alwood was smiling warmly, "Catch." she tossed him a bottle of insect repelant. Cyro was built on and around a swamp which accounted for the clouds of biting insects.

"To be honest General, you'd be pressed to find a building without airconditioning."

The place Alwood had picked, 'the Quisa Brazzerie' seemed upmarket, makred by a pair of stuffed bulls outside the front door, aparently she had also made a reservation, under the name of 'Frost' for reasons known only to her. The place was relatively quiet with the tables spaced well apart and separated from their neighbours by wooden screens. She had apparently booked a table for two, with a window seat. The view was about as spectacular as it got from the ground floor in Cyro, with the marshes stretching off into the Sea, with twisting channels of water running between. To the West was the main body of the river and the port, but from this angle, it was easy to believe the river mouth was nearly completely undeveloped.

The menu, when it arrived was fairly standard for a restaurant which specialised in beef. There was about everything you could do with beef on the menu, with a few crocodile dishes thrown on top - that was more or less compulsory if you were going to call yourself upmarket in Cyro. Alwood though seemed more interested in the alcohol, "Are you drinking anything General?" she asked, "And I wouldn't worry about prices I've got a fairly 'open' entertainment budget."

She waited for a reply before continuing on a slightly different subject, "So are you going to open up and tell me something about yourself? Humour me, I'm curious."

The General caught the insect repellent and applied some, although he didn't seem to mind or notice the biting insects, in his uniform, very little skin was exposed.

He seemed a bit leery at being seated near the window, but settled in nonetheless, going over the menu judiciously. He smiles at the request to tell more about himself.

"You know in Ilek-Vaad, such personal matters are rarely discussed, even between close friends. I find that on average most foreigners tend to be more inquisitive than the average Vaadian. Even with the high rate of immigration, new citizens learn quickly to be less curious with each other and mind their own business."

He paused and looked out over the marsh.

"The Naval Guard Marine snipers would have a field day out there. Not that I'm offended by your question, I'm sure it's a naturally innocent question. Well, where should I start? I am originally from Great Lassic, in the Republic of Lassic, capital of the Free Republic. I have two brothers a sister, three daughters, who all live in Lassic.

I have been in the military since I was eighteen and I am a devout Paulican. In my spare time I read Jane's and other military hardware guides, mainly concentrating on armour and the rare times that I actually take leave I go home and work on restoring my 1949 Jaguar XK120, which I intend to have ready for my oldest daughter when she turns sixteen, in two years. I am a member of the Republican Order Party, but I do honour the Supreme Republican Commander's request and abstain from voting. He feels that the military should, as a block, remain politically uninvolved. I will be eligible for retirement in seven years or if I pass that up and stay active, ten years after that.

I think that's probably it. Most of us Lasseans are very boring I'm afraid."

"Have a field day in the marsh?" Alwood seemed to find this vaguely amusing, "It isn't safe for humans to cross that place. If you don't drown in the mud you'll probably be eaten by a crocodile or mauled by a hippo, that whole area has been netted off to make sure none of the buggers gets out."

She cocked her head on one side, "This kind of question would be unusual? You see in Dyelli Beybi we tend to be quite open about such things, we're a naturally suspicious people, and if you're too quiet about your background people tend to think you have something to hide."

"You'd probably think I have a rather colourful background, but it's not too extraordinary for someone who lived through the revolution." she wasn't going to actually say anything unless asked, she was still curious about Imro.

"I hope you'll forgive just one more question, but why would you, be posted out here, you don't seem to make sense as a candidate, you're a family man and you're nearing retirement... and you've been posted out to do well what seems to me to be spade work. If this was Dyelli Beybi we'd have sent a logistics expert like Vermicelli, not a frontline soldier."

(OOC: If you want the General to have read up on some of his Dyelli Beybian counterparts, Bernardo Vermicelli is a senior Dyelli Beybian General who is regarded as the last word in managing supply and demand in the army, but despite being highly charismatic, is also known to be something of a coward.)

OOC: Guys, please post in the Germanian Leadership Convention. I need to get this up and running. I'm planning on splitting the empire. Should be VERY interesting.

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7569189#post7569189post7569189

- Tomas

OOC: Okee-dokee


General Imro looked a bit amused "Everyone has something to hide I suppose."

He ordered a drink and a few appetizers before continuing with answers to the rest of the line of inquiry.

"I'm really not all that much of a family man. I can't really get along well with either of the mothers of my daughters , I've spent my entire life dedicated to the Retaliatory Guard, they are my family. The reason I've been sent, instead of some logistics officer, is because the Supreme Republican Commander wants the Foreign Guard trained right. He is much less concerned about how the supply end is set up, that's for my staff to worry about.

He wants to make sure that the Foreign Guard see and are trained by hardened veterans. I'm here to put fear into the multi-national rabble that will have to become the 2nd Foreign Guard. I'm going to unite them through the iron fist of my discipline."

He sipped at his scotch

"It could have been worse, you could've gotten General Deadmarsh, he's in the Scandavian States right now. I don't think General Deadmarsh ever eats or sleeps, just torments his recruits every hour of every day, but when he's done with them , they are as hard as nails."

Alwood was drinking a rather suspicious local concoction. It was supposedly cola, but was probably closer to absinthe, "No doubt you'll be just as successful. If you're recruiting from Dyelli Beybi you'll probably find most of your intake are retired Grenadiers or former paramiltaries, a lot of troops were laid off when the fighting stopped."

"Of course on this side of the Ocean we leave the yelling to the Sergeants." she took a sip at her drink again, perhaps to hide a smirk, "So are you going to impress me with tales of your amazing exploits?"

General Imro grinned

"Yell? I don't think I've ever raised my voice in my life. No, my discipline is much more low key and insidious. I don't know about exploits. I'm normally in a tank, commanding other tanks. I'm sure I've killed a fair amount of the enemy, I think we drove over a dog house once."

He sipped his scotch

"Of course every campaign I've been on we've won in dramatic fashion. We crushed the Milosylvanians in three days, ended the Haven conflict in two weeks, and of course the Battle of Coventry. We crushed the communists in fourteen hours. Of course most of the time when we deploy, the enemy usually turn tail and withdraw. I've been deployed fourteen times and only actually fought in four or five battles. I'd rather impress you with my dry wit and uniform."

She laughed, "And it is a very nice uniform at that, at least foreigners don't mistake you for a Nazi."

"Fighting Communists." she gave a look of mock horror, "Not that I voted for them, I voted for Mr Collins... and don't worry I've read all about the little civil war you had."

"Well, it wasn't exactly little. The communists were alright , so long as they were elected. They at least gave us Uncle Istvan, fortunate for us, unfortunate for them."

He pauses to order another scotch, and the beef tenderloin , medium rare of course.

"I think it could have been defined more as a Stalinist revolution, the Free Republic has been socialist for some time, the Progressives saw to that. The communists were originally a faction of the Progressives. That's in the past now. Uncle Istvan had all of the communits shot."

"Now that's just barbaric." she was hiding a faint smile behind her glass, "We just drop our Tzarist's into St Guineford's naval prison... that is, if they don't get shot while resisting arrest."

Alwood ordered 'Eye fillet', she did have access to a Government entertainment account after all, it would be a shame to let the money go to waste...

"Unfortunately the agent in the recent Fiord Harbour insurgency was somewhat inexperienced, Lord White managed to get out of the town somehow." this was a sore spot for Alwood, "They should have sent me in." she grumbled.

Quickly though she steered the conversation away from herself, she still had a few questions to ask first, "Why do they call him Uncle Istvan? It reminds me a bit of the whole 'Uncle Sam' business, but he was a ficticious character... whereas I hope Uncle Istvan is real."

Yes, he is quite real. Yes, he is quite barbaric when angered. After all he is a Red Jaguar, they are exempted from war crimes so they tend to act out when defied."

He pauses to finish his scotch and order a beer to have with the tenderloin.

"During the Battle of Narvik, the Supreme Republican Commander led the assault on the communist headquarters, the Kalimegdan Foretress. Now, as you may or may not know the chairman of the communist party was Uncle Istvan's father, his brother was minister of Defence and his brother in law was Minister of the Interior I believe. When the Red Jaguar cornered them, they used Uncle Istvan's sister and two young nieces as body shields, as it goes, all of the Red Jaguar hesitated unsure of what Istvan would do. Uncle Istvan killed them all.

So when the new government was finally formed Mr. Kanaan the First Republican alluded in his speech to the tragic loss of Unclke Istvan's nieces and made some comment to the effect that all the citizens of the Republic would be his nephews and nieces , and the crowd started to chant Uncle Istvan, and it stuck."

(OOC) My apologies for vanishing for a few days.

"Exempted from war crimes?" Alwood did not sound impressed by this, it had a ring of Tzarism about it, "In this part of the world not even the High Chancellor himself stands above the law of the State. Every woman and man on Dyelli Beybian soil is equal in the eyes of the Law."

In the last four years Dyelli Beybi had gone from a society where a small minority did whatever they chose to the vast majority of the population, to an MMP democracy. The transition had brought with it an obsession with 'justice' and the equality of all citizens, there was a certain tendency to turn a blind eye, however when the victims were foreigners...

OOC: no problem

General Imro nodded "The Panther and Jaguar armies are exempted as well as all of the Red Jaguar Command battalions. It goes back to Tolteca Imperial law, but those armies are traditionally charged to preserve the Republic no matter what the cost, hence the Supreme Republican Commanders lack of hesitation in killing his own family.

They are typically deployed against unstable enemy that may use civilian bodyshields, suicide bombers, etc. The Jaguar have no issues about mowing down civilians that may be carrying bombs or hiding combatants. I've heard tell that your own forces sometimes has trouble restraining themselves when it comes to civilians?"

"All breaches of the Geneva convention by Dyelli Beybian troops are taken very seriously." Alwood replied, perhaps a little testily, "A full investigation into the Christchurch incident is still pending. Obviously it is impossible to prosecute a whole Division."

While it had seemed unlikely at first there would be any prosectuion, under Eamon Collins the investigation had taken a new lease of life. He was born in Fasta Benj, even if he was ethnically Dyellian, which meant he had a soft spot when it came to the Benjian people. It was becoming increasingly likely a large number of high ranking Storm Troopers would end up facing war crimes charges over the next few months...

"Killing civilians, is unrevolutionary." she declared, "It goes against the core values the revolution is trying to bring to this part of Klatch. I think you will find on a whole, Dyelli Beybi's post-Tzarist regime has a good record for ensuring the Geneva Convention is upheld... there was the piracy issue that reared it's head, but that was due to a rather bad administrative blunder that I won't go into right now... suffice to say at the time there were no grounds to prosecute for piracy under the Law."

General Imro grinned as Alwood became testy.

"That's very admirable. I am happy to say that the Free Republic has never ratified the Geneva Convention, but that for the most part the Retaliatory Guard holds higher standards than the convention when dealing with captured enemy and civilians. Normally when we overrun civilian areas and capture the enemy, both are disarmed, patched up and handed directly to the Red Cross or Red Crescent.

Both are usually hard on our heels to record abuses by the Red Jaguar. I also believe that in a situation where killing non-combatants will save the lives of my men, or citizens of the Republic, that it should be done. I have never been in that situation, but I do appreciate the possible need for such drastic action.

Take the Phyrrhic Civil War for example. The rebel leader Antiachus was pinned down and outnumbered by loyalist forces, the Purifier Retaliatory Guard and the forces of Nueovo Kowloon. In a desperate attempt seize an adavantage he packed his troop transports with civilians and moved his men forward with a civilian screen. Phyrric loyalists, Purifiers and Nueovo Kowloon forces could only fall back , Antiachus' rebellion would apparently last longer and claim millions more lives, except."

He pauses and smiles

"Except that the First Red Jaguar Command deployed and cut the first wave of Antiachus' troops and their civilin screens to ribbons. Antiachus' men abandoned using the body shields and the rebellion was crushed a day later. I think trading five to ten thousand lives is fair to save millions, don't you?"

Alwood shook her head, she was wearing a very slight smile, "Actually General, I do not agree, and I suspect most General's in Dyelli Beybi would feel similarly. If we were to be involved in such a situation we would carry on as we usually did... then try the enemy for war crimes afterwards."

"Before the Revolution, it was common practice for TWEP... probably what you'd call SWAT or AOS to kill everyone in a hostage situation, regardless. Nobody took hostages in Dyelli Beybi, but it meant that innocent people who were mindinmg their own business up until that point, ended up getting killed. Perhaps the former policy saved lives? That is small confort for the families of those who's lives it took."

General Imro shrugged

"Armies and soldiers don't exist to give comfort, they exist to repulse foreign threats. I honestly could care less what anyone thinks about the Retaliatory Guard's policies and actions so long as the Republic is safe and it's citizens free. Everything else is academic."

Alwood shrugged, she didn't agree, "Dyelli Beybi has found that it helps to promote security if people like us. Thats why we don't meddle."

"You have to understand General, that Dyelli Beybi isn't a proper State, it's a loose knit Federation of tribes. If the military plays up this whole pack of cards will come tumbling down."

General Imro looks amused "Don't meddle? From what I've heard the Cheka are fairly invasive, omnipresent some would say? It is also important to not that the Retaliatory Guard don't operate within the Free Republic, we ae cahrged with neutralizing external threats.

Only in the case of the communist insurgency was the Retaliatory Guard deployed internally. That is an exceptional case. Anyhow everything turned out just fine, the Republic was protected and democracy safe guarded.

I've often noted that ideals very rarely win battles."

She shrugged again, "But you don't often see Dyelli Beybi invading people. It's none of our business really what other people want to do, just as long as they don't meddle with our internal affairs."

She was probably refering to Neo Tyr there, "The Cheka is just an intelligence gathering force. We're here to make sure that the State is maintained, we don't usually meddle in other Nations."

General Imro chuckled, brining up uncomfortable topics seemed to give him some sort of perverse pleasure.

"Just intelligence gathering? That hardly explains why everyone is so afraid of them? I mean, no one is afraid of reporters and essentially that's all they do is gather intelligence. It must be the intelligence gathering methods the Cheka use?"

He paused to smile

"No one in the Free Republis is afraid of the Velite Investigators, but then again meetings with them don't involve threats or broken limbs................"

"Please General, that kind of behaviour would violate the code of human rights..."

She wasn't about to admit anything, "People are afraid of the Agency because of how we removed Tzarist influences in the early days, but that is over now."

During the first year after the revolution, well over 2 million people had been 'questioned' by the Cheka in regards to their political leanings. A fair number never reappeared...

General Imro decided to lay off a bit

"Then we'll just have to agree to disagree about our differences then. Even though it is obvious that I'm right and you're wrong."

Baiting the foreigner was a popular game back home and like most Vaadians he just can't resist. He said the second sentence with a mock air of superiority while sniffing disdainfully like some victorian era nobleman.

"Anyhow you can discuss it with the Supreme Republican Commander when he arrives, I'm sure he can explain the Retaliatory Guard philosophy much more ably than I."

He paused to taste his tenderloin, still pretending to be snooty

"This is what passes for beef 'round here? "

He grins obviously enjoying himself.

"Beef?" Alwood gave him a puzzled look, despite the fact that what he was eating was either beef or a very good impersonation of it. Other than that, she seemed to be trying to ignore any baiting (probably because she'd been ordered to keep him happy).

General Imro decided to broach the 'beef' subject for the time being, although he had a quip ready to correlate the meat to missing Czarist suspects, he'd use it later if he felt threatened.

"Well, do you have any family? Husband? Children? Close friends"

He smiled as he asked

"It seems we've only talked about me."

Alwood gave a half-smile, "Well maybe I'm interested."

It looked for a moment like she was going to dodge the question, but eventually she replied, "My father was one of the local nobility. I shot him."

She announced this so conversationally as if the fact that she'd killed her own father was rather mundane, "My mother died giving birth to me, as far as I know I was her first and only child. I do have a few close friends, all of whom are Cheka agents. And no I'm not married, and don't have any children either."

"Well, seems you have a lot in common with our Supreme Republican Commander. Except he didn't stop at his father. No children yet? Well what are you waiting for?"

General Imro grinned

"I don't suppose anyones mentioned to you that the Supreme Republican Commander is coming to visit your nation? He's single, I can introduce you if you like?"

Alwood was taken completely offguard by the comment, just about choking on her food, "What? .... err ok... I mean to say I didn't realise International matchmaker was part of your portfolio, General."

Even the sarcasm seemed a strained, "Are you close friends with the Supreme Republican Commander then?" she asked, trying to skip around the subject. She was begining to look a little flushed...

General Imro shrugged.

"Iwouldn't say close friends, I know him well enough. He looks in on my daughters for me when he's in Lassic. I know his Staff Seargent better, It's her that I usually deal with if I have to go through Tollan for anything. I mean the Supreme Republican Commander did personally pick me for this assignment. He is very hands on.

I've never tried to be an international match maker, so I might be very good at it?"

He ordered dessert and a nice dessert wine and smiled.

"Who knows what could happen?"

Imro had really caught the girl off foot this time, she took the opportunity to order a coffee - flat white, as a welcome break in the conversation and an opportunity to reorganise her thoughts, "Close enough to have him keep an eye on your relatives though."

"I'm sure your Boss has much better matches than an Inspector in a foreign Police branch though." it was a different rank to what she had been using a couple of days ago, part of the 'police harmonisation' scheme.

She laughed good naturedly, "Not a bad try though, I'll take it as a complement."

General Imro smiled.

"Uncle Istvan takes a personal interest in most of his men. Oh well, not worth mentioning it to him then I suppose. I thought your title was commissar?"

He seemed mildly suprised

"Anyhow, tomorrow I think we should double the number of contractors so that in two weeks we have plenty to show to Uncle Istvan. We wouldn't want to disappoint."

"Yeah." she nodded, "But the Cheka is a branch of the Police, while my title is Commisaar my rank within the Cheka is Inspector. It's sort of confusing, I can arrest any non-Cheka police officer or military person while acting as a Commisaar, although I'd need a bloody good reason to put a General or Chief Superintendant in a cell... however, if I end up getting temporarily transfered to CID or another branch for one reason or another I'll be an Inspector."

Alwood didn't hold out much hope that her explanation had enlightened Imro as to the huge beaurocratic mass that was the Dyelli Beybian Police, but she could only hope.

"I'll get onto the contractors if you like."

"Transferred? I thought you'd been assigned to keep an eye on the Foreign Guard? I mean how can I be expected to keep in line if I'm not being watched by the Cheka?"

He grinned and chuckled.

"If you could talk to the contractors that would be great. I'm sure you can motivate them better than me."

"Well that depends upon how many of your new recruits end up on the take." she grinned mischievously, "Or of course if you upset too many people and someone tries to blow you up, you might find I suddenly metamorphosise into DI Alwood."

"So is the Supreme Republican Commander rich?"

She sipped at her coffee, decided it was too hot, then put it to one side again.

"Well, I already have a long and lengthening list of enemies, so you'll have to be certain to stay on you're toes. I don't think any of my recruits will 'be on the take', IF they know whats good for them."

He pauses a second

"Is the Supreme Republican Commander rich? You're certain that you are in fact, a communist? I would imagine he is, his family was fairly well off and they are all dead that would leave him with everything. "

"Maybe you should introduce me then." she gave a wide grin, "And I always thought Communists were supposed to believe in income equality."

She didn't mention anything further about recruits on the take, but being Dyelli Beybi that kind of activity was bound to go on. For a start, Dyelli Beybians were notoriously easy to bribe, and the Cheka had very deep pockets. Although exact figures were unknown, it was thought that nearly 10% of the population had sold information to the Cheka at some stage.

General Imro shrugs

"I'll consider it. But first we need to make sure that we have plenty of progress to show Uncle Istvan. We wouldn't want to put him into a bad mood, now would we?"

He smiles

"Well, I think we should probably call it a night. We're going to be very busy tomorrow."

"Well yes." Alwood agreed, "I'll whack this on the Government account..."

she signaled a waiter, silently handing him her identity card of all things, waiting for him to leave beyond earshot before continuing, "Anyway, I wouldn't stress about anything General, it all seems to be running very smoothly, the plan for tomorrow was to set up recruitment booths was it not?"

General Imro nodded

"More than booths I hope, offices would be nice."

He seemed to assume that Alwood would pick up the tab, maybe women always did for him?

"Right-o General." Alwood might have been being sarcastic, but it was unclear, "I'll make sure you have proper offices. Until tomorrow then..."

(OOC: If you want to fast forward things a little you can jump it forward say a week. The only problem Imro will encounter is not many Dyelli Beybians are keen to sign up. Those that are usually have a criminal record.)

OOC: Yes a week would be good. Dyellian's not eager to sign up? Oh well, Ilek-Vaad has been flooded with foreign nationals that want to sign up, we'll just transfer them to Klatch. How many can we expect to sign up?

What about the guys from the armour manufacturer, will they have any designs for the General in a week?

(OOC) The guys in the tank factory will still be bumming around and playing with new turrets (it'll probably be a month before they get a prototype out). The guys with the 4x4 will have rolled out two new prototypes. One with titanium alloy armour and one with plain steel. The non-titanium plated one would prove to be quite vulnerable to machine gun fire, while the uparmoured version offers fairly decent protection. The one with the titanium armour is also marginally faster (they both do about 160 km/hr offroad, 190 km/hr onroad) but is priced at 232,400 Kr ($348,600 US) as opposed to 75,600 Kr ($113,400 US).

They might be getting about 500 applicants a week, maybe 50-100 of which don't have a criminal record, most of whom are tribesmen from the desert (Known as D'Regs). Imro would have picked up a simmering xenophobia amongst the population, especially among the Dyellians (Caucasian race who make up most of the population and Government, Alwood, Collins and Dzerzhinsky are all Dyellians), they seem to regard themselves as the 'master race', although they seem to have accepted the other three main cultures of the 'United Republics' as being mostly their equals. The other races are the Benjians (malay sort of people who live over the hills to the West of Cyro and the river valley), the D'Regs (desert nomads, arabic looking) and the Leeans (Asiatic people from the North West of the country, in an area known as 'New Dyelli'). If Imro attempts to recruit in New Dyelli he will find a genuine Communist regime in place in the area (it, along with East Benjia are semi-autonomous demi-states), and will find it decidedly unhelpful, unlike the central Government in Cyro, even going as far as to send uniformed soldiers to intimidate anyone trying to sign up (it will not actually prohibit recruitment as it doesn't actually want to defy State Government). East Benjia though will not present any hurdles to recruitment and will, as it usually does, just follow Cyro's lead.

Imro will have probably noticed Dyelli Beybians tend to have little respect for their own military, much less a foreign one, although they tend to be respectful towards the Police and openly fearful of the Cheka.

The contractors will work highly efficiently. Most things in Dyelli Beybi do once the huge amount of Government imposed 'red tape' is overcome...

Hopefully that gives you enough info to get a week into the future post up.

OOC: I think so.

We can always shift extra recruits from the Scandavain States and Kordo, the Foreign Guard also accepts international applicants so filling the gaps won't be too hard, but it won't be homogeneous.

General Imro will have his recruiters focus on the minority groups and play on the 'second class citizen' feelings, after all , signing up for the Foreign Guard for at least three years confers automatic Vaadian citizenship for the recruit and his immediate family, and there are no second class citizens in the Free Republic, nudge, nudge!

It'd be nice to have more Dyellian recruits so that I could send them to the Scandavian States.

Next post will be IC.

(OOC) It wouldn't fit with National psyche too well, although the D'Regs are Dyellians share a fair degree of suspicion so he'll probably end up with a few of them. They're generally too busy fighting outsiders to bother fighting among themselves.

There isn't really a particular racial group which is 'second class'. The D'Regs have a huge amount of oil money, and also cash in big time off the tourist trade in the East of the country, what's more the Government doesn't want a D'Reg uprising on their hands... they might not win for a start. The Benjians are the traditional underdogs, but recently have had a lot of money poured into their province, due mostly to the fact that Eamon Collins, while being ethnically Dyellian, was born in Fasta Benj and tends to regard the Benjians as his people.

The only other thing of note is that most Dyelli Beybians are incredibly supersticious and will still do things like try to read the flight of birds to interpret God's will and so on.

Well I think that about sums it up...

using captured data, a New Cynthian General sends a open channel radio message to the government of Dyelli Byebi.

"My name is General Valishevsky. I am in command of 15,000 troops of proven ability that are about to surrender to Vrak and New Shiron. My men and myself would like to seek service in your Klatchian Guard. I feel that our services would be of some value to you, and we seek an honorable and worthy cause so that we can remain soldiers."

A week after the dinner General Imro had his staff set up in several recruiting offices around Dyelli Beybi, the trickle of applicants that were being received were put through physicals , making sure they met the physical standards of the Retaliatory Guard.

General Imro also decided to head to the construction site and check up on progress there, he had phoned Inspector Alwood ahead of his visit and requested that she meet him there to go over the bases construction. The Base was designed to use every available inch of the land allotted by the Dyellian government , with most of the buildings being three to four stories high and have two or levels of basements. He had also requested an update on the preparations for the upcoming visit of the Supreme Republican Commander.

The General was also anxious on when deliveries of his equipment could begin, he planned to be training men as soon as the first barracks were completed.

General Imro ordered a helicopter to the base site , taking the flight time to go over recruitment numbers and various other irritating statistics.

****

The Vaadian Embassy was also fairly busy, as one of only twenty two places to get a Visa into the Free Republic and the only one in the Klatch outside of Vrak, the Embassy staff were kept comfortably busy.

Ambassador Von Drackenfels was that morining going over a list of things that would be required by the Supreme Republican Commander on his visit.

She paused and as she went over the list, beeping her assistant "Could you see if I could get an appointment with Derzhinsky , I need to go over a few things with him before final preparations are handled, thanks."

She frowned at the list, as she awaited word.

OOC: New Cynthia- I'm going to assume that General Imro, or the Free Republic have not received youer above statement. They rarely listen in on 'friendly' communications ;)

(OOC) Wow I managed to get onto this thread on the forums... can't access any others though...

The landing pad had for some unknown reason been shifted to a fishing village a few kilometres down the road, meaning the General had a few minutes car journey before reaching the base. The gate was guarded by a pair of bored looking guards. Aparently Imro was expected though and he was waved in without the usual demand for identity papers.

Alwood was already at the base, wearing her usual Cheka uniform, but complimented by a bright orange hard hat. Aparently some by-law made it illegal for anyone on a construction site not to be wearing one. The place was abuzz with workers, and amazingly for a construction site, they seemed to be busy.

The office seemed to be a prefab weatherboard hut the builders had dumped near the main gate, next to it they'd also dumped a ramshackle chapel, Alwood was outside it now, leaning against the doorframe. Above her the sky was clear, promising another scorching day in Dyelli Beybi.

Upon seeing the General she straightened up, giving him a salute. She looked slightly unfamiliar with the concept, "Morning General."

"The hat's are in that box." she pointed at a cardboard box filled with very similar orange hard hats, outside the office.

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

Dzerzhinsky was not an easy man to get a meeting with, and today he seemed impossible to track down. However by mid-morning someone in his office had managed to get word to him, and he had sent a memo back saying; he was free in the afternoon, was the Embassy a good place to meet?

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

(OOC: apologies in advance I'm going to try running two plots at different times)

What Dzerzhinsky had in fact been doing was talking to the New Cynthians. The Cheka had put the radio communique through to his office nearly immediately, it took him a few moments to work out what was going on... "[/i]This is Commisaar Dzerzhinsky, Offices of the High Chancellor, surrender to Vrakian forces is a bad idea unless terms have been negotiated in advance. Expect mistreatment if tendering an unconditional surrender.[/i]"

He paused, "While undoubtedly we can extend this offer to the Klatchain Guard, we can also offer better positions within the Dyelli Beybian Provincial Army to troops with particular skill types."

Another pause, "Wen and how do you expect to find your way to Dyelli Beybi? Over"

General Imro looked at the box of hard hats and simply took his own athenian style Retaliatory Guard Helmet from under his arm and put it on.

"This can stop bullets, I'd surmise that it will stop bricks. Besides if I saw myself in one of those bright orange helmets, I'd have to kick my own ass."

He didn't wait for any chastizement and immediately headed out into the coonstruction site. He looked over his shoulder to Alwood.

"When can we start moving recruits in? How are our orders with various weapons contractors coming? I think I've decided upon the titanium alloy armour, do we have any tank designs yet?"

He stopped by the Chapel and wrinkled his nose . "As soon as I move in , this is getting bulldozed."

He kept walking looking at the buildings in various stages of completion noddong satisfactorily.

"Well, I think things are moving along a bit slower than I'd like but everything appears to be in order."


*****

Ambassador Von Drackenfels intimated that any time to meet would be a good time and at the Embassy would be just fine. There were just some 'ground rules' for anyone that might be meeting the Supreme Republican Commander that had to be addressed.

No in in the Free Republic yet knew about the New Cynthians offer.

"You can probably start moving some in already, I think some of the barracks are ready."

Alwood hurried to catch up, to one side the Site Manager was giving the General an unpleasant look, probably because he wasn't wearing the regulation helmet, "The smallarms are basically all sitting in warehouses in Alexigrad. The tank guys are having trouble getting full rotation on the turret. They say they might have a prototype out in another couple of weeks."

His comment on the chapel brought a flash of anger across her face, although she immediately hid it, behind a neutral stare. She crossed her arms across her chest, "Sacrilege carries a maximum gaol term of thirty years...besides that chapel is a prefab, it belongs to the construction company."

Her voice lowered to little more than a whisper, "If you do decide to voice your opinion on our religious practices again, make sure you know who could be listening, you don't want any of Them hearing you..."

Even across her somewhat defensive tone, it could be detected that whoever Them were, they weren't people Alwood would like to get on the wrong side of.

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

Dzerzhinsky arrived at the embassy in an unmarked limousine, with a pair of AOS officers, each carried a pistol and a submachine gun. Thel imousine was odd, it was black, but had no windows, except for the drivers windscreen which was a lot darker and smaller than one would expect. The vehicle only had one set of wheels, the rear had a pair of rubberised tracks instead. When the door opened it was powered by an electronic motor and was easily twice as thick as the average car door and very heavy (probably becuase the interior was solid concrete).

Dzerzhinsky was a little phased by this, 'ground rules' didn't sound like something that would go down well with Mr Collins... it sounded like the Vaadians were begining to view the United Republics as some kind of vassal State, which suggested Imperialism, which hinted at Tzarism. He just hoped Collins wouldn't take it into his head to break all of them...

The AOS opperatives waited outside the Embassy, allowing Dzerzhinsky in alone. It was a sign that he respected Vaadian security...

General Imro smiled at Alwood.

"I have no problem with your people's religious ideals. It is just that this is a Retaliatory Guard base. Chapels outside the gates are acceptable, but not inside. Besides, 'Thou shalt not kill' I think putting a chapel in a military base is more sacriligious than keeping it?"

He moved to look over the completed barracks.

"I think we should start moving recruits in next week, to coincide with Uncle Istvan's arrival, it'll be good for him to see the recruits moving in and give him a chance to look the place over with them."

He paused to kick at some masonry.

"Is that loose? Shouldn't that be cemented in?"

He shrugged and kept walking.

*****

Ambassador Von Drackenfels met Commissar Dzerzhinsky immediatley. Going through the Embassy he didn't notice any security, although anyone who knew how to look would notice that every member of the staff was carrying a sidearm.

"Commissar Dzerzhinsky , thank you for coming so soon. I spoke with Staff Seargent Mirai Assad, the Supreme Republican Commander's assistant, and she thought I should go over a couple of points to make sure things go smoothly. These points should be brought up with anyone that may be meeting him.

First, no one should make any mention of his family, or the communist insurgency, those topics always put him in a bad mood.

Second, where ever he goes he must be accompanied at all times by Staff Seargent Assad and his body Guard Colonel Erdogan, who is to remain armed.

Third, If at any time the Commander tremors , it should be ignored, he is suffering from Lytigo, a condition caused by the Ixpei the Red Jaguar take.

Fourth, It's too long and irritating to continually refer to him as Supreme Republican Commander, it is better to simply call him Uncle Istvan.

Fifth, there is no need for any civilian or government official to salute him, a simple handshake will be okay.

Lastly, the Supreme Republican Commander is usually very open and informal, and pomp and ceremony are not necessary.

While discussing the communist insurgency will put him in a bad mood, discussion of communism won't. Staff Seargent Assad wanted me to stress that it wasn't communism that he objected to, it was taking power by force , after all, Uncle Istvan was a member of the Communist Republican Party before their armed uprising."

She paused and took a breath.

"If you have any additional questions, I'd be happy to answer them if I can, we already have complete confidence in your security and I doubt we need to go over that."

Alwood decided not to comment on anthing further, although it was clear she hadn't been appeased. She was quite touchy about religion, partly because while being a practicing Roman Catholic, she also broke most of the Commandments with alarming regularity.

Idly she considered if sleeping with Imro might soften him up a little to the Dyellian culture, it was only a matter of time before he pissed off someone important or if he continued on an anti-religious note, before he came under Their scrutiny. She dismissed the idea, he seemed like the kind of person who'd never change his views. She'd just have to keep a close eye on him to make sure he stayed out of trouble...

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

Dzerzhinsky nodded along, "Mhhhm Point Two was it? He wants an armed bodyguard at all times? That is a bit of an issue, especially if he wants to meet with the High Chancellor... I'm sure we can work something out."

He was envisaging 5 AOS officers protecting the High Chancellor, but didn't voice this out loud, "That's good. He continued, we're not actually particularly good at pomp and ceremony. It's a little Tzarist. Also glad on the saluting part, it would have been a real struggle if you'd have wanted any of the Police or Politicians to salute. They don't salute our Dyelli Beybian Military."

He shrugged, "I don't think anyone will call him 'Uncle Istvan', and I'm not going to suggest it either. It sounds a little patriarchal, which is exactly the kind of thing that will get the Communists and NSWP trumpeting that we've invited colonisation... which is the kind of thing that could cause a major public backlash against the Guard unit."

It seemed Dzerzhinsky had finished, but then he seemed to remember something else, "Oh yes...the press will be all over this visit, and I cannot guarantee they won't ask difficult questions. I'm afraid I have no control over what the media choses to ask."

General Imro smiled and continued his tour, apparently oblivious that he had offended.

"Right then we start getting cadets and equipment here next week, a day or two before the Supreme Republican Commander arrives. I also think I'd like to replace the security here with Foreign Gurad recruits that have already been trained, I don't want any of my new equipment to go missing.

I know that we have nearly twenty thousand trained recruits back in the Free Republic, I'll request a few thousand of them to take over security here."

****

The Ambassador smiled

"Well, he doesen't have to meet with the Chancellor, his primary reason for coming to assess the progress of the Foreign Guard and meet with General Imro, I'm sure that to him, everything else is secondary. I also doubt very seriously that Uncle Istvan will talk to the press, he doesen't talk to the Vaadian press and he doesen't like reporters in general.

Maybe you would be more comfortable calling his Commander Istvan? That's shorter that Supreme Republican Commander and is just as acceptable."

*****

Costa-Tula, Ilek-Vaad

The Supreme Republican Commander and his staff moved to load their equipment aborad the Revenge Class Battleship 'Tetzcatlipoca' , a veritable mobile fortress specifically designed to act as a mobile command center for the entire Reatliatory Guard.

Uncle Istvan paused as he boarded to salute the Capatin , but instead was confronted by an Admiral.

"Admiral Connacht? I thought you were in command of the Namroth Vedic?"

The Bendith (Elven) woman smiled " I lost my temper, Supreme Naval Commander Itxaad is punishing me."

Uncle Istvan groaned "Punishing me is more like it, I'm not sharing the Commanders seat with you."

Admiral Connacht rolled her eyes "Fine, fine, just get aboard you old dog." she grabbed his kit and helped him with it "We leave within the hour Uncle Istvan, and we'll be aboard for a week at least so get used to it."

Uncle Istvan shrugged and laughed " THIS is exactly why I'm retiring, you don't deserve me, I'm always being mistreated by cranky subordinates!"

Admiral Connacht looked back over her shoulder "Are you coming? I'll carry you aboard if I have to?"

Uncle Istvan grinned "You wouldn't dare, I'd have Erdogan throw you overboard."

"Okey dokey Sir." Alwood seemd to have recovered from the insult, either that or she was being sarcastic, it was hard to tell, "It's probably a good idea to replace our guards. Dyelli Beybians are notorious thieves."

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

Dzerzhinsky nodded, "Yes that's actually a lot better. That will keep everyone happy. It is essential he meets with Mr Collins though, similar sort of stuff to the reason we can't call him 'Uncle', even if it is only for five minutes, it is very important for the purpose of keeping up good diplomatic relations that all visiting dignitaries pay some form of respect to the establishment."

Inwardly he congratulated himself on appointing a cultural adisor, Dyelli Beybians were touchy about imperialism, and especially after the allegations levelled by Alcona and Hubris, this whole plan was looking decidedly shaky.

(OOC) Oh boy. An elf in Dyelli Beybi... There's going to be trouble ;)

General Imro nodded to a shady gentlemen lingering about the power tools "So, that is a drill in his pocket?"

He then turned and headed back out of the base "We'll meet tonight to make arrangements for having the Foreign Guard take over security. I'll call this afternoon and have them loaded up."

*****

"Well, I don't think we'll have any issues then, it should be smooth sailing."

Alwood was beginig to wonder if anyone would notice if she shot Imro and put a stunt double in his place. It was a pleasing thought, but probably one that would get her into a lot of trouble. The General seemed to be particularly cantakerous today, but so long as he reserved his ill advised comments for her, everything should be fine.

"Have you finished your inspection General?" she asked politely.

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

"Yes. I certainly hope so." Felix sighed, "It has been a pleasure of course, Ambassador, but do please spare a thought for just how difficult juggling this whole business is at our end. This whole project is teetering on a knife's edge."

He clapped his hands together, "Anyway, enough of this gloomy talk, I'm sure everything will be fine. It has been a pleasure, as usual Ambassador."

General Imro nodded and smiled " Yes, I think we're done for today. You seem to be anxious to get rid of me?"

He stopped and regarded Alwood "Is there something you'd like to share?"

****

Ambassador Von Carstein shook Commissar Dzerzhinsky's hand warmly.

"I do understand the difficulties you are facing because of this visit and I appreciate the work you and your people have done to make it a success.

I'm sure the upside to the visit will greatly overshadow any negative implications. You can assure the Alconians that we are not attempting to grab territory, such actions are strictly forbidden by our laws , we simply want to show our support of the FKC and be better able to support our friends in this region.

After all , had the Klatch Guard been here before the Tzarist uprising, we would have been able to come to your aid immediately, or when the OMP attempted to blockade the region."

She smiled and patted Dzerzhinsky on the shoulder "I'm sure it will work out."

*****

Uncle Istvan relaxed in the command chair in Teztcatlipoca Fire Control. He looked over his left shoulder where Colonel Erdogan stood like a statue.

"Mustapha,Where the heck is Mirai, I mean it's time for my........."

Staff Seargent Assad appeared at Uncle Istvan's right side "Snack sir, it's almost time for The Family Guy too."

Uncle Istvan swiveled back and acepted the Oreos and milk "Dangit Assad, why don't you ever screw up so I can yell at you."

Staff Seargent Assad shrugged "I'm perfect Sir. We will be in Dyelli Beybi in five days, and you are going to have to meet with their Chancellor, a Mr. Eamon Collins."

Uncle Istvan paused with an Oreo half in mouth "What? Why? What did I do? This is geting out of hand."

Seargent Assad shrugged.

Uncle Istvan sighed heavily "Well, I guess I have to act normal too."

Colonel Erdogan deadpanned in the background "If that is possible, we would appreciate Sir."

Chuckles were heard throughout Fire Control, Uncle Istvan swiveled back around to Erdogan.

"I swear , if I didn't know for certain that you were born without a sense of humor, I'd say that was a joke."

Alwood's expression was one of vague surprise, "Share something?"

"We're not anxious to get rid of you Sir." she didn't usually call him Sir, something was up, "I'm simply inquiring if you've seen enough for now or if you'd like to continue."

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

"Hah!" Dzerzhinsky snorted, "The Alconians are nothing but trouble. We have a luke warm relationship with that particular State at the best of times."

He wasn't about to say anything more on the subject though, "Au revoir Ambassador. If anything else comes to your attention, please don't hesitate to let me know."

General Imro stopped.

"Alright what's going on? Did someone fall into the cement mixer when pouring the foundation? You're hiding something I think. I'm not moving another inch until you come clean."

He gave Alwood a stern, disapproving look.

"Well, young lady, out with it!"

She could tell he had all daughters...............

*****

" Of course Commissar , if I think of anything I will call you right away, and if you think of anything I can do to help, my door is lawys open for you.

Good afternoon Commissar."

Ambassador Von Drakenfels walked Dzerzhinsky out of the office , smiling the whole time.

"Ah hrrm." Alwood considered what to say, although she figued she only had two real options without doing something drastic...

Maybe telling the General something was better than keeping him in the dark, "I'm just worried you're going to upset the wrong people, and before you can say 'antidisestablishmentarianism' it won't be just the Alconians saying we're becoming 'puppets of these Vaadians', and then before you know it there'll be public riots and homemade explosives winding their way up here."

She folded her arms angrily, aparently she hadn't noticed this had also served to tighten her shirt a fair bit, "Thats the reason I've been assigned, to keep keep anyone in the Collection of Mini-Republics deciding they have a big problem with the work you're doing."

Gradually as she'd been speaking her voice was raising. For someone who was supposedly a spy she didn't have the most admirable grip on her temper, or maybe it was just Imro...

General Imro looked confused.

"I'm confused. Who are the 'wrong' people and how can I 'upset' them? I had assumed you'd been assigned to handle me , so I'm sure you're job would just be much easier if you told me who I was alienating and when and if it was a bad thing or not."

He pauses and explains.

"You see, I'm from a land where every citizen can say exactly what they want whenever they want. Free speech is sacrosanct. I don't think that I have the ability to censor myself, not in a way that may be appropriate to the 'wrong' people around here. BUT , if there is something that I can do, or say to improve my image and keep people from throwing bottles at my head on the street please let me know, and in true Vaadian fashion I'll throw some money at the problem until it goes away."

He pauses and reaches into his breast pocket , pulling out a wad of one thousand Drachma bills.

"You see, the Retaliatory Guard has set aside some eight hundred billion Drachma for my discretionary budget (1DR=$2.10 today) , so while I may not always SAY the right thing you can prod me to DO the right thing that would be socially acceptable to make up for my short comings as a communist state-lackey."

He pauses again and thinks.

"Communist state lackey, that's one of those things I probably should shy away from saying? You see I'm clueless, so do your job and liaison. In the Free Republic , verbally dancing around sensitive topics.................just isn't done, we confront them, lay them on the table and say exactly what we mean."

His eyes had wandered a bit lower during his speech.

"Oh right." she seemed placated, dropping her hands again, she sighed, "Dyelli Beybi is a country of many secrets where the lies pile on top of the lies until in the end you have no idea what the truth actually is."

"I can't talk about it here. I'll tell you later when there are no prying ears."

She had explained absolutely nothing. She also didn't seem to have noticed where the General's eyes had wandered, either that or she didn't care.

General Imro looked incredulous.

"Lies upon lies? Then how do I know you aren't lying?Bah! Lying wastes time."

He grumbles and heads back to the entrance of the camp, seemingly more annoyed than anything.

For a minute it looked like Alwood wasn't going to follow him, but then she reappeared at his side, but instead of saying anything just slapped a sheet of paper against his chest, then wandered away again. It was, at least in Alwood's opinion fairly self-explanatory,

12 Mill Wall Road
Claudlands
Cyro
10:00 PM
Don't wear a uniform. Don't look suspicious. Don't ring the doorbell. I'll explain everything.

Where she had in fact directed Imro was one door down from a police owned block of apartments where quite a number of Police Officers, particularly Cheka, rented and owned some fairly pleasant apartments. By 10:00 it would be dark, and she was hoping nobody would recognise the General if he chose to show up.

General Imro took the paper and headed back to his waiting car.He sat in the rear next to his Staff Seargent reading the paper.

"What's that sir?" Seargent Cyril inquired

"Hmm, what? Did I bring any clothes that aren't uniforms Seargent?" General Imro replied.

Seargent Cyril looked shocked "You don't own any clothes that aren't uniforms sir. I can't imagine you not in uniform, inconceivable, shocking, no. Even your underwear is military issue."

General Imro nodded "That's what I thought. We need to go shopping then so that I can go native. Underwear? I'm going indian today."

Seargent Cyril grimaced "Really sir, I didn't need to know." He then leaned forward and opened the window between them and the driver "Driver, we need to go clothes shoping , do you know somewhere?"

The driver looked back "Sure boss, I know plenty of places, get you whatever you want....." he paused taking both hands off the wheel to give a shrug gesturing with his hands "For how you say.........the right price?"

The Seargent looked thoughtful "Uhm, no, just clothes, any shopping center."

"Okay boss." Stated the driver as he punched the gas.

*****

Later that evening at promptly 10:00 PM General Imro was at the address. The General was dressed like a typical Dyellian (at least in the drivers experienced opinion.) but he did not look comfortable or at all right. He tried to look casual but ended up looking more like a gigolo waiting to a pick up a client.

"Oh you look very nice." Alwood positively purred as she came out of the shadows of a side alley. She was quiet, but then again, she was a spook, they were probably supposed to be, "Come."

And without looking back she wandered around the corner to the Police flats, swiping a card through the lock. The door opened. On the inside was a bored looking security guard, he was reading a 'Sharpe' Novel. As soon as the door opened though, the book was on the table, he was alert.

"Oh it's you Commisaar." he gave a friendly grin, then a fairly suggestive wink to Imro, "Always saying you should find a nice man aren't I Commisaar, although he looks a bit old for you."

"Put a sock in it Dave." Alwood replied, in a not unfriendly manner, "Usual drill."

"Righte-ho Commisaar." Dave gave her a wink as he picked up his book again, "Never saw nobody come in with you, and I'm sure I won't see him leave in the morning."

She shot the security guard an icy glare, but the novel was already hoisted in front of his face. Instead she shook her head, giving an exasperated sigh as she pushed the button for the lift.

"Sorry about Dave." she said as the doors closed. She pushed the button for the 12th floor. While she hadn't said anything. This was fairly obviously where the Commisaar lived, "He is a good security Guard though, and more importantly knows when to keep his mouth shut."

She didn't mention that she helped to supliment the Guard's salary, or that when she was bored she occasionally helped to warm his sheets as well. It kept him very pliable.

The 12th floor ended in a landing, it was fairly high in the building and commanded a River view over the top of what seemed to be some kind of Medieval town wall. There were two flats up here. She swiped her card again, then used a standard key to open the door. She seemed to use a lit of effort to pull it open, soon it became apparent why. It seemed to be a solid metal sheet four inches thick. There were warships with less armour than this apartment.

The first room they entered seemed to be some kind of sitting room. All the doors to other areas of the Apartment were closed. The room was fairly sterile in it's decoration. With simple steel chairs surrounding a glass table and no decorations suggesting any character. The walls were a light greyish-blue, adding to the monotony. But it was clear why she had brought him here. As the door closed with a thunk, all sound from outside was completely cut off, leaving complete and dead silence.

"I'm going to start off... take a seat..." Alwood began even before sitting down, "... by telling you what you didn't need to be shut off in here to know."

She paused to make sure Imro was listening, "There are people out there, the NSWP and the Communists, who are just waiting for you to slip up. To look like you disdain us or view us as subordinates. Then, they'll use that as a cry to the people, Dyelli Beybians are very proud you see, to encourage them to vote for them, but more importantly for you, that would come coincidentally with booting your group out of the country. Heck if it was the Communists they'd probably seize all your assetts as well."

She paused again, "Now I know you're an iritable and hard to please sort of person, but you've got to try to be nice to people. I don't care how you act to your recruits, but to everyone else, it would be best if you tried to look impressed by our amazing country."


She said it with a hint of sarcasm, "Even if you do think we're all a pack of dishonest, thieves, liars and vagabonds, God help us, most of Klatch think we are."

"The more serious business is Them" she looked about the room shiftily, as if suspecting one of this mysterious group was hiding, "Now this is stuff is going down the dark roads of the Official State Secrets act, but there are Religious groups in Dyelli Beybi who even the Cheka have difficulty infiltrating. The most powerful of these is well... I guess they're Roman Catholics, but they follow some quite pagan practices. Anyway they're dedicated to rooting out the old Religion, and God help us I hope they succeed... if there are any of the old practices left. Anyway how does this apply to you. Don't insult the Church. You never know who one of Them is. They're liable to start getting suspicious, and the last thing we need is for Them to dislike you. Even if they don't think you're a threat, they have considerable influence in the Church, and if they don't like you a lot of the people won't either, which will really help the Opposition."

She smiled as if what she'd said explained everything, "Do you follow?"

Imro sat and listened to Alwood. He tried to follow but ended up having no idea what she was talking about.

" Sure, I follow. There are dozens of secret sects and political parties that would love to overthrow the Communists and think they can use the Foreign Guard as a tool to do so?

Well, I don't know what to say. I don't know how I can possibly avoid inflaming people that don't want me to suceed in the first place? I don't even see why I should try? The best thing to do it would appear would to be to simply lie low, build the base, train the men , and stay out of the public eye, which suits me just fine.

I think maybe we should do our best to make sure that none of 'them' get into the Foreign Guard. When they start sending recruits I'll request one or two of the Shadows of the Republic to come round and 'eliminate' undesirables on base that may be bent on damaging your government and the Foreign Guard. Be proactive.'

He smiled and seemed upbeat about how to handle the cadres of secret undesirables that wanted to do him harm.

Alwood looked at him blankly, "I'm sorry, are you suggesting assassinating recruits? I do doubt the Opposition are planning anything illegal. They're politicians, not the Mafia. As for the others...."

She shrugged, "The Cheka can't even properly infiltrate them. Just keep a low profile and everything will be fine."

The young Commisaar smiled as if that concluded things, although the fact that they were meeting here of all places tended to suggest something worried he, "I will point out that at the moment the Church doesn't care either way what your Guard is doing here. Don't antagonise them. They can cause some serious problems for the Government if they start getting political."

There was one last thing she figured Imro hadn't picked up on, "The Communist Party are the main opposition Party by the way. The current Government is led by the National People's Revolutionary Party or NPRP. I might add they won the elections on, among other things, the promise that they'd take a harder stance on foreign aggressors."

General Imro was more confused than ever.

"Then what is the difference between the communists and the NPRP? I don't want recruits that are there to undermine the Foreign Guard for political ends, and it'd be better if the Shadows took care of them quietly. I'm sure the press will be pretty bad when some commie punk recruit starts feeding info to his party bosses and I have to break his legs in front of everyone.

I will not tolerate dissension in MY guard. I don't care what religion, party or group my recruits belong to, but as soon as they pause to try and decide if they are loyal to their comrades in arms or a priest the cease to be effective soldiers. Hesitation on the battlefield means death and if I think one of my recruits is dividing his attention between the Guard and spying for someone, I'm putting a bullet in his head before he endangers those around him.

Politics have absolutely no place in the military."

"The Communists wouldn't allow any private enterprise, the NPRP and also the other main party, the NSWP only believe in controlling income distribution."

"This is the main problem I see here." she steepled her fingers, sighing in exhasperation, "You don't seem to properly understand the problems some of your actions may cause. You havn't been given carte blanche to come in and set up your own mini Ilek-Vaad here. You have to work within the framework of the Dyellian state."

"That means if you go around shooting people for whatever reason, you will be arrested by the local authorities. You may expell people from your unit, but any form of execution would be treated as murder."

Alwood amazinbgly, hadn't lost her temper this time, she was still sounding calm and collected. Dyelli Beybi had, in post-Tzarist days, developed strong opinions on the death penalty, mostly as a backlash to the widescale seemingly random public executions of the Tzarist era.

General Imro sounded a bit perturbed.

"That isn't going to easy. How am I supposed to work within the framework of a state that I don't belong to? The agreement states that the Foreign Guard are directly under the control of the Retaliatory Guard, and the Dyellian government cannot exert control over the Retaliatory Guard."

"Yes." Alwood nodded, "But you can't start thinking you're above our laws. There was no agreement giving you or any of your men immunity from prosecution. I'm not just saying that to make trouble, believe it or not but I'm actually trying to help. It would reflect very badly on me if I allowed you to act in a way that would lead to a cooling of diplomatic relations between our States."

"I will point out to you General, that it is not my job to ensure whether or not the Government wins the next ellection. It would be highly immoral if the Cheka were to become invovled in that kind of business. My job is to ensure there is no scandal caused by your Guard unit."

OOC: Mind if I ICly merge another RP with this one? I'm going to stir the pot a little ;)

Imro looked at Alwood suspiciously.

"Considering you told me earlier how everyone lies in Dyelli Beybi, and that it was built of lies upon lies, how can I trust you? I have so far, but you're making me very suspicious. "

He narrowed his eyes.

OOC: Sure, the Uncle Istvan should be arriving soon too. Full pot.

Alwood looked positively offended that she was having to defend herself, "OK. Now my career is a good one and I'm looking in line for a promotion to Chief Inspector. My assignment is to make sure this whole Foreign Guard business is not marred by scandal. If that is pulled off the promotion is in the bag."

She gave the General a serious look, "Whether you trust me or not hinges I guess on whether you decide to believe that's really what I've been ordered to do."

"Yes, yes, inspector." He looks suspicious "You were a Commissar when I first arrived. This whole country is fishy."

He shrugs.

"But It is my job to make sure that the Foreign Guard is a sucess as well so I guess I will have to work with you, no matter what my misgivings are."

He paused and looked thoughtful.

"I wonder what would happen if I called Commissar Dzerzhinsky and requested a different liasion? Or is it Inspector Dzerhinsky now?"

He seemed to have reverted to 'try and make the foreigner angry' possibly a defence mechanism for his confusion at the whole situation. Vaadians often became hostile when confronted with 'ambiguity' or 'grey areas' .

Alwood vissibly paled, aparently that was a threat that held the promise of major problems for the girl if he went ahead with it, "Commisaar is the title, his rank is Chief Constable." she explained, "He also carries the title of Secretary to the High Chancellor."

"If you have a problem with my service, tell me how to rectify the problem and I will."

"well, now we're getting somewhere. I think that if you want to impress your superiors that you will find a way to keep anyone intent on sabotaging, or hindering my job , out of my hair. I would also like to have them pointed out to me and suggestions for dealing with them

I myself will keep a low profile, talk only to my men and let you handle the public 'spin' so you can present it in a way that is favourable, and let me know when I need to say things, what I need to say and to whom. If I look good, you look good, so keep me looking good and I'll try and not get irritated and have you replaced."

General Imro seemed satisified having said that. He was pleased with the prospect of having something on Alwood that would make sure she kept and political monkies off of his back, just like he had the North Germanians and their aggressive friendship to hang over the head of Chancellor Collins.

"Well, do you keep anything to drink here?"

Imro didn't know just how dangerous Dzerhinsky was to Alwood. After Collins' wife's attempt to take over the country, and set her husband up as Dictator, Alwood had been suspected of being involved in the aborted coup. As far as she knew, the High Chancellor was still blissfully unaware of the machievellian schemes his wife had cooked up. Schemes that had eventually been foiled by the combined minds of Felix Dzerhinsky, Grossadmiral von Scheer and the rather shady character of Otto Himmler. If it had been over to von Scheer, Alwood would have been dropped into the harbour wearing a pair of concrete gumboots. She had been involved in doing spadework for the conspirators, but entirely unwittingly on her part... she hadn't even realised there was a conspiracy until she was arrested. Felix had convinced the head of the Kriegsmarine to give Alwood a chance to redeem herself.

"In the other room." she nodded towards another locked door.

She stood to unlock the door. She was more than a little uneasy that the General had more or less extended his invitation beyond the strictly business... more importantly though, once he crossed out of her meeting room, he'd be entering 'holy ground' - her own living quarters, at the moment he knew next to nothing about her, but once on the other side, he'd be able to pick up all sorts of information, but she figured, for now at least she was in no real position to refuse. She stepped through the doorway...

The other side was a fairly standard open plan sitting/dining room/kitchen. It was ulholstered in crisp modern styles. The room itself was painted off-white and commanded what must be at other times of the day, a rather nice view of one of the branches of the river Djel. Everything was neat and tidy, it seemed unlikely a speck of dust were to be found anywhere. The thing that was most striking though were the guns. Where other people would hang pictures, Alwood had gun racks. There must have been 12 assorted shotguns and assault rifles behind locked glass cabinets. Why she had so many, most of which were highly illegal for a private citizen was anyone's guess.

There was only one picture in the room, set on the coffee table. It showed a ragtag looking band of soldiers standing in neat formation and grinning at the camera. The caption underneath declared it was the "1st Epsom Volunteer Revolutionary Militia". Apparently whoever they were they had no rules on gender. Easily a third of the 'Volunteer Militia' were women. If the General looked closely he'd find Alwood herself was among them, looking skinnier and a little malnourished, but otherwise identical to how she looked now.

"What are you drinking General?" she asked, pouring herself something vaguely green tinted.

General Imro looked around as he entered and looked up as Alwood asked what he was drinking.

"Nothing. But I'd love a scotch."

He paused to look closely at the firearms and gave the room a general go over, almost as if he were inspecting a barracks, but he didn't touch anything.

"Funny, I was expecting a torture chamber."

He smiled and made himself comfortable.

Alwood downed whatever she'd just poured. It set her off coughing for a few moments, before she regained composure enough to pur the General a scotch. One of the cupboards in the kitchen seemed to be full of alcohol.

Despite her discomfort at having someone within her lair, she still managed to smile at the torture chamber comment, "Really General, torture is strictly illegal, and I'm not the sort to break the law."

"They're just trophies." she said dismissively of her collection of firearms, "I gathered them during the war."

Another coughing fit from her showed she'd drunk another glass of the green tinted liquid. She settled down opposite the General with a third, passing his Scotch across the coffee table, "Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve." she identified it, "I hope you don't mind an actual Scotch from Scotland, only I don't think the liquor stores stock anything from Ilek-Vaad."

The comment was probably sarcasm, but she said it so innocently it sounded like she was being sincere, she'd also managed to smooth away any trace of unease, and was looking her usual self-assured self.

General Imro smiled.

"Glenfiddich will do. I think most scotches in the Free Republic are scottish, a bit smoother than the stuff you were slugging down?"

He sipped at his scotch, enjoying the complex flavour.

"Well, so have we worked everything out that needs to be worked out? If you have anything else on your mind , we should work it out now , sooner is better than later."

"Mmmhm yep." she replied. Her gave was wandering, and she was looking more relaxed.

"No nothing really. Everything's fine." She frowned suddenly, "No wait, there is something, I'll be back in a moment."

She stood up. Perhaps looking a tiny bit unsteady, and vanished from a room. A couple of minutes later she was back with three sheets of paper, which she handed over to the General.

It was a memo from DBFC Automobile to the Government. Apparently the Government had cancelled a large order of Model 5 tanks. 20 of which were sitting around in a warehouse. The second was similar, from Wilson Heavy Vehicles complaining that a cancelled order meant they had 38 Model 222 armoured carsand 12 Model 4-J tank destroyers and no buyer. The third was probably the most important of the lot, it was from DBFC Automobile again, this time, sent to Alwood herself, saying they expected to have a prototype tank meeting the General's specifications, working in time for the Supreme Republican Commander's visit and were working around the clock to get it up and running on time.

"I havn't really looked into it, but we can probably get those leftover tanks for below cost if you want to have something sitting around on base for when your boss shows up. You're actually quite lucky that Neo Tyr surrendered without a fight. It means that the arms manufacturers have more time to divert to this side project, and well, some like these two have been taken a little by surprise."

General Imro nodded as he looked over the papers.

"Well, that seems like it would be worthwhile to collect these 'surplus' vehicles. I wonder if there a chance I can see the tank proto-type before Uncle Istvan arrives?"

He looked thoughtful.

"I hope it matches with waht I want. It'd be a shame to have to buy North Germanian tanks."

He smiled as he said that.

Alwood shrugged, "Do what you like. I'll ask the Automobile factory to open up. They are pretty secretive in there though. They probably won't let you in unless it's completely finished."

She didn't seem about to rise to the bait at the moment.

General Imro changed the subject, he was sensing some hostility he thought.

"I also have been considering changing the name of the "Klatch Guard'. I was thinking of naming it something with a more Dyellian flavor, something more locally recognizeable.

I think that would probably help perceptions of the Guard. Give people a feeling that it 'belongs' where it is and just isn't some foreign army. What do you think? Would you have any suggesstions?"

He took another sip of his scotch as he waited to see Alwood's answer.

Alwood looked thoughful for a moment, "That would entirely depend upon who you were trying to recruit. If you were aiming for Benjians, you could call them 'the Lobsters'. The Lobsters were the elite Benjian infantry back in the days before the Racinia Crisis."

Fasta Benj had been hit by nuclear weapons at the end of that crisis, the crisis that had ushered in a return to Tzarism in the Southern States, "From all accounts they were possibly the worst soldiers in the entire world, with the exception of the other Benjian units of the time, but for some reason our Eastern cousins still feel romantically attached to the image."

There was another pause, "I don't know how you'd lure the other groups in.... heck if you called it the lobsters the people in Cyro would probably throw things at you." she shrugged, "A name that implies some kind of interest in the desert, or the River Djel perhaps?"

She shrugged, her eyes didn't seem to be focusing perfectly, "Although really I think a name change would be quite superficial and would have not the greatest effect in the world... I reckon the best thing to do would be to get a good cadre of local officers, that way there would be less of the perception that the Dyelli Beybians are being recruited as cannon fodder or imperial lackeys."

"If you look through the records there are millions of veteran troops and officers in the Community who served during the civil war and who were dismissed from service afterwards. What I'd do is employ a company to go around Veterans websites and chart out a list of contact details, then get a callcentre to ring around and look for possible volunteers."

The girl was obviously drunk, but apparently she was still lucid enough to cook up a scheme like that. Either that or it was a scheme she'd had for a while and had decided not to mention for one reason or another...

General Imro ignores the apparent drunkeness obviously caused by the Absinthe she'd downed at an alrming rate, and without melting sugar into it first, no wonder she was making faces.

"Well I hardly think we'll call them lobsters. It's never good to name a group of soldiers after something that may turn up in a cooking pot. We can do both, change the name and recruit veterans."

He paused and said in a stern commanding voice "Commissar, are you drunk?"

"That's pretty much what happened to the Lobsters when we caught up with them." she actually giggled, "Of course that was long before my time."

Are you drunk? She gave the General an outraged look, "Of course I'm not drunk, I'm stone cold sober. Really, to suggest such a thing of an Officer in the service of the State..."

It was an outrageous lie, she was tipsy at the very least.

General Imro smiled.

"Well,then have another drink and refill mine while you're at it. Now, you were talking about veteran officers, wht are the chances we could get a look at service records to determine and contact the best candidates? I would make it a point to add a bonus to the recruitment fee for prior military experience.

That would help recruitment I would imagine. You'd think recruitment would be high for just the Vaadian citizenship, who would stay here when they could emigrate to the Free Republic?"

He gave a wry smile after the second part of his comment.

Alwood stood, looking a little unsteady when she refilled the glasses, "I should be able to get them." she said dismissively of the service records.

She laughed though at the next comment, "I hope you don't actually believe that? You know there are still people in the population who believe you can't get to heaven if you die in a foreign country. Most Dyelli Beybians, and that includes me, have never left the State."

"The State is good to us." she sounded like she truly believed in what she was saying, "We are wealthy now, and live better than many of our neighbouring states. The country is peaceful, and while, occasionally some crazed foreign dictator decides they don't like the way we do things the military has always been strong enough to see them off at the door."

General Imro nods.

"Oh sure, everyone's happy here. That's why they're afraid of the Checka. Of course they have high living standards. That's why they steal and are so willing to be bribed. It's a wonderful paradise. Even the alligators smile!"

General Imro chuckled as he made his observations.

"Really, everyone thinks that their motherland is the best. Seriously, it's too hot around here to be anything more than delusions from heat stroke to have a good time."

He smiled and winked at Alwood.

Alwood rolled her eyes, "Go up north to our holdings in Northern Klatch. You'll be more likely to get frostbite than anything else."

She put Imro's glass down in front of him, full again, before slumping back down on the sofa "Actually I lie, I've been to Monte Ozarka once, in the period between the fall of the AWM Government and the rise of Monte Ozarka."

"Anyway the theft and bribery is a cultural thing." That was an utterly ridiculous comment, but it didn't look as if she was joking, "It's like fighting with the Gonad elves or arguing with the other States. We can't help ourselves, it just happens."

General Imro sips at his drink.

"Thank you. So I can be unbearably hot here or get frostbite up north? Where is the happy medium?."

He smiles again when she comments about bribery and lying to be cultural things.

"That I can understand. Culturally we Vaadians are distrustful and keep to ourselves. It's mainly due to our religions I should think. It helps tourism though, being as suspicious as we are. Imagine going to a place where everyone can spot the foreigner and everyone watches them very closely, couple that with all of us being in the Velite Guard and, voila, a tourist never gets mugged, loses anything or gets cheated. We're watching them too close for that to happen."

He takes another sip.

"Gonad Elves? I know what a 'gonad' is and I think by elf you mean longeavi. I have to say that 'Fighting with the Gonad Elves' sounds like metaphor for masturbation?."

He seemed intrigued.

"The happy medium is probably in New Dyelli, or Southern Vrak" Alwood downed her glass in one swig again, sending her into another fit of coughing and spluttering, "err where was I, yes, the DBAT isn't actually connected to the Dyelli Beybian heartland by land. It's only accessable by plane or boat... or if you have an ATV with a very very long range."

She paused, "You take the boat North from Cyro, upriver passing through Southern Vrak and Port Olympus." Port Olympus was the Capital of Klatch, "then you hit the lakes. You sail up through the lakes, past Monte Ozarka and LOW territory and right up North you hit Timaru, which is Dyelli Beybi's largest freshwater port, and the only bit the connects the DBAT to the rest of civilised Klatch. It takes a couple of weeks."

She gave an apalled look when Imro mentioned masturbation, "You havn't heard of the Gonad peninsula?"

She didn't wait for a reply, "The original human inhabitants had a very strange sense of humour.... anyway it's a dense jungle full of a particularly unpleasant tribe of elves, or whatever it was you just said. We've been fighting them on and off probably since time began. It's a very complicated story and one I'm not really sure I understand myself."

"Longeavi, it's Lassean for 'Long-lived', elf sounds a bit too close to 'Ylf' which is of course a type of evil spirit a genus locii, Ambassador Ilek always says.. If they're nasty and you've been fighting them maybe they are ylves?"

He sips at his drink again.

"I don't know if we have any 'elves' in the Free Republic, I'd imagine we'd have to , considering that nearly a fourth of our population is immigrant. There are the Bendith, and calling them 'elf' or 'ylf' sets them right off, I think they have pointy ears and they claim to live forever." he pauses and rolls his eyes " I've only ever met one Bendith and there was nothing extraordinary there."

He finishes his drink and then looks around.

"Pardon me, but where is your restroom, I think I need to go fight the Gonad Elves." He smiles "there, now it's a metaphor for going to the restroom as well."

"Well considering if a human shows up in the Gonad they tend to eat them or sacrifice them to Satan, I think we can agree they're probably Ylfs." the Commisaar remarked dryly, "Of course every now and then someone decides they need to save them from the nasty Dyelli Beybians."

She smirked when he mentioned 'fighting the Gonad elves', "A little more sanitary anyway... it's down the coridoor to your right. First door on your right. The room straight ahead is my bedroom, you can't go in there unless you're invited."

General Imro chuckles "Satan, how quaint."

He assumes that he is un-invited to Alwood's bedroom and heads straight back out to the main room after having sucessfully 'Fought the Gonad Elves' and makes himself comfortable again.

"Yes, yes, Ylves tend to kill trespassers as well, according to legend anyhow, nobody has really believed in them for centuries or in satan either. Apparently diplomacy with them hasn't worked?"

"Diplomacy?" Alwood gave a puzzeled frown, "Oh you think we should talk to them?"

"Well to be honest I don't think we've ever tried." she considered this for a moment, it didn't sound quite what she's intended to say, "Other people have. They usually end up as lunch, and they hate us far too much to eat us."

"What I mean to say is I think things are a little bit beyond a diplomatic solution."

General Imro chuckled "Well, if you've never tried diplomacy it may be very useful. After all in order to defeat your enemy, you must know your enemy and how could you know them if you've never met them?

You should give Ambassador Von Drackenfels a call, she might be able to put you through to Ambassador Ilek, he deals with all the Longeavi situations for the Free Republic. He was instrumental in shutting down the Nenyans of Ma-Tek from their intelligence 'fishing' operation, he was instrumental in negotiations with the Sidhe of the Resurgent Dreams to normalize relations and if superstition holds true he has ylvish blood. All of the Ileks do."

He gave Alwood a conspiratorial nod " He's almost eighty but doesen't look a day over forty."

"Hah!" Alwood didn't seem impressed, "Half the population round he..." she cut herself off halfway through the sentence and gave one of her more winning smiles.

"Now I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but we did have a little project going to try to normalise several elves we'd taken prisoner. Unfortunately it was a dismal failure. I think it was only... what? One out of ten who ever managed to come around and relate normally with humans... and by relate normally I mean manage to suppress the urge to kill us when our backs are turned."

"Oh yes, conditioning prisoners, always very popular. How many Longeavi nations has Dyelli Beybi dealt with sucessfully? Zero? One?"

General Imro paused and gave Alwood a condescending look.

"I just don't see why it would make any sense for your government to turn down help in a matter that we have people that are experts in. Conditioning POW's and opening a two way dialogue , are very different things."

He smiled.

"I'm just saying that there would be no harm in letting someone in our Ministry of Foreign Affairs taking a stab at it. What's the worst that can happen? They can kill the diplomat, that'd be good for you, then the Republican Council would probably send in the Retaliatory Guard and you could jump on our coattails. After all we don't occupy defeated enemy lands, but I'm sure you could."

He winked suggestively at Alwood.

OOC:

Do we want to do Uncle Istvan's Arrival in this thread, and then move it into the next if he's actually going to get involved, or what? How do you want to handle these messy elven bits?

(OOC) I reckon keep it here, unless the Elven bit becomes the main part of the thread in which case we can move it. After these two have tied up the conversation we can probably fast forward to the arrival of 'Uncle Istavan' (pardon my spelling) and all the hillarious problems the massive, touchy, beaurocracy that is the Dyelli Beybian State will cause.
In that time Alwood will be trying to get Imro to sign up 'Fraser Morris'. A well decorated 'hero' from the war in the Gonad. Morris (if he is approached), who was an officer cadet when he resigned from the Dyelli Beybian army, will be pushing to get something better.
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Alwood was looking a little bit shifty, "Ah yes, the number in question is probably closer to ah zero."

She blinked slowly, when Imro suggested Retaliatory Guard in the Gonad, "Firstly the territory in question is theoretically under the control of Rogue Jiggady, which would make deploying troops a complex matter."

"Secondly, I'd be 98 percent certain they'd kill the diplomat and probably serve him or her for lunch. Of course if your country has a diplomat with a death wish, feel free to send them in, I want it to be known though that I, well.... the Cheka, advised against any such course of action."

General Imro chuckles "I think most of our diplomats have a death wish. I don't know if it's societal, or the fact that they are drawn from the ranks of our active Velite Guard. We've even had Ministers of Foreign Affairs that have faced down enemy tanks , our ambassadors I think feel they have something to prove."

He paused "Anyhow, it's just a suggestion, I don't particularly care one way or the other. I doubt if it's any of our business. The political and geographic nuances of the Klatch are, perplexing. If this is in Rogue Jiggady, why is it such a concern of yours? Seems nosy if you ask me."

OOC: Sounds good to me, we can jump ahead whenever Alwood passes out ;)

"Like I mentioned before, there has been a war in the East for as long as history can remember. The elves out that way don't respect any Government, and Rogue Jiggady isn't organised enough to deal with them when they've got Jiggady breathing down their necks. Anyway... all that land used to be ours."

Alwood was looking on the verge of going to sleep, she was possibly letting the odd thing slip she ought not to as well. Unknown to Imro the conversation was steering dangerously close to the boundaries of the 'Official State Secrets Act'.

She yawned, "Tell me what you want from me General, and I'll do my best to comply. My fate is more or less tied in with your career in Dyelli Beybi. If this fails, well, I might not last much longer than your enterprise."

She didn't qualify this further, but even so, it was unexpectedly candid, Alwood was usually cagey when she spoke about herself.

"It sounds like you want that land back? It still doesen't seem to make any sense that you'd want to even fight over land inhabited by savage locals that hate you? There must be some reason to keep fighting over that land?"

General Imro sensed he may be about to learn something that would give him some insight into Klatch relations and what the Foreign Guard may be dealing with.

"As I said before, as long as you help me and do everything in your power to give me what I need to make the Klatch Guard a success, you should come out of it with a promotion or something. I'm sure the first time we deploy in support of your government, they'll realize our value. I'm sure we won't have to wait long to deploy ."

He said the last bit with a tone of sarcasm.

"You might have noticed we're not actually particularly warlike." Alwood countered, "We don't go looking for wars, they just seem to jump on us. We're not interested in assimilating Rogue Jiggady, just pacifying the locals if you will. It's like having a really huge terrorist cell based just off your border."

She yawned again, "Anyway, ah what was I taking about again?"

General Imro smiled.

"You were talking about how important the success of the Foreign Guard is. I know that our government could care less about foreign forces, even if we did invite them onto our land , what makes the Foreign Guard so important to Dzerzhinsky and Collins?"

He pauses and hands her the rest of his drinks.

"It's interesting , from a psychological point of view."

"To Collins and Dzerzhinsky?" Alwood laughed, shifting in her seat, "It's important to them in that they're looking for external allies, but really I don't think in the end they care that much, it's important to me though."

Oh thank you, she wasn't exactly certain what Imro had handed her but drank it anyway, to another bout of coughing and spluttering "I've got to be a good little girl and make this all work, or von Scheer will have my guts for garters."

Von Scheer was not a name that had come up around Imro before, although he might identify him as the head of the Kriegsmarine, Dyelli Beybi's Navy.

General Imro had handed her his scotch, he politely prepared another drink for each of them.

"Von Scheer? Who's that? Your job must really suck, it's sounds like you have several bosses. You what they say about too many chiefs and not enough indians."

Her handed her another drink and sat back down.

"It sounds to me like you need a vacation."

He smiled and took a sip of his drink.

Alwood lauged... again, "He's not my boss, just a concerned party."

Inwardly, although she was fairly drunk, she did have the sense to realise she was probably saying things she ought not to, and probably would continue to do so unless she changed the subject. She accepted another drink, but didn't knock it down like all the others.

"I havn't had a holiday since... since... I can't remember, but I'm sure it was a long time ago. Of course I can't exactly take one either... unless the General wants to go recruiting in some nice holiday destination" her eyes sparkled with mischief, "Of course I'm sure the General takes his work far too seriously to be seduced by an idea like that."

" I don't intend to do any recruiting, I was going to leave that up to my lackeys and to you of course."

He said it in a way that implied that she was more than a lackey.

"Well, if this Von Scheer fellow is just an 'interested party' then I'd tell him to butt out, 'interested parties' are usually up to no good anyhow."

He sipped at his drink and watched Alwood's demeanor carefully.

"Besides, where could we go recruit that would be considered a vaction spot? I can't imagine vactioning anywhere in the desert, or the artic..........."

He weaved back and forth between the two topics, to add to Alwood disorientation. He didn't necessarily need or want any inside information, but it was fun trying to get it!

"I wouldn't holiday with von Scheer, he's an old pirate." she seemed to have become completely confused now, "The Benjian islands are quite nice, Chlarissa tells me they're a lot like the Maldives... it actually rains over there."

Who the hell was Chlarissa...

"They've stopped shooting at each other as well now."

General Imro chuckled.

"Well Commissar, I think you've about had it for tonight, you're precious little sense, even for a Dyellian. Perhaps it's time you were off to bed and I was to take my leave, after all I expect you at my office at 6 a.m. tomorrow, er today."

"Right-o Sir." she didn't look the slightest bit concerned about getting up in the next few hours, in fact she looked positively pleased with herself.

She stood up, or more tried to, then collapsed back down where she'd been sitting, "Couldn't give me a hand up could you Sir?" she asked in that same bright voice, "Only my legs don't seem to be doing exactly what I tell them to do."

General Imro nodded and helped Alwood up.

"Don't tell me you can't hold your liquor commissar?"

He said in a stern voice as he slipped his arm around her and pulled her to her feet. He steered Alwood to her bedroom, he seemed steady enough himself, not having tried to match her intake of alcohol. He paused at her bedroom door.

"You'll have to make it the rest of the way yourself, I'm not invited in." He sniffed disdainfully, pausing to turn to her "Let me guess, the torture chamber is in there!?"

"Depends what you regard as torture." she raised an eyebrow, "Some men are strange."

"You know though General, you've forgotten one very important thing." she gave an impertinent grin, "You can't get out my front door, unless you're me or have a tank at your disposal... and in my current state I've forgotten where I put the swipe card."

She grinned again. The grin said, 'I'm lying through my teeth, I known full well it's on a cord around my neck and is now down the front of my shirt somewhere'.

General Imro grinned.

"I can shoot my out, I like a challenge."

Alwood gave Imro a suspicious glance, "I don't remember you having a weapon on you."

But then again, it was unlikely she remembered much at all. She reached around her neck, pulling out the cord she had the card on the end of. She dangled it just out of reach of Imro, ready to snatch it away if he made a lunge for it. Even drunk Alwood had good reflexes, most Dyellians did, "I'll strike you a bargain for this."

Her grin had turned mischievous again, "I'll give you this, if you decided you don't need your favourite Commisaar in the office until eight, or alternatively you might have to find somewhere other than where you're staying to sleep tonight."

General Imro chuckled and made no attempt to grab the key.

"I didn't come armed, but I figured that I could borrow one of your collection to make a get away. You can show up anytime you like, but if you come in late, I'm sure I'll have to make a note of it in your file."

He smiled and stood at attention and used a commanding tone "Now then Commissar, hand over that key."

"Actually." her tone turned serious, "I should let you out, otherwise I won't be able to get out in the morning until you decided to come and let me out."

She straightened up, "It's alright I can manage to get to my own door."

She almost didn't, but did, eventually, succeed in letting Imro out through both locked doors, "Don't worry General, I'll be ablsolutely fine in the morning."

She sounded confident, but any fool could tell she was lying. If she made it in on time the next morning she'd be nursing the hangover from hell.

General Imro chuckled as his commanding tone worked, just like it did with his soldiers , and daughters.

"Thank you for a lovely and informative evening Commissar. I shall see you in the morning, god willing."

He made aquick phone call as he left , to his Staff Seargent, making sure a car was sent , he wasn't walking home, that was for sure.

The next morning saw Alwood, amazingly, arrive punctual and looking none the worse for wears, although it was fairly clear she was acting. The evening had had some effect on her though. Over the week that followed it would be noticed that she had become more submissive. She didn't argue or criticise or express much of an opinion at all unless prompted. With the exception of the first day (where her uniform was a tiny bit rumpled) she also seemed to be going to every available length to make sure she was perfectly presented at all times.

OOC: Wow, Alwood was suprisingly easy to break ;) , I'm ready to skip ahead if you are?

IC:
In The Weeks leading up to the Visit of the First Republican , General Imro was almost constantly at the base, personally overseeing the construction. He also moves to have recruits from the Free Republic (mainly Africans from Kahta- Ilek-Vaad accepted alot of refugees from there) to take over security and begin to garrisson the base. These men have had Velite Guard training and make competent guards, but by no means combat ready.

He leaves Dyellian recruitment mainly to his staff and Alwood, letting her recruit retired Dyellian soldiers.

(OOC) skip away!
She might have a few surprises left up her sleeves ;) She is a spy after all.

The Battleship Teztcatlipoca moved full ahead, into Klatchian waters. The massive battleship cut spedily through the waters on route to Dyelli Beybi. The ship's Admiral sat at the control console in the Teztcatlipoca's Fire Control.

"Full ahead helm, put all stations at ready." She swiveled to her right "Ensign, contact Dyellian port authorities and apprise them of our ETA and find out where we should be docking. Let the Supreme Republican Commander know that we will be in Dyelli Beybi shortly."

The sailors took their orders and dutifully carried them out. Fire Control's satellite fed monitors swept the waters around them for anything suspicious and the crew was kept at the ready, just in case.

Below decks, Staff Seargent Assad met the Supreme Republican Commander in the entertainment room.

"Sir, we will be in Dyelli Beybi in a few hours, we have calm seas so the Admiral has emptied the ballast tanks and is running all out."

He nodded and grunted "mokay, let me know when we're about thirty minutes out and I'll shower and stuff and do my hair."

She nodded "Yes sir. " She then went to help Colonel Erdogan organize the Supreme Republican Commanders honour guard in preparations for landing.

There were plenty of suspicioud things to be found in Dyelli Beybian waters. The Neo Tyrans had been given a course that would lead then around the minefield, nevertheless, there were packs of submarines, and squadrons of cruisers and jet fighters. Dyelli Beybi didn't have much in the way of territorial waters, compared to the land it controlled on the Klatchian continent, but it patrolled them vigorously, any attack on the Dyelli Beybian mainland was likely to come from here. And with Two invasion attempts and the Neo Tyran landings at Fiord Harbour in the last 5 years, it paid to be careful.

Cyro harbour was treacherous to say the least for a vessel with a deep draught, the ever shifting sand banks had marooned more than one military vessel over the years Clearance to proceed was sent, but with it was a recommendation the Vaadians take a harbour pilot.

Onshore, Commisaar Dzerzhinsky, who had meant to be present at the arrival of the Supreme Republican Commander, was involved in a video conference which he decided was of greater importance to National security, so sent of Commisaar Fradkov instead.

The dock area was crowded with Grenadiers from the 1st Army of the Republic, as well as well as plain clothed Cheka agents, who were busily sweeping for potential assassins. Fradkov herself, was leaning against the side of the red land rover she'd arrived in, sharing a flask of something strong with the Hauptmann from the Grenadiers in charge of the soldiers at the event, "Apparently he doesn't like the press, or the Geneva convention."

the Hauptmann shrugged, "Sounds suspicious to me, but then again I never liked this whole idea from the start."

It wasn't immediately apparent, and they didn't tend to give many clues away, but the tanned soldier in field grey was Alex Fradkov, the younger brother of the Commisaar, and also a Cheka 'assett'.

"He doesn't seem to like a lot of things." she remarked, passing the flask back to her brother, "But thankfully he doesn't seem interested in us overly, more his own pet General here."

"The one err what's her name... Balllwood? is assigned to?"

"Alwood." the Commisaar smiled, "You know, the pretty one with the blue eyes."

"Oh her", Alex gave his sister a cheeky grin, "How can I forget her?"

Tania Fradkov gave her younger brother a disaproving frown, "The sooner you marry Charlotte the better, when is the wedding again?"

"June the 28th."

"That reminds me." Tania snapped her fingers, "If you see Alwood around, you may want to have her loyalties explained to her more fully, I have a funny feeling she's keeping things back from us. Either she fears Imro, or has feelings for him. Either way this situation will need to be rectified."

"Okey dokey sis'." the younger Fradkov grinned broadly, "I had better get my boys and girls set up properly, anyway, it wouldn't look good if I was seen fraternising too much with a spook would it?"

The massive Battleship is a matte black and sitting high in the water, doing much better than forty knots, slowing considerably as the sonar sweeps show shallower waters and more crowded traffic lanes. No one was visible on deack, as usual, Vaadian ships were sealed and rarely were sailors allowed on deck.

The Admiral kept a close eye on the helm as instrucions came in from the Harbour Master "Steady Helm, it's getting crowded round here!"

Down below the Supreme Republican Commander and his Honour Guard were decked out and mustering near the 'ready deck' behind the large hydraulic doors that would deposit them onto the docks. He and his ten chosen men were in parade dress. Blood red long-coasts, flat black banded ceramite armour and spartan stylr helmets, greaves and clawed gauntlets, tomahawks and mcanas and machetes studded their belts. Their long coats pinned open at the shoulders with jaguar skins draped over their shoulders. All of the obverse crests on their helmets are blood red. They cradle their heavy FN-HAR rifles.

The Supreme Republican Commander is dressed the same, but with n o helmet and dark sunglasses. Those Red Jaguar that are fully kitted out, only show skin where their faces of their helmets are open, their heavy blast shields hide their eyes.

*****

On shore General Imro and his staff and Ambassador Von Drakenfels prepared to meet the Supreme Republican Commander . The Ambassador is very excited, General Imro, as usual appears to be annoyed.

The Dyelli Beybians wore field grey, also in dress, with jackboots and Germanic style helmets. The helmets had tinted visors fitted to them, to a man, they all had these down. It was pushing on midday in Cyro aand without a cloud in sight, the light was blinding. The officers wore peaked caps, and aviator sunglasses. There was no sign of armour of any description aside from the helmets among them, although they all had a SSA1801 shouldered. It was the middle of the day, it was scorching hot, there wasn't going to be a battle, and besides, armour looked scruffy... at least the ones at the front weren't wearing armour.

There were perhaps 40 troops drawn up in two smart columns. There were twice that number patrolling the perimeter or lurking in the warehouses either side of the pier or in the Main Ferry terminal, directly ahead.

Directly ahead of where the Supreme Republican Commander would disembark were the Fradkov's, both standing rigidly, hands clasped behind their backs, they were some distance ahead of Imro and the Ambassador. It had been insisted upon, "Oh God." Alex groaned, although it was only audible to his sister, he barely moved a muscle in his face, "These guys look more like a Benjian dancing troop than an Army."

"Keep quiet brother." Tania scolded, although there was the very slightest hint of a smile on her face, "They're coming off the boat, so behave yourself."

"Parade. Attennnnn-shun!" the Hauptmann bawled.

Simultaneously 40 jack-booted feet stamped on the ground, and 40 rifle butts hits the ground. The pair waited for the Supreme Republican Commander to aproach, before the Commisaar spoke, "You are the Supreme Republican Commander? I am Commisaar Fradkov, Assistant Chief Constable, unfortunately the Chief Constable is unavailable at this time, so the duty of welcoming you to Dyelli Beybi has been passed to me."

Fradkov was a fairly typical Dyelli Beybian, she looked like she was probably in her mid thirties, but appearances could be deceptive. She was about average height for a Dyellian, which made her short by anyone else's standards, had dark hair, and presumably, similarly dark eyes behind the glasses. Her features were fine, delecate, people with a death wish would say almost elven. Her uniform was trimmed in blue, marking her as Cheka, with something that looked suspiciously like an iron cross clasped at her throat. The officer next to her had something similar on his breast pocket.

A few metres to the rear Alwood was idly wondering if Imro would do something stupid like try to shove in front of Fradkov. Fradkov had a foul temper and was not the kind of person you wanted to upset. She decided to hold her tongue. If he does anything stupid it's his own damned fault.

As the hydraulic door opened the Red Jaguar to a man bellowed and stomped their feet in unison and double timed it down the gang plank the first man out is Colonel Erdogan, well over seven feet tall with his crest and heavy boots, he carries no weapons and exhorts the Honour Guard as they follow him down.

"AH-MAH-TE!" he bellows with each step, his stainless steel teeth glinting, the men respond "Ha! CHI-CHI-HA!"

They stop before the waiting Fradkov's five stepping to each side, they all turn in unison to the Fradkov's and bob their heads, coming down between them are Uncle Istvan and Staff seargent Assad.

Uncle Istvan in stands just over six foot and has short black, greying hair, he is clean shaven and has two rather hideous looking scarifications of Jaguar's heads on each cheek,he grins ear to ear showing red stained teeth filed flat, except for the canines making them look larger. He grins to the Fradkov's

" I figured you'd have press, I told my men to look sufficently savage and bloothirsty for the cameras. Not to worry though, they've been fed had their shots, though some of them may not be house broken." He explains as he extends his hand casually.

The Fradkov's could hear chuckling behind them, most certainly from Imro.

Imro was, in Fradkov's opinion a giggiling imbecile, his laughter only served to reinforce this. She hadn't had time to form an opinion of the man she was now facing, he was definantely a showman, the scars and teeth, and uniform showed that, "I wouldn't worry, the press are watching you, from the customs house, we were told though you weren't a big fan of interviews, so we've put them up there, with the explanation that it's to counter a possible terrorist attack."

Like most Dyelli Beybians, she sounded almost Irish, "Needless to say half of them will claim they had an interview in the morning. In any case, I am more or less here to invite you to a meeting with the Right Honourable Mr Collins this evening, for now though I will allow you to get on with whatever other business may have brought you here."

She knew full well what had brought him here, "We have a limousine at your disposal. If you are in need of a local for anything, I'm sure Commisaar Alwood would be happy to oblige. She'd currently allocated to your General Imro."

Uncle Istvan nods "I'll give interviews , if I get to punch the reporter for each question they ask. " he said with a wink.

"Yes, yes, I think I should see the Foreign Guard base, and meet with General Imro, that'll be the first thing and then later I'd be pleased to meet his excellencywhenever he's available, so on and so forth." He was looking around as he spoke seemingly a bit distracted

"So, thank you very much for your welcome and for hosting the Foreign Guard." He patted the first Fradkov's shoulder as he said that and then he turned back to his men "Erdogan, Assad, you're with me, and the Admiral too, where is the Admiral? The rest of you stay onboard and try and look busy."

The Admiral descended the plank as he was speak "Right here Commander." She is a tall woman with white, white skin she is wearing an athenian style silver helmet with a running horse for a crest, conviently hiding her most elven features. Colonel Erdogen took one of his men's FN-HAR's as they passed by him back up the ship and then followed the rest of the group as they turned to General Imro and his party are.

"Genral Imro." states Uncle Istvan as he salutes, Imro returns the salute "Commander." They then shake hands warmly and Uncle Istvan gives Imro a big hug and they talk quietly for several minutes General Imro then introduces everyone else.

"This is Ambassador Von Drakenfels" he motions to the Ambassador and Uncle Istvan shakes her hand "This is Investigator Zara Alwood , my liason."

Uncle Istvan shakes her hand "Investigator? Are you investigating Imro already? He can't help you know he has a psychological disorder..........."

Alwood seemed a little bit surprised by having her hand shaken, "Well you know, we have to make sure about who's setting up armies in Dyelli Beybi."

For a moment, it looked like she was going to make a joke of the whole situation, but decided it was a potential diplomatic disaster if the Commander turned out to not share her sense of humour, "Not that we mistrust Ilek Vaad, but well, politics is a funny game."

"Inspector is just my police rank, I'm part of the Cheka Department. We do intelligence and diplomacy." Trust Imro to get her rank wrong. He'd probably done it just to annoy her...

Uncle Istvan nodded "Oh, I thought you were maybe investigating his.....uhm, well let's get moving, where is this limo, and I hope there is a lot to see at this Foreign Guard base, I've been in that ship for nearly three weeks now and if I'm not pleased I may just snap, or worse yet, I'll order Erdogan to snap!"

Uncle Istvan is grinning the entire time he talks, he seems to have little concerns about things politically and seems to be be more concerned with making his little 'jokes' .

The whole group moves off to the limosine and get situated to head to the Foreign Guard base and have a proper tour.

The limousine took them to the usual waiting heicopter. This time though, the Dyelli Beybians have given a propper civilian transport helicopter, where you could actually hear the other passengers talking above the noise of the rotors. Alwood was keeping quiet unless spoken to, intent on giving off an aura of meek obedience, despite everything Imro had seen to disprove such a view.

At the base, the companies had been busy. The Model 251 APCs had been arriving in huge numbers (the Government had cancelled a contract meaning a lot more were suddenly available), while a few of the Model 253/IV vehicles, the 4 man transports, had also started arriving. The tanks hadn't though, in fact the only tanks on base were the twenty Model 5s Alwood had managed to get off DBFC Automobile for below cost.

Apparently though their prototype for the modified Model 6 was ready, and they were all abuzz about it's incredible performance (although a lot of that was bound to be the usual marketing hype).

Uncle Istvan sat and stared out the window of the helicopter with Staff Seargent Assad next to him and Colonel Erdogan across from him, everyone else was arranged as they please.

"You know, it's been ten-fifteen years since I last rode in a helicopter. The beating of the blades is sort of soothing." Uncle Istvan mused.

"Only until enemy fire shatters the blades sending them through the cabin and slicing you in half." Colonel Erdogan growled

Uncle Istvan smiled "You always find the sunny side to everything don't you?"

General Imro sniffed "This is the first proper helicopter flight I've had. They normally send me out in a two seater match box model." He looks at Alwood as he says this.

Staff Seargent Assad shrugs "Uncle Istvan is more important. "

Uncle Istvan chuckles "And don't forget that, I'll have Erdogan toss you out of the helicopter if you start belly aching too much."

OOC: I'll post the landing after I see Alwood's reactions ;)

The view outsdie was on the fertile coastal stretch. A huge water pipeline struck a line down the centre of the heavily farmed fields, while here and there were gigantic 'fog catchers' and wind farms. It was a man made environment, without the fog catchers and the pipeline this land would regress to being desert.

Alwood, despite all her changed persona still seemed incapable of keeping all of her remarks to herself, "This is central Dyelli Beybi, not Vietnam. The most dangerous things to this helicopter are the seagulls."

She seemed to immediately regret having said that, and bit her tongue for the rest of the journey, unless spoken to directly.

Uncle Istvan looked alarmed at Alwood "Seagulls! Good god!" he then grinned and chuckled "Erdogan, shoot any seagulls we see, if Dyellian seagulls can bring down a helicopter, I don't want to take any chances."

As they landed the massive ,stern looking turkoman, Erdogan leaned towards Alwood and grinned, displaying his shark-like stainless steel teeth "I did not mean to imply that we were in any danger in Dyelli Beybi, just stating a general failing of helicopters, when in combat. I have been in three helicopters shot down and seen men dismembered by broken helicopter blades."

Erdogan stood as the helicopter came to a halt and moved towards the door to be the first one out , the rest filed to follow him.

Imro had previously arranged to have a number of the trained recruits standing at attention when Uncle Istvan showed up, and the party moved to inspect them. Alwood had noticed that during inspections and generally any training General Imro was fierce in correcting mistakes, but Uncle Istvan was completely different. The new recruits, of course had not yet mastered their uniforms and Uncle Istvan noticed the short comings immediately, but unlike Imro he didn't yell at the recruits to correct them .

"Ladies, gentlemen this is Supreme Republican Commander Istvan Vaikov." Imro announced as Uncle Istvan moved up and down the line, not only inspecting the men, but correcting their uniform short comings himself and pausing to read each man and womans name tage, asking them how it was pronounced and where they came from , he urged them to call him Uncle Istvan whenever they started to call him Commander, or any other term or superior rank.

Despite his fierce appearance and reputation for killing soldiers and non-coms alike, he was genuinely concerned about each and everyone of his men, remembering their names instantly.

As they moved to the firing range and classrooms, Uncle Istvan took a personal interest in each activity, showing the men how it was done, soliciting questions and answering them in detail. Around fresh soldiers he became instantly amicable and generally likeable.

Seargent Assad and Colonel Erdogan stood by to assist him and Colonel Erdogan keeps a hawk like watch on anyone that got close to Uncle Istvan, his stern features fixed, if looks could kill, just about everyone would be dead.

General Imro took the lead in giving Uncle Istvan the tour, but hung back as Istvan talked to and got to know the men.

Imro smiled to Alwood "Well, I have to say this is going very well. I hope everything else runs as smoothly."

Alwood laughed at the Commander's joking. She sounded genuinely amused, but didn't volunteer any further comments, apart from to shrug to Erdogan, "I'm sure it's still preferable to marching around on foot with a rifle and a dubious hand grenade someone made out of a baked bean tin and some used razor blades."

As expected, most recruits from Dyelli Beybi were D'Regs, which meant they had names like Karim al' Sharrif, Ali Nakkash or Saef Hussein. She could understand now why people would fight and die for Istavan, people generally were less likely to turn tail and run when they liked their CO.

She couldn't uunderstand the teeth though, she was sure it would make it harder to eat your food, and it still wasn't as frightening as a 1 tonne walrus bellowing and charging straight at you...

Imro's comment interupted her train of though, it took her a couple of seconds to register exactly what he'd said, "Absolutely, I'm positive we'll get through this trip without any hiccups."

She wasn't so certain about that, but decided it was best to give a positive outlook on the whole visit.

OOC: Perhaps it is time for a hic-up?
Formal Notification to the Klatchian State of Dyelli Beybi
From: Southern Joint Defense Force Command, Fasta Headquarters
Subject: Joint Defense Force Troop Movement

The 122nd Engineering Battallion will be moving from their current location in the Benji District to Rouge Jiggady for contruction operations on the coast. As western Rouge Jiggady is currently defined as an 'unstable' area, The 16th Mechanized Infantry Battallion and the 21st Alconian Marine Armor Divison will be also moving east to set up a protective defense of the construction site. As such we will be sending large convoys along the main highway from Fasta to Cyro and then from Cyro along the Southern Klatchian Coast Highway to the Deyllian/Jiggadian Border.

The Dyellian authorities sent back the usual letter of response. It was the literary equivalent of a grunt of assent. Even so, they had a sense of an impending problem, so it was organised for roadworks to start on the Eastern Motorway in order to fix 'pot holes'. This meant that the 122nd Engineering Batallion would be diverted several kilometres further North, down a back road, and well away from the Foreign Guard base.

OOC: It's Istvan damnit! You know we'd let the Alconians use the base as a rest stop if they like. Vaadians have no personal dislike of Alcona and Hubris, just a general dislike based on mutual incompatability.

Oh, and the D'regs speak arabic?

IC:

Like the mess halls of a Retaliatory Guard base there was no 'officers mess' everyone shared the same room and food and even officers below Colonel were expected to help out in KP duty every now and again. Uncle Istvan had no problems with any names, with comrades with names like Mustapha Erdogan, Ibn Baibars , Mirai Al Assad (normally shoertened to Assad) and Iqbal Ali-Shah, he was good at pronouncing a good variety of names. With lunch commencing in the mess hall , Uncle Istvan took it upon himself to help serve the soldiers, and personally tasted some of the dishes, and through watery eyes and in a strained voice he would recommend "Try this, it's really good, really!"

His ease and comfort with 'his men' was readily apparent as he more and more ignored his entourage and took to hanging out with the recruits. With lunch about half along Uncle Istavn stood and then climbed on top of a table in the center of the mess and whistled for attention and then made a brief speech.

"I want to thank all of you who have volunteered for the Foreign Guard. I hope that whatever motivated you to do so will be fulfilled and that you come away from this experience better for it. I have spent my entire life in military service and I have given you the best men to train, discipline and teach you. I know them all very well, especially General Imro.

I know that with the Foreign Guard as with the Retaliatory Guard you will get out of the experience, exactly what you put into it. If you prove to be sincere, diligent and disciplined , you will find endless opurtunity and reward . You will find that the Free Republic is most generous to those who sacrifice and has nothing but love and admiration for those willing to risk life and limb if need be.

I wil personally see to it that every man and woman here has every oppurtunity to advance and to gain, if that is their desire and if they are truly willing to work for it."

While Istavan was busy making speeches to his men, Alwood had vanished around the corner to just outside the messhall to take a cellphone call. A few words drifted back but were of little use to anyone trying to decipher what was going on, "...Yes Sir...that's not good, sounds like espionage...very good Sir...no I'm not...thank you Sir, goodbye."

She came back in and stood next to Imro, "Nothing important just some info from HQ." she explained, guessing the General would probably want to know who she'd just been taking to and what about.

There was some applause from the Dyellian recruits, who seemed to think it was the done thing. There would be trouble instilling discipline in them, there always was. Dyelli Beybians were too free thinking to adapt readily to unquestioningly carrying out orders. One Eastern Emperor, after a visit to Dyelli Beybi had remarked The Dyellians are an unruly and ill disciplined rabble with little respect for authority, it is little wonder their rulers have such a low life expectancy.

Actually it had not been anything intentional. The JDF had just decided to move a force to the Southern Coast because of rumors about the CFA.

The 122nd Engineering Battallion and its escorts didn't really have any problems, taking a rest in a service station outside of Cyro before heading futher east and then getting diverted North and then back south by back roads.

No problems. Well one problem. A Saxon II with the 16th Mechinized Infantry Battallion missed a turn on the backroads and procceded to lead a APC and a flat bed armored truck (with a Kobi IIB tank strapped aboard) off into the hinterlands of Deylli Beybi.

Two hours into exploring the Deyllian Back Country the commander of the APC took charge and ordered a halt. The marine captain marched forward to the driver of the Saxon. "Where the hell are we..." He pointed to the map and stared intently at the driver of the Saxon. The small Benjian Sargent shrugged and poked his lieutenant awake. The Jiggidian slapped his non-com while swearing with the occasional "Arg" thrown in for color.
"When your done teaching the Jiggdian Thesaurus to your sargent, perhaps you'd like to tell me where we are?"
"Deylli Beybi...Arr..."
"I was hoping something a bit more specific..."
"Eastern Motorway...Arr?"
"Unless the Deyllians have gone down hill in the past five months...I think not..."
"Aye...we be like the flotsum upon the sea..."
"Ah, yes...we seem to be having problems with our GPS..."
"Ours be telling us...that we be located fifty miles North of VrakPrime..."
"It is a bit warm, I don't see any ice or seals about and a bit dry for the Artic Ocean..."
"Ar..Ha...Ha...tis nor reason to be cross mit me...I didn't follow dis fool." He pointed to the Benjian who was sitting in the shade of the Saxon.

"Er..quite...although he happens to be your fool..." The captain looked about for a moment. "Well we need to go south...and being that I don't think we can find a road south at the moment, we should just go cross country.."
"Aye...but that trailer won't take getting up and down dunes with that load on it."
"Then we will just have to get the Kobi off and drive it south."
The Jiggdian paled. The Kobi IIB was considered a difficult tank to drive. (Actually it had more to do with massive change in motive systems from the Kobi IIA to the Kobi IIB. Most drivers felt akward when going from a system using a mechanical drive to the Kobi IIB's new electro-drive.)
A few moments later, several Alconian Marines were standing about the
Kobi trying to figure out how to start her and get her off the armored semi.

OOC: I am assuming that this is nowhere near the Klatch Guard* Camp. But I do expect 'monitors' to notice the vanished little group of men and equipment.

OOC: It's ISTVAN damnit! AND Foreign GUARD! Damn you all!

IC:

General Imro gave Alwood a stern you're not telling me anything look "I see. So un-important that you couldn't let your voicemail get it? Hmmmmm?"

Uncle Istvan had finished his speech and was discussing the fascinating Retaliatory Guard philosophy and training with the more eager cadets. They were quickly learning that the Retaliatory Guard placed a greater emphasis on independant thinking than on mindless obeyance. The Retaliatory Guard Command prided themselves on not just giving orders as to WHAT to do , but also adequately explaining to their men WHY they need to do it. They were also learning that officers were appointed from the ranks, there was no seperate officer training , but soldiers were promoted based on their own personal drive, intelligence and discipline. All of this was being energetically explained by Uncle Istvan to anyone who would listen.

Staff Seargent Assad for the first time left Istvan's side and had a seat near Imro and Alwood, she took off her helmet and ran her hand over her tight cornrow braids. Her skin was dark, yet pale at the same time, with dark rings under her equally dark eyes, she slumped as she sat and seemed very tired.

"Well, we've got him started now, we'll be here for hours." she sighed as she smiled at Imro "So what's new Ram?' she asked him.

General Imro smiled at Alwood as he answered Assad "Nothing important just some info from HQ. Commissar Alwood was about to fill me in on."

He was putting Alwood on the spot, again. Assad looked inquisitive "Oh?'

(OOC: Actually the D'Regs are mostly bilingual. They're enough of a minority group that English is essential, but about half of them are Muslims, which means that arabic is very important.)

The whole explanation of the Republican guard was going down very well with the Dyellian recruits. It sounded similar to the modern Dyellian Army and appealed to the General idea of equality that was so precious to them and was at the root cause of most of the touchiness Imro had experienced. The Dyellian Army though had about 3/4 of it's officer intake coming out of tertiary education straight into Officership.

Alwood shifted uncomfortably, she didn't like being drilled like this, it didn't usually happen to her as a Commisaar either. She considered her information, then decided it wasn't actually something they needed to keep away from Imro, "Well like I said, it isn't important. We just diverted a Battalion of National Military along a back road, rather that sending them down the motorway."

Seargent Assad raised her eyebrows "Deploying your military again? I think Dyellian soldiers must be exhausted a good amount of the time." she said with a smile.

Uncle Istvan continued extolling the virtues of the Retaliatory Guard and as he noticed the bi-lingual D'Regs trabslating for their less understanding fellows, he started to switch between Lassean (english) and arabic, going back over points that he felt were relevent and making sure it was HIS translation that they got.

Seargent Assad looked over his shoulder "Now he's on in two languages, I never should have taught him arabic. There aren't any Tolteca here are there? He might start up in three languages and then we'll be spending the night."

General Imro chuckled " He'll wrap it up when they begin to look bored."

Elsewhere....
A junior officer ran up to Lt. General Brink of the JDF Engineers

"Sir, I just got off the horn with Captian Kreig of the 21st. It seems they got lost with a tank and some boys from the 16th..."

"Where are they?"

"They don't know sir..."

"Don't they have GPS, the tank does..."

"Ah, it is giving obviously erronous readings sir"

"Lieutenant how wide spread is this Deylli is Vrak problem were having with the GPS?"

"I have reports from all over the convoy, sir."

"Damn, find out what is wrong...I want to know ASAP. And we will keep a lid on things for now. I don't want the Deyllians or their sugar daddy to know about this....yet."

****
The lost patrol as it had named itself, was slowly moving somewhat southwards. They had come across a dirt track running south (in general) and decided to follow it. The semi had really not been built for this type of 'road' and kept getting stuck in patches of sand. Several marines and infantrymen were out forming a perimiter and watching the surrounding desert for any signs of anything really.

Inside the tank, A drafted marine (who's father had been a railroad engineer) was coping with managing to steer the Kobi. Kreig was sitting in the commanders chair watching the radar and screwing around with the GPS unit trying to make it tell him something other than he was at the bottom of the sea.

"All I need now is a pinnaple and my kids might actually listen to me when I get home..." He commented outloud.

Alwood shook her head, "No you misunderstand, the National military is deploying, that's the Klatchian Joint Defence Force. The Dyellian Provincial units are mostly still sitting around at base."

Of course she didn't speak a word of Arabic, she was from the Dyellian heartland, where they spoke English and a peculiar dialect of German, "Tolteca?"

She paused, then suddenly her face split in a grin, "I think that's probably your answer just there."

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As the lost JDF closed in on the coast they'd begin moving into arable, well irrigated farmland. Down on the where they caught the sea breeze were the ever present fog catchers and wind farms. The land here wasn't fantastic for farming, but the Dyellians used every inch of it to grow sunflowers and a variety of hardy cereals. The odd plantation of olive trees broke up the otherwise monotonous landscape.
There was little traffic on the roads, although right now they were aproaching a dusty looking white car. As it got closer they'd spot the sirens and lights on the roof, as well as the blue and yellow police markings. The lettering on the door read 'Epsom County Police'. The squad car pulled over to the side of the road to let the military pass. Apparently they weren't in a hurry to get anywhere.

Assad smiled "It's dry for the Tolteca around here. They get violent in a dry heat." she paused and looked thoughtful "they get violent in any weather or temperature actually. They're quite humourous about it though. I remember at Corcyra when we ran out of ammo Itzcoatl was smashing Antiachus' partisan fighters heads with his macana..........the whole time singing 'Little Bunny Frou-frou' , everytime he got to the 'bopping the field mice on the head' bit, he'd smash another head in."

Assad laughed loudly at that mental image.

Imro just smiled at Alwood and shrugged.

It was late in the afternoon and Uncle Istvan seemed satisfied at his recruits and their progress and their eagerness. After bidding them all a good afternoon Uncle Istvan and Colonel Erdogan rejoined General Imro , Alwood and Seargent Assad.

Uncle Istvan clapped his hands together and rubbed them "Well! what's next? "

Seargent Assad paused and pulled a prescription bottle from an ammo pouch and measured out nine pills "Time for you to take theses." she held them up to him and handed him her canteen.

Uncle Istvan popped them into his mouth and swallowed waving away the water "There, they're gone, so what's next on the agenda? A tank demonstration? or is it time to meet and greet the Right Honourable Eamon-Collins. You know, I heard a rumour that his wife tried to take over the country? Women, you can't life with em, and you can't live with em!" he chuckled and began ambling towards the helicopter.


OOC: I can't believe you didn't have the tank drive right through the camp ;)_

OOC: If that was to me...why would we want to spoil your leaders speech'if'ing (weeee...pretending to be a southerner now)

IC:The Alconians at least admired what the Deyllians had done to carve out farmland. Most of the others were just annoyed that they had to walk in the dust of the lead vehicle. As the tank passed the patrol car the mini convoy stopped.

The Alconian Captain scrambled out of the Tank and knocked on the window. "Excuse me, but our GPS is out...could you indicate where we are on this map?" He presented a large topographic map of South Eastern Deylli Beybi from the Klatchian Geographic Institute.

The comment about Collins' wife earned a sideways glance from Alwood, although no comment, that kind of information wasn't supposed to be in the public arena. Someone in the Kriegsmarine must have blabbed, then of course it could always have come from Scandavian States.

"Mr. Collins is next on the agenda. It's more of a formality than anything, just get a few pictures taken, shake hands a couple of time. The tank factory can keep until tomorrow. They're basically open whenever, as long as I give them a couple of hours notice."

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The police officers looked quite surprised to be disturbed by military. The one closest wound down his window, "You're lost are you?" he asked, "Aye, well Epsom County has it's fair share of small winding roads to lose yourself in."

"You're here." he pointed out a section of road some miles South of the main Highway, and very South of where they ought to be, "You see, just a few kilometres North of Orleton."

Orleton seemed to be an inconsequential farming village, "Where abouts are you headed?"