NationStates Jolt Archive

Firos paced up and down in his hotel room, glancing occasionally at the window. "Any time now" He thought to himself. He sat down on his bed and held his head in his hands, trying to steady his nerves before his skills were put into use.

Firos Pelkor had served in the Intelligent Neighbors army in the past, and had been trained as a sniper to fight the rebels in Cikae. He had been very good at his job, and so was often left on his own in enemy territory to fend for himself. Always he came out unscathed, with multiple kills notched up. He used to feel proud, almost godlike when he had his trusty rifle in his hands. Once though, he had been a victim of his own vanity...

--
He had been camped halfway up an abandoned towerblock, watching the streets below for enemy activity. He had been in the field for almost a week, and had shot no less than 29 rebels. He moved on after every encounter, and no-one had found him yet, even though they hunted constantly. Firos was due back in base today, but he had stayed on, hoping for the elusive 30th kill.

Suddenly, he saw a vehicle swing into view, it was one of the 'technicals' favoured by the rebels for their hardyness. There was a man standing nochalently on the back, holding on to the machine gun. There were another two men inside the vehicle, Firos saw through his binoculars, and one was wearing a suit.

Firos was excited, perhaps the suited man was one of the leaders! If he could kill a leader... the money he would recieve would be unimaginable. First, better shoot the guy on the back of the truck.

Firos peered down the scope of his rifle, zooming in to the target, stuck amongst the traffic of the day. He lines up his shot on the man's head, and lightly squeezes the trigger. Brain, blood and skull fragments are blown from the back of the man's head, covering the car behind in crimson juice. The man lands heavily on the floor.

Already Firos has swung his sight over, and aims at the startled suited man. The trigger is pressed again, but this time only a small crack appears in the windscreen.

"huh?"

Firos tries again, and the same thing happens. Now the man is looking at him grinning.

"oh shit"

Firos drops his rifle and starts to turn away from the window. Too late, a shot slams into his shoulder, knocking him to the floor. He begins to crawl away, but to no avail. Within minutes, armed militia swarm around him, dragging him off to their hideout.
--

...Since that day, Firos had been brainwashed into fighting for Cikae. Now he was their primary sniper, and had killed many many Imperial soldiers. But this was different, this new job. His targets were civilians, innocent civilians doing their weekly shopping...

'Ring Ring' 'Ring Ring'. Firos picks up the phone and holds it to his ear.

"Begin now"

The phone goes dead. Firos stands up and walks to the window, picking up his rifle in the process. He flicks his long dark hair to one side, and looks out at the scene. Men, women and children are all there, happily enjoying the benefit of a regional market place in Independant Hitmen. Different nationalities and races mixed without fear. Smells rose up to him, colours swam in front of his vision, and the sounds of happiness filled the air.

Firos blinks, then looks down the scope. He moves to his target, a lone barrel in the middle of the market, which only he knows is a bomb that needs just one trigger...

'Bang'

An explosion rocks the air, and a white hot fireball enguls much of the market. Within seconds, there is no noise, and then the wailing and screaming begin. Women and children lay dead in the street, alongside their husbands.

Firos clenched his teeth and resumed firing, shot after shot he sent into the crowd, from the huge supply of ammunition next to him. He glances back to his door, which is booby-trapped to prevent anyone catching im alive. If the door opens, the hotel will have a new opening onto the street...

'Bang', Bang', 'Bang'.

Shots ring out into the air, and sirens start to wail in the distance. Souls drift up towards heaven...

OOC: Tag...mainly because TKotM is my old region, also because this is good

OOC: Everyone in TKotM needs to respond, as all of you lost citizens. (You too Witz! you are invited to RP!)

OOC: But I left the region.

OOC: Just RP God damn it. You've been formally invited by The Kingdom of the Midlands.

Four blocks away a SWAT team van was leading the host of emergency vehicles racing to the scene.

A local policeman had reported shots being fired before going off air.

Above them a plane roared over head from the international airport nearby.

In the front of the van the team leader and the driver could see a column of thick black smoke drifting into the air.

"Dammit" the leader said into his radio piece "We are going to need more units, and medics here. Squad cars seal the area off, this is officially a terrorist attack."

"No shit" came the reply across the radio from another SWAT van that had just turned into what until five minutes ago had been a pleasant market place full of tourists and locals alike. Now the dead and dying littered the floor whilst the wounded slowly dragged themselves into shops that now had no glass in their fronts.

As the SWAT team began moving out of their van they saw the body of the policeman to their left, a single shot in his chest.

"Everybody check corners" the leader said, as his men formed up a square around the officer. Their weapons were mainly M4 Carbines, with a variety of extras, but none really had the range to hit the man in the tower. That would have been if any of them had seen him.

One man fell from a round into the chest. Luckily his body armour saved him from any major damage, but he was pulled behind a stand as the radios started going berserk again.


In the van still heading to the site the leader was astounded to hear shooting coming over the other SWAT teams radios. Cries of "Man Down" could be heard, as well as a burst of fire from an over enthusistic member of the team.

"Two four", the voice of the pinned down SWAT team leader came over the radio to the van "We are pinned down by a sniper in the tower block on the North side of the square. Request urgent assistance."

"Ten-four, Alpha lead." he turned to the team in the back "Suit up guys."

The men pulled their body armour on and grabbed their weapons from the rack as the van screeched into the parking garage beneath the tower. The ten fully armed men jumped out and packed into the lift.

"What floor Alpha lead what floor?" he asked over the radio


In the market place the team leader popped his head around the corner of the stand.

A small flash came from a window on the twelfth floor, and wounded women stopped moving.

He keyed his radio

"Twelfth floor Two Four, third window from the left as I see it."


In the lift the men all heard the information on their tactical radios and weapons were cocked, the lift already moving.

A minute later they arrived there. They heard a gunshot come from down the corridor to their left, and ran along it.

Two residents came out of their flat, and were immeadiately pushed to the ground and plasti-cuffed by two of the team who then pulled them clear.

The other eight came to the door behind which they heard shot after shot coming from.

Two of them pulled pins out of flashbang grenades whilst another two covered them from the other side of the corridor, their weapons pointing at the door. A fifth man kicked the door, and at that moment an explosion ripped outwards into them.


Outside the team leader below looked up to see a massive surge of debris come flying out of the window from where he had seen the shots come from, and again began screaming "men down in the tower block" into his microphone.



Within fifteen minutes the entire area was sealed off by a combination of local police black and whites, and state troopers. Three SWAT men were dead, with eight injured. The civilian toll was only starting to become apparent as body parts began to be seen on the floor as crime scene investigators began arriving, for once wearing body armour.

OOC: Lol, Cornix.


"What?!"

"I'm sorry, sir, but it's true. At least fifty of our civilians alone dead..."

"Jesus fucking Christ."

The Führer paced in his office.

"Well, do we have any bases in the area?"

"One Marine outpost about twenty miles away."

"Alright. Get a good anti-terrorist commander on this, send him there, and contact our friends. This is going to require a cooperative effort, methinks."

"General Hayes, perhaps?"

"Yes, he's a good one. Send him."

"Understood."

General Alexander Hayes' Office...

The phone rang. Hayes put down his porn magazine and removed the cigar from his mouth. He cleared his throat and, with a slightly agitated tone, answered the phone.

"'H'lo?"

"General Hayes? Ramel here."

He subconsciously straightened up and changed his tone.

"Yes, sir?"

"We need you in IH. Terrorist attack there. We'll have you paired up with an Inquisitorial team and a small combat force. You'll be sent to the Anthrax Gamma outpost base there. Your task is to get to the bottom of the situation in the cooperation with our allies who also join us. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Pack up. A helicopter will arrive for you by 1600 today."

"Two hours? Plenty of time, sir."

"Good. Oh, General?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Make us proud."

"You know I will, sir."

*click*

Hayes got up and began to gather his necessary belongings.

OOC: lmao...how kind of you

A Centurion Initiative armored personell carrier stopped two blocks away from the massive civilian murder at the marketplace. Eight men piled out of the back, each carrying a G3A4. A man exited the passenger seat with a G3, modified into a sniper rifle with a folding bi-pod and a large 12x scope with IR/NV options.

Each man cocked the bolt of their rifles.

"We have orders to sweep the surrounding blocks." said the soldier with the sniper configured rifle as he loaded a 10 round box magazine into his gun.
"Aye. Charlie, go west. Foxtrot, go east. Keep in radio contact." said another soldier as he rounded up 3 other soldiers.

The men of the group began to split up into two individual groups. Five men (four G3A4s, one sniper) made up Foxtrot, while four men made up Charlie. They were to search the surrounding areas for other bombs or any other hostile.

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

General Trenor sat in his leather chair at his comfortable chair. He began to whistle. The phone rang twice before he answered it.

"Hello?" he spoke.
"Get your ass to Super American VX Man. We have a meeting...terrorists just blew up a fucking marketplace. We got hell down there." said the man on the other line. "I'm sending a chopper in an hour. Get your shit together."

The man hung up. General Trenor jumped out of his chair and alerted his secretary to cancel all meetings and to tell everyone he was home sick for the day, and to not give out his real destination or home phone number. He left a message for the Fuhrer in the case that he calls while he was in SAVX.

By now SWAT helicopters were in the area.

One of the pilots looked down at what he throught was an APC.

"What the fuck is that?" he asked his copilot.

"Thats an APC. What the hell is going on here."

In the back the crew chief motioned for the team to get ready for a fast rope, they all cocked their weapons and removed their safety belts.


Initial casualty figures began coming over the radio.

"Three hundred and thirty dead, unknown number wounded."

What had started as a beautiful day had just become a blood bath.

.::TAG::.

OOC: Nice to see people here. Let's get the party started.

The first thing Jack noticed when he opened his eyes was dust. He was surrounded by it, specks of illuminated sunlight that danced majestically in great packed numbers like schools of fish. For a moment his mind was consumed by the twisting commodity, it could almost have a terrestrial form, fighting back…

Fighting back?

Then came the pain. Pain always worked as a wake up call, especially on occasions like this. His head was the worst, it didn’t just ache in his flesh, but actually on the inside – further than anything pain-killers could reach. Trickles of blood splashed images of scarlet into his vision – he must be bleeding. He managed to roll over, but only to see rubble and bodies littering the area, and fire raging in to his left.

Shit.

He scrambled to his feet, and the world spun around him. The place reeked of death and smoke, and the air was full of groans and screams. Already men were swarming the area and Jack noticed the armbands of Independent Hitmen. Someone did this, it was no accident. He reached into his pocket and drew out his ID, remembering what he could do.

He flipped his cellphone to his ear and listened to the ringing. Someone picked up.
“This is Jack Herman, ambassador based in Independent Hitmen. Requesting Vertigo teams.”

Hayes watched outside the window of his helicopter at the last stop before Anthrax Gamma. His men were in Chinook transports following his helicopter. He was about to be joined by the Inquisitorial team. It was going to be awkward as hell. Though he had worked with Inquisitors many times before, he could never feel quite normal around them. They were so...so...he couldn't think of a word that described their personalities.

The small group, wearing their signature black cloaks and Inquisitorial seals, approached the chopper. There was one Mastermind, two Interrogaters, and six Nightmare soldires. Nightmares...as if the others weren't bad enough. The only carnage he had ever seen that was worse than a Nightmare team's came from the Wraith Death Squad. And the Death Troopers were all as fucked up in the mind as one could get.

The Mastermind spoke to Hayes as they climbed on board.

"Hello, General. I am Mastermind Drix. I am looking forward to working with you on this ordeal."

"Um...as am I."

"Your uneasiness betrays you. Don't worry, I'm used to it. We'll remain on our own unless needed, so you needn't worry. Just give us intelligence data and prisoners, and we'll give you your combat information."

Hayes felt slightly relieved. He grinned ever-so-slightly and nodded.

"Sounds like a plan, Mastermind."

"That it does. Planning is my job, after all..."

The helicopters lifted into the air and made their way towards Anthrax Gamma.

The Führer's Office...

Hans was taking a cat-nap in his chair as the mid afternoon made the sky grow orange. He woke up when an aide walked in.

"Yes?"

"Witzgallian officials are arriving to meet with you."

"Good. Looks like the coordination is already under way. How's the situation?"

"As bloody as ever. IH SWAT members took a fair beating, but it looks like the fighting has ended for now. The injured and dead are being attended to, and everyone else who was in the area is being checked for psychological trauma."

"It's a damn shame this sort of shit has to happen."

"It is, sir."

"Alright. Well, tell me when the Witzgallians arrive."

"Of course."

t3h 1337 t4gz0|2

New White House Press Office

The Press Secretary Jim Hopkins, took the stand and looked up at the assembled reporters, several cameras were sending this press conference out live.

"Ladies and Gentlemen the President of the United States"

All of them stood as several more secret service agents entered the room, followed by the striding figure of President James Anderson, a stern look on his face.

He climbed the podium and put a sheet of paper down infront of him, there had been no time to put the statement on the autocue.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, citizens of the United States and all countries around the world, approximately thirty minutes ago a large bomb went off in a crowded marketplace in Central Gillen."

He waited a second before continuing to allow the effects to sink in

"This could not have been an accident, we are now on that sadly long list of nations that has suffered from a terrorist attack. However we are not suffering alone, we have information that at least twelve nations have people dead or injured from the blast and the subsequent fire-fight. I would ask all of those effected to send some kind of small investigative team to liase with our own police to ensure that those criminals who did this are brought to justice. Thank you.

Jack felt his forehead with his free hand and traced the stitches that covered the deep gash. It was a small price to pay compared to the lives that were recklessly thrown away without remorse today. The fires were still raging as fire fighters battled to keep them down, and many injured were yet to be treated. The whole place was alive with people trying to save lives, it would be welcome thought it if it wasn’t for the aching splinter in the back of Jack’s mind.

Somehow he knew that this wasn’t it. This was the beginning of a war.

The red tents that packed the wounded suddenly fluttered slightly and a cold chill spread across the area. Jack looked into the sky, black clouds were amassing. He wasn’t surprised; there was always a storm when something like this happened, it was an unwritten rule. Small droplets of rain punctured the thick layer of dust that covered the rubble littered ground. He hoped the Vertigo teams would be here soon, dropping in these conditions was hell. Jack was snapped out of his concentration when he was approached by a squat man carrying a bag and wearing a white medic uniform.
“Are you okay, sir?” Jack brought the cigar in his other hand to his mouth and inhaled, then released in a cloud of smoke.
“Is anyone okay in this God forbidden hell hole?” He snapped and looked back into the sky.

The groan of chopper blades was becoming louder, and Jack squinted through the falling rain. Four black dots were descending from the sky. Good, he thought. The Vertigo teams would shed new light on this event.

At ground zero...

The Nightmares approached the scene of the attack. Carnage. Fire. Smoke. Screams. Yells. People trying to make order out of disorder. It would be easy for them to not be noticed.

They slithered through the place, taking a look at everything that could give cues about what happened, listening to others talking, and recording everything into their superb memories. They took small notice of the man with the stiches on his forehead, and made careful notice of the approaching helicopters. Obviously other nations were already getting their people involved.

They approached the hotel. It was blocked off by SWAT troopers, but they had no problem sneaking by in the confusion. They went upstairs to where the blast had occured. The hotel immediately opened out through a massive hole of wreckage into the outside. A familiar scene. It would definitely have to be noted.

They left and began to observe the new arrivees in the helicopters.

By now an FBI Deputy Director was in charge of the scene. He was having continous calls from the military complaining of foriegn jets, helicopters and soldiers arriving from here there and everywhere.

Already a flight of F-15's had been scrambled from the nearby AirForce Base and were patrolling the skies above in lazy figures of eight trying to get some order out of the chaos.

The mobile FBI command post was now broadcasting on all frequencies for foreign commanders to come to them, whilst the government was frantically talking to embassy's about limiting foreign troops coming into the country, and when they did so coming in when invited to do so, not just flying in where they pleased.

The government understood that they would be anxious to determine the reasons behind the attacks and the situation of their civilians caught up in it, but a unilateral approach was needed.

"Sir? We're getting a transmission from the IH government."

"What're they saying?"

"They want all foriegn military commanders to meet with them."

"Sounds like they want to dampen our control. Normally I wouldn't mind...but let's wait a bit. Let's at least wait for the Nightmares to get back with their intel report."

"Yes, sir. So should I send a response?"

"No. We'll wait until the appropriate time. If they start to get more pushy, we'll think about it. Until then, let's just stick back here. We're in the middle of nowhere...we won't be bothering anyone."

High Leader Bane, the leader of San Texario after the death of Tex VI, called a press conference to make a statement and to make public the plans for action. He stepped up to the podium in Great Hall of Government Tower, which housed the Senate, the Military Headqaurters, the High Court, and the Executive Centre.

"Today, a terrorist in Independent Hitmen set off a bomb in a crowded square. A firefight immediatly insued. Casualty reports tell us that we have 42 dead Texarians and seven injured. Terrorist attack like these will not be met without action. Which is why we are preparing the first infantry legion, the first Air Cavalry, 200 Y-23 Arrowhead fighters, and 150 X-16 bombers. The First Air Cavalry will be shipping off in full to Independent Hitmen in two hours. The Airforce units have already left. The First Infantry will be mobilised but will not yet be deployed. To represent ourselves, we are sending to lead the operation General Nick Wright, Brigadier General John Marcos, and Major General Kyle Thompson. That is all."

Video Message Sent Electronically to an Independant Hitmen newschannel.

The picture is slighlty grainy, there is camoflage netting in the background, obscuring any details. The light is artificial, and there is no noise except the whistling of the wind. A man steps into the foreground of the picture, he is young and handsome, and has dark olive coloured skin. He is wearing a scarf-like arangement that covers his mouth. His brown eyes gaze intently into the camera, as he cradles an assualt rifle (confirmed to be an FN F2000, of the type used in Intelligent Neighbors military forces) in his hands.

"Greetings to you all, members of The Kingdom of the Midlands. My name is Al-Lehmann, leader of the Cikae Freedom Fighters. I am here to speak to you about the recent events in the nation of Independant Hitmen, which you are no doubt all aware of.

As you have guessed, we, the CFF, are behind that attack. We have striven for many years against the oppression and evil of the government of Intelligent Neighbors, who claimed our land for their empire and massacred thousands in cold blood. All this happened, and no-one aided us in our plight. You stood by and let this happen, and now you will all pay with the blood of your loved ones.

This is not the end of this conflict, we shall fight in every city of every nation until we are given our freedom. Be prepared for death, as it will soon be meeting you. No-one is safe. Thousands of our fighters shall spill the blood of your citizens."

Al-Lehmann stands up and fires his gun to one side.

"FREEDOM! FREEDOM FOR CIKAE!"

End Video

Official Response from Intelligent Neighbors

"Today, we send our condolences to Independant Hitmen, and other members of The Kingdom of the Midlands, who suffered a terrible loss in innocent men, women and children. We too have lost a number of civilians, around 30. We have learnt that this heinous crime was commited by the CFF, a previously unheard of terrorist group operating from the region of Cikae. We would like to stress in response to comments by the CFF, that the 'massacres' of their civilians and the imperialism they mention are ficticious. The western isles joined the empire without bloodshed, and did so voluntarily. We would like to assure all nations that we are doing all in our power to hunt down the terrorists. We will not let them scare us into a terror-state. We will fight, and we will win."

Reg Choo, head diplomat.

Coded Message to allied commanders

"We are sending a team of Intelligent Neighbors Kommandos via Marsupial Helicopter to Independant Hitman, to aid in the hunt for clues and the securing of key areas. Amongst them will be Captain Marius, who is coming to meet with your commanders to discuss any action that needs to be taken.

Intelligence reports suggest that the CFF is planning further operations against nations in TKotM, and nations that were formerly there. Additionaly, there are reports of movement in and around the mountains near Cikae, we believ this is a terrorist stronghold.

We have zeroed in on a possible rebel hideout, deep in the mountains near Cikae, and currently we have sent a strike force to eliminate this threat. We hope that all allied nations involved send special forces units to aid in this matter.

Our thoughts go out to the families of the deceased."

Siross Mountain Range, Cikae Island.

The whirring of helicopter blades split the quiet morning air, a Marsupial gunship, with a Bolt Attack Helicopter and a Zephyr Attack Helicopter escorting it flew through the cool air in the mountains. Inside sat eight men, all bearing the lightning and stormcloud armpatch of the INK special forces. Each had a OICW rifle across his lap, two had underslung grenade launchers. Heavy weapons had been left behind, as they would have enough air support. The men looked grim, but determined. This was the first strike on the newest branch of terrorism, the CFF, who were responsible for the recent killing of innocents. It was revenge time.

A little in front of the approaching warriors was the target for the day. A cave halfway up a mountain in the middle of the range. Intel suggested that there were around 20 armed men hiding there, most probably terrorists.

As the rotary force approached, the attack 'copters sped ahead, aiming to hit the target first. When the cave came into view, the pilot of the Marsupial whistled in excitement.

"They're not ready, excellent."

The men in the back laughed anxiously, then resumed watching the helicopter escort in front of them near the target. As they watched, they saw a black dot run out of the cave, holding a long pole-like object over his shoulder. There was a flash of flame, and smoke streaked towards the bolt helicopter, which ducked away to avoid the missile.

"RPG, RPG!"

Before anyone could react, another person ran from the cave, he fired his weapon straight at the Zephyr. This time, even though the pilot swerved, the missile bore down on the helicopter.

"STINGER!"

The Zephyr was engulfed in flames spreading from the cockpit, and it dived down, slamming into the mountainside with a deafening explosion.

"Helicopter Down!"

The Bolt turned and fired into the cave, quickly emptying it's rocket pods. It then began firing with it's nose cannon, spraying the entrance with a hail of fire. The Marsupial set down breifly nearby, and the Kommandos jumped off before it lifted back into the sky, moving to aid the Bolt in strafing the cave exit.

The Kommandos ran at full speed toward the cave, rifles at the ready. When they neared, the helicopters stopped firing, and ascended to hover above, making sure no insurgents ambushed them. The men split into two teams, taking it in turns to cover the other's advance. Suddenly, a clatter of gunfire erupted from the cave, forcing them into cover.

'Thump', 'Thump'. Two grenades sailed through the air, landing within the cave. Fire and smoke issued from the mouth, and screams followed. Rapidly the men stormed towards the entrance, and upon reaching it took cover behind the rocks, weary of enemy fire. Gunfire resumed from the cave, pinging off the rocks.

"One, Two, Three!" The commander yelled, before standing up and firing rounds into the cave. The others stood up as one, and joined their commander in annihilating any enemy resistance.

When the smoke had cleared, after sustained firing, the Kommandos rushed into the cave, flashlights searching for survivors. They found that the cave was not too deep, but had several niches which they had to check before preceeding. Bodies of the dead lay on the floor, and all was silent except the crunching of the men's boots on the gravely floor. As they reached the last niche, a Kommando looked round into the recess, perhaps a little too overcautious.

A burst of fire caught the Kommando in the chest, throwing him to the floor, be brought his rifle up, saved from instant death by his armour, and tried to return fire. His movements were too slow however, and he took another round in the face, killing him instantly.

At the sound of fire, the rest of the team sprinted to the source, guns ready. A man stepped out of the recess in front of them, a long cloak billowing behind him. There was a rifle in his arms, and he raised it to fire. A round from a Kommando caught him in the arm, and he dropped the gun with a shout. Two Kommando's pounced on him, slamming him to the floor and pressing knives to his throat. He stopped resisting, and the men dragged him to his feet, roughly. They quickly stripped him to the skin, and bound his arms behind him with handcuffs. The connected a chain to this and half dragged half carried him out to the waiting Marsupial. They blindfolded him, and threw him, still naked into the back of the helicopter, leaving two armed guards.

The rest ran into the cave, and quickly seived through the items inside, pocketing all usefull items, including information on the bodies. They put as much as they could into bags, and dragged their dead comrade out. They placed him carefully in the helicopter, climbed aboard, and set off home.

"What about the Zephyr?" One man queried the pilot.

"The Bolt is going to see what the situation is, and destroy any evidence left in the crash."

The man was silent, he knew that the Helicopter would retrieve the bodies, and blow up the helicopter remains. It had to be so, the area was too dangerous to hang around.

In the Führer's Office...

"Mein Führer! The culprit is one Al-Lehmann of Cikae, according to the reports from IN. Hayes is looking for clues at the incident site, but hasn't found anything of particular interest yet. Certainly nothing more interesting than the video."

"And they pulled off a raid on a terrorist camp...some progess, I suppose. First and foremost, we need to find out if these bastards are within our borders."

"Reports from the Neogestapo and Inquisition say that the cities are clear. No suspicious activity has been observed."

"They're all probably in the Totsandüfer wastes...god, that's miles of territory."

"Shall I alert your commanders to begin searching?"

"Yes. Do that. Tell them they've got full control of five of our GPS Surveillance satellites. That's the most I can give them without letting our other enemies go too unobserved. Those in conjunction with our other surveillance methods should be adequate."

"Of course, sir."

Somewhere over the Totsandüfer Wasteland...

"Alpha Helix leader, this is Alpha Helix 2, over."

"Go ahead, 2."

"I've got possible positives on my scanner, over."

"What's the location, 2? Over."

"Position 316B, bearing 16 degrees. About 500 feet from my current location, over."

"Roger that, 2. Make a sweep and report when you're done, over."

"10-4, Alpha Helix leader, over."

The S-23C Bird's Eye surveillance plane flowed relatively silently through the air. The pilot began to roll his visual recorders as he passed over the suspicious area. He lowered for a better view, keeping an eye on the infrared camera. There was definite movement...and it looked like it was picking up now that...

The warning buzzer began to bleep loudly as soon as the computer detected the heat-lock.

"Shit! Alpha Helix leader, this is Alpha Helix 2! I've got a SAM on my ass!"

He hit the throttle and tore forward through the air, trying to reach max-speed in order to potentially out-fly the missile. The Bird's Eye wasn't known for its manueverability, but it was known for its speed, with a maximum at Mach 3.2, very good given its low-altitude function.

"Roger, 2! Transmit your data now!"

"Roger!"

As the pilot fearfully watched his missile radar, he hit the button sequence to have the computer transmit its recordings over a secure frequency to the other jets flying with him. Since its creation, this feature had proved invaluable to more than one mission gone wrong.

As he approached Mach 3, the SAM appeared to slow down. It was still catching up to him, though. He swung to the side and flew in a wide circle, hoping to evade the missile with speed. At the same time, he unleashed his first of three decoy clusters. The missile, obviously not on the same level of sophistocation as SAVX designs like the Buzzer and Slingshot, took the bait and blew up against one of the decoys.

The pilot quickly eased on the throttle and swung back towards home base. He let out a long breath of air.

"Alpha Helix leader, this is Alpha Helix 2. I've evaded the missile, and I'm heading back home, over."

"Roger, 2. We're going to finish our sweep, then we'll follow you, over."

President Fenris leaned back on his luxury, imported black leather chair and brought his pen to his mouth. Ahead of him was the entire document devised regarding the CFF. Fenris knew that information was power, especially in this war, and he was desperately scouring the document to find some hints to a hide-out or their next attack. He sighed and leaned over the varnished pine desk, pressing down on a small black button protrouding from device.
"Sandy, get me a secure line with Mr. Herman."
"Yes, sir." Fenris picked up the phone and leaned back. The line was dead until there was a short burst of clicking and then the sound of ringing.
"Hello, sir." A gruff voice croaked.
"Greetings Mr. Herman. How's the situation down there?"
"It's nasty sir, we've got wounded everywhere, and there was a short firefight a couple of hours ago."
"Do we have anything on the CFF?"
"You should be receiving video footage from the CFF shortly. They've admitted to the bombing. Apart from that we've got nothing, SAVX Nightmares and other regional units are currently scouring the area."
"Good, I was aware it was them. I've dispatched three squads of Vertigo and an Official to assist in the situation. They are under strict orders to scour the site."
"Thinking of replacing me, sir?"
"Not at all. The Official is an asset in these situations."
"An asset? No offence sir, but he'll be more of a liability."
"Well, we'll have to see, won't we? I'll be in contact with you shortly. Let me know when the Vertigo Teams arrive."
"They're in sight, sir. I'll speak to you soon."

The phone went dead. Fenris placed it back on it's holder and leaned back on his chair. There was something missing here. Although he didn't want to admit to himself, he couldn't help thinking that the CFF hadn't even touched their capabilities yet.

SAVX Totsandüfer wastes

Ahmed grinned as the helicopters made their way away from the area, his attack with the missile had worked, now back to planning his next attack. He ducked back down into his hiding place and greeted his warriors with a salute.

---
Cornixpes' Capital: Amerald City

Abdullah sat at the wheel of his old and battered Ford Mondeo, sweating profusley. He fingered the red button under the dashboard, and checked his wing mirror nervously. He could not see anyone following him. He swung into embassy road, a road named because of the many embassies of foreign nations that lined it's sides. Third on the left was his target, the embassy of Intelligent Neighbors. Al-Lehmann had instructed him on what to do, and had told him that through this path lay heaven, and eternal bliss. He glanced over to the embassy while he waited in the traffic queue. As usual there were two armed guards, standing near the outer gates, holding automatic rifles. No matter, they would have no time.

As Abdullah neared the compound, he suddenly swung the car out of the lane, accelerating toward the gate. The guards knelt and fired, missing in their fear. Abdullah slammed the car into the gate, and muttering to Allah pushed the button.

The explosion tore the gates of their hinges, demoloshing part of the wall as well. Cars were flipped accross the street, slamming into the buildings opposite. Civilians lay dead in the street, and a plume of smoke rose into the air.

"Quick! Go now!"

Muhammad sprinted out of a building opposite the embassy, followed by twenty loyal followers. They were armed with a variety of weapons, but mainly Ak's. They crossed the demolished street, and ran through the now opened gates.

As they neared the door of the building, shots rang out, and a rebel fell dead on the floor, blood streaming from his neck. The rebels turned to face the fire, and began letting of rounds in a random manner. A firefight ensued, with two guards attempting to halt the rebels. It only lasted until a RPG was fired, finishing off the brave guards.

The rebels stormed the building, quickly sealing all entrances and exits. Small bursts of fire sounded inside the building, as remaining guards were killed. Hostages began to be rounded up, being herded into rooms inside the embassy, away from windows. Rebel guards watched over them, after stripping them of any weapons. Terrorists took up positions covering entrances with heavy weapons, and some set up sniping positions in curtained windows.

Muhammad flipped open a mobile phone, and quickly sent an SMS message to a local news station. He then dropped the phone and fired two rounds into it. He grimmaced, and shouted at his men to bring the body of their colleague inside, and to place him in a room with the other dead bodies.

"Revenge is ours brothers."

---

Transcript of SMS message

"Greetings, TKotM, this is Muhammad, leader of the freedom fighters currently occupying the Intelligent Neighbors Embassy in Cornixpes. We have done this for one reason, to gain freedom for our brothers in Cikae. We have many hostages, and one will be shot every 10 minutes from 12pm tomorrow, unless we are given freedom. Farewell."

"Shit! No!" President Fenris was stumbling over his desk even before the transmission had ended. Scrambling to the window, he scanned the horizon of Amerald city and spied the stream of billowing black smoke. The TV across the room flickered with image after image of the wrecked wall, twisted gate and the bodies laying randomly, scattered like discarded ragdolls in the wreckage. He turned, sighing in disgust, a tear running down his cheek. The words echoed in his skull...

..."And one will be shot every 10 minutes from 12pm tomorrow..."

He grabbed the phone and drew it aggressively to his mouth.
"Transmit a distress call to all member nations of The Kingdom of the Midlands. This is a Code A hostage crisis and lives are at stake. Oh, and alert the remaining two Vertigo teams. Tell them I've got a job for them."

"What the damn hell just happened?" Queried Reg Choo, "What is the situation now?" "Do they need our aid?" "Send a INK Squadron, 64 men. Get them there ASAP."

Reg Choo puts his phone down. Damn, those CFF scum are proving to be a big problem. This will need the attention of all of TKotM.

OOC: BTW, for your reference, the 12pm deadline is RL tomorrow, 12pm GMT (London). You Americans may want to convert it to your time...

IC:
There is a darkened room, dim lights flicker in the distance. The only noise is the creak of an old house. There is a man standing in the middle of the room, just visible is an assualt rifle. There are soft steps, and suddenly there is a silhouete of a man, he whispers softly to the first man...

"Do not worry Al-Lehmann, you have done well."

"Thank you, my almighty master."

"Take Farhan Fahd with you to Karna, instruct him to do as you wish. He is capable of extraordinary things. I want him back alive, even at the expense of your own pitiful life."

"Yes, master."

"Begone from this place."

"Yes, master."

Al-Lehmann quickly left the building, heading out into the dark night. He paused next to his car, and let out a long breath.

"Scared?"

Al-Lehmann whipped around, facing the voice. A man stood there, about medium height, but of an excellent build. He was dressed in a smart suit, and a breifcase rested by his feet. His hand extended in greeting.

"Hello, I am Farhan Fahd, call me Farhan."

"Hello, it is good to meet you. I have to say, rumours of your abilites are spread wide."

"I know..."

The dust spread in ripples as the two choppers lowered to a hover, allowing 20 men to leap down. Each figure was black clad and heavily armed and equipped. They instantly formed into their lines and stood to attention as the choppers quickly ascended into the sky. All around them rescue crews were healing the wounded and recovering bodies, and shouts and moans were punctuated by the odd crash of falling rubble as many men tried to make the area safe. Familes of those taken hostage in the embassy ahead were crowding around the sectioned off area screaming and grasping at thin air. The media were already upon the situation, adding to the chaos that was unfolding.

Stepping out in front of the two Vertigo teams, Sergeant Hapsul glanced around him, taking in all of the possible threats.
"Listen up. I know many of you were only greenflies just two months ago, and have probably never faced a God damn hostage situation like this one, but to be honest we're the President's last hope. Your fellow teams are currently helping to neutralise the situation in Independant Hitmen, you will not be seeing them in this mission. Men, what we have on our hands here is sacrilage, not just that but also evil in it's highest form. Evil that is so strong it will stop at nothing to get what it desires. We are here for one purpose... and that's to stop them in any way possible. If that may mean some of us may lose our lives, then so be it. If that means we must commit acts of extreme violence and murder, then so be it. All I will say is this: If these motherfuckers are willing to face death, then I think it's time someone showed them exactly what it feels like! Can I get a Hooh-hah?"
"Hooh-hah!"
"Mmm hmm, that's right. Let's get tactical Vertigo! I want you all fully suited up by 1100 hours!"

Hapsul left the teams to equip themselves and slung his M16 around his shoulder. He had to do some dirty work in his career, and hell, he wouldn't swap it for the world.

The C141B touched down in a Cornixpesian military airbase around 7.30pm. Quickly the rear door installed opened, and armoured vehicles drove out. Leading them was one of the new Iron Tiger IFV's, the rest were light APC's and large trucks.

They were manned by the 4th INK Squadron, containing 64 men, and they drove rapidly towards the embassy in Amerald City, pausing for no-one, disobeying all traffic signals. Once they were ordered to stop by a policeman, but a gun was leveled at him and he stepped aside. Their mission was of the highest importance, many embassy staff of Intelligent Neighbors' nationality were in the building, and they were wanted back, alive.

As they approached the area, crowds slowed their progress to a halt. They managed to shout and barge their way through, the trucks unloading their men to help clear the crowds.

"There's no way we can plan any operations with all these god damn civilians around," shouted Captain Kand. "Tell the men to get them moving, now!"

The men began to form a line, and push back the crowds with the butts of their rifles.

"Get those Cornixpes forces to help move the crowd, I need to talk to the commander of their vertigo team."

Amerald City, Cornixpes

"Muhammad, armed men are gathering outside, and are pushing away the crowd. We are trapped in here!"

"Ha, they will regret this."

Muhammad reached into his pocket and withdrew another mobile phone. He quickly dialed a number, which he knew led straight to the local police department.

"Hello, this is Muhammad, warrior of Cikae. I am currently head of the forces occupying the embassy. We have over 50 hostages, and we have also a large device, that I am sure you would not want to go off unesscesarily. Order the standown of your troops, away from the area. Do this, or face the consequences."

'Beep'.

In the Fuhrer's office, Red City, Witzgall.

"General Poteri, how may I help you?" said the Fuhrer as he put out a cigar.
"The Cikae terrorists...they have an embassy secured with a bomb." replied the General after shutting the door.
"Where?" questioned the Fuhrer.
"Amerald City, Cornixpes."
"Shit."
"Indeed."

The Fuhrer stood and began to pace the room as the General caught his breath. Running the eight blocks between the Fuhrer's office and the Council's building was not an easy run, or even an easy jog for that matter. The General did, somehow, remain able to speak.

"They demand all troops are withdrawn from the area. We may not have any troops, but I recommend we tell our allies to do what they wish. Keep some spec ops in the dark, hidden from sight."
"Yes...yes...how many hostages?"
"Unknown. Roughly fifty, from what intel says. But we're not positive. We don't even have an estimation as to how many terrorists are there. I'd say twelve, maybe more."
"Damn. Make the message. Mark it urgent, send it to all allied nations holding position in Cornixpes."
"Yes sir."

OOC: Damn! How does it work out that the only day I'm really busy is the day when lots of stuff happens?

Smallpox Zeta military base in the Totsandüfer wastes...

The local commander was idling around with the reports he had recieved a while ago. Nothing new...usual situation...

The door opened as a man from the communications room walked in, holding a paper.

"Orders from General Nixon in New Wasteland, sir."

"Let me see those."

He initially scanned the page, with a few words catching his eye. "Terrorist;" "Hotspot;" "Refuel." He read it over more carefully. It was an official order to allow a squadron of Hotspot Strykers to refuel at his base. They were to arrive within...ten minutes!

"Shit!"

He quickly arranged for the craft to have a safe landing. They refueled and took off as soon as that was done, never saying a word to anyone at the base.

Approaching the terrorist camp...

"Engage after-burners. Full-throttle. Ready payload."

"Affirmative."

The squadron approached Mach 3.8 as they neared the reported location of the terrorist camp. It was about to get real warm down there.

A large Special Ops company arrived in Amerald City in Cornix Pes. Sergent West, the most experienced sergent of the Texarian Special Forces, lead the group of two hundred men. They gathered in a square a few blocks from the embassy. The groups cleared the area of civilians and Sgt. west spoke loudly among the men, "Ok, We have a major hostage situation. We have about 50 hostages in the IN embassy. We have 12 hours to rescue them and kill those terrorists. Can I get a Hoo-hah, (you totally stole that from me, Cornix) Sergent?"

"Hoo-hah, Sergent!" they all replied in unison.

"Good. Now, we want no casualties. You are the best of the best. The most elite. Recon groups, you will be codenamed Bravo, Snipers: Echo, Assault and Infiltration: Alpha, and Command will be codenamed Charlie. Give me a Hoo-hah, Sergent!"

"Hoo-hah, Sergent!"

"Bravo 1, I want you in that sky-scraper up there looking at our situation, Bravo 2, I want you to get the closest position to the embassy from this side. Bravo 3, get a rear position as close as possible. Remember, you have authority to move to where you want in a building. I want you all to be able to watch. what's happening, IR scan and everything. Bravo 4, I want you on constant ground sweeping and watch of them. Bravo 5, you are to take the highest position you can on them to watch. Bravo teams, move out!"

"Hoo-hah, Sergent!" the Recon groups all yelled in unison and they began making speed to their positions.

"Echo teams! I want rooftops for Echo 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Choose a rooftop for each squad. I want watches of the air and the ground, I want no non-military personel/civilians leaving the area. Keep concealed from them. Echo 6, 7, 8, and 9, I want medium grounds, we want you to be able to cover every way out of that building. Echo 10, 11, and 12 I want you on low ground. this means second to fifth floors only in buildings, or cover you can find. Move!"

"Hoo-Hah, Sergent!" they said and went off.

"Alpha, you are to await any orders from us, and are to stay in that," West points to a building, "building where the command base will be," he said, and they moved to the command building, setting up in the lobby, waiting for recon reports.

OOC: I believe the terrorists asked for troops to move away from the embassy SAVX, not IH.

IC:
Cornixpes
"Stand down, I repeat stand down!" Shouted Kand down his radio. "Damn terrorists", he thought, "If they see any TKotM forces in the area they will start killing the hostages."

Kand turns to his escort, and barks at him:

"I need to get hold of the allied commanders meeting in IH now! Get me Captain Marius."

"Yessir"

"And then get my men to move their vehicles back from this area, keep them out of sight but ready to roar in. We need full radio contact with the other alliance forces, we don't want any confusion. Get Sergeant Hapsul on the line, I need to ask about his government policy toward hostage takers."

Amerald City, Cornixpes

"We have warned you, now you will pay the price for your actions. Listen to them scream. Their lives were in your hands."

Muhammad switched off the phone, then pulled a Sig Sauer P228 from his jacket pocket. He walks over to the two hostages sitting on the floor in front of him, guarded by two rebels, each holding an AKS 74U.

Muhammad grabbed one by the hair, a women in middle age. She was crying and screaming, howling with fear. He points the pistol at her face, and pulls the trigger.

'Bang'

Brain an blood sprayed out the back of the woman's head, covering the floor. Muhammad lets go of the women and she falls to the floor. He looks over at the man, white with fear andwith clenched fists. The man looks into his eyes and mutters:

"You bastard."

Muhammad aims the pistol at him, and fires again. The man drops. Muhammad fires another two shots into the lifeless body. Then stops, and places his pistol back in his pocket.

"Take them away. Bring another in here. They have 10 minutes."

Ratha walked down to the hostage room, and opened the door. When they saw his blood spattered clothes, some of the hostages started crying.

"Shutup!" Shouted one of the guards. "Stop crying!".

Ratha ignored the noise and looked out at the hostages. He pointed at one, a young woman.

"You."

A man sitting beside her stood up at this, and with a quavering voice spoke angrily:

"Stop this inhumanity, this woman is one of your own, she is a citizen of Intelligent Neighbors. We have done nothing to harm you, spare us!"

"We are not citizens of Intelligent Neighbors," replied Ratha. "You are our enemy and you shall pay the price for your governments ignorance and greed."

"NO! I won't let you kill her!"

The man let out a wail and tried to lunge at Ratha. Ratha quickly brings his SMG up, and lets out a burst of fire toward the man, cutting him down in an instant. He then aims at the woman, and begins to fire at her and all around her, indiscriminately killing innocent men and women.

The noise stops, and Ratha lowers his weapon.

"Let that be a lesson, never try to defy us. And guards, clean up this mess."

He then grabs another two people from the crowd, and yanks them along back to where Muhammad waited.

The area was by now secure, and once the photographs had been taken bodies were starting to leave the site to be taken to the local mortuary before governments began to take them home.

Military transport aircraft had been authozired to land at Gillen Air Force Base for that exact purpose, and a renewed signal had been sent out for a combined effort in the hunt.

The airports and ports were now undergoing increased security, with elements of the national guard now reinforcing the regular port police.


Crime scene investigators had managed to find the remains of the rifle that was used, and were currently determining as much as they could from it at the FBI lads in Gillen whilst samples of the explosive residue were sent to J City for full evaluation. Copies of which would be sent to all foreign governments involved.

OOC: I believe the terrorists asked for troops to move away from the embassy SAVX, not IH.


OOC: Dammit. That's what I get for scanning. Alright then, nevermind that. I'll delete that part.

And I was leaving things open for the terrorists to possibly read the Hotspots on radar or see them or something so that they could try to retaliate before getting attacked. Keep it realistic, and I'll play along with whatever you dish out. The fun part of this is the challenge. :)

OOC: and now, for a fancy TAG
IC
King Joseph VII stood stiffly on his raised platform as the funeral procession for the thirteen Al-Imvadians killed in the initial attack in Independant Hitmen. He had known that there was always a possibility of having the lives of his citizens lost to international terrorism, but he had taken every precaution in his own country. Now the people were crying for action. He was in the process of making arrangements to send monetary support and supplies to the anti-terrorist groups currently engaged in taking down the perpetrators. Al-Imvadjah's own anti-terrorist squad was practically nonexistant. Even though she had extensive special forces, none were trained counter terrorism specialists. There had never been a need beforehand.

Nearly ten days after the attacks, most of the debris had been removed, and most of it taken to an aircraft hangar at the local airstrip.

The FBI labs had identified the explosives used as those commonly associated with Cikae rebel attacks, details of which had been sent from IN. FBI agents were now following hundreds of leads to suspected cells that could have helped this suicide shooter, as the man was now know, to accomplish his gruesome mission.

In another move, called for by public opinion, President Anderson had dispatched a Company of the 52nd AirBourne Division ,or "The Kickass Division " as they were known within the military, to assist in the hunting down of rebels inside Cikae itself. In a string of C-5 Galaxy transports the men and helicopters were heading to IN as FBI agents arrested scores of suspects in dawn raids throughout the country.

OOC: Alright, screw it, I'll go ahead.

The Hotspot Stryker squadron opened their payload doors. The bombing after this point was controlled by a highly advanced computer, as dropping dumb bombs accurately while moving at supersonic speeds was an almost inhuman task.

The planes zipped overhead while AA fire traced the skies, trying vainly to shoot down the planes. The napalm bombs, aptly nick-named Apoc.(alypse) bombs, collided with earth and enemy alike, sending up large plumes of fireballs as they detonated, shortly thereafter raining searing jelly down on everything. The explosions were a rapid steady staccato, carpeting the terrorist camp in indiscriminant flames.

The squadron looped back around, slowing down their jets as they scanned the surface for any missed targets. If there were any, they would have to be reported for a follow-up strike by precision bombers. There was nothing.

As the squadron flew off into the horizon, the former terrorist camp finally became a raging firestorm. It would last quite a while, as napalm does.

OOC: Sorry SAVX, I was busy. As Cornix is also busy, we are assuming that ALL the hostages died when the demands were not met and Spec Ops teams stormed the building. Also, most of the rebels died, except three of them, Ratha, Muhammad and Jorn (guard). The three are in Cornixpes custody. Remember that IN also has a terrorist captive, and they are interrogating him for information.

IC:
Farhan Fahd looked out of the window of his car, watching the rain beat down on the security doors of the Thermon Military Airport, Intelligent Neighbors. He carried on driving, taking his car right up to the door. A security guard stepped out from his hut, and bid the car to stop. He had a FN F2000 assualt rifle slung over his shoulder, and what looked like a pistol in his hip holster. Farhan stopped the car and wound down his window.

"Hello?"

"Good afternoon Sir, do you know that this is a military base?"

"Yes, I did."

"Do you have any identification?"

"No, I don't."

"Then I am afraid we cannot let you pass into the compound, please turn your vehicle around."

"Certainly officer."

Farhan moved his hand over to the gear stick, and switched it into reverse. He looked up at the security soldier and smiled. Then, as quick as lightning he pulled a MP5 SD from the side of his seat and lets a burst fly through the windscreen into the face of the soldier. Quickly, Farhan opened the glove compartment, and pulled out a grenade. He pulled the pin and threw the grenade out of the window and into the guard hut. As soon as it detonated, Farhan stepped out of the car and ran to the boot (or trunk, if you are American!). Before opening it he flipped open a mobile phone, and pressed send on the message he had waiting. He then opened the boot and took out a long object, wrapped in cloth.

He dashed off into the woods behind, and clambered up a tree, quickly perching on a branch and looking out across the compound. He unwrapped the object, which was now revealed as a long range rifle, and held the sight up to his eye. And waited for the roar of his companions trucks.

SAVX, Totsandüfer wastes

The terrorists never saw the strike coming, they believed that they were completely safe from any attack, believing their location to be secret. Their primitive radar systems failed to spot the enemy before it was too late, and many perished in the flames of the Apoc. bombs.

Men screamed as they were burnt alive, and buildings collapsed in charred heaps. The smell of burnt flesh infected the air.

Deep underground, the leaders of the SAVX CFF cell waited. The napalm had not reached them here, but even so they had suffered a deep blow. Now they had only a tiny fraction of what they had built up, and probably now that their location was known, it would only be a matter of time before they too perished.

WTF! Cikae posted that!

Damn duel accounts wreaking things. Please note that Cikae posted that.