NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: This is the continuation of the events in: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=393955 )

IC:

Chiisu Suun stared out of the window, brooding quietly. Marimaia One had successfully carried him and his closest loyalists out of harms way; he now had to decide what to do next.

His attempt at creating a superpower had collapsed on itself like a house of cards. The power, the respect, the position, the adulation, all of it was gone. His once proud regime, a dominant force in Southeast Asia, was no more. He cursed the people he had once claimed to love; they had driven him out like an unwanted rodent.

He turned to look at those who had stayed loyal. Tian Yao had stayed by Chiisu in every decision, devoted and loving in all things. Kangtian Wei, Hengren Yuan, Rongyi Bei, Dianyun Liu, Wanfa Kong; his oldest friends, with him since their days together in the Suunist Youth League. Kichisaburo 'Kichi' Yoshida, former Security Minister. Darin Thanarat, who had once been supreme authority of Theravadan Buddhism in Marimaia, now expelled by the very priesthood which installed him.

In addition, Chiisu's personal staff had not forgotten his kindness. His butler Michio, personal secretary Kihoshi Suzuku, his four Yakuza-provided bodyguards and the three members of what was once the Tiger's Claws had joined him in his escape. All of his loyalists had been ordered to bring their families with them in the exodus, so no-one who mattered was left to suffer revenge attacks. As for those outside Marimaia when it collapsed....Apsara Supachai had been notified of the regime fall and was on a plane already. Jamil bin Hasan had been collected by the Kamisori Gumi and was en route to the rendezvous.

The Sky Dragon Triad had located a safe haven, a country without extradition laws and one with an already-sizable Asian population. The Sky Dragons and the Kamisori were appreciative of Chiisu's protection in the old days, and they had promised to protect him now in return.

Lima, Peru

President Gen. Vasco Garcia Ramirez hauled himself out of the swimming pool as one of his many aides approached. Under his rule, Peru was doing fairly well; the economy was juttering along, the people were fed, and as the nineteenth dictator in twenty-three years, Ramirez was keen to stay in power for as long as possible. To this end, he had approached the wealthy Asian community while he was C-in-C of the Peruvian Army and offered to stabilise the country in return for their support. The arrangement had worked out well; the businessmen had a stable and content workforce while Ramirez lorded it as 'El Presidente For Life'.

"Presidente, you have visitors."

Ramirez waved his hand. "Who is it?"

"Nishio Kamisori and Kuaitian Zhang."

Ramirez grinned broadly. "I'll be there shortly. Make them feel at home."

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Ramirez changed into a pair of slacks and a loose shirt, then went to greet his guests. The two had been supporters of his regime since the beginning; he looked the other way while they shipped merchandise through, and in return his bank account got larger. As he entered the lounge, he extended his arms.

"Nishio! Kuaitian! Such a plesure as always!" He stopped when he saw the other two Asians present. "Who..."

Nishio bowed his head. "Vasco, may I present Chiisu Suun and Tian Yao, formerly of Marimaia. They're old friends of Kuaitian and myself."

Ramirez smiled at them. "Welcome hombres. Sorry to hear about your misfortune, Marimaia will be sorely missed."

Chiisu snorted. "If you say so. I prefer to look forward to the future, which is why we are here. My compatriots and I would like to permanently move to Peru, if you would be willing to accept us."

Ramirez chuckled and offered Chiisu a drink. "No need to ask, hombre. Any friend of theirs is a friend of mine. Do you have any plans for your time now?"

Chiisu sipped at his drink and nodded. "I was thinking of relaxing, having some time to forget about unpleasantness. By the way, here's a little thank you for letting me stay."

Chiisu tossed a small bundle of cash to Ramirez. "There's plenty more where that came from. All I ask is that my associates and I are permitted certain...preferential treatments."

Ramirez quickly checked the cash; 4,000PEN (OOC: approx. $1,000). He looked up at Suun. "How much more?"

"Well, shall we say monthly payments of forty thousand into your bank account? You see, I'd like to own some land, maybe a business or two."

Ramirez grinned broadly. "I think you and I are going to get on very well, Senor Suun."

Chiisu smiled disarmingly. "Oh please, call me Chiisu."

Tag

"Ah, this is the way to live. No more worries, no more public appearances, no more diplomacy."

"I'm glad to see you smiling again, Chiisu. I admit, I was worried about you for a while."

"As long as I'm with you Tian, I'm always happy."

Chiisu yawned loudly and closed his eyes. He was draped over a sun lounger next to his new swimming pool, Tian massaging his shoulders. With President Ramirez satisfied with his monthly payments, Chiisu had gone house-hunting and bought an extravagant mansion just outside Lima. The other NeoSuunist refugees had followed suit and bought homes in close proximity, creating a small NeoSuunist community. They had now started looking at turning the area into a closed community; Ramirez had given his blessing, so now they just had to work out architectural details.

Apsara Supachai had arrived from Beth Gellert, while Jamil bin Hasan and Sakda Theeravit had made it in from Malaysia. To Chiisu's surprise, he discovered that Sakano had fled to Brazil; he had expected the pop group to be perfectly safe in Thailand, but they knew that they'd forever be associated with his regime and didn't want to take any risks. They joined him in Peru as soon as possible.

Michio came out of the mansion and cleared his throat, bowing politely.

"Master Chiisu, President Ramirez is here to see you. He claims that it is important."

"Bring him through, Michio. I'm sure he wouldn't turn up for just any reason."

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Ramirez strode out to poolside and extended his arms. "Greetings my friend! How are you finding Peru?"

Chiisu waved back. "It's a beautiful country, Vasco. You should be proud. Now, I hear you have important business..."

"Ah, si. We thought that your little group were the only ones who'd come here, amigo. Imagine the surprise of the Callao port authority when one of those big submarines you used to have requested permission to dock. Don't worry Chiisu, we sent it to an old smugglers cave further down the coast. Anyway, to cut a long and complicated story short, we had a few asylum requests out of it; I've brought them here so you can say whether they should stay or not, since you'd know them better than we do."

Chiisu nodded. "Very well, show them in."

Chiisu's eyes widened with glee as the small disheveled group stepped out of the mansion. "Ninghan?! I thought you were stuck in Facility ZQ9!"

Ninghan Shi, former head of the Marimaian Science Directorate, stood in shock for a moment before running forward to embrace his former leader. "Your Excellency! I never thought I'd see you again! Who else made it?"

Chiisu and Ninghan compared notes before Ramirez cleared his throat. "Chiisu, do you know who these others are?"

Ninghan interjected quickly. "These are the few scientists that managed to get out with me. The remaining loyalist military officers managed to commandeer a Susanowa-class; we managed to hitch a ride with the last flight down to Yutu Yinchon. Then we hopped on a boat and met the sub in international waters; we set course for here in accordance with your orders. I just never expected so many of us to make it out!"

Chiisu frowned. "Military officers? Where are they?"

Ninghan smiled. "Still with the sub. They've refused to leave until they know it won't be stolen. No offense."

Ramirez chuckled. "None taken. So Chiisu, shall we pay a little visit to these guys of yours?"

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A small number of high-ranking officers saluted their former leader as he ordered them to leave the sub. Marshal Kunzai and General Zhongji had remained loyal to Suun despite the loss of their country; apart from a few colonels and as many NeoSuun Guardsmen as could get to the sub, they were the last refugees to make it out. The rest of the cabinet had been arrested and were awaiting trial; unfortunately for them, they had to be written off as losses. There was no way to rescue them.

The NeoSuunists were fitting in remarkably well, helped by the generous bribes being thrown around by Chiisu Suun. Marshal Kunzai and General Zhongji were hired as military consultants by Ramirez with the aim of renovating Peru's military establishment. Ninghan also found work with the Ramirez regime; he was hired as a consultant to the Peruvian Technological Institute.

Chiisu himself was discovering just how much potential influence his fortune gave him. Peruvians were earning much less than the average Marimaian once did, and this meant that his money went a lot further than he initially expected. Nishio and Kuaitian showed him exactly who to bribe and arranged meetings with them. Chiisu soon bought his way to the board of Banco Nacional, one of the largest banks in Peru; he also took over ownership of Casino De Oro, a popular casino in Lima.

Kangtian Wei soon found himself as Chiisu's accountant, while Kichi Yoshida became his 'Chief of Security'. Tian easily slipped into the familiar position of Chiisu's right-hand man and bodyguard, while Dianyun Liu was reinvented as Chiisu's PR consultant; although the others did not have official positions as yet, Chiisu made it clear that he would find them something to do.

The peruvian government is certainly very restrained. If a submarine landed in Hindustan, it would be seized rather quickly.

IC:

Hindustan has never been terribly involved in South America, but has historically supported Venezuela for numerous reasons. Therefore, in the event of regional unrest, any military aid will most likely flow to Caracas, or to the Argentenian government.

However, should the world situation radically change with the beginning of a global drug smuggling enterprise based out of south america, the HDF will be found largely unprepared.

Sino-Marimaian Border:

Chinese borderguards have been on high alert due to the possibility of a flood of illegal immigrants along with genuine refugees.

Dragon's Lair:

The generals grumbled over who they should be supporting.

"That old f*ggot's time in power's over. He's facing reality." Claimed one senior field commander, over video link.

"Keep your eyes on that border." Gen. Zhu growled at his subordinate before returning to his colleagues. "As militarists, let's help other militarists."

"No." Gen. Liu declared. "We may be militarists, but if we give them our formula, what's gonna happen? China built up because of militant nationalism, but that's a different story. Right now, we need to protect Chinese investments there, primarily that canal."

"The canal's funding has been suspended on your order I believe." Admiral Sun interrupted.

"That is true, but it doesn't mean that idea of building a canal there has been completely abandoned." Gen. Liu replied.

"We should consult this with Gen. Zhang of Taiwan Is." Gen. Zhu raised the idea.

"Of course we should." Admiral Sun agreed.

"Ahh, South America, sunny South America...What was that song? 'Underneath the mango tree, sitting are my honey and me'? Yes, fitting for the surroundings, isn't it Ilona?"
"Shut up Alexandrov. I'm sick of your constant innuendo laden chatter. Why are we in this goddamned hellhole anyway?"

Alexandrov, a fat Mafia kingpin with a jolly temperament who could have passed for a friendly uncle if not for his habit of gunning down women and children, laughed hysterically as he teased Ilona. Strange circumstances had led this bizarre duo to become the second in command of the Russian Mafia. Ilona hated Alexandrov with a passion, but even she admitted his talent for negotiation and organization was rare. She, on the other hand, was the military side of the operations. With black, frizzy hair, a battered trenchcoat, pale skin, and a constant attitude of irritation, she seemed ill fit for such things, but strangely enough, she was a combatant who'd only been defeated once in a long career that began with barfights and ended with full scale military operations. Oddly enough, the one battle she had lost had been against the then-future President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
Now this odd pair stood in front of the large, corporate structure, with the sign “Paradeus” plastered on the top. They calmly strode in, Alexandrov looking completely out of place
In his Hawaiian shirt, and stamped towards a scared looking secretary at the reception counter.

“Lady, I need to talk to the…Asian management. Yeah. You see, I know the boss around here. Tell him I’m an old friend of his from Russia, and I wish to discuss old times…”

With the news of unrest greatly exaggerated by friendly state media into "a clear and present danger to national security", there are small but growing calls for the distribution of aid to prevent disorder, notably in the newly-poor Thailand.

Zhang orders the mobilisation of the armed forces for "Asia's largest aid programme ever"

OOC: Marching in the front door was probably not the best idea. As I said previously, most Paradeus employees don't know anything about the company's shadier side. If you ask to see the CEO, he can put you in touch with the true management.

IC:

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The secretary blinked a few times as her sight adjusted for the loud shirt before her.

"Excuse me sir, but which 'Asian management' do you mean? There's Mr. Takahashi in charge of Public Relations, but he's on vacation. Um..did you mean our Asian branch perhaps? In that case, you'll need to fly to Tokyo. Sorry sir."

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Lima, Peru

"How would you like to resume an old practise of ours?"

Nishio and Kuaitian looked at Chiisu with interest. "Which one?"

"The one about smuggling drugs and making loads of money together. Our level of activity was always restricted by the fact that I had to keep it quiet from most of the Marimaian civil service and the entire population; here in Peru, we can just throw money at people to keep them quiet. I suspect that you two are already doing it from here anyway."

Kuaitian smirked. "Well yes, of course we are. Thing is, we've always had to spread our resources across every nation we operate in; you don't have that problem. You can concentrate your resources here in Peru. We hear that there are peasants in the south who have discovered the joys of growing poppies, except their harvest isn't ready yet. Perhaps they need a new landlord, just to make sure the harvest becomes available."

Chiisu chuckled. "Ah, you're devious. Not as devious as me though. Guess where I recently bought a few farms! I'm also about to seal a deal on some coca plantations...is there anything else I'll need?"

"Well, you could probably do with some laboratories; we have a couple dotted around this country, but they badly need upgrading and expansion."

"I see. Then why don't we formally become business partners? A union of the Kamisori Gumi, the Sky Dragon Triad and the NeoSuunist survivors?"

Kuaitian grinned at Chiisu. "So what would we call this union? The NeoDragon Gumi?"

Chiisu shook his head. "Don't be stupid. I was thinking of something in Spanish...how about El Loto Pacífico? It means 'The Pacific Lotus'."

Nishio nodded. "Very good, Chiisu. Kuaitian, since he's the youngest and is still full of enthusiasm and energy, I say that Chiisu can be the head of the Pacific Lotus. Excuse me, El jefe del loto pacífico."

After its foundation, El Loto Pacífico began establishing itself. The syndicate re-affirmed control of Paradeus Investments; Arildo da Silva was somewhat relieved to know that he hadn't been abandoned as a result of Marimaia's collapse. The Board of Directors was soon joined by a silent partner, 'Yoshiro Arasaka'; as the Board members were all former Marimaian operatives, they were made privy to Mr. Arasaka's true identity.

A few other multinationals would find 'Yoshiro Arasaka' popping up as the owner of a small number of their shares; the simple fact was that seeing Chiisu Suun as a shareholder would undoubtedly sound alarm bells, so the alias was being used in legitimate business dealings which would be scrutinized by authorities outside Peru. The cover information provided several residences for Mr. Arasaka; if shareholder meetings were held, an appointed representative would be sent due to Mr. Arasaka's reclusive nature.

Inside Peru, the syndicate began upgrading its existing laboratories while recruiting former Marimaian scientists to investigate ways of improving coca and poppy harvests. Hengren Yuan was given the task of coordinating Loto activities within Peru, while Rongyi Bei became the syndicate's head of negotiations; his first task was to open dialogue with native Peruvian groups concerning possible expansion of El Loto Pacífico. Meanwhile, Kamisori-trained diplomats visited groups in Colombia, Bolivia and Paraguay regarding potential relationships.

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX most cordially invites El Loto Pacifico to take up residence in Charlesbourg, French Guiana. Additionally, Chiisu Suun is officially under the protection of His Majesty, and is welcome to reside at Versailles anytime he wishes it.

His Majesties Government is aghast at the collapse of Marimaia and the Prosperity Sphere. Although at the present time France cannot take any official action in regards to assisting Chiisu Suun and his cohorts, His Majesty most humble requests the rights to buy Cambodia, formerly of French Indo- China, from His Excellency the Tiger King.

His Majesty is confident that once Cambodia is a French possession again, it would be no great leap to reinstate Chiisu.

His Majesty is also interested in Thailand and the Malay Pennesnsula. Would Chiisu be willing to cut a deal?

OOC: If Chiisu could sell them, he would. Unfortunately Marimaia broke up into separate states during the collapse of NeoSuunism; however, they'd be easy pickings for France if Louis was willing to risk war with the Chinas and Spyr (and BG and Hindustan and any other Asian nation which wanted to stop France regaining Indochina). Not only that, but the alliance with France ended up being a factor in the collapse (bad memories of French colonial past).

However, Chiisu is a pragmatist, so now that he doesn't have to answer to an entire country he'll ally with just about anyone who will advance his goals.

IC:

Chiisu is heartened by Louis's declaration of protection, but has no intention of leaving Peru anytime soon. However, a discreet representative of El Loto Pacífico does arrive in Charlesbourg to throw some money around as a thankyou and set up a front for the soon-to-be-expanded smuggling operations; Yuki's House of Antiquities provides a finding and acquisition service for rich folks who are hunting for a specific artifact or just something unusual.

Any French designs on southeast Asia are probably rather unrealistic, considering that, in order to reach Southeast Asia, French ships will be obliged to sail within range of the Bedgellen, Hindustani, East Islandian, Xiannese, and Lyongian navies.

The government tries its best to cope with the sudden breakup of Marimaia, and indicates its willingness to cooperate with any popularly-elected governments formed from the ashes of the old nation. Monetary and humanitarian aid is gathered for distribution in order to get the new states off the ground.

The former Marimaian territories

El Loto Pacífico was still unknown to most nations, especially the beleaguered Southeast Asian states which had emerged from Marimaia's collapse. This presented the syndicate with an opportunity to acquire items that Chiisu had been unable to bring with him to Peru. Thailand was their target of choice; the country was pretty much lawless outside the major cities, as the various groups responsible for NeoSuunism's fall were now fighting amongst themselves to decide the new Thai government. Nationalists, republicans, die-hard communists, socialists, regional powers and even a few who wanted to restore the old Thai monarchy were feuding while the military tried to keep the peace.

El Loto Pacífico found that a few cash handouts to military personnel bought them Marimaian hardware; nothing major, but a steady stream of weaponry soon found itself heading for South America.

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South America

El Loto Pacífico was making headway in its relations with domestic groups. Through a system of 'franchises', the syndicate became the dominant player in Peru's underworld; this was helped by the Ramirez regime clamping down on groups identified by Chiisu as 'regime-hostile'. Tentative links were also established with narco-barons in Bolivia and Paraguay.

Meanwhile, the Ramirez regime began playing its part. A new diplomatic initiative was announced, with the aim of establishing strong mutually-beneficial links with foreign powers.

The HDF prepares to deploy a peacekeeping force of up to 20,000 troops into the former Marimaian territories.

The destabalization of a large chunk of Asia can never be a good thing.

(OOC: I don't know if other players intend to do anything with SE Asia (as opposed to just leaving it alone to run along like any other NPC nations, which might be a bit difficult, I suppose) and I'm not sure if this would be the right place to deal with it anyway, since it's more... Peru based. Still, I can't say much because I doubt that BG knows about specific French ambitions on SE Asia (though our human intelligence there undoutably utterly outstrips any French programmes), and so over all, don't read too much into this post or allow it to distract too much from the course of the thread, I just thought that I'd best say something, somewhere.)

Igovian forces at Singapore since the Sinoese invasion -kept their with two battle fleets thanks to Xiannese hostility- finally found a way out. Sadly for the homesick amongst them, it was in a northerly rather than westerly direction as small parties with liaison officers were shipped to Vietnam in order to meet the government and reassure Beddgelens back home that the Vietnamese revolution would not be upset by the Marimaian collapse. Unofficially, smaller numbers would from there move into Laos to assess the situation in that little nation, make sure that the revolutionary minded many weren't mislead, manipulated, sidelined or abused by greedy individuals or special interest groups looking to make good for themselves after the fall of the prosperity sphere. In other words, humanitarian concerns were to be given a cursory glance and armouries or the like scouted for information on exactly who had control of them. If South East Asia were to collapse into anarchy or in-fighting, the Igovian military would prefer to see progressive elements arming themselves with their own weapons rather than having tyrants turn them against the people.

The Commonwealth didn't really feel that it had the resources to start worrying about South America, Venezuala aside.

OOC: hmm.. .wouldn't Kalla like to get involved in this?

Lima, Peru

"How are we doing?"

Chiisu's 'cabinet' relaxed in the sun as they gave him updates on business. Kangtian sipped his martini and smiled.

"We're making money, lots of it in fact. Chiisu, your account at Banco Nacional is growing quite nicely. Are there any new additions you'd like to make to your little empire?"

"Well, I was thinking about perhaps buying Flete aéreo Comercial. It's an airfreight company operating out of Iquito; it's running into financial problems, so i thought we might rescue it."

Kangtian nodded. "Okay, I'll add it to the list. Anything else?"

"Yes. I want a lawyer. Maybe a team of lawyers, I don't know. Nishio, what would you recommend?"

Nishio Kamisori shrugged. "Kuaitian, how about Alexis?"

Kuaitian agreed. "He's damn good. Chiisu, Alexis Crawford is a lawyer we've used for certain...transactions. He's Quinntonian, which means he's had the best education for this sort of thing. He can make a prosecutor look like they've committed blasphemy by even thinking of indicting his clients; for the right amount we could probably get him to move out here."

"Contact him and tell him there's a position available down here. Rongyi, how are negotiations going?"

Rongyi cleared his throat. "Most of the groups in Peru have agreed to the franchise system; those that haven't are currently being hunted by government forces. We've established a good working relationship with the Covas group in Bolivia and Celino Marquez in Paraguay; Marquez has promised to introduce us to his friends in the Tri-Border Region, so we may be able to set up operations there eventually. We've also heard back from Alejandro Guerrera, a Colombian baron we were talking to before Marimaia's collapse. I contacted him again concerning a possible business alliance, and he'd like to meet with you."

Chiisu tapped his chin. "Sure, why not? Arrange to meet him somewhere on the border, that way neither of us has any need for paranoia. Dianyun, how's my public image?"

Dianyun smirked. "Oh, the Peruvians love you! The hospital donations worked like a charm, and so did the way you stepped in to save that school from closure. I talked with Ramirez; if you carry on this way, he'll have an excuse to give you a medal for your service to the Peruvian people. Saving the jobs of Flete aéreo Comercial employees will only help matters."

The meeting continued with reports about syndicate ventures in Peru and plantation yields; by the end, it was clear that El Loto Pacífico was establishing itself as a player in the South American underworld.

...make sure that the revolutionary minded many were mislead, manipulated, sidelined or abused by greedy individuals or special interest groups...

OCC: Should that read "were not mislead..." instead of "were mislead?"

Port Royal, Roycelandia

Roycelandia's IIS had heard word of "The Pacific Lotus", and people were concerned. The actual drug thing wasn't an issue- it was all legal in Roycelandia, anyway- but the idea of the Triads getting too set up in the area was cause for concern. They'd been nothing but trouble in Roycelandia's Asian colonies (Back in the "Good Old Days").

Their attempts at breaking into Roycelandia proper had been thwarted, however, by the Organised Crime Bureau's rigorous investigation methods, morally and ethically strong task force members, and their habit of simply machine-gunning any Organised Crime Cartel members who got caught doing anything they didn't like. The public never heard of such methods, but even if they had, it's doubtful anyone would have objected...

(Heh. Nicely spotted, LRR. I'll just change that, while nobody's looking :) )

OOC: Roycelandia, I don't suppose the Lotus could arrange something with the Imperial government regarding drug distribution in the Carribbean? Something like Lotus distribution and selling of drugs in Roycelandia being government-regulated to stop it getting out of hand, and in return for allowing the Lotus to do business in Roycelandia the government receives a percentage of the profits. Just an idea.

IC:

Peru-Colombia Border

The airstrip was one of many unauthorised strips in the region; guerilla and terror groups seemed to set them up all over the place. Alejandro and Chiisu had both brought along a small army of bodyguards, so the place was pretty well secure for their meeting. They made their way to a strip-side cabin and sat down to talk. Alejandro lit a cigar before starting.

"So hombre, you come to South America from your Asian disaster, and you throw a lot of money around. So far so good. Then you move into my business; okay, I can live with competition, it keeps me on my toes. Thing is, now you're starting to take my friends away. That isn't good; not for me, and not for you. Now I understand that you want to make friends with me. It's a nice idea, but I don't know if I want to be friends with you. Why should I be friends with someone like you?"

Chiisu shrugged. "Maybe because you never had any problem with the Kamisori or the Sky Dragons? The Lotus is no different; sure, we're larger and we have more influence, but who says we can't play with others? What I'm offering you is an alliance; we both work together to become even more wealthy."

Alejandro smiled. "Yeah, your little representative told me that already. Why don't you tell me what you expect from this alliance."

"You have a lot of influence in Colombia, I have a lot of influence in Peru. However, you have other competitors in Colombia; the government, other narco-barons, even a couple of the insurgent groups. We can help you with those problems, and thereby increase your market share in Colombia. We can supply you with Peruvian coca for your labs, or we can give you refined heroin and cocaine for direct distribution. We'll even provide you with a bolthole in Peru should you ever get driven out of Colombia."

"So what do you get?"

"Access to your other 'friends' in the business and the money you pay us for our wholesale merchandise. What do you think about that?"

"Hmm.....tell you what, I'll take some time and get back to you. I already have one of your guys at my place, I'll retain him as an ambassador or something."

((OOC: Erm, crap. Looking back, waltzing in the front door was a little too cheesy, even for me. Alright, I'll get something tomorrow to cover up my stupid mistake...Ah, vodka, the ideal excuse!))

Lima, Peru

"Well, our first operation in the Tri-Border Region is looking promising. We've got the airstrip, the assistance of local groups, and some very nice merchandise. I think the customers would appreciate something a little more hi-tech though."

Chiisu listened to Hengren with interest; the syndicate was organising an arms bazaar in the Tri-Border Region for crime groups, terrorists, insurgents and the like. It was not only an opportunity to make money, it was also a chance to meet representatives of foreign groups who may prove to be useful contacts.

"Ask Nishio and Kuaitian for help with that side of things. They always used to get us useful items in the old days; they should have someone on their list who can help out. I..."

Chiisu stopped as Michio entered the room and bowed. "Master Chiisu, you have a visitor. A Mister Alexis Crawford."

"Send him in."

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Alexis Crawford strode into the study and peered at Chiisu over his stylish glasses. "Chiisu Suun, I presume?"

"Indeed. Please sit down Mr. Crawford, we have a lot to discuss."

Alexis sat down and asked for a scotch. "Please, call me Alexis. Now, I understand that you are looking for competent legal representation?"

"Yes, I don't know if you are familiar with my current circumstances, but I could use someone who is as good as you are purported to be."

Alexis smirked. "Nishio Kamisori explained it all. Well, you have nothing to fear from the Peruvian authorities because they have no extradition treaties with anyone; you'd be surprised how many ex-Nazis are supposed to have come here over the years. Anyway, should any foreign power attempt to extract you without permission, we have several legal avenues to go down; human rights abuse, unlawful abduction, that kind of thing. With my help, you could sue them for millions."

Chiisu grinned. "I like that idea. So, would you be interested in moving here to be the head of my 'legal department'? The pay's good, and so's the weather."

"I'd have to go through the immigration process, wouldn't I? How long does that usually take here?"

"About five minutes if you have the money. We'll take care of any immigration or things like that; all you have to worry about is loose ends at home."

OOC: The Imperial Government says "Thanks, but No Thanks". They run all the drug labs and pot farms, the distribution, etc anyway- it's a big money earner, and not one they're interested in "outsourcing", to use a trendy buzzword.

However, the Roycelandian Government IS prepared to turn a blind eye to Pacific Lotus' activities in Venezuela etc in return for a small "administration fee", which might also involve the use of the use of one of the ports on St. Kitts-Nevis for refuelling with Customs "forgetting" to inspect the cargo for taxable items...

Once word of unrest or strife in Venezuela reaches the ears of the Hindustani government, action might be taken to curtail the illicit drugs trade. However, given the fact that the HDF's special operations forces are just about non-existant, any kind of intervention would probably be in the form of ships stationed off the coast and copius amounts of weaponry.

The HDF is trained to fight a conventional war against an invader on Indian or Nepalese soil, and occasionally take a peacekeeping operation, but the concept of conducting a counter-insurgency operation against anything but a universally despised enemy is alien to the minds of HDF personnel.

But as of the present, the Hindustani government is barely aware of El Loto Pacifico, if at all, and is probably not terribly concerned with its activities.

The Suunist operation is hardly a new model, even if it is more efficient and prosperous. The exiled Royal Family, based out of China and Quinntonian Dra-Pol, has been running a similar scheme, though on a much smaller scale. Flush with money and with a large network of Royalist exiles at their disposal (over 150,000), various small concerns and front companies have been running poppy cultivation and smuggling operations out of Afghanistan and Bangladesh to finance their continued existance. Unlike the Sunnists, however, they are putting their money to less profitable means, using their revenues to fund anti-communist militants conduting terrorist operations inside Kanendru, such as the Khali Brigades.

With the fall of the old monarchy, the Kanendrun communists have been quick to viciously condemn the departed regime and offer immediate recognition to the newly independant states carved out of the old dynasty's decaying husk. In this, the two deposed monarchies have a common enemy, and their operations do not significantly step on each other's toes. In addition, the Royal Family has a considerable amount of trained soldiers and arms at its disposal from the disbanded armed forces and police.

King Nyanendra's network, uncreatively referred to by those in the know simply as The Network, has begun to approach the Lotus about possible non-aggression agreements and cooperation towards their mutual political ends, including destabilizing Kanendru and the breakaway republics. Those former soldiers and officers not directly involved in The Network have also attempted contact with the Suunists, hoping for positions as hitmen and enforcers to help them expand their operations into South Asia.

The CPK is not entirely unaware of the goings-on in Peru, either. The Chairman has recently begun writing up secret orders for the Foreign Ministry and the PLA to begin making contact with the old Peruvian Senderistas, a Maoist faction thought to still exist in some form in the country's hinterlands and jungles - if there's anyone alive to make contact with.

OOC: I never really liked the Kanendrun communists. Every time Marimaia tried to help them, the NeoSuunists were called 'revisionists' and told where to go. As far as the Senderistas are concerned, they were subject to a harsh clampdown by the Ramirez regime; the Lotus finished off the rest. There may be a few stragglers here and there, but the Lotus has finished off any Peruvian groups that won't cooperate.

Also, what's all this talk about Venezuela? I've never even mentioned it!

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IC:

Lima, Peru

"So, what do you think we should do? An agreement with them could be useful."

Chiisu snorted. "Perhaps. It would be a good way to get back at those ungrateful swine in Kathmandu. Invite Nyanendra to Lima, I'd rather discuss things like this in person. Anything else?"

Rongyi nodded. "We've had quite a few Kanendrun exiles trying to find employment opportunities in our area; any thoughts?"

"Check them out; if any of them are acceptable, give them a job. Just make sure that there aren't any agents amongst them."

"Of course."

(Phew! I was about to panic and send ekranoplan-loads of GSIC troops into the Americas.)

OOC: Yeah, they were kinda bitchy towards their marimaian allies.. but c'mon, do you expect people who supported the Cultural Revolution, the whole point of which was to boot out people acting like lords or kings, to support an expantionist monarchy? =P I'm sure the CPK would've loved to have been better friends with the NeoSuunists, but sometimes similar-looking ideologies can be as imcompatible as mountain climbing and acrophobia.

OOC: The Imperial Government says "Thanks, but No Thanks". They run all the drug labs and pot farms, the distribution, etc anyway- it's a big money earner, and not one they're interested in "outsourcing", to use a trendy buzzword.

However, the Roycelandian Government IS prepared to turn a blind eye to Pacific Lotus' activities in Venezuela etc in return for a small "administration fee", which might also involve the use of the use of one of the ports on St. Kitts-Nevis for refuelling with Customs "forgetting" to inspect the cargo for taxable items...

OOC: I think an 'administration fee' could find its way into whichever account Roycelandia wanted it paid to......

BTW, would the Imperial Government be interested in making some quick under-the-table cash? The Lotus has an arms bazaar coming up soon, and it'll be attended by groups who are in the market for any military goods available. Any old weapons you'd like to get rid of?

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IC:

Chiisu inspected the latest package with glee; his collection of rare antiquities had been brought to Peru when he fled Asia, and a side business of the Lotus involved 'acquiring' similar items.

"Oh, this is nice. Tian, take a look!"

Tian walked over and frowned. "What is that?"

"It's...where's the card? Ah, here; it's a statue of Viracocha, the Inca supreme god. Who would have thought it? Darin was a religious authority in the old days, but it turns out his real talent's in dodgy archeology."

The customs officials at the port of St. Christopher won't be asking any questions about the cargo of ELP's ships, as long as the "Administration Fee" finds it's way into His Majesty's numbered account at the Bank of Coral Palm Island...

As for weapons... we have warehouses FULL of arms.

Mainly SMLEs, Webley and Nagant revolvers, Lewis Guns, Bren Guns, and the like, but we have large stocks of most things... what were you after?

The customs officials at the port of St. Christopher won't be asking any questions about the cargo of ELP's ships, as long as the "Administration Fee" finds it's way into His Majesty's numbered account at the Bank of Coral Palm Island...

As for weapons... we have warehouses FULL of arms.

Mainly SMLEs, Webley and Nagant revolvers, Lewis Guns, Bren Guns, and the like, but we have large stocks of most things... what were you after?

OOC: Automatic rifles, Uzis, that kind of thing. Maybe some vehicles if you can spare them; old tanks, artillery, and so on. Enough to attract the sort of clientele I'm after, but nothing that would give them too much of an edge over anyone.

We don't have Uzis... Thompson M1928A1 .45 SMGs and PPSh-41 SMGs, yes, but not Uzis.

As for Automatic Rifles... a few FN-SLRs, some AK-47s, M-16s, that sort of thing.

Can't really help you with tanks, but we can supply Land Rovers with Vickers MMGs on them...

We don't have Uzis... Thompson M1928A1 .45 SMGs and PPSh-41 SMGs, yes, but not Uzis.

As for Automatic Rifles... a few FN-SLRs, some AK-47s, M-16s, that sort of thing.

Can't really help you with tanks, but we can supply Land Rovers with Vickers MMGs on them...

Cool. Would you be interested in a one-off deal, or would the Empire like to become a major wholesaler for the Lotus's arms deals?

IC:

Lima, Peru

"Vote Vasco Garcia Ramirez! Vasco Garcia Ramirez for Presidente!"

Chiisu smirked as the limousine drove towards the presidential palace; Ramirez had decided to hold an election to legitimise his rule, so loudspeakers had been set up around Peru's major cities to broadcast election messages. Trucks had also started driving to rural villages to fulfil the same function.

The guards at the gate waved the limo through before continuing their discussion about the latest television soap; Chiisu and Tian were welcomed by one of Ramirez's aides, who ushered them into Ramirez's office. Ramirez grinned and gave Chiisu a hearty slap on the back.

"Chiisu! Welcome! I called you here to discuss a matter of importance. Drink?"

Chiisu politely refused, so Ramirez continued talking. "Amigo, I'm taking a page from your book. This election will be the first appearance of Partido Nacional De la Fuerza, my new political party."

Chiisu nodded. "The National Strength Party, sounds impressive. What does that have to do with me?"

"I need funds to get it off the ground. If you can provide some start-up finances, I'll owe you yet another favour."

Cool. Would you be interested in a one-off deal, or would the Empire like to become a major wholesaler for the Lotus's arms deals?

Well, since there's been a lot of speculation lately as to who Imperial Armaments actually sells to, I think becoming ELP's major arms supplier is the way forward in this case.

Of course, the sales will be brokered through the Government of the country in question (so it doesn't look like we're selling straigh to a drug cartel)...

Well, since there's been a lot of speculation lately as to who Imperial Armaments actually sells to, I think becoming ELP's major arms supplier is the way forward in this case.

Of course, the sales will be brokered through the Government of the country in question (so it doesn't look like we're selling straigh to a drug cartel)...

OOC: Sounds fine to me. You'll be dealing with the regime of 'El Presidente' General Vasco Garcia Ramirez, probably the most corrupt dictator in South America. He's very amiable to people who give him nice shiny things, like money or guns.

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IC:

The newscaster was incredibly energetic as he announced the election results.

"All votes are in, and President Ramirez has won! Congratulations to the President on a successful election! We all knew he'd win, didn't we?"

Chiisu smirked as he turned the television off and turned to Tian. "Nice to be backing a winner. Ramirez has some legitimacy now, we've expanded operations into Bolivia and Paraguay, we may be about to acquire allies in Colombia, and the Roycelandians are proving more amiable than we'd initially hoped. However, with success comes opposition. Not all of the Colombian cartels are going to like our move into their territory; I doubt that the Argentinian and Brazilian governments will appreciate it when we try moving into their jurisdiction."

Tian nodded. "Maybe a recruitment drive? There must be hundreds of assassins, hitmen and problem solvers available for hire across the world; we just need to get in contact with them, that's all."

OOC: Yes, some of the new characters introduced in the next few posts will be remarkably familiar to viewers of a certain 20-film series, with a few minor changes to reflect AMW....my excuse is that other AMW members have done similar things.

IC:

"So recruitment's going well so far?"

Rongyi nodded. "You should see some of the guys we've managed to get. Real hardcore cases, the lot of them. Their previous employers all died under mysterious and bizarre circumstances, but we've ascertained that it wasn't due to their employees."

Chiisu raised his eyebrows. "Really? Well, while you're at it, find me a new staff member. Michio's getting on a bit; he can handle running the household but I really need someone to be my chauffer and accompany me on trips abroad."

Rongyi grinned. "Actually, we've already recruited someone who would fit that description. He's also an assassin, so you'll have an extra layer of protection. I invited him here to meet you, he's waiting in the garden."

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Chiisu and Tian were escorted outside by Rongyi to meet a stout Korean dressed in a smart suit and a bowler hat; the Korean smiled and bowed at Chiisu, who looked at Rongyi with bemusement.

"Doesn't he speak?"

"He doesn't have to. Chiisu, Tian; meet Oddjob. Oddjob, show your new boss what you do."

Oddjob nodded and took off his hat. Rongyi turned to Chiisu.

"Pick a statue, any statue. One you hate."

Chiisu sighed and pointed. Oddjob took aim and threw his bowler, the rim neatly severing the staue's head from its shoulders. Chiisu's eyes widened in delight as he applauded.

"Rongyi, you've done well. Oddjob!"

Oddjob retrieved his hat and walked back to Chiisu, bowing his head.

"Oddjob, how do you feel about working in sunny South America?"

Oddjob smiled and nodded.

OOC: There are more than 20 James Bond films, you know... :-P

Do we get to see Francisco Scaramanga at any point? He's one of the best Bond Villains, IMO, second only to Ernst Stavro Blofeld...

IC:

The Roycelandian Government has presented El Presidente Ramirez with very nice, shiny Land Rover 4WD, with a request for information as to how he'd like his firearms delivered... by sea, or by airdrop?

Hah! He's no match for Ran-Dom Task!

"This is it?"

The five members of the Communist Republic of Kanendru's equivalent of an external spy agency, the Red Front, stood in the center of an ugly, squat thatch hut in the middle of a nearly deserted village in the rainforest near the Colombian border. Joining them were a few dozen stern, hard-eyed peasants carrying primitive bolt action rifles or pistols, with an AK-47 smattered about here or there.

This, apparently, was all that remained of the famed and fearsome Sendero Luminoso, who only a decade ago had haunted the nightmares of Lima's elite.

Bhatur Bista shook his head sadly, adjusting his thin, wire framed glasses. He was a recent graduate of the Kathmandu People's University, not at all coincidentally a Spanish major who studied some of the Peruvian native dialects as well on his own time. "That's it, Comrade Kayru. I've been told that military combing operations have mopped up almost all the other active cadre; anyone who was once in the PCP* that isn't in this room is either in prison, dead, dropped out, or took up the government on the arms-for-amnesty program. There might be a handful more underground."

Like the other members of his five man team, he had entered the country from Hindustan on a carefully forged passport, posing as a Hindustani tourist and dressed as such; safari shorts, t-shirt, hiking boots, camera, and goofy-ass fishing had that he still had trouble keeping out of his eyes. The team had managed to meet a surviving Sendero contact in the area, who rounded up as many stragglers from the near defeunct organization as he could. It was a difficult and dangerous operation, but ten years of avoiding the police and army allowed him to get the requisite individuals together without major incident or attracting a terribly large amount of attention.

Comrade Commander Kayru closed her eyes, rubbing her temples with her calloused forefingers. The whole situation was giving her a headache. She, a veteran of the revolutionary conflict and a former Central Committee member before deciding to devote her time to the People's Militia, had been told by the Red Front that something fishy was going on in the Peruvian jungles. For one, rumors had flown that Marimaian royal exiles were hiding somewhere in the country's hinterlands near the Colombian border; the global drug trade had begun to pick up in tandem with the activities of the pro-royalist Khali Brigades in Kanendru; and chatter was increasing between the exiled Royal Family and various locales in South America. How were these things connected? "Fucked if we know", was basically what she'd been told. She was the military leader and bushwacker, that was her job.

"So... this is what we have to work with? I suppose we've done more with less, but not by much. You said some of these people live in or around the area where the suspicious activity is going on. What do they know about it?"

"Well," continued the interpreter, "armed Kanendruns, probably mercenaries of some sort, have been seen guarding guarding coca shipments, often in tandem with local hirees. Also, a plane flew into the area a few days ago, carrying individuals who appear to match the description of His recently deposed Majesty Nyanendra and a Kanendrun Lt. General.. his name escapes me at the-"

He was cut off as Kayru's eyes went wide and she grabbed him by the shoulder tabs of his dust0grey fatigue jacket. "A general? Did he have a scar on his right cheek?"

"Well, yes, I get getting to that-"

"Dammit!" That alone told her all she needed to know about the individual. It could be none other General Ghubarai, whom the CPN(M) came to know as the 'Jungle Serpent'. He in particular was possibly the most ruthless of the Royalist generals who had not been captured and executed. More importantly, he was one of the few of the King's men who was actually skilled in counterinsurgency operations.

"Do you remember what I told you about on the plane, Bista? It's him. It has to be." Her knuckles went white as she clutched the edge of her bushwhacking machete in a rage none of her four comrades had ever seen since.. well, since "Four years ago. That subhuman bastard had my daughter raped and killed and my mother sent to be tortured and executed in a Kathmandu prison when they found out I was involved with the party. FUCK intelligence gathering. This shit is personal now."

Bista looked nervous and unsure, but the other three men merely nodded their aquiescence. When the Central Committee heard about this, it was unlikely they would stand in the way of whatever she was planning.

After a brief meeting to discuss what tactics the Senderistas should adopt, the Red Front commandoes advised that the three squads worth of men hide or bury their weapons for the moment, disperse, and keep in contact with their leaders by messenger. Several would work at the suspect areas, engaging in light intelligence gathering while easily blending in with the local population; the rest would traverse the countryside and see what else they could find.

------------------------------------
Several days ago:

King Nyandra, for once in his life, was dressed relatively modestly. Wearing khakis and a polo t-shirt, his resplendant royal garb lay somewhere draped in a closet in his summer house in Xiaguo. Somehow, despite his deposal from real political power, his lifestyle had changed little. He had managed to escape with his fortune, along with thousands of loyal men still under his beck and call.

The small aircraft aboard which he was seated began to recieve clearance to land from the unauthorized, highly illegal airstrip in the Colombian (or was it Peruvian?) jungle run by drug smugglers or paramilitaries or... well, who cared? Nyanendra had stopped asking about all the particulars long ago. All he knew was wherever he was landing, it was from here that he would be able to travel to the headquarters of this Lotus organization he had heard so much about.

"What do you say that call this thing again, Chitra? Margarinos?"

His loyal 'economic advisor' looked up from the stack of papers and spreadsheets, doing his best to hide any hint of annoyance. "Margarita, your Highness, and yes, they are indeed tasty. Don't partake too deeply, though. This Chiisu character is especially intelligent and very crafty-"

Nyanendra jerked back his seat into a more comfortable, reclining position and let out a mild guffaw. "Of course he is. So what? Craftiness is what I have you around for," he replied as he sucked more of the sweet alcoholic beverage out of a green twisty straw.

"Still..." Oh, why do I even bother? he thought as he cut himself off. Being a a teacher and advisor to royalty isn't all its cut out to be, not with this buffoon. He's lost his throne to uppity peasants, and he still doesn't get it.. Aristotle wouldn't have put up with this shit.

"In any case, Lt. General Ghubarai has already arrived, and is making arrangements to obtain work for his men as bodyguards, trainers, and shipment security. The Marimaians and their Peruvian allies seemed to be open to the idea, and we'll get the full report once we get on the ground. Speaking of which.." the seatbelt light went on as the aircraft began to touch down on the dirt runway.

(OOC: If I'm wrong about something or assumed anything that's untrue, let me know so I can edit.)

OOC: Royce, are you thinking of Casino Royale and Never Say Never Again (eww, I feel so dirty for speaking that last one; it was a direct remake of Thunderball)? Anyhoo, yes, Scaramanga will turn up...as will Jaws, Tee Hee, Stamper and maybe Xenia Zaragevna Onatopp.

While we're on this subject, there are a few extinct volcanoes in Peru; would anyone really object to a secret volcano lair (think You Only Live Twice minus the whole space rocket launching facility)? The Marimaian military used to have large underground complexes, so it would be in character for Chiisu & friends. Then at some point we could have a siege RP when some nation decides to go after them; perhaps the Kanendru-backed Sendero Luminoso.

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IC:

"Well, Mr. Scaramanga, it would be an honour to have you in our organisation. Your reputation precedes you, my friend; yes, I realise that you don't normally like being seen, but would you consider coming here for a face-to-face meeting? Excellent! Very well, I'll see you in a few days. Goodbye."

Chiisu put the phone down and grinned. "That's another one. Who else do we have?"

Rongyi checked his list. "Well, Jaws was in Brazil, so we managed to find him quite early on; he's finishing off his R&R, then he's coming here. We also found this guy in New Orleans....he's outside if you want to see him."

Chiisu nodded, so Rongyi brought him in. The large African-American towered over Rongyi, and smirked at Chiisu.

"Mr. Suun, it's a pleasure to meet you. I understand you're looking for someone to help you with problems."

Chiisu raised an eyebrow as the man started chuckling. "Yes, that's correct, Mr...?"

"They call me Tee Hee. It would be a great opportunity for me if I could work for you, Mr. Suun. What do you say?"

Chiisu went to answer, but was briefly caught off-guard when Tee Hee raised his right arm to reveal a prosthetic metal claw. "Tee Hee, I think we can find a position for you here. If you would like to go down the hall, Michio will show you around and then we'll sort out some accomodation for you."

Chiisu and Rongyi looked at each other as Tee Hee's laughing echoed down the hallway. "Where do you find these guys, Rongyi?"

Rongyi laughed. "I know, I know. They're the best though. Anyway, the Kanendrun royals are on their way here, so perhaps we should get ready for them."

(OOC: Kanendru, Ghubarai will have been taken up on the offer, and if you want we can say that Nyanendra's party are being escorted to Chiisu's mansion.)

OOC: Yeah, I'm thinking of Casino Royale and "Never Say Never Again", which, despite bein crap, are still James Bond films- albeit not "Official" ones from the Broccolli clan et al...

The hollowed out Volcano thing would be cool, but you have to be careful that this doesn't turn... silly.

Incidentally, Blofeld Constructions inc, a large Roycelandian Company, has expressed interest in helping with the construction...

OOC: Yeah, I'm thinking of Casino Royale and "Never Say Never Again", which, despite bein crap, are still James Bond films- albeit not "Official" ones from the Broccolli clan et al...

The hollowed out Volcano thing would be cool, but you have to be careful that this doesn't turn... silly.

Incidentally, Blofeld Constructions inc, a large Roycelandian Company, has expressed interest in helping with the construction...

OOC: There is a danger of gadgets showing up and The British Federation sending a secret agent in, but I think we're all capable enough to stop it from becoming a full-blown Bond movie. The hollowed-out volcano thing would be the Lotus's central processing and distribution centre for 'merchandise'; I mean, who'd expect a drug cartel to be refining heroin and cocaine inside an extinct volcano?

You've got a drug baron who used to be head of state of a nation which loved using deception and trickery, so expect some ideas which might seem weird but actually make some sense. Anyhoo, don't worry about the henchmen either; although a couple of them were comic relief, they won't be here. No white cats either, I can assure you of that.

Peru

Rongyi quickly found himself temporarily hired by the Ramirez regime as a foreign policy consultant once it became official that Peru's Foreign Minister, Alvarado Vasquez, would be travelling to Xiaguo as part of a 'meet & greet' exercise. Rongyi briefed Vasquez on the various Asian nations, going over past conflicts and imparting a few pearls of wisdom that Rongyi had discovered during his time as Marimaia's Minister of Foreign Relations.

Meanwhile, El Loto Pacífico was continuing to expand its interests in the country. A new country club was established just outside Lima; the Paradision Club was officially a quiet secluded site for the elite to relax, with horse-riding, golf, tennis and any number of other 'high-class' pursuits. Unofficially, it was a second reception site for the Lotus to entertain business partners away from Chiisu's Lima mansion. Chiisu himself continued to spend money on the finer things in life; a colonial-style mansion in Trujillo was added to his collection of residences, as was an extensive estate just outside Huancayo. The estate, Estado Del Sol Del Oro (Gold Sun Estate), was soon turned into the Lotus's main headquarters, complete with ultra-modern security systems.

Finally, the Lotus bought out a major Peruvian construction company. The reason for this wasn't made clear, but the company quickly received an enormous contract from the Lotus regarding construction required in the surroundings of Mount Chachani, near Arequipa....

"So Vasquez knows what to do?"

"Of course Chiisu, just relax. He's one of my friends from way back; if he can't get an agreement, no-one will."

Chiisu sipped at his water before looking back at Ramirez. "The question is whether the Quinntonians will go for it or not. They're remarkably stand-offish."

Ramirez nodded. "True, but if they don't go for it then we'll approach the Igovians. We're an oil-producing nation, Chiisu; we've got agricultural produce, we've got raw materials, we've got finished products. All we need is a backer."

Chiisu shook his head. "I'm still not convinced you need one. Lotus business is booming, and we invest primarily in Peru, so Peru's economy is growing nicely. I can't go to a single party these days without some industrialist or aristocrat or whoever talking about how their portfolio has grown. Peru will soon have the fastest-growing economy in South America; foreigners will be falling over each other to invest here. I was talking to the people at Banco Nacional; at the rate things are going, we'll be able to buy neighbouring countries!"

Ramirez frowned. "Seriously?"

"Seriously! Look; I know you want a high-tech military. Don't look for a single backer, go shopping. Pick and choose. Create the most powerful military in the region. Buy the conventional stuff publicly, and the Lotus can work on the unconventional stuff for you."

After a lot of discussion, Chiisu persuaded Ramirez to approach France regarding arms deals. Chiisu's reasons for this were totally selfish; firstly, he felt uncomfortable with the idea of Quinntonians coming anywhere near Peru unless they were sufficiently bribed. Secondly, his pride was still smarting over the fact that none of his former allies and friends in Asia had made any attempt to contact him. Thirdly, Louis had stuck by him despite the loss of his nation. Although the Lotus was beginning to purchase arms from Roycelandia, Chiisu believed that it was better for Ramirez to purchase hardware from a different source.

To this end, Defence Minister Esteban Gao (one of the Asian-Peruvians now gaining influence in the cabinet) put out tenders to French defence contractors for fighter aircraft, tanks, early warning systems and anti-air defence systems. Chiisu had pledged to make up any shortfall between the acquisition budget and the quoted prices, so Gao asked for the very best available. Gao also asked permission to travel to France to personally inspect offered hardware; Chiisu & Tian would travel with him if permission were granted, so that they could catch up with Louis and Marie-Therese.

Versailles was delighted at Chiisus propisition, suggesting a full treaty between Peru and His Majesty.

France was willing to sell Peru the very finest the Royal Armory produced. However, it was also very keen to begin purchses of Peru's crude oil, something that France was desperate to procure.

With that said, Louis XX cordially invited the trio to Versailles for a week of conversation and diversion. And to get the arms and oil, respectively, flowing.

Versailles was delighted at Chiisus propisition, suggesting a full treaty between Peru and His Majesty.

France was willing to sell Peru the very finest the Royal Armory produced. However, it was also very keen to begin purchses of Peru's crude oil, something that France was desperate to procure.

With that said, Louis XX cordially invited the trio to Versailles for a week of conversation and diversion. And to get the arms and oil, respectively, flowing.

Lima International Airport

Chiisu frowned as Ramirez hugged him. "Okay Vasco, we'll be back soon enough. If you need any Lotus help while I'm away, contact Apsara."

"Si, si. Ah, Chiisu, you are my friend! My eternal friend! You set up meetings with world leaders, all to help me! How will I ever repay you?"

Chiisu smiled. "Vasco, this is my repayment for all the help you've already given us. Where's Gaspar?"

"Already aboard with Esteban. Remind King Louis what good Catholics we are over here, we love God and all that."

Tian stuck his head out of the plane. "Are we leaving? We don't want to be late, after all."

Ramirez slapped Chiisu on the back as the Lotus boss boarded the Boeing Business Jet recently bought by 'Yoshiro Arasaka'. Chiisu and Tian formed the Lotus delegation; the official Peruvian delegation consisted of Defence Minister Esteban Gao and Finance Minister Gaspar Santiago. President Ramirez had told Gao and Santiago to take Chiisu's advice on everything while in France; after all, Chiisu knew Louis better than anyone else in Peru.

Estado Del Sol Del Oro

Once Marimaia's Defence Minister, Wanfa Kong was now commander of Los Guerreros Sucios (the Dirty Warriors) or LGS, the Lotus's paramilitaries. Chiisu had developed an interesting reputation in Peru; to his friends and most Peruvians he was El Tigre Brillante (The Shining Tiger), a generous philanthropist and considerate employer. He paid good wages, treated his workers well, and contributed heavily to charitable causes. To his enemies, Chiisu was El Emperador Asqueroso (The Revolting Emperor), drug baron and the power behind Ramirez's throne. Los Guerreros Sucios operated against groups that wanted to overthrow the Ramirez-Suun power base, and LGS used horrific methods to get their point across to other paramilitary forces in the country.

Wanfa listened as Alexis Crawford explained his newest triumph. "After discussions with the Justice Minister, it turns out that we can get immunity from prosecution as long as we stick to groups that might overthrow President Ramirez. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. Groups hostile to us are usually hostile to Ramirez, so our interests coincide."

As Chiisu's plane landed in Paris International Airport, he was met with an honor guard that befat the crown he once wore. The Royal Army 2nd Korean Regiment was drawn up into a checkerboard formation, and to fifes and drums Chiisu would be led to the awaiting convoy of Limo's.

Before long the convoy would arrive at Versailles. After the long walk down the Hall of Mirrors, they would be presented to His Most Christian Majesty, reclining on a golden throne and wearing his finest powdered wig.

"Ah, it is an old aquaintance!" beamed Louis, smiling and motioning for Chiisu and El Presidente to come forward.

After the presentations, His Majesty delighted Chiisu with a light snack of milk and strawberries, taken in the Garden of the Petit Trianon.

"Now, mon ami, what brings you so far after such prior adventures?" He lit a cigarette, and sat in a shaded chair, Queen Marie Therese giggling and lighting a cigarette.

The Roycelandian Government, meanwhile, has begun supplying Ramirez with arms and "military advisors", which has caused some concern in geo-political circles and led to speculation that Roycelandia is about to become the premier supplier of arms and military equipment in Latin America...

OOC: El Presidente is still back in Peru; his Defence Minister and Finance Minister came along to France with Chiisu and Tian.

IC:

"Well, Louis, I have a tale of daring escapades and heartbreak to tell you. In some ways losing Marimaia was a crushing blow; in other ways, the best thing that ever happened to me. I'm living as I want to, I don't have to watch what I say in case foreign powers take exception. I can spend as much money as I want, when I want to; I must admit, capitalism is actually rather fun when you're rich. When I escaped to Peru, I envisioned a quiet retirement with Tian, but you know me; I can't keep myself out of action.

Anyway, I would like to thank you for allowing my organisation to use French Guiana, it's made things much easier. If we can help you with anything, please ask. I would also like to thank you on behalf of President Ramirez for agreeing to sell military hardware to him; the Roycelandians are the only other nation that will sell weapons to Peru, so your help is greatly appreciated."

The Peruvian Finance Minister, Gaspar Santiago, walked forward and bowed his head.

"Your Most Christian Majesty, Presidente Ramirez would like to offer you a trade agreement on oil, coffee, and any other exports that you are interested in."

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Meanwhile, Presidente Ramirez was loving every minute of having Roycelandians around. He sent a message to the Imperial Government, expressing his profound thanks for their assistance; a sealed attached letter for His Majesty from Chiisu Suun expressed thanks for 'other services rendered'.

That day, at the Aix la Chapelle, The Kingdom of France and the Republic of Peru signed a full commercial treaty.

The French would sell the Peruvians arms and ammunition (the full gammit) and the Peruvians would sell the French both oil and coffee (somethings all real Gauls need in excess).

Chiisu, as a gesture of friendship from Louis, was granted the Chateau Beaumont Sur Mer, a charming baroque affair on the Riviera. What only Chiisu would know is that work there had already begun on a burth for the Pacific Lotus...in case Chiisu in the future had to make more subtle visits to the Kingdom of France.

That day, at the Aix la Chapelle, The Kingdom of France and the Republic of Peru signed a full commercial treaty.

The French would sell the Peruvians arms and ammunition (the full gammit) and the Peruvians would sell the French both oil and coffee (somethings all real Gauls need in excess).

Chiisu, as a gesture of friendship from Louis, was granted the Chateau Beaumont Sur Mer, a charming baroque affair on the Riviera. What only Chiisu would know is that work there had already begun on a burth for the Pacific Lotus...in case Chiisu in the future had to make more subtle visits to the Kingdom of France.

(OOC: Yay, a place on the Riviera! When all other allies abandoned poor Chiisu, Louis stood by him...would Louis like a place in Peru? I'm sure Chiisu could arrange it.)

((Damn straight. How about a massive cave hideout in the mountains? In case things go south in France, e.g. a second revolution, Louis should have a nice place *safe* to disspear to. Plenty of work for clothes, champagne, and priceless artwork.))

((Damn straight. How about a massive cave hideout in the mountains? In case things go south in France, e.g. a second revolution, Louis should have a nice place *safe* to disspear to. Plenty of work for clothes, champagne, and priceless artwork.))

OOC: Well, the Lotus have already established their main processing/distribution centre in an extinct volcano, and the Marimaians had a thing for underground facilities....let's just say that Chiisu will see what he can do.

Although, rather than a massive cave hideout, why not have a massive colonial-style estate? Louis wouldn't get extradited anywhere because Peru has no extradition treaties whatsoever with anyone; no need to live in some cave like a common terrorist when you can live like the king that you are. The Lotus could handle security and whatnot, unless Louis brought some mercenaries over with him.

((Hey yah man, whatever works. If you build, he will come, no pun))

A bottle of vodka, dyed a blood red, would mysteriously find it's way to the office of the Peruvian President. Inside, a water proof tape player would turn on with any contact with human skin, revealing this message:

"Senior Presidente, we know who the real power in this land is. And we wish to talk to this real power. A table has been reserved at the Rowdy Russian, which as you may know, is an extremely seedy Russian bar. However, utter the phrase "Damned Italians who ate my momma's corvette!", and the real power shall be greeted with a pleasant surprise. Come tomorrow, at eight AM. Bring any security that is deemed necessary, but beware: any traps will not be taken lightly."

(OOC: Oooooh...since business in France has been concluded, I'm sure Elkazor won't mind if Chiisu returns home.)

IC:

Kichi Yoshida listened to the tape once again, trying to get any subtle hints. Ever since President Ramirez had handed the tape over, the Lotus had examining it for clues.

"Well, I'd say pretty conclusively that it's the Russians."

Chiisu raised his eyebrows. "Now what could possibly give you that idea? Anyway, I'm going to that meeting, but I'm taking some back-up."

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

The next morning, Chiisu arrived slightly early at the Rowdy Russian. Accompanied by Tian, Kichi, the Tiger's Claws, his Yakuza guards and Oddjob, he felt safe that nothing would happen to him. Just to make sure, he and his party had been fitted with Kevlar.

President Ramirez had joined in with the operation as well. Peruvian special forces were stationed nearby, with orders to assist Chiisu if things turned ugly.

Chiisu and his party entered the bar, looking around for the reserved table.

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Royce I put down his Daily Briefing sheet and frowned.

"You know, Wiggles, I get the distinct impression we're getting left out of this. Peru is our own back yard, so to speak... why aren't we really involved in this?"

Wiggles sipped his coffee and adjusted his tie. "Well, I, Uh, you see..."

"Yes?"

"OK, I've got no idea."

"Fix it."

"But..."

"FIX IT!!!"

Wiggles decided now would be a good idea to find out what assistance Ramirez wanted...

President Ramirez called a meeting with the Roycelandian 'military advisors' to give them a shopping list (OOC: my way of bringing you back in, Royce).

"Gentlemen, Peru is doing business with France, but no nation does business with one supplier. I want both you and the French to be our friends, as all three of us have identical aims in South America. Strong stable governance, a crackdown on revolutionary guerillas, and economic growth. My less public friends are doing exceptionally well, but I should do my bit too.

Anyway, since we're buying French aircraft and land vehicles, we'd like you Roycelandians to help with our navy. It's pretty old at present; I want a new hi-tech navy which will be the envy of South America. I'd also like to see your best personnel weaponry; grenade launchers, RPGs, infantry-launched smart missiles, that kind of thing. We'll be removing the last vestiges of hostile guerillas from Peru with those weapons, as our country will then be a safe prosperous place to invest in."

(OOC: If any revolutionary nations are counting on Chiisu to stop the eradication of these guerillas....well, he still feels betrayed by the SSRC and others for not even attempting to help him after Marimaia collapsed, so he's become a lot less concerned with ideology and more concerned with establishing a secure power base. Besides, with the amount of money the Lotus has been throwing to the farmers and other rural workers, support for leftist groups is at an all-time low.)

The bar was a dank, seedy place, filled to brim with scum and villainy. But as soon as Chiisu uttered the code words, a man lead him into a bare room, clad with only a bookcase. He tapped the bookcase three times, and it opened to reveal a dark passageway. As Chiisu and his gorillas clambered through the chamber, they would find their destination.

And what a destination it was.

A gigantic, underground Mardi Gras, Russian style, seemed to be occur, with lavish red carpets and sweeping golden chandeliers decorating the gigantic room. Pools, hot tubs, scantily clad waitresses, and more adorned the secret meeting chamber of the Russian Mafia.

A woman who oddly stood out from the crowd, in her plain black trench coat, gestured for Chiisu to come to her table. Martinis, shaken not stirred, were served, she brushed aside her black, flowing hair, and began to speak in an frigid, level tone that was a cocktail of confidence and ice.

"Ah, Mr. Chiisu, welcome. This is a little place we bought out a while ago from a drunken Roycelandian merchant, and the Mafia has kept it as a resort ever since. Now, onto business. I am Ilona Srebrenitska, representing the Russian Mafia, and the Red Leader himself. We've tolerated your stirrings in South America for a while now, simply because Peru has never been a major source of our drug supply. But now that we hear whispers and mumblings of expansion, especially with your little "Pacific Lotus" trying to get operations in Columbia. Now, you have two choices before you..."

Ilona's hands reached for something under the table, and gracefully pulled out a suitcase, which she planted firmly in front of Chiisu.

"It is simple. The Red Leader believes there is enough room in South America for the both of us, so we will allow you to expand under two stipulations. One, you do not interfere with our current drug operations, including production and sales, and two, you allow us to offer you...protection. Now, protection doesn't come cheap, and you'll probably have to shell out between ten to thirty percent of your profits. Of course, you can refuse our protection, which will lead you to option number two."

She pulled out a gun, which was sure to unnerve the guards, but quickly placed it onto the table.

"You can take the gun and shoot yourself. For you see, if you refuse the first offer, the quickest, and least painless route will be that one. Otherwise, you shall never know a moment's peace, and you will look behind your back at every corner, suspect everyone, and never rest. For if you do, if forjust one moment you stop looking behind your shoulder..."

She simply let the threat hang there in the air, with its deadly weight cutting through the room.

"Now, I think you can clearly see that option number one is a far better choice. So you have your decision; now choose."

"Well, my dear, you apparently have more balls than your 'Red Leader', for he should have come here in person to threaten me."

Chiisu smirked as he picked up the gun and looked it over. "Now, I have a message for you to take back to him. I appreciate his concern in this matter, but for him to send some flunky to my place to carry out extortion tells me that he is an insecure little man. We have no intention of taking over Colombian production, we are merely acquiring more raw stock. There's still more than enough there for you lot to buy up. Not only that, but I thought that you lot were now operating in Southeast Asia as well; surely that amount of opium should be enough for you.

However, since you have been blunt with me, I shall be blunt with you. Threaten me once again, and you will find yourself travelling back to Moscow in the diplomatic bag. Your Russian Mafia dares to consider itself better than me? My organisation contains the best that Asia and South America have to offer. What you forget is that I used to rule an entire country; I am used to looking over my shoulder, I am used to high levels of security. Perhaps you should keep in mind that your organisation is only here because the French finance you; my organisation has existed in one form or another for hundreds of years. You are the new players; I will admit that you're impressive, but the Yakuza, the Triads and the narcobarons have survived tougher threats than you.

Now, either you can go back to your 'Red Leader' and tell him that I will discuss an alliance between our groups, or you can leave here and hope that I cool off before I get home, or you won't make it out of this country alive. As far as this place is concerned, you can either keep it or find that it's been seized by the Peruvian government as part of their crackdown on Eastern European gangs. What you seem to forget is that while the French were building you up, my government was privy to a great deal of information about your operations; perhaps President Putin would like to receive such information? Now, when it comes to the French, perhaps you should keep in mind that I am a personal friend of King Louis; assassinate me or one of my close associates, and you'll have the French after you as well as the Peruvians and the Lotus. Oh, and you can probably add the Kanendrun exiles to that list as well; something about Asians sticking together in a crisis."

Chiisu handed the gun to Oddjob, who pocketed it. Chiisu turned back to Ilona and grinned.

"Now, make your decision my dear. Go back home and give the Red Leader my proposal of alliance, or he'll lose everything he has in Peru, including you. Oh, and in case you have some gun-toting flunkies in here ready to shoot us in the back as soon as we turn round, Peruvian special forces are nearby and will destroy this building if they get suspicious."

His Most Christian Majesty Louis XX, always eager to resolve quarrels among his friends, sent clandestine messages through the networks that Red Leaders presence was very much desired in Versailles.

Chiisu, having just left Versailles, was sent off with gift baskets a plenty. The French, who had colonial interests in South America in respect to French Guiana, wanted nothing more for all 'friends' to be on the same page.

After all, the world was big, rich, and dumb enough for all to participate in fleecing it.

"The reason the Red Leader isn't here is simple: almost every country on the face of the earth wants him dead. He is the mastermind behind this organization, and few know of his identity; we would like to keep it that way. As for Southeast Asia, you know very well that opium is a very limited product. It sells greatly in Asia, but the Western world by far prefers cocaine.
And you underestimate us greatly, Chiisu. The Yakuza may have been around for a while, but that isn't going to help them when the new kid on the block shows up. Now---"

Suddenly, Ilona was cut off by a sharp, bellowing laughter echoing from behind them. They all turned around, only to see a fat, drunken, Russian man with a joyous twinkle in his eye, march forth, flanked by a bevy of giggling women.

"What is this? Ilona! Are you scaring off our friends again?"

"Hello, Alexandrov...", said Ilona, through gnashing teeth.

"I must apologise, Ilona is far too morbid at times; it comes from her being an assasin for such a long time. And of course, there was the whole business of the government brainwashing...Can you believe she once almost got both Chinas to nuke Volograd? But no matter. My name is Alexandrov. I too, represent the Russian Mafia. And you must be Chiisu, my friend?"

He heartily slapped Chiisu on the back. He sat down, as Ilona quickly summarized the events beforehand, and his eyes widened in shock.

"ILONA! That was meant as a final option. We do not treat our friends in such a way. As a token of my apology, accept a few gifts."

He gestured at the scantily clad women flanking him.

"Take one! Take one! Don't be shy! Any one you wish to choose! Just return them once you're done, of course. Now, onto business. As you are a friend of our good ally, Louis XX, I shall trust you when you say that you shall not cut us out of the cocaine trade. That was our greatest fear, which Ilona took a little--"

"You fat bastard. You don't negotiate with criminals by acting like a nice guy!"

"But these are no criminals, and neither are we. I prefere the term 'legitimate businessman'."

Alexandrov laughed heartily, spilling some vodka, as Ilona simply rolled her eyes and took her attention away from the pleasantries, instead taking up her favorite time waster, brawling. She simply entered into a revelrous crowd, and immediately flying kicks, broken bottles, and shattered bones flew all over the place.

"Ahem. Anyway, I propose that we form an alliance that shall make both our organizations very, very, very, rich. With you controlling South America, and us dominating Russia and Southeast Asia, that will practically give us full control of the world's cocaine and opium supply. Our men shall help you out wherever they can in South America, and in exchange, your help will be very much appreciated in Southeast Asia. Now, with such an alliance formed, we could concencrate on securing the final major narcotics producer of the world: Afghanistan. But first, I must know what you think of such an alliance, my friend."
(OOC: He, he, the sudden reversal. I love it. I love playing off the personalities of Ilona and Alexandrov. Endless fun.)

((Hey Chiisu, hot off the presses, what does Louis XX really look like? All this, and more, is posted on Rise of Rome))

Chiisu chuckled as Alexandrov sat down. "I appreciate the offer of the women, but I'm already spoken for. Anyway, it's so nice to see reason prevailing. I was slightly worried for a moment there. Anyway, an alliance like that is what I had in mind. What I was considering was that if the Lotus is permitted to absorb the Colombians and Bolivians, we can offer our expertise in dealing with the Afghans and the Southeast Asian gangs. Perhaps then we could team up to convince the Nigerians to join in."

(OOC: In RL, the Nigerian mafias are increasingly exporting cocaine and heroin to the US and Europe, so they might as well figure into AMW as our Nigeria is an NPC nation to my knowledge)

Tian brought a drink over for Chiisu, and after a few sips Chiisu continued. "Of course such an alliance would require organisational details worked out, such as who had jurisdiction over where as well as how we split refining, processing and distribution. Maybe then we can discuss other joint ventures such as arms deals, smuggling, that kind of thing. There's a hideous amount of money out there for the taking, enough to keep both groups satisfied for a very long time.

Imagine it this way, if you would. When rich kids need something to snort, we'll be there. When a rebel force needs some automatic weapons, we'll be there. When a wealthy war criminal needs to flee to a safe haven, we'll be there. When a dictator needs some professional killers, we'll be there. Regions of Africa, Central America, South America, Asia and Europe are in a prime situation for exploitation; together, our organisations can thrive in the places that this world's powers see as beneath their notice."

Chiisu raised his glass. "To the Mafiya-Lotus Alliance?"

((Hey Chiisu, hot off the presses, what does Louis XX really look like? All this, and more, is posted on Rise of Rome))

OOC: Thanks for the pic; I used to imagine Louis with a thin moustache, a huge wig and a slight paunch for some reason....

In case you haven't seen Chiisu (or for the benefit of anyone else who hasn't), here's two pics:

In his flashy uniform

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/422380/suunieuni1%20copy11.jpg

Listening to 'technical explanations'

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/422380/suunie3.JPG

((So...thats Chiisu, eh? Not bad, nice uniform, they say it makes the man))

In Charlesbourg (named in honor of the Dauphin), since the Restoration the bustling capital of French Guiana grew by leaps and bounds, being the definite center of French Technological Programs and Satellite Efforts. Only a few miles outside the capital exists the only French Launch Platform in the world, indeed probably one of the worlds best. Although not interested in manned space missions, Louis XX was all to eager to get a satellite network up.

Landing there, soon to proceed to Peru itself to coordinate the arms and trade deals, was the Comte de LaMark. He was scheduled to continue onto (Lima? Is it still the capital) where he intended to speak to both Chiisu and El Presidente.

A more subtle item on the Agenda was the coordination of Chiisu's mafia and that of Red Russia. Louis XX was eager to ally these bodies, believeing the drug trade and other shady deals to be (rightly so) impossibly lucrative.

(OOC: Since you've now seen Chiisu, you might as well see Ramirez; not in uniform, but I think you can guess what he's like just by looking at him http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-10/422380/ramirez.JPG )

IC:

Lima, Peru

Ramirez downed his drink and grinned at Alvarado Vasquez, his Foreign Minister.

"Alvarado, my old friend, we have the French coming here. The French! They're sending us a noble with arms deals and trade deals and other things that you handle so much better than I do."

Vasquez nodded. "Thanks for your confidence, Vasco. Let's not forget who we have to thank for this though. If Suun and his cronies hadn't arrived, we'd still be a diplomatic and military backwater."

Ramirez laughed and poured himself another drink. "That little Asian kid is the best thing we could ever have received! Ex-dictator of his own nation, loaded with cash, knows all the major players we'd like to know; you know, I sometimes think that God himself sent Chiisu to us. He speaks his mind, and he shares his experience. I'm no politician, I'm a soldier, but he's taught me about mass-party rallies and things. Hell, I'm so confident right now, I'm thinking of going to war with Ecuador!"

Vasquez raised an eyebrow. "Okay, Vasco, come on. I think you've had enough booze for one afternoon. Sleep it off before the French arrive."

Ramirez flopped down onto a nearby couch. "Ask our little friend to join me when I greet Mr. French Noble; he can actually speak the bloody language...."

Vasquez shook his head as Ramirez started snoring, and headed off to finish preparations for the Comte de LaMark's arrival.

OCC: A somewhat late attempt to get involved in this thread:

IC: A line of soldiers marches through the colombian jungle, led by a rather oddly-dressed Nigerian. Instead of the FN-make rifles that most of the Colombian government troops carry, and the american-style camoflauge, the leader of this group carries an Rk. 62, a bundle of rifle grenades within easy reach. Wearing greyish-green shorts and short-sleeved uniform jacket under a broad-brimmed slouch hat, he looks distinctly like a Hindustani infantryman.

The Hindustani government had been sending advisers to Colombia, on the governmental and military level, for quite some time. While the government does not terribly mind people using drugs, drug trafficing is another matter entirely. Numerous Hindustani advisers, some trading their standard uniforms for fatigues with camoflauge patterns beyond the Denison smock, patrol the border with Peru and Ecuador along with bands of better-trained Colombian soldiers, attempting to stem the flow of militants and narcotics.

This program is supplemented by a major humanitarian support operation, promising markets for new cash crops grown by Colombian farmers, and buying cocaine base as well. While it could very easily come to naught, Hindustan has always remembered that armed troops are not the solution to any problem in the long term.

OOC: Boo, LRR's spoiling all the fun. Can't you just let South America become a quagmire of corruption and illegality? Please? Pretty please?

Whatever your people in Colombia are being paid, the Lotus will double it! What else will they want? Money? Drugs? Women? Men?

Nah? Oh well, I tried. Maybe one of the Colombian insurgent groups is for sale....I'll be back later!

OCC: If you can come up with a few thousand armed men, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. I think even Peru can manage to sink a Leander-class frigate.

OCC: If you can come up with a few thousand armed men, you shouldn't have too much of a problem. I think even Peru can manage to sink a Leander-class frigate.

OOC: Considering what Ramirez will be buying from the French and Roycelandians, you're thinking correctly.

Alexandrov's eyes bugged out for a moment, and then he chuckled.

"Monogamous? And homosexual? In this business? My, my, Chiisu, you are quite the oddity in our line of work. Ha! I knew this business needed new blood, but I never thought it would come in such an odd form...Ah, enough pleasantries. Onto business. With South America, we can help you significantly, as we control most of the drug networks here, indirectly and indirectly. You see, many of these criminal groups stem from the Soviet sponsored Communist guerrilas, and when that foolish regime collapsed and left so many useful warriors out in the cold, well, we had no choice but to welcome them in. Nowadays, direct control extends only to a few major gangs, but we essentially influence most South American drug organizations, indirectly. Except for yours, of course. If we couple our efforts together, and you can persuade the your friend Ramirez to provide a few good men for "peace keeping operations", we can solidify this loose network into one, powerful crime syndicate. If you agree, we will send one thousand 'soldiers' (OOC: Basically, Mafiosi hitmen, etc.) in to help with these operations. That would especially be useful with dealing with FARC. Once South America is brought to heel, production and refining can be streamlined, making the process more efficient and pumping out enough cocaine to go around. You would have jurisdiction over South America, with our advice, of course. In exchange, you would help us bring Southeast Asia under control, and do something similiar to what you did in Peru. Nigeria remains a tempting prospect, but I doubt the government can be simply bought, as it was here. It's not because of corruption, but because of the simple fact that in such an anarchical country, the government is likely to change, and lacks authority. But...if our sources reporting Roycelandian contacts are correct...You could use your new friends military grade weapons and vehicles, and they could ensure that no one else interferes. Yes! A plan has come to my mind already! My friend, once Southeast Asia and SOuth America are brought under control, we could rule Nigeria! With well trained Mafiosi and Lotus men, combined with Roycelandian/French Arms, and the Roycelandians restraining opportunist foreign powers, a criminal coup could work. Imagine, Nigeria, with its massive drug markets, gigantic arms black market, and of course, its diamonds, under our control...

On a second note, sales needs to be addressed. Of course we can both sell to our respective local markets, but how do we avoid competing with each other when selling our merchandise? We need to set up specific markets.

And finally...No offense, but the name for our alliance that you proposed is too bland. How about something more creative? How about...Red Lotus? I like the sound of that...Yes, let us drink to it!"

OOC: I sidestepped the issue of Afghanistan, as I don't know what kind of government they have, considering that there was no 9/11. Is the Taliban still in power?

Chiisu laughed at Alexandrov's initial words.

"Well, the way to look at it is that my partner is the kind of guy who eliminates my problems, be they situations or people. Anyway, I would love to have some of your people down here to help, but FARC aren't really a problem. In fact, I find that they can be quite accomodating, given the right price. No, the real problem are those Hindustanis and their 'humanitarian assistance' in Colombia. Can you believe that they were once my allies in the SSRC? If we can get them out of South America, we'll only have to worry about the Igovians and their Venezuelan clients.

Southeast Asia shouldn't be a problem; I have some old contacts left there, they tell me that the world's powers are still trying to work out what to do there. The Spyrans are making some attempt, as I thought they would; I don't know, as soon as Marimaia fell, I discovered that all my so-called allies turned their backs on me...well, except the French. Anyway, I digress; I'm sure that your resources will be more than sufficient to buy Burma, and the rest of them should be bought fairly easily. Due to the collapse, there's a lot of people with their hands out, and you guys have a lot of money to put in those hands.

As far as Nigeria is concerned, we should probably see if there's a general or two who wouldn't mind some extra cash. A military coup is a likely event there anyway, so why not finance one? It's either that, or wait for a regime to come to power that we can do business with, then use our assets to keep it in power. We'd need native support for Nigeria to be viable, otherwise they'd drive us out. I'll have my head of negotiations check the files we took from the Marimaian Security Ministry database; we erased that database afterwards, so the Lotus is currently the only one with the information.

When it comes to sales, I propose this breakdown; you guys sell to Europe and Asia, we sell to South America and southern Africa, then both groups join forces to sell in northern Africa and North America. North America particularly will require joint effort because the Quinntonians are likely to hunt down anyone who tries exploiting their markets. If there's two large groups, it'll be harder for them to get us.

Anyway, I heartily agree to the Red Lotus name, so shall we drink to it?"

President Ramirez called a meeting with the Roycelandian 'military advisors' to give them a shopping list (OOC: my way of bringing you back in, Royce).

"Gentlemen, Peru is doing business with France, but no nation does business with one supplier. I want both you and the French to be our friends, as all three of us have identical aims in South America. Strong stable governance, a crackdown on revolutionary guerillas, and economic growth. My less public friends are doing exceptionally well, but I should do my bit too.

Anyway, since we're buying French aircraft and land vehicles, we'd like you Roycelandians to help with our navy. It's pretty old at present; I want a new hi-tech navy which will be the envy of South America. I'd also like to see your best personnel weaponry; grenade launchers, RPGs, infantry-launched smart missiles, that kind of thing. We'll be removing the last vestiges of hostile guerillas from Peru with those weapons, as our country will then be a safe prosperous place to invest in."

The Roycelandian Military advisors were pleased with the direction this was taking.

"It just so happens, your excellency, that we have quite a few Naval vessels for sale that might interest you. They're not exactly new designs, but they've been upgraded and retrofitted to be more than equal to anything in Latin America."

Plans and photographs were brought out... Roycelandia had a Lusaka class Destroyer that would be an ideal "Capital Ship" for the Peruvians, along with numerous ANZAC class Frigates, ASR boats (Air/Sea Rescue, much like a PT boat but actually ocean-worthy), and even a couple of SeaWolf class Submarines. The Frigates and ASR boats are brand new, the SeaWolf Class Submarines are about 5 years old.

"We're prepared to put a package together- the Destroyer also comes with a Float Plane, as well..."

The Imperial Armaments representative, however, was a little caught short.

"We can supply as many RPG-7s and LAWs as you need, at cost price... As for Grenade Launchers, we have an underbarrel attachment for the SMLE and SLLE that will let you launch 40mm Grenades, as well as the M79 Grenade Launching gun. Laser Guided Stuff isn't cheap, you see, but you do have the experimental RGL-05 (Rocket, Guided, Laser) which we might be able to arrange a few units of..."

All in all, however, the Roycelandian Military advisors were just a tad disappointed- they'd hoped to get the Small Arms Contract, at the least, but still, the Naval Contract would be INCREDIBLY lucrative.

"We can also be very flexible on the manner and time of payment, as well... when do you need all this?"

The Roycelandian Military advisors were pleased with the direction this was taking.

"It just so happens, your excellency, that we have quite a few Naval vessels for sale that might interest you. They're not exactly new designs, but they've been upgraded and retrofitted to be more than equal to anything in Latin America."

Plans and photographs were brought out... Roycelandia had a Lusaka class Destroyer that would be an ideal "Capital Ship" for the Peruvians, along with numerous ANZAC class Frigates, ASR boats (Air/Sea Rescue, much like a PT boat but actually ocean-worthy), and even a couple of SeaWolf class Submarines. The Frigates and ASR boats are brand new, the SeaWolf Class Submarines are about 5 years old.

"We're prepared to put a package together- the Destroyer also comes with a Float Plane, as well..."

The Imperial Armaments representative, however, was a little caught short.

"We can supply as many RPG-7s and LAWs as you need, at cost price... As for Grenade Launchers, we have an underbarrel attachment for the SMLE and SLLE that will let you launch 40mm Grenades, as well as the M79 Grenade Launching gun. Laser Guided Stuff isn't cheap, you see, but you do have the experimental RGL-05 (Rocket, Guided, Laser) which we might be able to arrange a few units of..."

All in all, however, the Roycelandian Military advisors were just a tad disappointed- they'd hoped to get the Small Arms Contract, at the least, but still, the Naval Contract would be INCREDIBLY lucrative.

"We can also be very flexible on the manner and time of payment, as well... when do you need all this?"

Ramirez grinned at the Roycelandians.

"Well, I'm spoilt for choice. I think we'll have that Lusaka-class, along with maybe six ANZACs and twenty ASRs. We'll also take those two submarines if possible. My Defence Minister will contact you regarding numbers of RPG-7s, LAWs and M79s, but I can tell you now that we'll take as many RGL-05s as you can provide. Of course, we'd prefer to take delivery ASAP, but we can wait while you gather everything together.

As far as payment is concerned, we'd like to pay by installments, perhaps with part of the cost being paid through barter or trade?"

Chiisu's cell phone would ring, it was King Louis XX himself. After a brief pleasentry, Louis asked Chiisu to send the Pacific Lotus without haste to France, Louis had important cargo that he needed shipped over to his hacienda in Peru immediatley.

Louis also asked that work on the hacienda (and a series of escape tunnels and bunkers) be rushed to completion. Chiisu would also be surprised when le Comte turned over 4 High Yield Nuclear Weapons to Chiisu and his intrepid men, as a sign that Louis believed war would soon erupt, and Chiisu was to have every security available.

All this was to remain hush hush maximus.

((Ahh hey Chiisu. TOP SECRET: Well, it seems Louis is gonna make a move for it, and wants to get the Queen, a few sons, and alot of treasure out of France before that happens. High tail the Lotus to Nantes, if you dont mind, you may soon have some company in exile.))

(OOC: Bloody hell! I do hope Louis's not up for any war crimes, or we might end up with the entire world coming down on Peru. However, the Lotus has other bolt-holes available should Peru turn hostile.)

IC:

With the covert help of the Ramirez regime, the Susanowa-class submarine 'liberated' from the former Marimaia had been converted from a state-of-the-art war machine to a sleek smuggling vessel. It now slipped from its hidden dock into the ocean, making its way towards Nantes to pick up Louis's 'cargo'.

Meanwhile, Louis's hacienda was nearly complete. All that remained for the final wing to be finished off, and the requested underground network was taking shape.

((heh, no need to worry about that, Louis going to stick it out until the end. However, he has happier plans for his wife and sons (and plenty of illegitimate children to boot) and countless treasures. They will be quite unnoticed as they slip away to your ex-Absolutists retirement village. All your help is much obliged. I just know Marie Therese will enjoy a quiet life in a sumptous Peruvian Hacienda. Maybe as a jole it should be called "El Rancho de Rey", but I dont think so. I do trust it is big and luxurious enough for a half-complete exiled host of Royals though?))

((heh, no need to worry about that, Louis going to stick it out until the end. However, he has happier plans for his wife and sons (and plenty of illegitimate children to boot) and countless treasures. They will be quite unnoticed as they slip away to your ex-Absolutists retirement village. All your help is much obliged. I just know Marie Therese will enjoy a quiet life in a sumptous Peruvian Hacienda. Maybe as a jole it should be called "El Rancho de Rey", but I dont think so. I do trust it is big and luxurious enough for a half-complete exiled host of Royals though?))

OCC: Aha! Caught red-handed with less than heroic determination to take on the Asian bloc!

IC:

Chiisu should probably not worry too much about Hindustani assistance in Colombia. While military aid has been flowing in, along with uniformed troops and a handful of frigates and submarines, more pressing matters in Al-Ahzad, Kanendru, Lusaka, and Tord have taken a noticable bite out of the already small commitment. And to boot, in order to reach Colombia Hindustani ships have to travel close to major French bases unless they take long detours around Cape Horn and away from the Caribbean.

However, the Colombian government troops trained by the Hindustani advisers will probably put up determined resistance against any paramilitary or FARC campaigns. The Colombian coast, patrolled by a pair of Type 12 frigates and a fair amount of smaller missile boats, is probably not as easy to access as the land border, but nonetheless it is far from impossible to transport even large entourages into the country undetected, provided enough cash is waved in front of local militia commanders.

Ramirez grinned at the Roycelandians.

"Well, I'm spoilt for choice. I think we'll have that Lusaka-class, along with maybe six ANZACs and twenty ASRs. We'll also take those two submarines if possible. My Defence Minister will contact you regarding numbers of RPG-7s, LAWs and M79s, but I can tell you now that we'll take as many RGL-05s as you can provide. Of course, we'd prefer to take delivery ASAP, but we can wait while you gather everything together.

As far as payment is concerned, we'd like to pay by installments, perhaps with part of the cost being paid through barter or trade?"

"It will take about two weeks to get the Destroyer out of Mothballs and back to active service, and probably another month after that to complete the delivery of the ANZAC class Frigates. We can have the ASRs and the Submarines here within a week" explained the minister for Naval Affairs.

"Now, as for the money side of things, a 25% deposit is customary..."

OOC: I haven't worked out the exact price, since it would degenerate the deal into numberwanking... I think we can safely assume there's maybe $300 million dollars, at the least, involved...

OOC: oh, and judging from the way things are going in France, Roycelandia is also offering to help hide the Royal Family (especially any princesses ;) )and their Treasures- the Caribbean is full of islands, and it would be VERY easy for the Roycelandian Government to honestly deny they had no idea where the French Royal Family were hiding (Royce I would know, of course, but the rest of the info would be a State Secret of the highest order).

In the meantime, crates of arms (including several experimental rocket launchers) were on their way to El Presidente Ramirez...

((What a spectacular offer Royce, thanks very much. Lord knows I may have need to one day take you up on it.))

OOC: Hmm....

I have a cunning plan, but I don't know how good it is.

I'm hoping to have NeoSuunism rear its head in South America; the idea being that Marimaia was the failure, rather than NeoSuunism. I'd like to see a NeoSuunist state arise in South America, with a homegrown NeoSuunist Party which inevitably hails Chiisu as a new Karl Marx. Truth be told, I miss the whole 'totalitarian state' thing, and there's only so much you can do with a crime syndicate. I'm going to be making a new nation account for this, because the 'Marimaia' account isn't really appropriate for AMW anymore.

Thing is....should Ramirez step down/be overthrown for the state to be established in Peru, or should Chiisu keep Ramirez as a good little corrupt ally while establishing the good & pure NeoSuunist state in Argentina? Ramirez is a military man who tries to dabble in politics; the leader of the NeoSuunist state would have to be a true ideologue who essentially worships the ground Chiisu walks on, as Chiisu would be Marx to the leader's Lenin/Mao/whoever.

If I go with Peru, then things will change drastically in the country. If I go with Argentina, Peru can become a heavily corrupt NPC nation with strong ties to Roycelandia and Argentina. Both nations have 'national territory that was stolen by inferior nations', although admittedly Argentina has more opportunity for tension due to the Falkland/Malvinas Islands and other bits.

Any thoughts?

OOC:
hmmm argentina...

Scratches another nation off the
"possible sources of decent cheap light tanks"
List

unless brazil suddenly starts biulding TAMs...

(Huh? Oh, don't mind me, I'm just passing through with a quartet of multi-role Typhoons to replace Stanley's Tornado F.3 force, for no special reason.)

Chiisu laughed at Alexandrov's initial words.

"Well, the way to look at it is that my partner is the kind of guy who eliminates my problems, be they situations or people. Anyway, I would love to have some of your people down here to help, but FARC aren't really a problem. In fact, I find that they can be quite accomodating, given the right price. No, the real problem are those Hindustanis and their 'humanitarian assistance' in Colombia. Can you believe that they were once my allies in the SSRC? If we can get them out of South America, we'll only have to worry about the Igovians and their Venezuelan clients.

Southeast Asia shouldn't be a problem; I have some old contacts left there, they tell me that the world's powers are still trying to work out what to do there. The Spyrans are making some attempt, as I thought they would; I don't know, as soon as Marimaia fell, I discovered that all my so-called allies turned their backs on me...well, except the French. Anyway, I digress; I'm sure that your resources will be more than sufficient to buy Burma, and the rest of them should be bought fairly easily. Due to the collapse, there's a lot of people with their hands out, and you guys have a lot of money to put in those hands.

As far as Nigeria is concerned, we should probably see if there's a general or two who wouldn't mind some extra cash. A military coup is a likely event there anyway, so why not finance one? It's either that, or wait for a regime to come to power that we can do business with, then use our assets to keep it in power. We'd need native support for Nigeria to be viable, otherwise they'd drive us out. I'll have my head of negotiations check the files we took from the Marimaian Security Ministry database; we erased that database afterwards, so the Lotus is currently the only one with the information.

When it comes to sales, I propose this breakdown; you guys sell to Europe and Asia, we sell to South America and southern Africa, then both groups join forces to sell in northern Africa and North America. North America particularly will require joint effort because the Quinntonians are likely to hunt down anyone who tries exploiting their markets. If there's two large groups, it'll be harder for them to get us.

Anyway, I heartily agree to the Red Lotus name, so shall we drink to it?"

"Hindustani fools. Damned government legalized our merchandise, ruining our once profitable business there. What they don't get is something even we criminals know: drugs are a very bad thing for society. Of course, I don't really care what happens to society, but you let everyone have free access to drugs...well, it leaves no one for the druggies to mooch off of. Then how do we sell them our merchandise? Ah, it will sweet vengeance to get them. Their forces in South America are minimal, and with the French controlling the waters around here, reinforcements are unlikely. I can bring over a thousand hard core mafiosi by next week.

As for Southeast Asia, we have an operation in mind, but could you give us specific political leaders that hold the majority of political power there? And could Lotus provide a way to get into the private residences of these leaders? Finally, we would need the assistance of a local plastic surgeon...

In Nigeria, I already have a man in mind. He is named Abdusalami Abubakar, and leads a significant faction in the Nigerian military. If we could send in some men, arms, and assasinate a few key opposition figures, and perhaps foster some fake threat---maybe have the Roycelandians rattle their cage---the country could be ours. (OOC: I think this could be a full fledged RP.)

The breakdown seems to fit well, but I have one caveat, as to the Quinntonians. What kind of market can really be found in a nation full of religious fanatics? To crack it, we'll need to corrupt their society a bit.

Ah, let us drink to Red Lotus!"

OOC: Everyone can rest assured, I'm staying in Peru. The NeoSuunist Revolution will be taking place in a new thread; I'll post the link once I've created it. Oh, and AC, I like the idea of making the Nigeria takeover a fully-fledged RP.

IC:

Chiisu pondered the Southeast Asia question from Alexandrov.

"Well, I can't name anyone right now, mainly because it might have changed by now. Give me a number I can contact you at, and I'll call you with the relevant details once we get them."

OOC: Be very careful messing with Nigeria... it's kind of an Open Secret that Roycelandia will initiate Operation Mail Fraud in the event of any major political upheavals in Nigeria and effectively annex the country, turning it into Roycelandian West Africa so fast your head would spin.

Lusaka, UE, and the AC would also probably get involved (precisely to avoid Roycelandian West Africa coming into existence, with the exception of UE).

Dodgy deals notwithstanding, don't think you could buy off the Roycelandian Government on this one... Imperialism is at the top of Roycelandia's interests, and they've had their eyes on Nigeria for a while now...

OOC: Be very careful messing with Nigeria... it's kind of an Open Secret that Roycelandia will initiate Operation Mail Fraud in the event of any major political upheavals in Nigeria and effectively annex the country, turning it into Roycelandian West Africa so fast your head would spin.

Lusaka, UE, and the AC would also probably get involved (precisely to avoid Roycelandian West Africa coming into existence, with the exception of UE).

Dodgy deals notwithstanding, don't think you could buy off the Roycelandian Government on this one... Imperialism is at the top of Roycelandia's interests, and they've had their eyes on Nigeria for a while now...

OOC: Fair enough, thanks for the heads-up.

OOC: This is Marimaia posting under the new AMW account, Grande Peru.

The NeoSuunist Revolution thread is here:

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=403622

OOC: As some of you may know, Belize, which at the best of times is a pretty shifty place, is a dependant territory of UE. I would like to try and integrate this RP here with an idea that I am forming, which involves a company with government connections but no official affiliation, turning to the ways of drug trafficking to fund its operations (This would then affect the course of the Mozambique and to a lesser extent Angola RPs for reasons that are only clear if you have followed these other threads and not relevant if you don't) I would have to co-ordinate with Marimaia/Grande Peru perhaps via telegram as to what role this organisation could have in possibly helping with the smuggling of narcotics through/into Belize etc. Would that be possible?

Also I was thinking that we would probably have quite strong historic ties with Chile, as General Pinochet would have been extremely close to our idelogy, i.e capitalist dictatorship. If his legacy of free-market reform and prosperity (economically Chile is still much more succesful than I think every other country in Latin America) was threatened by Neo-Sunnism, its likely that at some level we would intervene.

OOC: UE, feel free to TG me at the Grande Peru account, as this is now my IC AMW nation (wow, lots of acronyms there).

Chile may be in danger, then again it might not be; you'll just have to wait and see.

Deep in the Peruvian hinterlands, the organization known as Sendero Luminoso aimed to bear its few remaining teeth at the growing menace of the Lotus and their puppets.

The caravan of cars, hummers, and SUVs was supposed to have been safe from ambush or attack. The Kanendru royalists had arranged for a "donation" of armored cars to the Red Lotus that were virtually inpenetrable to small arms fire. Along with their escorts of Asian/Nepalese mercenaries, the smugglers had thought themselves in the clear, especially after it had become known how utterly anemic the Peruvian rebel factions had become.

The convoy's cargo was a large load of cocaine, headed for an airport buried somewhere in the jungle where a small, single engine plane was waiting to pick up the cargo. It was a destination they never reached. First, the lead armored vehicle was caught in the explosive force of a homemade explosive device, blowing out the tires and severely damaging the mechanics of the car's soft underbelly. The Nepalese guards were quick to react, the dozen or so men scrambling out of their vehicles and blazing away with automatic rifles out of the windows or roof apertures. The Senderistas, however, had managed to conceal themselves well and cut down the goons in a hail of rifle fire and makeshift hand grenades.

Those few who remained alive told the masked rebels some interesting things about their employers and their mission before the men buried machetes in the back of their heads.

Probably not coinicidentally, the tiny airstrip which was the doomed drug caravan's destination came under machine gun fire and was attacked in the night with firebombs before the smugglers' mysterious disappearances could be verified. The Senderistas were unsure how many people they hurt or killed, but the single-prop airplane had been turned into swiss cheese and was almost totally unflyable. Knowing retaliation would almost immediately follow their brazen assault, the Maoists faded back into their jungle hideouts to ponder their next move, making sure to leave as little evidence of their passing as possible.

OOC: Just to wrap things up.

"Excellent. I ask for these names, as we both know very well what happens in these "burgeoning democracies." They appear to give the people power, but in truth, a few key players hold the power. I was hoping your people could dig up some dirt on these players. Now, I must leave, my friend, so call me anytime. I am sure to be calling you shortly."

Wanfa stared at Kangtian in shock. "What happened?"

"I know! We thought we'd eliminated all of the insurgents, but it looks like some of them are still out there."

"What does Chiisu say?"

"Chiisu says find and eradicate. We're getting close to a breakthrough here in Peru; although we can easily crush them if we get Partido NeoSuunista into power, Chiisu would prefer the group removed before then. Los Guerreros Sucios are ordered into action; you'll coordinate with the military command in that district, they've been fully paid and brought up to speed."