NationStates Jolt Archive

Today: 0800, Office of Chairman Girardi
"Sir the first prototype is ready to be tested. Ms. Ledgerwood has invited the Security Council to view the first test." Louis squealed in anticipation like a 10 year old on Halloween.

"Alright Louis, call the Ministers and have them meet down in Copacabana tomorrow at noon, regardless of their schedules. I'll get our Ambassadors to invite our allies to view this demonstration as well. Hopefully they will come down."

E-mail message to all ambassadors
Gentlemen, Sunlight Inc in conjunction with the Department of Defence is conducting a test of the first prototype to come out of the Holy Empire in modern times. Please advise your host nation that they are invited to come view the demonstration, watch the show and observe the aftermath. It should be a dandy of a show. It will happen tomorrow at 1200. Accomodations, entertainment and food will be provided. They must reserve a spot if they wish to attend. Make sure they state how many delegates they will be sending. Suggested delegates: Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Naval Ordinance Engineers, Senior members of the defence staff, civilian weapons contractors etc. Thank you.

G. Girardi.

"All necessary arrangements and safety precautions have been made. The local fishing industry has been warned to stay atleast 200km from [insert coordinates here]. All we are waiting on is the arrival of foreign dignitaries and our security council."

List of Attendees
Presenters/Hosts: Adm. K. Murphy, Sarah Ledgerwood, CEO
Security Council of the Holy Empire of Saint Fedski
G. Girardi
L. Riel
R. Hay
S. Misoui
B. Bass
Gen. M. Obliqus
F. Summers
Republic of North St. Clair
J. Clarke
A. Eggleton
P. Martin
Adm. M. Robicheau

Phoenixius
Adm. O. Johnson - Commander, Naval Forces

Amerath
Consular Tarakan

Aequatio
Air Force General Thomas Graeme

Amestria
several scientists
several weapons specialists
the Deputy Vice Minister of Defense

Kahanistan
Lieutenant Colonel Nadia L. Sklenova

Jagonia
Ambassador Blath

Rolatia
Minister of Defence
General Adam Johnson

Xirnium
Rear Admiral Patritsia, Maritime Guild (Xernium Navy)
Lord Cardinal Ronan, High Ecclesiarchy
Lady Inquisitor Vanessa, Inquisition (Foreign Intelligence Agency Department)

Arridia
Ambassador Nhleko

<bump>

To: G. Girardi, Saint Fedski
From: Phoenixius Defence Department
Sub: Prototype showcase

Hello. We at Phoenixius are interested in participating in this showcase of yours. We are presuming from the suggested delegates that this will involve naval equipment? In any case, we shall be sending our Commander of Naval forces, Admiral Oliver Johnson, plus several other aides etc. We hope you can host us.

Ellias Aubec
C-in-C Phoenixius Military

To: Ellias Aubec
From: Madam Robynne Hay, Minister of Defence, Holy Empire of Saint Fedski
Re: Prototype Showcase

Sir, we thank you for your interest in our demonstration. It would be our pleasure to host your delegation for the "show" and the meeting afterwards.
If you have any questions regarding the arrangments please do not hesitate to ask me.

Your's truly
Madam Robynne Hay, Minister of Defence, Holy Empire of Saint Fedski

<bump>

A new "super" weapon is being tested. The lack of reponse from your allies is embarassing.

OOC: I've been playing Battlefront II and CoD2 for 2 days straight, need time to get back into the forum.

IC:

The man drummed his fingers along the top of his desk. It was Consular Tarakan, reading over this note with some delight.. It had been awhile since he was in any war, especially any war with major explosions.

He started up his day with this letter, and he was going to end by sending another one back, he promised himself. And infact, he was keeping his promise by typing up a response for his secretary to send out..

"Aah, fellow nation, it is good to see you expanding into the art of war, or art of defense, whichever. We are most willing to appear at your demonstration. Understanding you are providing accomodation, we have myself and 8 others that would be willing to join. ( 6 are bodyguards, of course, 2 are secretaries.). Perhaps this could bring about futher diplomacy.
-The Grand Empire of Amerath
-Consular Tarakan"

Mr. Tarakan

You are more than welcome to attend the demonstration. It is recommended however that some senior military personnel attend, naval personnel would be that much more advantageous. I hope to see you there.

Your's faithfully,
Madam Robynne Hay, Minister of Defence, Holy Empire of Saint Fedski

OOC: I will come, but am short on time now, so no IC yet, sorry.

To: Madam Robynne Hay, Minister of Defence, Holy Empire of Saint Fedski
From: Kurt Lowenthal, Secretary of Defence, Federal Republic of Aequatio
Subject: Demonstration

The Aequatian Department of Defence is very much interested in observing the demonstration, we will be sending one of our Foreign Liason Officers, Air Force General Thomas Graeme who will present a report to myself and Joint Chief General Arnold Saltzman.

Message from the Amestrian Ministry of Defense

We will be sending a delegation composed of several scientists, several weapons specialists, and the Deputy Vice Minister of Defense.

A new "super" weapon is being tested. The lack of reponse from your allies is embarassing.

Official Imperial Transmission

Only because his allies are all at war. You propabably don't even have any worthwhile allies.

To Saint Fedski

Unfortunately we will not be able to attend your demonstration, i'm sure you know why, but we will look forward to hearing of the results of the test.

From: Ambassador Howard Mercer
To: Chairman Gary Girardi
Re: Project Alpha

Lieutenant Colonel Nadia L. Sklenova, Kahanistan Republic Guard, will attend the demonstration. Admiral Murphy will recognize her. She is Lieutenant Giorgos' commanding officer, the one who spoke with Admiral Murphy about the proposed mission involving rescuing the downed pilots.

My hope is she will find the demonstration an excellent opportunity to wind down. She seems unusually stressed lately about the Kraven threat, and I think she is too by-the-book for her own good sometimes. Please encourage her to relax.

Thank you for your consideration,
General H. K. Mercer, Kahanistan Republic Guard (Ret.)

OCC: I have a damned macroeconomics examination to study for, but I'll try to respond tomorrow.

To: Madam Robynne Hay, Minister of Defence, Holy Empire of Saint Fedski
From: Ziad el Attar, Secretary for Defence, PDSRA
Subject: Weapons' Demonstration

Dear Madam,

Unfortunately, we will be unable to send a delegation to attend this event, due for the most part to Ariddia's commitment to peace, and limited military capabilities. Ambassador Nhleko will, however, attend, as he is already present in Saint Fedski.

We wish you every success in your demonstration nonetheless.

Sincerely,
Secretary Ziad el Attar

We shall be sending a delegation, as this "superweapon" intersts us. Ambassador Blath shall attend.

Greetings,
We are interested in seeing this 'superweapon'. Unfortunately, I am away on international business, and am slightly unhappy about not being able to attend, but our Minister of Defence and head of the Rolatian Army General Adam Johnson will be attending. We are looking forward to seeing this new weapon
Dr J Edwards
Prime Minister of Rolatia
(OOC: My PM handles basically all international transmissions himself and goes to any international event whenever he can

The Holy Empire of Saint Fedski thanks everyone for agreeing to come on such short notice. One all of you arrive, you shall be taken via C-32A from Sarnia to Copacabana where the demonstration will take place.

Lt. Colonel Sklenova waited at Sarnia Airport for her flight to Copacabana. She was visibly stressed. She would be keen to know who her government's new ally planned to use the weapon against. She hoped it was Kraven. She assumed it would be a nuke, but details were hard to come by. I personally hate nukes, but Kraven has brought so much misery to the world... It would be a shame if they could only be defeated with these terrible weapons. A tear ran down her cheek as she remembered reading about the massacres of women and children there...

Lt. Colonel Sklenova waited at Sarnia Airport for her flight to Copacabana. She was visibly stressed. She would be keen to know who her government's new ally planned to use the weapon against. She hoped it was Kraven. She assumed it would be a nuke, but details were hard to come by. I personally hate nukes, but Kraven has brought so much misery to the world... It would be a shame if they could only be defeated with these terrible weapons. A tear ran down her cheek as she remembered reading about the massacres of women and children there...
OOC: That was nice...very, very beautiful. You should be a writer.

OOC: S.F. just a quick note, the Foreign Liason Officer is Air Force General Thomas Graeme, sorry if it was confusing.

Noted.

"Sarnia Air Control this is Flight 34 from St. Clair. Do you copy over?"

"Copy flight 34. Over"

"Requesting permission to land. Carrying specialty cargo. Over."

"Roger 34, turn north 100 degrees and proceed directly to Copacabana. Over."

"Turning 100 degress north to Copacabana. Over."

"Land on Runway two niner three and taxi to your terminal. Copy?"

"Roger that Control. Thirty-four over and out."

The aircraft began to shake violently as it decended towards the city. Admiral Robicheau looked out the port window and noticed flames had enveloped the engine.

"Everybody, this is your Captain speaking. We are making an emergency crash landing in Copacaband. Please fasten all seat belts and assume the position."

OOC: That was nice...very, very beautiful. You should be a writer.


OOC: Thanks. :)

By the way, is that plane that's burning and making the emergency landing in Copacabana the one with the delegates on it or a cargo plane? Someone mentioned "specialty cargo..."

**The plane is carrying the delegates from the Republic of North St. Clair and the important component of the prototype which was designed and manufactured in North St. Clair.**

"Prepare for impact." The pilot announces over the speakers. "come on baby, come on, nice and easy, nice and easy, atta girl...keep goin, almost there...good good, there we goooo..."

The plane hit the ground with a thud. Everybody was jolted forward violently, the copilot smashed his head off the instrument panel. Quickly recovering from the impact, the pilot switched off the engines and began the procedure to stop the plane. Aside from bumps and bruises, everybody was alright and just as importantly, the "imporatant component" was undamaged.

Fire crew rushed out to meet the plane as it slowed to a halt, the doors bursting open and inflatable slides unfolding to allow the passengers out.

Four waiting limos took the delegation to the undisclosed location in Copacabana.

Consular Tarakan snorted at the reply from the Saint Fedski's.. They took him for some sort of.. Ambassador? Hah. He could laugh at that, but decided not too, instead, he just enjoyed his ride from Sarnia to Copacabana instead. Of course, his secretaries were with him whever he went, and he guessed his body guard was around somewhere, other than that, it was a pleasent plain ride.

Official Encrypted Communiqué
To: The Holy Empire of Saint Fedski
From: The Libertarian Concordance of Czardas

The Concordance regrets that it cannot send a delegation to your nation for this "demostration", as we would probably be bombed out of the air by either Psovian, Shenyangi, Parthian, Warmaster, or Doomingslandi forces. In addition, Czardaian Ambassador Navide is rumored to be the subject of a possible assassination attempt by one of these nations and thus has gone, in a manner of speaking, "into hiding". However, we will follow this demonstration eagerly ourselves by whatever reports reach us through the Czardaian Embassy.

~Kari Alhoun, Czardaian Foreign Minister

Diplomatic Ecclesiastical Edict:
From: His most worthy High Ecclesiarchy of Holy Xirnium
To: The Security Council of the Holy Empire of Saint Fedski

As a close friend and ally of your most noble and courageous nation, the High Ecclesiarchy indicates that it would be honoured to attend your demonstration of new militray technology.

The following representatives are to attend:

Rear Admiral Patritsia, Maritime Guild (Xernium Navy)
Lord Cardinal Ronan, High Ecclesiarchy
Lady Inquisitor Vanessa, Inquisition (Foreign Intelligence Agency Department)
10 Acolyte Guards armed only with sidearms

We look forward to the event.

Lord High Verrnium
Grand Cardinal of the High Ecclesiarchy

Lt. Colonel Sklenova waited at Sarnia Airport for her flight to Copacabana. She was visibly stressed. She would be keen to know who her government's new ally planned to use the weapon against. She hoped it was Kraven. She assumed it would be a nuke, but details were hard to come by. I personally hate nukes, but Kraven has brought so much misery to the world... It would be a shame if they could only be defeated with these terrible weapons. A tear ran down her cheek as she remembered reading about the massacres of women and children there...
"Colonel, it seems the flight is delayed due to the fact that people have not begun arriving yet. There's a fighter squadron taking off for Copacabana later today, would you like to catch a lift as a co-pilot in an F-15 Strike Eagle?"

The Amestrian Delegation arrives by Government aircraft with no fan-fair.

The Ambassador Pritesh Bharwani will attend and observe what you have in store for us.

Ambassador Blath was already present in Saint Fedski, having been visiting his brother, the official ambassador to Saint Fedski. As Blath was of a higher rank in the Imperial Hierarchy, it was decided he would go to see this new superweapon. Jagonia had wanted to further its military technology for a long time, and perhaps this superweapon could aid them. However, if it did impress, they would need to acquire one from Saint Fedski. Blath had been given strict orders. If the weapon is what we are hoping for, you must claim it or a copy for Jagonia, by any means necessary.

Sklenova nodded. "Sure. I'm more used to piloting MiG's, though, they're pretty standard in the Kahanistan Republic Guard. Hopefully I won't crash your F-15."

She climbed into the F-15, not sure what to do. She was curious about the system. She looked over at the pilot and smiled warmly. "MiG's only have one pilot, the ones I've been in anyway, what exactly does the co-pilot do besides take over if the pilot has a heart attack?" This should get my mind off all this war crap before I go back. Kahanistan hasn't been at peace since... Hell, with all the dictators running around, when HAD they been at peace?

Ah what the hell. I'm tired of waiting. I'll assume you're all here in Copacabana waiting for the intro.

The delegates are led into a giant seminar room in the convention centre on the edge of the base. Flags from all the different nations that have attended meetings in the room line the walls. Pictures of historical figures and past Chairmen of the Holy Empire are hung neatly around the room. Microphones and headsets are positioned nicely around the table while a small platform at the north end of the room hold the interpretors. Everybody finds there assigned seats and talks amongst themselves for a little while.

Chairman Gary Girardi stands and walks over to the podium at the south end. He stands there gazing over the crowd for a couple seconds as if thinking up a speech and raises his hand.

The murmur of the crowd goes away.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Ambassadors and Ministers, Admirals and Generals, Old friend and New Friends, welcome, welcome all. Welcome to Copacabana Naval Base. I trust by now you all know why you're here. In case you don't, let me tell you. Sunlight Arms Inc., the largest weapons manufacturer in the region has produced a weapons capable of levelling entire cities and destroying entire fleets. It truly is a weapon of mass destruction and I'm sure it'll be fun to watch. But without further ado, I'll allow Ms. Sarah Ledgerwood, CEO of Sunlight Inc. to explain in more detail what should happen."

Sarah approaches the podium nervously. She isn't very comfortable talking to so many important people all at once. "What if I make a fool of myself? What if it doesn't work? Oh my god I almost tripped, that would've sucked." she thinks to herself.

"Good morning everybody. I am Sarah Ledgerwood, CEO of Sunlight Inc. the parent company of Sunlight Arms Inc. We have been busy over the last few months developing a weapon system which will surely shake you up, literally. A member of the devolpment team was watching a documentary called "Disasters of the 20th Century" and featured on it was the "Halifax Harbour Explosion" This project is based on that disaster. If you will all come with me to the dock, we shall watch the ship set sail to the small island you can barely see in the distance."

Admiral Oliver Johnson stood up with the rest of the crowd and headed out towards the dockside. As he did so, one of his aides passed him a PDA with the 'Halifax Harbour Explosion' notes and pictures which he perused as everyone waited for the event to begin.

Rear-Admiral Patritsia’s interest was instantly piqued at the mention of the Halifax Explosion. Of course, like all navy officers she had heard of the famous disaster in 1917 in Nova Scotia, and was curious to see what application it might have in naval warfare.

Taking a sip from the glass on her table she got up to slowly follow the rest of the representatives outside, preferring to hang back slightly to converse with her aids in hurried whispers.

Colonel Sklenova waited on the dock, next to the Xirnium delegation. The last time I saw Xirnium soldiers, they were shooting at me. But that was a while ago. She would at least make the attempt to be friendly.

She extended her hand to the Xirnium delegation, hoping to make small talk, though she was a bit nervous. "Hi. Did you know that that Halifax explosion was the largest explosion before the invention of nuclear weapons? I'm foggy on the details, but two ships crashed and killed over a thousand people in the nearby city... By the way," she fumbled about for words, "I don't even know why I'm here, I'm a Republic Guard officer, I was probably the only observer they could get on short notice because I was already in the area. Lt. Colonel Nadia Sklenova." She flashed the admiral and entourage a warm smile.

Dammit. There I go with the verbal diarrhea... This ALWAYS happens to me when my nerves act up. I need a drink, dammit. One of the officers would probably take her for drinks after the demonstration, she figured. She was a slim blonde, medium height, early thirties... clearly in need of a drink. Many would jump at the chance to give her one. Then again, maybe they'll provide drinks after the demonstration...

The delegation from North St. Clair, a motley bunch of jolly fellows, roared with laughter as they overheard Colonel Sklenova's brief encounter with the Xirnium delegation. They weave as they follow Sarah to the end of the dock where a viewing platform had been constructed. It wouldn't be unlike the Northerners to come to a meeting drunk but for some reason, some strange reason, things always seem to work out for them.

The Amestrian delegation pretty much remained to themselves. The Majority of them were scientists and weapons experts, not diplomats or military officials. They felt out of place, with the exception of Deputy Vice Minister of Defense Sara Liscel. The fast talking extrovert immediately walked over to Colonel Sklnova the moment she noticed she was alone and started flirting.

General Adam Johnson was quite a large man, in his mid-thirties and going strong. He was not talking, but complentating; thinking that he was the Rolatian who would first witness whatever this weapon was to be - it looked pretty potent. Eventually, he got up and started to wander around talking to the other countries

Ambassador Blath stood along the waterfront with the other delegations. He had not opened conversation, despite other delegations attempting to. He had been searching his memory, trying to think what the "Halifax Harbour Explosion" could be. He knew he had heard the name, but where? He had not been a naval officer, only an flight captain, before he was promoted to diplomatic corp. Finally, he stopped thinking and turned back to his orders. If the weapon impresses. From what he had overheard, and what his memory recalled, this looked like it would impress. Acquire at all costs Blath sighed. He hoped that he would simply be able to purchase one. If not, there would only be two possible outcomes: his death, or the death of innocents, probably both. Sometimes he wished he didn't live in a military society, dominated by the Emperor and the Imperial Hierarchy. However, he knew that if his duty was not fulfilled, he would suffer a fate worse than death.

"Ah Mr. Blath!" Sarah greeted the ambassador with a large smile. "How nice of you to be able to make it. I actually wasn't expecting to see Jagonia here this afternoon. Anyways, here's brief summary of the explosion (http://canadaonline.about.com/cs/canadaww1/p/halifaxexpl.htm)" She handed him a sheet of paper with a couple of paragraphs and a picture. (http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/multimedia/halifax_expl_sm.jpg) On the back there was another picture. (http://www.lynximages.com/images3/after.jpg)

Ambassador Wandile Nhleko walked quietly, near the back of the small crowd. He felt distinctly uncomfortable, and found himself wondering what he was doing here. Simply an act of diplomatic politeness, he knew. His government could not actually send someone to attend a demonstration of military might which could later be misused, so the obvious solution had been for him to go instead.

The brief introduction they had been prestended with had made him feel uneasy. He shook off those thoughts as he heard someone inquire about the historical reference of the Halifax Explosion. He had heard of it, of course, but was hazy on the more precise details, and edged casually closer.

Ambassador Blath read the paper, and suddenly he realized where he had heard of the explosion before.

"Err, thank you Miss Ledgerwood. Jagonia are glad to be here today." he quickly said.

As the CEO turned away, he turned back to his memories. The Jagonian weapons company "Voksvapen" had developed a device to mimic the causes of the explosion, and effectively deliver a huge blast. This was to be contracted by the military, and was in its final testing when it went wrong. The entire facility, a local village and the surrounding area went up. Blath's uncle was working in the facility at the time. How could he forget?! He knew now that this weapon would either be a colossal breakthrough, and he would be forced to procure it, or.......they were all going to die.

The Rear-Admiral gave her aids a meaningful look and they promptly ceased talking, retreating a short distance in order to give their naval commander some privacy. Closing the cover of the dossier that she had been examining, the young Admiral removed her glasses and accepted Colonel Sklenova’s hand with an amiable smile. ‘Rear-Admiral Patritsia of the Xirniumite Navy,’ she said by way of introduction, regarding her closely.

The Kahanistanian Colonel seemed only slightly younger then herself, though of a lower rank. The Xirnium Armed Forces had expanded massively over a short time, and many of even the highest ranking officers were very young by international standards. Indeed, Rear-Admiral Patritsia herself was only in her mid-30s, though a highly competent soldier.

The admiral listened politely to Sklenova, taking an instant liking to this genuinely friendly (if slightly nervous) woman. ‘Is that so?’ Admiral Patritsia asked carefully. Of course, the Admiral knew full well about the details of the Nova Scotia disaster, but this seemed a more correct thing to say. She had, after all, noticed Nadia's apparent discomfit and some of the unfriendly laughs of the other delegates, and wanted to put the officer at ease. In comparison, Patritsia contrasted quite markedly with the Kahanistanian Colonel, always cool, calm and collected, her words chosen carefully and with purpose.

‘Actually,’ she began, her lips curling into a full grin, ‘I’m most happy to have met you. Lt Colonel Nadia Sklenova.. veteran of the Xigrat battle. A wounded hero, no less. You should know that battle is legendary at home, as are your own exploits. I do hope you’ve fully recovered since then?’ Sklenova noticed the Admiral showed genuine concern in her voice.

The ladies heard the call to prepare for the demonstration, and began to walk towards the rest of the representatives.

‘We’re glad we can now count your people as amongst our closest friends,’ Admiral Patritsia said in her measured tone as the unveiling of the weapon was about to begin. ‘There is much we can learn from fine soldiers like you.’

Ambassador Bharwani sat on a chair around a table with a detachment of his Embassy Staff and the Marine Security Guards. All of them began listening to the speech given by the lovely Miss Legarwood. During her speech, The Ambassador ordered his Staff to write down or begin writen down anything about the weapon and its capabilities. They would even take snap shots, if the weapon is unveiled. After the cermony is done, all the infomation collected will be sent to the Roman military for analysis and to see that this nation shall not wage war against the Fatherland and its allies.

Sarah walked up to the makeshift podium in front of the bleachers. "Everybody, may I have your attention please. Welcome to sunny Copacabana harbour. The weather wasn't supposed to be this nice, but looks like it'll be a prefect day for watching this. Visibility is rumoured to be at 20 some odd km which is perfect. Now, if you all look to the left...you will see the newest ship in the Holy Fleet sailing up the channel. The ship is roughly 500 feet in length, and 60 feet wide. It is completely automated, that is that there is no crew onboard. The cargo is considered stable until the control is activated. The ship and cargo were created by Sunlight Arms Inc while the control systems were the brainchild of ElectroZap Techinical Institue of the Republic of North St. Clair."

The group of officials from North Saint Clair interupted her.."WOOOO NSC!!! WOOO"

"Unfortunately, other commitements have prevents a representative from ElectroZap from joining us today."

She paused for a couple second to regain her breath.

"The demonstration will begin as soon as the ship lands on the island, just out there. I will give ample notice so we can take the appropriate safety precautions, god forbid anybody gets hurts. At the end of the pier, there is a small stand set up that can provide refreshments. I notice many of you don't have sun glasses. You can get some there as well. As you are our guests, everything is on us. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to ask either myself, Madam Hay who is the Minister of Defence, or Vice Chairman Riel. I will see you all shortly."

She gathered her notes and stepped down from the podium, tripping on crack in the dock. The delegation from North Saint Clair once again burst out in hysterical, drunken laughter.

Sklenova smiled. "Yes, I'm fine physically, no serious damage to my internals. It'll do a job on me posing for Army Boy magazine, though... the bullet left a scar." She put her finger on her right side, between her ninth and tenth ribs. "Well, they can still do it in a one-piece, or from the left, just not in a two-piece from the front." She laughed, a bit less nervously.

"You didn't know about that? The magazine goes to soldiers all over the world, not just Kahanistan, and most of the women in it are officers. I don't know if they get it in Xirnium, though, from what I know they're very religious, not that there's anything nude in the magazines. They try to market to a military audience really. Anyway, a MiG pilot, even a wing commander, isn't paid a lot because this is a socialist country. They don't believe in people getting too rich, even a five-star general makes about 60,000 USD. Hence the mag."

"I really didn't know about our troops being hailed as heroes, especially before the alliance. I always thought we were viewed over there as 'godless commies' who were seen as co-belligerents against a common enemy." She decided not to tell Admiral Patritsia that she herself was an agnostic and member of the Communist party, in other words... a godless commie.

She noticed the North St. Clair delegation laughing drunkenly. She shook Admiral Patritsia's hand and nodded. "It was really nice to meet you, Admiral."

She walked over to the North St. Clair delegation. "It might be a good idea to sit down while you're drunk. If one of you fell into the water and drowned, what would I tell your mothers?" She wouldn't tell them anything, but someone would, and she knew from experience the pain of having to tell someone's mother that she'd lost their son or daughter under her command. She tripped over someone, or was she pushed? She couldn't tell right then. She fell face first right into the water.

Admiral Robicheau, the only Naval officer in the Republic of North St. Clair immediately dove into the water after Sklenova. He had grown up near the ocean when the Holy Empire of Saint Fedski was a unified empire. During the big break up, he moved to St. Clair with his family.

"Colonel, are you alright?" he asked as the grabbed the Sklenova and pulled her to the wall of the dock. "relax, you are alright Colonel. Do not struggle or you could bring both of us down."

"I'm fine, I can swim," she said, pulling a strand of seaweed out of her hair. "But now I have to watch the demostration looking like this." She was in full military uniform, covered in seaweed, soaked. "Did you see? Did some drunk push me in?" Hopefully I'll be dried out before the demonstration. "How much longer before the demonstration?" Sklenova asked, wiping seawater off of her watch. 11:47.

She went over to Liscel from the Amestrian delegation, she seemed to have noticed her earlier. She sat at the edge of the pier, still pulling seaweed out of her uniform. A probably dead fish fell out of her uniform jacket. Ewwww.

Rear-Admiral Patritsia’s lovely eyes narrowed as she witnessed the bizarre spectacle in front of her. Fortunately, the Admiral had thought, Lt Colonel Sklenova seemed perfectly fine (if a little humiliated) so Patritsia decided it would be best not to go over and ask her if she was alright – she didn’t want to exacerbate her embarrassment after all.

The Admiral had been interested in Nadia’s conversation, and made a mental note to ask her aids later on if Xirnium did get this “Army Boy” magazine that the Lieutenant Colonel had mentioned. Of course, the Xirniumite religion, though demanding complete allegiance to the God-Emperor as living deity of Xirnium, was actually an extremely liberal religion when it came to the day-to-day life of its citizens, preferring not to dictate their conduct at all – indeed, even adultery was not prohibited under the scriptures. Not that Patritsia, as an officer of the military, would have taken religion particularly seriously anyway, but that was another matter.

Regarding Nadia’s concern that the Xirniumites saw the Kahanistans as "godless commies", Admiral Patritsia had been pleased to allay the Lt Colonel’s fears. She merely laughed at the suggestion that a person from Xirnium might dislike someone based merely on their political system or belief. 'The Kraven though.. we've a very special place in our hearts for them,' she had said with barely concealed malice, unusual for someone who usually carefully controlled her tone.

Nor were the Xirniumites bitter over the Kahanistans’ past relationship of hostility with them. ‘Your soldiers merely did their duty, as did ours, Nadia. Bravery knows no nationality,’ Patritsia had shrugged.

Of course, the Admiral didn’t have much time to think about their discussion before the call came to prepare for the “show”. She slowly walked over to the table that Ms Legarwood had mentioned, intending to get a pair of the sunglasses. Judging by the state of our friends from North Saint Claire, Admiral Patritsia thought, it looks like there is alcohol here too. I could use a nice brandy.

Liscel smiled as Sklenova walked up to her. "Hi", she remarked softly, "rough night?" She took out her hanky and began to pat Sklenova's face dry. "You know something similar happened to me. I was at an awards ceremony, receiving an honor from the President. I was walking up to him when I tripped on my heals and fell flat on my face on National Television. True, I did not get all wet, but at least your accident was not shown live nation wide (she gives a soft laugh). So, tell me, are you married or otherwise engaged?"

"No, nothing that serious," Sklenova replied. "Most of the soldiers I have regular contact with are under my command, and that would open up certain... ethical issues. As for meeting someone outside work, I'm constantly being deployed from one place to another, it won't last. I'm going to get sent to Kraven probably, after the crisis here dies down. And even if they catch me in civvies, I doubt those Capitol Police are interested in women. I've heard some pretty disturbing rumors about how they reproduce."

"As for marriage... I'm only 31. Most of the people in Kahanistan don't get married until they're in their forties, so they can do the things they wanted to do and store up money to support their children. I've never thought ahead 10 years in my life. 10 years in my career, maybe, but not much in my personal life. By the way, do you know where the drinks are?"

OOC: "Civvies" is a military slang term for civilian clothing worn by military personnel off duty in hostile areas (think bars in war-era Vietnam.)

"Right here", Liscel pulls a personel flask of gin out and hands it to Sklenova. "Its Amestrian City gin, some of the finest in the world... So you are you interested in another short term relationship at present?"

(Physical discription of Liscel: She is in her early thirties, dressed in a formal suit, has dirty blonde hair which she wears partially in an enormous pony tail. When she smiles Sklenova will see she has an Oblique tooth on her upper left. She is attractive.)

Sklenova shook her head. She was liberal that way about other people's preferences, but not interested in what she thought Liscel had in mind. It simply wasn't in her personality.

"I don't like short term relations in general." She was as nervous now as she was when meeting the Xirnium Admiral. More nervous than that... she'd never been come on to that aggressively by a woman.

She sat down on the pier, waiting for the ship to launch. Hopefully I can put this madness behind me once I get deployed somewhere more friendly, like Kraven.

"Oh, don't be like that", Liscel pouted as she sat down next to Sklenova. "If you like I can get you a dry pair of clothes, and I mean that in a completely innocent way. Would you like some morphine, it will help you calm down and relax?"

Sarah walks over to where the officers are sitting.
"Colonel" she say "I see you decided to take a bit of a swim. If you had wanted to take a dip we could've arranged for you to go to the nice sandy beached Copacabana has to offer. It certainly would've been a lot cleaner than swimming in this filthy water." She shudders. "I'll have someone go get you some dry clothing."

Liscel gives Sarah a dirty look. Then she smiles...

"The Colonel has had quite a rough night..."

Rear-Admiral Patritsia walked up quietly behind Sarah, brandy in hand, and cleared her throat.

The Admiral addressed the woman, a slight frown on her face, ‘Excuse me, Ms Legarwood, but could you please tell me how long we have until the demonstration? You may not know, but my nation is currently launching the largest military operation in its martial history, and I’m needed back at the front. Xirnium does not have so many high ranking military officers that it can simply allow them to stand around and socialise during a time of war – no matter how lovely Copacabana might be.’

"Not too much longer now Admiral. It was just about to be announced that everybody begin heading down to the bunker." Sarah replied quietly.

No sooner had Sarah replied to the Admiral's question, then the loud speakers came alive. "All visiting dignitaries please head down to the bunker quickly, but safely. The demonstration is about to begin." A couple seconds pass and the speakers repeat themselves.

"Aah there we go," Sarah muttered quietly to herself before speaking to the little group that had surrounded her "If you would please follow me, and stick together, I don't want to see anybody get arrested by the ISF. That would cause a huge problem for us, and for you."

(OOC:ISF - Internal Security Force. Provides security at government buildings and classified facilities such as the Copacabana Harbour. Know for their attention to detail and unique methods of law enforcement.)

"I hope it produces a big and continuous flame", remarks a clearly excited Liscel as she puts on her special glasses and joins the remainder of the Amestrian delegation in the bunker.

Admiral Oliver Johnson and his entourage followed the rest of the group towards the bunker. He had been quiet so far, just watching the other dignitaries nad enjoying the drinks that were being handed around.

Colonel Sklenova put on her sunglasses and finished off the last of her canteen. This will be interesting. She pulled out a diving pen and pad, given to her by a Marine whose line of work involved going underwater a lot. Good thing they make waterproof pens and pads these days. Else that unexpected dip could have been a disaster. As it was, the only thing damaged was her sidearm and an ammo clip. Never can be too careful with all these terrorists running around.

She waited for the test to take place, ready to take notes... then she could toss back a few drinks and unwind before she figured she'd be sent back into battle.

Well, this should be unusual, if nothing else, Nhleko thought, as he dutifully walked with the others down into the bunker.

They could have sent someone from the Ministry of Defence. Maybe el Attar himself. I'm a diplomat, not a military expert.

But then, he knew, his expertise was not required. He would be expected only to report back on how destructive this new weapon was, what its basic effects were, and whether there was any cause for worry.

"So, are most of you in the military?" he asked casually, hoping to lighten the atmosphere, for himself at least.

Blath frowned. He had been quiet since the announcement came that the demonstration would soon begin, and now they had been called down to their positions. He muttered under his breath. All the other delegations seemed to be striking up conversations and friendships. He hadn't even heard where most of them came from, thanks to the Emperor's strict policy of a closed country, where nothing of the outside world is known. In fact, Blath himself had known nothing about the outside world until he had been relocated to the Diplomätzkorps. Before, he had always been taught that non-Jagonians were evil people, monsters trying to kill his family and friends. Now he saw that it was a lie. Once again, he found himself doubting Jagonia, the Emperor and the principles of the Imperial Hierarchy. Damn.he thought,I must stop this. I'm turning myself into a traitor. But despite his efforts, he knew in an instant that all he had been taught and told, up to that moment, when he had been given his orders, was a lie.

The Ambassador, his staff, and security were ordered by him to begin moving to a bunker that was told over the speaker. The staff packed up all their notes in a folder and put it in their suitcases. The all got up and straightened their suits, then pushed their chairs in. Their began walking along with the group to the bunker while looking over the harbor to see any sign of the new weapon. All they saw was civilan ships and miltary ships parked onto the pier or cruising over the calm ocean.

General Kitas a young man of 34 had arrived after some delay actually getting from the airport, quickly bustling into the bunker, the pair of Lieutenants with him alert in addition to the four Enforcers that had accompnied him, He took up a set next to the Xirnium admiral, and smiled, the alliance between their nations while young had great hopes by the Council of Ministers attached to it, though this Superweapon would be anaylysed intensely, it would also have to be ascertained whether the Aegis of Damocles could protect against it.

"Greetings and be at ease Admiral the War against Kraven in your homeland goes well, our Comrades in arms make sure of that, but tell me how are you this fine day and could I be so forthcomming as to ask your name? I am General Kitas Novacom Army Group Zentarl, you cannot deny that it is nice to take a break from the mournful art of war, I myself am greateful although my command has not been pitched against Kraven, instead Rogue Admiral Kukonois' forces, I do wonder about the Delivery Methods of this weapon of theirs, I do wonder if it's Anything similar to Damocles," he smiles again forgetting for a moment that Damocles is unknown to all but Avid Conspiracy Theorists.

The four Enforcers standing in the nearby corner murmur in the cryptic Novan toungue to each other while the 2 lieutenant's prepare to enter as much data as possible into their datapads, their alertenss honed and sharpened by years of campaiging against the Insidous Rogue Admiral's forces, Admiral Kukonois loved the cloak and dagger and was always nigh impossible to track down, ever since world war 2 the man and his offspring had been a threat, an artful tactician one with almost precognitive abilities, his Strategum were much feared as even in defeat the man could claim victory. He sighs gently hoping that the demonstartion will be worth the trip, it certainly sounded that way before he'd made the long and perilous journey.

The minutes felt like hours. What's going on? Did the demonstration work? Did the weapon go off yet at all? Colonel Sklenova was very nervous, trembling a little. Get a grip, Nadia... they'd have said if it didn't. She grabbed the nearest thing to her, which happened to be the hand of one of the Xirnium Acolyte guards, and squeezed it as hard as she could, probably not hard enough to injure him though. Just a few minutes... then this whole awful mess will be over.

ooc: novacom, I don't mean to sound rude or anything but I don't remember inviting you. Please correct me if I'm wrong. And even if I did, you're just a little late to take part. By the time you land in Sarnia, go through security fly to Copacabana, go through military security...you'll have missed the demonstration.

Blath waited anxiously for the demonstration to start. Has something gone wrong? he thought to himself. He signalled his Logischtichmann over, and sent him off with a message addressed to his brother, the Consulate at the embassy. In the letter, he asked him to prepare for his arrival as soon as the demonstration had finished. He needed an immediate private audience with his brother. Having despatched the letter, he returned to watching out the bunker.

"I have been informed that the only problem is that there isn't one." Sarah announced to the delegates. In five short minutes, that ship will be hit with a torpedo launched from a remote controlled battery on the shore. Are there any questions before we begin?" Admiral Murphy asked. "If there aren't any, I ask that you please sit in the appointed seat and make sure you are wearing your ear protection."

Nhleko raised his hand politely.

"May I ask what exactly we will be seeing? Merely the explosion, or the full details of the weapon's effects? I understand, of course, that you must restrict information to some extent for security reasons..."

Blath, immediately following the Arridian representative's question, asked a question himself.

"Will the weapon be available for purchase by our governments?"

"Mr. Nhleko, there really won't be much to explain once you see it. After the engineering team has secured the weapons, post demonstration, a tour of the surrounding area will be given to judge it's effectiveness. Remember though, this is the first we have tested it as well so whatever you see, we are also seeing for the first time." Admiral Murphy answered.

He was about to address Mr. Blath's question when the Minister of Defence stood up.

"I will take it from here Admiral" She interupted. "If all goes well, this technology will be available for export. However that won't happen until all the kinks have been worked out and all the systems have been installed properly. What you will see here is just a low-tech prototype to test the general idea. More information will available at the Security Council conference later tonight to which all of you are invited. Are there any more questions or concerns?"

Liscel raise her hand. "Is this just a naval weapon? Could this technology be implemented in strategic missiles?"

"Yes this is just a naval weapon. The idea can be used on land, but to nowhere near the effect. This has already been tested and a bombing run by a B-52 was found to be more effective."

All his questions sort of answered by the previous questions, Admiral Johnson sat down in his appointed seat, his entourage sitting in their allocated spots. He watched intently the target of this new weapon, wondering what it would look like.

Sklenova looked over at the guard seated next to her, the one whose hand she was clutching in a death grip. "After the demonstration... this has been really stressful for me... care to join me for some drinks? I hate drinking alone." Hate may not be the right word... the first time I drank alone I damn near got alcohol poisoning... more like self preservation. She made sure her ear and eye protection was secure... If I go deaf or blind from this, it'll be the end of my career.

ooc: novacom, I don't mean to sound rude or anything but I don't remember inviting you. Please correct me if I'm wrong. And even if I did, you're just a little late to take part. By the time you land in Sarnia, go through security fly to Copacabana, go through military security...you'll have missed the demonstration.

OOC: Secret IC:

To: The members of the AKA
From: The Holy Empire of Saint Fedski

Pending successful testing of our new "device", they shall be transferred to Xirnium for use against Kraven. Also, regarding this "device" the members of the AKA are invited to send a delegation to Sarnia in order to view the demonstration. Naval personnel would be the best bet, but any military or political or scientific delegation should suffice.
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=451992

[signed] Madam Robynne Hay, Minister of Defence, Holy Empire of Saint Fedski

Sorry and I skipped RPing landing since I've had to do quite a lot of them lately and they're grating on me slightly.

Yes, yes my apologies Novacom

OOC: When is the demonstration starting?

"No further questions from me," Nhleko said slowly, even as he thought the matter over. A 'tour of the area' was a fairly vague reply, perhaps intentionally so. It did imply, however, that they would only be shown what their eyes could take in of the weapon's effects, and not precise analyses carried out by Saint Fedski's military. Not that he had been expecting the latter.

He looked round at the others discreetly, trying to read the expressions on their faces.

OOC: When is the demonstration starting? ooc: Now.

Admiral Murphy:
"Your Attention please. Everybody. Attention. Listen up" The murmur of the group continued. "SEX!! Now that I've got your attention, please make sure you're ear protection is on properly. Without it you could endangering your hearing, more importantly your life. What we have here is a solid bunker made of concrete reinforced with steel every two feet. The concrete is four feet thick and can withstand most conventional weapons. You are looking out of four inches of kevlar. Please pick up your binoculars and look straight out towards that island. You can see the small mass of the ship just entering that little bay. Surrounding the bay you will see "fake" structures. That is a former Naval Base and residence. It's just like a mini city. We hope that this ship will level the entire city, and even some of the island."

The island is about as large as Oahu in Hawaii. The small city he referred to is similar in size and appearance to a regular small town of 100,000. There is a large, airfield capable of handling the largest of aircraft. The harbour facilities were capable of harbouring four large carries, twelve cruisers, and twenty-four other vessels (the ships are now home ported in Copacabana). From the bunker, one can see directly into the mouth of the harbour, see the moth ball fleet and most of the "city".

"What I have here in my hand is the control device. I move this cover so I can reach the safety switch. I switch it like so and then I press this button. This is your last warning to make sure all ear protection is on. Make sure you are viewing the prototype ship, the white one, right in the middle."

The ship is just about to run aground.

Sklenova looked over at the guard seated next to her, the one whose hand she was clutching in a death grip. "After the demonstration... this has been really stressful for me... care to join me for some drinks? I hate drinking alone." [/i]

Upon over-hearing Sklenova's remarks, Liscel's heart sank. "Oh no", she thought, "I not going to let her get away from me... Think, think, think...". For the moment, however she would concentrate on the promised explosion.

Sklenova smiled as the ship started to run aground at the naval base. If this were a Kraven base... Hopefully we can wipe Kraven's inhuman killers off the planet with this weapon, and we won't have to use nukes ever again. Her hand tightened around the hand of the soldier seated next to her. He probably hated Kraven as much as she did. She turned to Liscel during the demonstration, not blocking her vision, but allowing her to see it while listening to her.

"You seemed interested in meeting me for some reason. Maybe if we each found an escort after the demo finishes, so neither of us suspects the other of having any untoward intentions... The more, the merrier, when it comes to drinking parties."

"You seemed interested in meeting me for some reason. Maybe if we each found an escort after the demo finishes, so neither of us suspects the other of having any untoward intentions... The more, the merrier, when it comes to drinking parties."

"Sure... untoward intentions, whatever do you mean? (smiling) Are you afraid of me?"

"Not really... but I don't like being alone and drunk with someone I've just met. Two or three is OK, though. Safety in numbers."

"Ok, but I must tell you that I don’t drink to become drunk. Tell me are you one open to new experiences during this short life which only ends in the void?"

"SHUT THE HELL UP BITCHES" A member of the North St. Clair delegation yells. "We're trying to listen and that's not happening with you dykes talking. If you want to talk go outside. This is a military demonstraiton, not a lesbian flirtfest."

Liscel flies into a rage. "YOU SHUT UP OR I"LL... Ill... Ill... When my sister is President I'll have an official complaint sent to your government as to your rudeness. That will show you!"

[OCC: I'm going to continue this rp until you try to evict my representatives, they don't know about Saint Fedski's diplomatic situation re. Xirnium yet.]

Rear-Admiral Patritsia was a little alarmed at the events, having been in a quick and whispered conversation with her aids and oblivious to what was going on in the room until this sudden outburst. ‘Calm yourselves, people! Both of you,’ she commanded, a hint of sternness in her voice. They were about to test a huge explosive device outside and the last thing they needed was a full-scale brawl inside the bunker!

‘Azerath,’ she said, turning to the Xirniumite Zealot Knight who seemed to be getting a little too friendly with the Kahanistanian representative, ‘you’re on duty now. Please focus on the task ahead, I’m sure there will be time for leisure later.’ Her reprimand put an abrupt end to the conversation that he had been having with Lt Colonel Sklenova, much to his chagrin for she was certainly an alluring woman.

A wave of anger came over the normally agreeable Colonel. Dykes? Dykes? I was just trying to be friendly and she comes on to me like some drunken college student in a bar... And if they didn't notice, I was trying to talk to this BLOKE.

"Shit," Sklenova muttered through clenched teeth, looking crossly at the St. Clair delegate. She turned her head back toward the demonstration, taking notes on the destructive power of the weapon.

A vicious smile appeared on her face as she envisioned wiping the Kraven filth off the face of the earth and dumping buckets of dog piss on their graves using the superweapon... She was normally not so hateful, but she had a "special" place in her heart for imperialistic savages...

A wave of anger came over the normally agreeable Colonel. Dykes? Dykes? I was just trying to be friendly and she comes on to me like some drunken college student in a bar... And if they didn't notice, I was trying to talk to this BLOKE.

"Shit," Sklenova muttered through clenched teeth, looking crossly at the St. Clair delegate. She turned her head back toward the demonstration, taking notes on the destructive power of the weapon.


Liscel places a hand on Skelnova's shoulder. "I'm sorry. Is there anyway I can make it up to you?"

Three.....


Two.....


One.....


*BFE* (big fuckin' explosion)

Even with the ear protection on, the explosion was still painful to ones ear's. A massive flash lit up the entire area, even though it was already midday. A second or so later, the shock wave could be seen snapping trees like toothpicks and throwing birds like bullets. Everyone just stood, staring out to the island in silence. Some were shaking, others became sick and some even collapsed. An eerie ringing fell over Copacabana, or maybe it was just their ears. Nothing seemed to be making any sound...even the massive waves that were crashing into the dock directly infront of the bunker with ever increasing force, made a sound. Minutes of speechlessness passed before the ringing died down and anyone spoke.

Admiral Murphy was first to speak. "Uhh" he moaned before beginning. "Well there you have it, Project Alpha has been demonstrated. A small team of ordinance officers should be heading out there right about now to make sure all is safe. We'll just take a bit of a break before we head out there. Do we want to take a helicopter on this beautiful day or do we want to take the boat?"

"Just be less aggressive in the future," Sklenova replied warily. "We can talk, just don't expect much of what you're thinking to come of it." She stood up, nearly deafened by the explosion, her ears still ringing. "It's a nice day, my vote's for the boat," she said, somewhat loudly.

"WWWWWOOOOHHHHHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!", screams a flushed and excited Liscel, apparently quite pleased by the size of the explosion. "That was wonderful, yes, yes! Burn, baby, burn! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha ha ha haaaa!"

One of her companions explains meekly. "She likes fires and explosions."

Liscel turns to Skelnova. "Which do you prefer, boat or chopper?! So the boat?... Yes, see the destruction first hand, nothing more relaxing except... well I cannot mention that here."

"Woah, nice explosion! I think that I would like to take the boat - I presume that we can take the helicopter back and observe the effects from the air?"

"Let's... take the boat," Nhleko agreed slowly, getting to his feet as the ringing in his ears began to fade. He struggled against a sense of shock. The explosion had been far more powerful than he could ever have imagined.

Why on earth would anyone need a weapon this powerful?

Well, taking the boat should give them some idea of its effects at ground level, he thought quickly. And perhaps they could indeed obtain an aerial view later.

"Most Impressive, Most Impressive indeed, I would prefer an aerial view, though please do tell us, are there any harmful side affects to being in the area of detonation after the weapon has gone off?" General Kitas rising from his seat as he says this, it had been a spectacular demonstration, perhaps this weapon was more powerful than damocles after all, he smiled blissfully unaware of a similar event to this had just happened in the pacific.

Sklenova climbed into the boat. "You wouldn't happen to have life jackets or anything like that?" She was thinking of the drunks she assumed had pushed her off the dock earlier. While she could swim, if someone who couldn't got pushed off or simply fell off, they would likely drown.

Let's see the destruction.

Blath remained silent. He had seen the explosion, and now realized the full damage his people could do if they got their hands on it. He didn't have time to muck about deciding on boats or helicopters, though he wished they could have taken airgondola, like in Berathica. He decided on it. Whether it made him a traitor or not, he would have to disobey orders and prevent his government getting the weapon.

bump

Sklenova sat down. She turned next to Liscel. "You wouldn't happen to have a laptop or something I could borrow? My cell got drenched when I fell in the water." I've been shut in here for days. I've been cut off from everybody. And I need to know how the war is going.

"Ladies and Gentlemen and North Saint Clairians, the boat is ready. We will circle the island first then head on into the harbour." Admiral Murphy said as he looked towards a smaller, victorian style ferry. "A small lunch will be served on board but for safety reasons, there will be no alcohol served. Once we get there, you are free to cruise around on your own, but an escort of 2 intelligence bureau agents is mandatory. A meeting place and time will be decided upon arrival."

The steamwhistle on the boat blew. "Alright, everybody on!" Murphy ordered excitedly.

Sklenova sat down. She turned next to Liscel. "You wouldn't happen to have a laptop or something I could borrow? My cell got drenched when I fell in the water." I've been shut in here for days. I've been cut off from everybody. And I need to know how the war is going.

Liscel blinked as she heard Sklenova's request, then a devilish smile came over her face. She reached into her brief case and pulled out a miniature laptop. "This is my own personnel property, nothing confidential on it, so of course you can use it... If you let me tie a ribbon in your hair while you type away..." It was hard to tell if she was serious or joking...

The colonel nodded, a little surprised that Liscel would want to put anything in her hair with the seaweed and other aquatic detritus that was in it. "Thank you." She spent about twenty minutes on the computer.

She first went to the news sites, desperate for anything on the Kraven War the past few days. Looks like Kraven has some nasty new allies... most of the AKA is pushing for peace.

Then she went to her email. Empty, except for two messages. One from Ambassador Mercer. So the soldier shot down in Thorns is KIA. Sklenova's gray eyes watered. He was part of my wing. He and his commander hadn't served under me that long, but still... The other message was a hate-filled diatribe against her from one of the colonels who was deployed to the area. Fine, she can trade places with me if she wants, getting pushed into the water and come on to at every turn.

She turned to Liscel, handing the computer back. "Thanks," she said, her voice shaking. "The war isn't going too well with Kraven. But this weapon should change the tide if we can acquire it in time."

During the 20 minutes Sklenova's was on the computer, Liscel had been busy. She had run her fingers through Skelnova's hair, picking out the sea-weed and any other 'trash'. Then she had proceeded to tie Sklenova's hair into a pony tail with an enormous red bow.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that... You’re crying." Liscel took her hanky and began to dry Sklenova's tears. "Did someone you know perish early on account of the war?"

"Someone under my command, here," she replied. "Shot down a couple weeks ago, survived the crash, took his cyanide pill or whatever after capture." She allowed Liscel to take her hand. "The war here goes pretty well on the whole, though, it's Kraven I'm worried about."

She proceeded to explain about the atrocities Kraven had committed, and that the Anti-Kraven Alliance for the most part was making peace rather than deal with Kraven's new allies. She could barely speak, describing the horrendous practices of Kraven toward 'thought criminals.'

Finally, she wanted to know Amestrian policy toward the Kraven Corporation. "Ms. Liscel... does Amestria have relations with the Corporation?"

"No! Amestria has no relations what-so-ever with that thing called Kraven. Are policy has always been that if they make any hostile action towards Amestria that we nuke them... We, however, have chosen to avoid direct conflict while focusing instead upon deterrence. That is not to say we are not indirectly involved, at this moment my State is engaged in the occupation and restructuring of Torontia, a former Kraven ally broth low by the Empire of Yallak..."

Liscel places her hand upon Sklenova's face. "That is sad about your friend... If it makes you feel any better know that in dieing he has vanished, never again to feel pain or fear. No one will ever hurt him again... Why don't you tell me about him, pass on his memory so to speak..."

Sklenova's expression softened and she smiled. "Not much to say, really, he was only 19 and his squadron was just transferred to my wing. I didn't know him that well, just welcomed him into my wing... I'm always emotional like this when it's someone under my command."

She was no longer crying. "As for Torontia, we have, I think, 2,100 troops in the Fedski occupied zone, we tend to keep out of the disputes between the other occupying powers, they're serving mostly as police, keeping looters and the like under control. Not a big contribution, but we've arrested over 1,000 looters and other criminals. Then again, we're one of the few AKA members who haven't made peace with Kraven, so we can't spare too many troops all over the world."

Sklenova's soft, pretty face took on a hard, vicious expression. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw tightened. She was staring directly into Liscel's eyes now. "And Kahanistan will be the one to wipe Kraven off the map once and for all. If the people of Kraven cannot depend on the AKA to save them, they can rely on these explosive ships or whatever destroying the Kraven military and feeding them to the sharks."

"You need to relax, you are under such stress. That can not be healthy." She reaches into her brief case and takes out three bottles of what appear to be pills.

"Here, this is some of the medication I take when I become too depressed, stressed, frustrated, or other-wise angry at life. Here is 'Well Meaning Morphine', 'Sacrifice Clarity for Relief', or my personal favorite, 'Detachment from the Human Condition'. These will help you relax, you will feel like you are walking on a cloud, your problems just melting away. No hang over, although once you take them you cannot drink any alcohol for 24 hours... What you say?"

Twenty minutes after boarding the boat, they caught their first glimpse of the island. The smoke was just beginning to clear. What used to be a beautiful green island, covered in lush vegetation was now a barren wasteland. The odd tree trunk still stood but nothing else. Buildings were reduced to rubble, rubble was reduced to debris, debris was reduced to particles. The mothball fleet that had stood in the harbour was nowhere to be seen. A couple parts could be indentified breaking through the water.

The ferry pulled up to makeshift dock that a group of engineers has just put up.


"Admiral, Welcome to Destruction Cove. I hope you enjoy your stay here." One of the engineers joked to the horrified Admiral as he walked down the dock ahead of the delegates.

"Oh dear god..where'd the base go?" He muttered to Sarah.

"I imagined it would be powerful but WOW!" She whispered back.

"I'm thinking we should check out the back of the island first. I want to see what happened to the old Presidential Hotel." he replied before turning around to address the delegates. "As you already know what was here, you can see it is no longer. There's a clearing on the other side of that little ridge, that used to be A CLIFF! Anyways, there are four helicopters that you can take advantage off but please be patient, only two or three can fit in along with the Intelligence Bureau escorts/guides. They can answer your questions just as well anyone. If anyone needs to contact me, there are radios in the helicopters and a couple will be set up on the beach here. We will meet back here in say two hours? Enjoy your tour."

Admiral Murphy and Sarah began to walk towards the helipad so they could jump to the other side of the island.

Blath, seeing the Admiral speeding away, quickly raced up to him.

"Admiral..." he said, panting, "Is this weapon intended to be used in any particular campaign?"

Admiral Oliver Johnson picked his way through the debris surrounding the devastated shoreline. He whistled quietly has he slowly made a mental picture of what would happen in a war, and these were used. He noticed something in the rubble, and pulled out a small doll, recently used by the look of it. Oh well, if the government couldn't be bothered to clear out people from their test sites, then it was bad luck to them. He hurried over to the helicopter to see if he could nab a space on one of hte first few flights.

Colonel Sklenova got out of the boat and stepped ashore. "My God... the destruction..." I wouldn't want to be on a Kraven ship when it got hit by that... or even anywhere in the fleet. She absently made some more notes in her notepad. She spoke to Liscel, still writing. "I'm a bit wary of taking pills from people I don't know well... just heard of too many bad things happening. Besides, once we get back to Copacabana, the lot of us'll probably relax."

After a few minutes of writing in her pad, she pocketed the pen and pad and looked in the water at her reflection. She still had the ribbon in her hair. "I look a third my age."

She looked at the helicopters. "If I'd known we'd be flying around here, I would've brought my own MiG with me." She made for one of the choppers.

Liscel turned to her companions. "You investigate the damage on foot, take plenty of pictures." After making sure her own camera was in her pocket, Liscel skipped after Skelnova and joined her on the helicopter. Sitting next to her she remarked, "Look at all this destruction, the environmental organizations are going to scream bloody murder... My country could never test a weapon like this on such a complex ecosystem."

She reached over and proceeded to adjust Skelnova's ribbon. "It makes you look so sweet and innocent... Of course, you are not innocent and there lies the beautiful. Neither are children, they are just little adults, and adults are just big children. What was your child-hood like? You have obsessed over things beyond your control all your life haven’t you? You have been obsessing about Kravens utter destruction since you got here, I can see it in your eyes. Human life's too short to hold nothing but barren hatred, helpless regret, or fearful hesitance in the face of new experiences. What will you do if you succeed and Kraven is destroyed within your life time?... What will you do if Kraven continues beyond your freedom of youth? Obsession leads to a brief brilliance, whether courage or an explosion, but ultimately a life as barren as this island now is... You seem ready to fall apart..."

Liscel reached into her brief case and pulled out the bottle of "Well Meaning Morphine", and popped two of the pills into her mouth. "For the flight, I have issues with heights", she explained.

Rear-Admiral Patritsia (http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/Dennis134/adm.jpg) snorted unkindly at the deputy vice-Minister’s words. What does this foolish Amestrian politician know of hatred, of fear, of regret? She fought to suppress a cruel smile spreading across her lips, and instead turned away to look silently out of the window, gazing at the destruction of the land. The Admiral didn't want to say anything mean..

For some reason the Xirniumite commander had been separated from the rest of her group and assigned to the same helicopter as Lt Colonel Sklenova and Liscel. She ignored their conversation for the most part, her mind on more important matters that concerned Xirnium, specifically this new weapon and its implications for warfare. It must be acquired, she thought fiercely.

Liscel was right. Human life's too short to hold nothing but barren hatred, helpless regret, or fearful hesitance in the face of new experiences. Sklenova decided to talk about something else, like religion, although she was herself agnostic. She had been indoctrinated with the other Xigrat prisoners, but most of it had gone right over her head.

She turned to Admiral Patritsia. "So... you interested in talking about religion? I had something that was rolling around in my head for a while... the Immortal God-Emperor is called Lord Quikzos the Fourth, right? So was there ever a Quikzos the Third? If so, what happened to him? And if not, why the Fourth?"

She took care not to deny that the God-Emperor was a god, but hoped that the Admiral would understand she was merely curious about their religion.

The Xirnium Admiral ( http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/Dennis134/adm.jpg) turned back to Nadia, regarding her silently for a moment. She personally despised talking about religion, being a member of the military she simply never had the time for it. What’s more, she remembered well the terrible purges that the clergy had committed against the general staff in the distant past. Thank the God-Emperor for the High Ecclesiarchy, she thought, they saved Xirnium from the clerics. Nowadays, with the clergy no longer in direct control of Xirnium, things were vastly different. Rear-Admiral Patritsia herself had often overruled members of the Commissariat foolish enough to think they could use dogma to enforce their own decision on her military ships.

‘The reign of the God-Emperor Lord Quikzos IV began in 1947 when He succeeded to the “Throne of Ages” following the eternal sleep and ascension to the Heavenly Throne of His Father, the God-Emperor Nimen XI. The God-Emperor Quikzos III ruled from 1106-1175,’ the Admiral reeled off. Like all Xirniumites, she had learnt the names and reigns of all 79 God-Emperors when very young, and would never forget them. Particularly vivid was her memory of how the sisters in the chapel would strike their students on their open palms if they ever got a detail wrong. Unlike many she had never cried. But that was when I was a child, she thought, forcing the memory from her mind, I’ve more important problems to worry about now.

The Admiral smiled warmly, if perhaps a little forcefully, at the Kahanistanian Lieutenant Colonel. ‘Was that all you were wondering about regarding the Xirniumite religion?’

Colonel Sklenova (http://img495.imageshack.us/img495/5545/fwcmdr6zh.jpg) nodded. "The God-Emperor is called immortal, but there have been 79 of them." She could tell the Admiral was somewhat irritated, but she just had to know how 78 God-Emperors could die and still be called immortal. Unless... "Do you believe in reincarnation or something?"

'My good Colonel, I'm not sure that being immortal must necessarily preclude one from dieing,’ the Xirniumite Admiral said vaguely. ‘For example, the ancient Egyptians believed their Pharaoh, when he died, acended to heaven as the sun-god. Consider the christians, they believe their god died. They also believe their god was both the father and the son. In that respect their religion is much like ours, although our God would not allow himself to be tortured and killed as the christian god was.’

The Xirniumite Admiral shrugged her shoulders unconcernedly. ‘I never really had the time for theology when I was in school. I’m sure the clerics and theologians have some suitably complex reason to explain it just like all religions do. But no, Nadia, the Xirniumite religion does not involve reincarnation. It is better described as a royal line of living Gods.’

Liscel could not contain her laughter. Living gods indeed! "Gods, demons, fairies, pixies, and dragons... They may distract one from the mundane, from the material, illusions and sophistry will do that... But we are the mundane, we are the material, there is nothing else... I!"

Suddenly Liscel looked dizzy. "Whoooo, I think I had too many..." She laid her head on Sklenova's shoulder. She began playing with Sklenova's hair once again. "You have the loveliest hair..."

The Xirniumite Admiral stared at the Amestrian representative coldly, clearly the joke was lost on Patritisa. ‘Indeed,’ the Rear-Admiral said icily, her lovely eyes narrowed with contempt, ‘no matter, I’m sure you’ll be able to find the required medication for your light-headedness, or whatever other malady might bother you next.'

'Though I am pleased to see you’re having such a grand time,’ said the Naval Commander with false sincerity.

Sklenova grabbed Liscel firmly by the arm. "You've had too much. You need to sleep." She pulled her down onto a seat, then looked out, surveying the destruction. She turned to one of the intelligence agents and smiled.

"When do you think these weapons will be available for mass production? I was hoping that a few dozen of these devices might be available for shipment to Kahanistan."

"I'm fine", Liscel retorted back at the Admiral just as coldly, irked by the obviously false sincerity. (thinking to herself) Well excuse me for trying to enjoy myself and not being some military officer in a dominatrix suit with a skull on her cap! Just add some high heels and give her a whip and she could be in any number of those magazines I read!

"It will pass shortly; it's only a pain killer, not some heavy drug. Everyone is far to uptight." She pouted and stared out the window...

[OCC: By the way, that’s an image of her when she was a submarine commander, some years ago, I don’t have one of her today in her Admiral’s uniform. She will have a similar cap though, with the skull device and she will be wearing high-heels ;) .]

The Xirniumite Rear-Admiral laughed meanly. ‘Nonsense Nadia, why should our friend have a nap when she is only just starting to have fun. That is, after all, the whole point for why we’re all here in the first place, isn’t it?’ she said mockingly.

‘Please, my dear deputy vice-Minister, why don’t you continue to illume us with your clever conversation?’ The Admiral had stopped what she was doing, putting away her folder, and grinned at Liscel unkindly.

Liscel replied sarcastically. "My pleasure, people aren’t wearing enough hats. That is a severe problem facing the world today, I'm sure we can build a bomb that will solve it... I don't think this weapon will accomplish anything but increase the casualties of war. We are all hamsters on a wheel!"

‘Such perceptiveness, my dear deputy vice-Minister, tell me are all the politicans in your fine nation of such high calibre as you? This bomb might actually increase the casualties of war.. I must admit I never thought of it that way,’ the Admiral said smoothly, her words dripping with sarcasm.

‘As for the hat problem, don’t concern yourself. I’m sure they’ll find a pill to solve it.’

“There needs to be the realization that what we are doing is worshiping the latest invention that comes along, hoping it will solve all are problems. With a minor consumer triviality, it does not matter so much, but when the idolatry is applied to weapons… I am going to recommend to our government that we acquire it, do you think I am incompetent or stupid. It will increase my States military power and ability to cause mass destruction without resorting to nukes. But counters will be developed and it will lose effectiveness and we will soon find ourselves back at the next test sight, worshiping the next thing they find can kill many people with little effort. This is what we do isn’t it; make the killing of future generations easier… Excuse me if I cannot take it very seriously while I do my job. Excuse me if I want to escape for just a few moments and enjoy myself!”

Liscel sighed. “You think very poorly of me don’t you! And I am a civil servant, not a politician.”

'Think poorly of you, no!' the Admiral said with a sneer, and Liscel was less then convinced. 'My dear deputy vice-Minister I'm sure you are a more then capable bureaucrat, why shouldn't you pursue your personal frivolities when you have more important work to do?'

'Of course, it is true we do live in a world where there is a constant arms race,' the Admiral continued, 'and we must all take part in it or be left behind. Be rest assured that even your fine drugs will not be able to lighten the situation when Kraven (or the next despot that thinks it can run the world) sends its troops pouring over your borders. It is a none too flattering reflection on the way humans are but I’m afraid it is all too accurate.’

The Admiral sighed, this naive Amestian bureaucrat knows nothing of the way of the cruel world works, her nation has not had the disastrous introduction to the outside world that Xirnium had during the Kraven War. How fortunate they are, and how unfair has Holy Xirnium's luck been!

‘Pilot, land here please. At this clearing,’ she commanded, pointing at the position on the island. ‘I’d like to have a closer look, with your permission.’

Can't we all get along? "STOP IT!" Sklenova yelled, putting her hands on her hips.

"Now, I'm sure the three of us all want the same thing - the superweapon. And I'm also sure we all have the same ideas in store for it - we're going to wipe the Kraven Corporation off the face of the earth."

Sklenova continued. "We're NOT trying to 'kill future generations', as you put it. We're going to help future generations so that terrorist regimes don't take over the world. While we're speaking, my own nation is probably going to be attacked within the next few days. I, for one, plan to use this weapon to protect the people of the world from the greedy capitalist scum that are out to destroy the world!" Spittle was flying from her mouth as she ranted.

"Now," she said, more calmly, "let's sit back... enjoy the ride... and when we land, we can all enjoy the beach and the local bars and clubs and whatever you people like to do for fun here."

(Note: delivered before Sklenova spoke) "I work very hard for my State! These 'pills' do not stop me from doing my job... I can see you have been sneering at me this whole time, looking down upon me as some (imitating the Admirals voice) druggie bureaucrat. Tell me admiral, did it give you any satisfaction when your nation executed the 30 some Torontian war criminals, even though it promised not to. Will this weapon give you any satisfaction when you use it, or will you just pretend it does; convince yourself everything is fine, dark and serious when in reality it is absurd. They say there is no humor or joy in Kraven, admiral, what they do physically to their people is incidental. To rob someone of his or her limited freedom to have happiness is in a manner as bad as death. It might even be worse, as when you die you do not suffer any more. Let us not be like Kraven, worshiping the seriousness and purpose of our respective systems. Let us be people, that thing Kraven is an extreme, let us avoid all its forms..."

[Ermm, delivered before Amestria's post it seems, let me work this out.. Ok, let's assume my naval commander was cut of before she could deliver her insult to the Amestrian (she would have been very irritated by the refrence to Torontia) by Nadia's outburst.]

‘Calm yourself Colonel, there’s no need for that,’ said the Xirniumite Admiral, looking at Sklenova with some concern. ‘The good deputy vice-Minister and I are merely having a friendly chat.’ Rear-Admiral Patritisa glared at the Amestrian representative with pure loathing.

‘I’m sorry if I seemed a little unkind to you,’ the Xirniumite Admiral said coolly, her words completely devoid of any genuineness, ‘please accept my apologies.’

"Now," she said, more calmly, "let's sit back... enjoy the ride... and when we land, we can all enjoy the beach and the local bars and clubs and whatever you people like to do for fun here."

"Capital idea", responded a once again cheerful Liscel. "Where do you like to spend your time Col...can I call you by your first name? What is your first name? Mine's Sara and you can use it as much as you like."

‘I’m sorry if I seemed a little unkind to you,’ the Xirniumite Admiral said coolly, ‘please accept my apologies.’

"I will accept your genuine apologies... Admiral!"

"It's Nadia." Sklenova smiled warmly. "You were asking about me earlier, you asked me about my childhood and I never properly responded. Not much to say, really, I was brought up in a secular family and took an interest in flying at a young age and now I'm a wing commander."

"I was raised to value freedom, democracy, human rights... a pretty ordinary life really... so at thirteen I signed up for training in the Republic Guard. The training for officer cadets is eight years, so they have a low minimum age to start training, I finished at 21. That was ten years ago..."

"You say I'm obsessed with the Kraven. Maybe I am..." She brushed a tear away. "The Kraven are murderous filth. They kill whole families in camps because one member disagrees with some Civil Doctrine." Her voice shook now. "I'm normally not a hateful person, but the Kraven... I was given a briefing video once and couldn't even watch. I've seen gore in battle, I'm no stranger to blood and guts, but what really gets to you is the babies. Babies ripped from the arms of their mothers and taken to become mindfucked into Capitol Police..." She broke down in tears and could no longer continue.

Destruction Cove... Nhleko picked his way slowly through the pulverised rubble. It was almost inimaginable... He had heard of such things, of course...

He shook his head.

Let the powerful nations of this earth blast at one another with mindless tools of destruction. We will have no part in this infernal spiral of death.

He took quiet comfort in that thought, as he inspected the charred, scattered remains of what had been a building, and the ashen fragments of once luxuriant trees.

"I will accept your genuine apologies... Admiral!"

The Admiral ignored Liscel and returned quietly to her folder, her work. What did it matter to her if the foolish Amestrian representative knew her apology was not genuine? The Amestrians had proven nothing but a meedlesome bother to the Xirniumites so far, they would not forget Torontia for some time.

She broke down in tears and could no longer continue.

Liscel put her arms around Sklenova. "Of course they are, Kraven in some countries has become a taboo word... But destroying your self emotionally to build an inner monument of constant draining hatred will do nothing positive for yourself and the world. A little hatred is good, especially when so deserved, but all things should be done in moderation. Nadia, do you want to build a Kraven inside yourself, a joyless, dark, broken place... Boy does that sound clichéd or what (soft chuckle)… But the point of what I was saying stands…"

Liscel once again began to wipe away Sklenova's tears with her hanky. "What is your favorite color?"

"Blue," she said. "I... just can't stop thinking about them normally, and when a weapon that could possibly turn the tables against them is practically at our fingertips, and we have to wait Lord knows how long to get it... it makes me sick that people are dying while this weapon that could save most of them is taking up time to go into production..." Sklenova sniffled a little, but seemed to be calming down somewhat.

She did nothing about Liscel's arms being around her. "Sara... you probably think I have no joy, no happy emotions, that I'm this grim, morose figure without any happiness... But if you knew me better... maybe after the survey of destruction is finished and I can shrug off this burden for a while... you'll see different."

Liscel looked straight into Sklenova's eyes. "I would like that, Nadia; I want to know you better." She then once again laid her head on Sklenova's shoulder. "I like purple."

Sklenova smiled and laughed nervously. "Just as long as it's not in the Biblical sense." She looked out the window. "Check that out, it's still burning out there in some parts. Must be quite the destructive device..."

"Oh, thats nice... What do you mean (smiles) Biblical sense?" Liscel closed her eyes seemed to take great comfort in her position.

Sklenova gritted her teeth. Do I have to explain the Bible to her? I barely know it myself... "In the Bible..." she put her face in her hands, "the word 'know' is used to mean... 'to copulate,'" she said stiffly. I need a beer more than ever now... or even something harder.

"And if I meant it that way, which I did not, but if I did what would be your objection? I saw you gripping the hand of that soldier earlier; you are not one fleeing companionship..."

She might have gotten a better response from a naval officer, they're pretty open about talking about this crap. "While we pride ourselves on being a liberal society, and in fact gays and lesbians are protected by the Constitution, the fact remains that most people are not psychologically open to... that behavior for themselves. True, I'm liberal, probably more so than most officers, and there are at least three examples in my wing alone that I could cite of soldiers being, as we say, openly gay, and I accept that in others, but when I imagine doing that myself... while I know it's not morally wrong, I just feel something... weird about it. I'm not interested in women like that... that's probably the most tongue-in-cheek way I can put it." Sklenova was blushing now. Does she get a kick out of seeing me like that?

"You have never tried it, have you? Your reaction would be completely different if we were talking about say, ice-cream..."

"Are all people in your country so forward, or just you?" she asked. She was getting very tense now, her back turned toward the window, directly facing Liscel. "Let me put it this way. Would you take a 400-kilogram gorilla into your room? I'd assume not. I'm not saying you look like one, but I'm just trying to convey my position... about not being interested in... that."

She called over to the pilot. "When is this thing going to land?"

"Ladies" The pilot says impatiently, "Ladies! Hello? Any of you paying attention? You're missing everything and it's almost time to head back. Any moment now we'll be landing at Admiral Murphy's old house then I will have to kick you out and take him back."

"Also, if you wish to keep talking, take the headsets off. Neither my colleague nor I wish to hear your conversations because quite frankly we don't care. We could be out stirring up shit elsewhere but instead we're here baby sitting a bunch of crying, drug abusing, religious nuts." A member of the Intelligence Bureau sitting in the copilot seat adds.

"Why did you even bother coming?" The other agent asks with an obvious tone of extreme irritation in her voice. "You're wasting your own time and judging from what I've seena nd heard, you would be better off at the front commanding your troops."

The Rear-Admiral was hurt by the remark, she often took other people’s xenophobic prejudices that every Xirniumite must be a crazed religious fanatic personally. Of course, she would never allow herself to show that the insult had hit home. It was bad enough that she had been put in the same helicopter with the Amestrian representative, now she had to deal with this?

‘That’s it, I’ve had quite enough,’ she said icily to the Saint Fedskian. ‘I don’t have to sit here and take abuse from you. I’m a Rear-Admiral of the Xirnium Navy, you should accord me the proper respect befitting a superior officer.’ Clearly the Xirniumite Admiral was incensed, furious at the pilot’s comment.

‘Return to this Admiral Murphy’s house immediately,’ she commanded. 'I'll be making a formal complaint about the gross lack of discipline present in your unit, if you were soldiers under my command you’d be terribly sorry for your disrespect.’

Sklenova raised an eyebrow. She was hardly a "crying, drug abusing religious nut." She may have been over-emotional, but she rarely even drank unless she was extremely stressed, and hadn't set foot in a place of worship since she was thirteen.

"At the front commanding troops? I'm a pilot. I command pilots in the air. The only time I'm ever IN the front is when I've ejected."

"As for why I'm here, I think I was the highest ranking officer available at the time. Besides, I'm very interested in acquiring this weapon."

She took off her headset. I wasn't aware I still had it on.

General Kitas had had to be split from his entourage and had ended up unfortunatly he reflected in a Helicopter with a bunchy of arguing ninnies, Quietly working away at his Laptop carefully comparing data of the test with Extrapolated from Neo-Damocles, of course though he did have to remember that the Suprainister didn't distinguish between Neo-Damocles and Damocles. The data was most alarming, if used correctly this weapon had greater destructive potential merely by it's virtue that it didn't have REDICULOUS recharge times for the more potent blasts.

After being smacked back into the window when he had turned to get a beter view of the destruction one of the "Ladies" wild gesturing had knocked him crashing into the window and sent his laptop onto the ground, he clambers back up blatantly fuming and storms over to the pilot and intelligence officers, "Cut the cackle you fools never have I heard such unprofessional conduct in my life now land this loony bin of a helicopter I've had it with my ear being sheriked in by some apparant ladies," He turns back half of his face beet red from his being slammed into the window a small trickle of blood is slowly working it's way down his noise and begins pooling at his feet, he glares at each of the other occupants in turn fixing each of them with a fearsome look his Cap Perked at an awkward angle it's Military Emblem askew his Uniform rumpled and spattered with blood he fiercly rebukes each in turn,

"You so called Minister, your ambition to detach yourself from the Human Condition has also detached yourself from your marbles you have no diplomatic skills whatsoever and in case it didn't penetrate your thick skull, though I sincerely doubt there would be anything in there for this fact to penetrate to, She is not interested in you and your constant advances are certainly not pleasent for the rest of us to watch now sit in that corner like the child you are and do what you cam here to do namely observe the effects of this weapon,

And you Sklenova I don't care what your name is but you don't help matters any you should have simply told her your not interested and then you break down over a simple thing as falling in the water yes we know Kraven's Methods are evil that's why your at war with them that's why we're defending Xirnium however though you as a soldier and an apparantly experienced one at that should know the truth of the battlefield and shouldn't be so affected by what someone else is doing,

And as for you Miss Admiral While the child over there certainly deserved it you shouldn't have been the one to be haughty or offensive either now the lot of you sit down and shut up

and as for you lot if I hear anything else from you then the good Admiral will be getting a most dire report about your conduct, elite force my foot I've seen recruits who have acted more professional than you." The Irate General finishes with a loud string of indecipherable Novan and sits back down while working desperatly to get his laptop back up and running with a murderous look on his face as blood continues to trickle down from his scalp he looks once more over the hapless lot with a sinister glare before recommencing typing.

Yes reports would be made as he picked up his communicator and began shouting down it in the strange song like Novan language, much of the shouting however has a negative sounding tone which should chill to the bone, some of it sounds decidedly neutral while strangely enough a small and very small at that sounds like as if it meant sweetness and light itself. He was not pleased and to think he'd found the Xirnium Admiral attractive and pleasent at first pfeh so much for first impression he thought to himself.

Liscel took it all laying back, eyes closed, giving the impression of her being asleep. She seemed calm, tranquil, unbothered by the sudden deluge of abuse. Then see smiled and spoke with the most cheerful and carefree of voices.

"General, do you recall what Admiral Murphy said to us about the helicopters on the dock?"


Anyways, there are four helicopters that you can take advantage off but please be patient, only two or three can fit in along with the Intelligence Bureau escorts/guides.

"If you were stupid enough to ignore his advice and cram yourself into a helicopter filled beyond the advised capacity then any scuffs or injuries you receive are entirely your own fault! And you are absolutely right (fake bumpkin voice) me don't know nothing, even with my PHD from Amestria City University*. (Cheerful voice) So, General, you can refer to me as Doctor Liscel.

As Sklenova took off her headset, Liscel reached up and grabbed it. "I was not wearing mine," she explained, "although I'm sure they heard me through yours. (speaking into the headset) Attention pilots, as glorious as thee below devastation is, as tremendous a triumph of entropy, as great its unchallenged beauty, I for some reason do not feel compelled to stare at those 'ruins' for two hours straight. I shutter at the thought I may miss some tiny detail of importance among that newly created waste-land."

Tossing the headset to the Saint Fedski officers, Liscel addressed Sklenova once more. "400 kilograms, I do not even weigh 200 pounds... But the point is taken, I’m sorry; such private things should not be discussed in public but over dinner. Have dinner with me tonight, please, I would like to know you better. And not in the Biblical way, which you suggested in your little Freudian slip. A purely platonic way. Just the two of us."

(*Amestria's finest University, on par with Oxford or Harvard)

General Kitas pauses to leer over his laptop at the gormless women, "Then your arogant as well then, someone who studies politics presumes that they are a good leader, yet another fault of yours and also in case you didn't notice there wasn't exactly a lot of Helicopters around and I have a schedule with a Saint Fediskian Official later on in the day, I'll refer to you as idiot in future someone who brags about a PhD is obviously compensating for their lack of brains, Pilot I've changed my mind can you get closer in I think I see something of interest ignore dearest idiot and try and get near that plateau," he continues intently typing and turns to look out of the window, he could see something and was certainly happy to have something to take his mind off the hapless whore, He breathed a few times calming down slightly.

Liscels reply was cheerfully indifferent. "Try using a period in your verbal sentences from now on. Anyway, I don't care what your opinion of me is, and I was not bragging, just stating a fact which you were doubtlessly unaware of. If I were to brag, I would go on how I graduated with honors. But I won’t, instead let me suggest we do the only civilized thing and ignore each other from now on."

Boy, did she feel hatred towards that little man. Liscel turned back to Sklenova. "So..."

As she chatted, Liscel took out her note pad and began to write down her report on the implications of the new weapon. Despite what everyone thought, she had been doing her job, she was just that good.

(writing)

"Personnel Notes: Implications of Project Alpha for Surface Fleets and Coastal Cities"

"The destructiveness of this new weapon, provided it can be used successfully out-side a test environment and is affordable for mainstream implementation has the potential to dramatically change the tactics of conventional naval warfare. That is, provided it could be condensed or refined. In the age of guided weapons, suicide ships were ineffective at best.

The modern surface fleet, diminished already by the power of aircraft and the cruise missile, will face a new renewed threat from the submarine. Coastal fortifications and coastal cities would also face a renewed vulnerability. It is not a flight of imagination to picture the logical conclusion for the mainstream implantation of such a weapon into a nation’s submarine fleet, the systematic targeting and destruction of coastal areas during wartime. An attack could be initiated without any satellite warning and with the power of a tactical nuclear weapon. In the event of surprise attack there would be no immediate indication against who to retaliate against, critical time being lost. The threat of State sponsored terrorism will thus increase substantially."(no longer writing)

Liscel reflected on the fortune of Amestria City being inland, in the very center of the country. There would be no threat of government decapitation, that is IF the weapon could be adjusted to a more efficient form, and most likely, it could not.

(once again writing)"If this weapon is found to be condensable measures would have to be taken. I would suggest increasing the funding for research projects aimed at the development of more powerful sonar...those poor whales..., and renewed research into underwater defenses aimed at undercutting the effectiveness of stealth subs and the creation of counters, such as an anti-torpedo torpedo, for the protection of surface fleets. Of great importance is any information on how long the mainstream implementation of this weapon would take the various powers compared to how long it would take our military forces.

More details are needed on the weapons design, if it is only available in the form demonstrated at the test sight, then it is effectively useless and this whole trip from a business standpoint would have been a waste." (no longer writing)

Sigh, it was most likely a red herring, another two-bit arms company with friends in power deluding itself into believing it had produced the next Manhattan Project. At least the food was free.

(once again writing) “There is no reason we could not design our own weapon as the causes of the Halifax explosion are a matter of public knowledge. Whatever its implication I see no reason to pay Saint Fedski for it. Another factor to consider is that Amestria has already developed its on heavy conventional explosive, the N2 bomb, which has far more potential uses.”

And as for you Miss Admiral While the child over there certainly deserved it you shouldn't have been the one to be haughty or offensive either now the lot of you sit down and shut up

'Your right, of course, General Kitas. I shouldn't have allowed the current political situation between Amestria and Xirnium to influence my conduct earlier on,' Rear-Admiral Elizabeth Patritsia apologised. She felt the Novacom Commander’s rebuke a little unfair, after all she had only been talking with the Amestrian representative, if impolitely, not yelling with her. In any case, she had stoped insulting her to return to her work long before the Saint Fedskian soldiers' outbursts.

'As for our hosts here, however, I've never seen such blatant disrespect for a superior officer. Completely unacceptable.'

The Xirnium Admiral returned back to her folder, brooding silently for the rest of the trip. She now felt a pressing need to leave Saint Fedski, this entire mission had been little more then a waste of time. The weapon was too powerful to be used tactically and far outclassed by the yield of nuclear weaponry strategically. It's delivery method was also impractical for modern warfare, a nuclear ICBM was far more feasible.

The Helicopter arrived and she met quickly with her adjutants. Speaking tersely with them for a few moments they set off. Their mission in Saint Fedski was over.

The Ambassador was impressed by the fire power emitted by a big gun. It was a good thing the Embassy Staff took pictures of the weapon before the demonstration and during the demonstration of the gun and it's muzzle flash.

The Embassy staff opened a suitcase containing a laptop. One of the staff member uploaded the pictures on to the laptop and creating a file called 'Project: Alpha' to store the photos.

OOC: Gun? I seem to remember a ship loaded with munitions running aground...

As the Helicpoter touched down, General Kitas would throw his hands up into the air with a peeved grunt, he'd stalk over to Secret Service officer he'd rebuked earlier, "Give this to your foreign minister I'm going to have to have this checked out so I won't be able to get to that meeting," He'd press a small envelope into his hand containing a writen request for a diplomatic meeting and turn round his Entourage formed up around him tending to his head, He'd see the Xirnium Admiral stalking off feeling a spike of guilt, "Wait Admiral, I want to apologise for my outburst earlier, I was angry in general for having being knocked over. Please allow me to make it up for you, perhaps a meal later on this evening. Also I just received a report from Admiral Kenzal, Kraven's fleet has been routed and the remaining Ground forces are being eliminated as we speak, Good News indeed," He smiled gently trying to look friendly but only looking guilty and slightly depressed when he realised how he had acted.

The Xirnium Admiral blushed furiously at the Novacom General’s kind, if awkward, words. She wasn’t, after all, an Inquisitor and she couldn’t merely suppress or manipulate her automatic responses at will as they could.

Rear-Admiral Patritisa gestured to her adjutants and they promptly left, moving off a little way so that she could talk with the Novacom commander privately. 'There’s absolutely no need for an apology General Kitas, you were completely correct. I’m an Admiral of the Xirnium Navy and my rudeness was unbecoming of my rank and my service,' she admited.

'As for the tidings from Admiral Kenzal’s fleet, that is indeed excellent news. Certainly something worth celebrating, we really must have a toast of Xirnium Crimson Wine. I’d love to join you for dinner later this evening. I'm free at about nine.'

The General waved his Entourage back just as the Admiral had, "Bear it of no mind Admiral, I'll be free about that time as well, after I get this dealt with," Gesturing at his head and the diminished trickle of blood, "do you have any preference as to where this meal would take place?" He reached up dabbing his forhead with a large hankercheif,

"Some Xirnium Crimson wine sounds great, I may also tempt you to try some Vintage Vajal Liquer, It will be good to reaquaint myself with some of the more civilian parts of civilisation, My campaigns against The Great Enemy allow for little time to enjoy the finer things." He smiles sheepishly somewhat before muttering a small Novan sentance sounding extremly derogotary with the words Admiral Kukonois in the middle of it.

Sklenova glanced toward General Kitas. When she spoke, it was in an uncharacteristically emotionless tone. They could tell she was angry, though.

"I don't break down over falling in the water. If you knew what was going on with me, you would have known that I was already depressed about the Kraven conflict. And the minute the abominations that they practice cease to affect me emotionally is the minute I cease to be human, and I would be no different from the capitalist devils who even now threaten all of civilization."

She looked over at Liscel and smiled. "Let's get off of this chopper. I'm sure we both need something to drink. What do you like?"

Liscel smiled back. "Green tea. (shaking the bottle of pills) No alcohol for me… You know, from an economic and philosophical perspective I do not believe Kraven can be called capitalist. Its something else altogether, but lets not talk about that further. What do you usually talk about with friends?"

"Me? Well... I like to talk about religion." She bent her head toward Liscel's. "I myself am an agnostic. But I like to discuss religion with people, see if I can make them doubt their beliefs. I think Marx said it best, religion is the opium of the masses. Me... I think it can help someone in a spiritual crisis, but it should help guide people in this life primarily and then guide us into the next, if there is one. Politics is interesting too, especially international politics, but Kraven is too much of a dominating figure in Kahanistan international politics for that to be a palatable subject."

"It's not that I don't have a spiritual side to me, it's that even if we knew for a fact there were gods, how do we know which religion is right, or even that all of them aren't wrong? But I get the idea you're an atheist, so that's out too. What do you like to talk about?"

"Uncomfortable personal subjects, but I guess that’s out, unless you want to trade relationship stories. There is philosophy, but I don't feel like dwelling on that at present. (glancing over at the at the Novacom and Xirnium delegates talking) Look at those hypocrites, call me a druggie, and then run off to drink wine as soon as they land. What I take is no different, bastards... Anyway, let’s talk about ourselves... Since you have volunteered so much already do you wish me to start?"

Sklenova smiled. Good of her to take the burden off me. "I drink, too, you know. Not as much as some do, but when I'm really stressed, I'll hit the beer pretty bad."

She nodded toward Liscel. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

"My father was President Charles Fredrick Liscel*, although I was not that old when he was forced to give up power. My older sister, older by 15 years, is Kasumi Liscel**, although I call her Ena, old child-hood nickname. I have a photo right here."

Liscel pulled out her wallet and removed a worn photograph from it. The picture showed two girls, one about twenty and the other 35. Kasumi was shorter then her sister, had short black hair, and shared the upper left oblique tooth with her. She looked a tad hard and there was a certain predatory air about her smile.

"We enjoy a very close relationship. Although we deny it officially, we are on and off lovers. In fact, Ena was the first person I had a sexual experience with... I was 14 at the time, she was 29... (shrugs her shoulders) We were alone together one night and one thing led to another... Who was your first?"


*President who ruled over a one party state for about 20 years before being ousted by elections and protests. He is a controversial figure who liberalized the economy, expanded the military, preserved the Amestrian cradle to grave welfare state, and cracked down upon all regional organizations.

**Current leader of the Centralist Party who is running for the office of President (and expected to win due to Torontia). She has an uneven reputation and is quite controversial, partly due to her positions concerning labor reforms and regional governments, partly because of a rumored sociopathic lack of empathy and mental instability, although she has released test after test to prove those rumors to be nothing more then rumors.

"Not an experience I care to repeat," Sklenova said uncomfortably. "I was 27, a major in the Republic Guard. He was a colonel, commander of another wing, a different fleet. He led me to think he loved me... then he bragged about how he'd 'popped the old virgin' and... he's scum. Such horrible memories." She was noticeably uneasy about delving so intimately.

"So he initiated and then dumped you, typical. That was a bit different from my first relationship, in which I initiated. No need to be uneasy, just relax."

Liscel took out her bottle of "Separation from the Human Condition" and popped a pill into her green tea. "How about you order a drink and tell me about a relationship you enjoyed? Perhaps we can share the stories of how we came into our respective positions, I am curious about what life is like in the Kahanistan Republican Guard."

"Republic Guard," said Sklenova. Damn safety issues, can't even get a beer on this island. "Well, it's like any other military branch, really, except the army and air force are combined in one branch."

She took a deep breath and decided she'd have a green tea too. When do we get back to Copacabana? "Like I said, I started officer training at 13 and spent eight years in training, that's how we can start people in the military so young and avoid UN sanctions, we're not actually putting underage teens into combat."

"Anyway, I was young and adventurous, I wanted to fly and my family couldn't afford flight lessons, so I went about it the only way I knew. I trained as a military pilot. At the time I would have rather been a civilian aviator, but getting behind a powerful MiG engine was so exciting when I first flew I lost all interest in civilian life."

"When I finished, I was 21 and a lieutenant. On my first mission, it was to destroy a capitalist terrorist camp, I was so excited to be in battle, fighting for the free people of Kahanistan... I lost control of my aircraft and crashed it right into the camp's fuel storage area. It was the mother of all fuel-air bombs, in effect. Luckily, I ejected before I hit, or the terrorists would have been having pilot-on-a-stick for dinner." She laughed, much more happily than she had been during the whole trip.

"Anyway, the blast wiped out the whole camp, but not before they'd shot down my entire squadron without me even noticing. My superiors made me out to be this hero of the war on terrorism and gave me this." She held up a gold badge attached to a silver birdlike medal. "Hero of the Democratic Soviet Republic of Kahanistan."

"They also promoted me straight to first lieutenant, I was shocked, I'd only been commissioned two months earlier and I'd already gotten my first promotion. Well, nobody under my command ever got shot down on my watch again without me noticing. And ten years later," she touched the silver oak leaf on her shoulder, "I get Lt. Colonel and wing commander, I have 20 aircraft under my command, not including my own MiG."

"The only negative is I don't have many opportunities for relationships. People don't want to date someone who's going to get herself shipped halfway across the world, or killed, or come back an emotional wreck because of what she's seen that people can do to each other."

"Anyway," she called to one of the intelligence agents, "how much longer before we all meet up again?"

Ambassador Blath had been walking round the island with his entourage, inspecting the damage, and, thanks to his radio, listening in on the "fascinating" conversations going on. Idiots! he thought to himself, Do they not understand the magnitude of this weapon? No matter the care taken or use, innocent lives will be lost. The weapon is too powerful, and it is bound to backfire at some point. My government wants ME to get this for THEM? Now I know the truth about everything, and the evil powering the Imperial Hierarchy, there is no way in HELL I am going to let Jagonia, and the Emperor, wield this weapon. In fact, it would be best for the weapon not to exist at all. I have to do something. But what about my family? They'll be tortured and killed for my treason! Blath walked on, his mind still struggling between feeling for his friends and family, the remaining loyalty to his nation, and finally his morals. He knew that, no matter what, he would have to do something.

"My life is not nearly as exciting, perhaps because Amestria has been at peace for fifty years. I never got involved in military service, choosing to instead concentrate on my schooling. I was accepted into The University of Amestria City where I earned my PhD in Government Service and a Masters in Philosophy. Whereas my sister went into politics, I joined the civil service. I have since been bumped around from Ministry to Ministry. I have worked at the Ministry of Peace, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and most recently the Ministry of Defense. You’re probably wondering how or why I have worked under so many different roofs..."

Liscel glanced at her tea and briefly watched the pill dissolve. Although she wanted to feel more relaxed, if she got all doped up now it would impair her and she still had business to attend to. Damn force of habit, she had gotten herself in the mood. Oh well, she put her tea aside and ordered a new one.

"Well the Socialist and Social Democrat Parties, then and now, dominate Parliament. Having the name, Liscel turned out to be a massive hindrance to my career. Regulated to minor roles and unimportant tasks, such as this weapons test, I compensated by gaining as much lateral experience as possible and occasionally teaching a class at the University. (very frustrated) I should have been a Deputy Minister by now, what with my abilities (sigh). Hopefully that will all change after the election and I will get my long awaited promotion, or do to my varied Ministerial experience, perhaps a high position in the Ministry of Ministries*. In the mean time, I am just going through the motions, which is why I seem to be out to lunch and have focused instead upon other matters. What happens here, provided I do not do anything deranged, will in no way affect my prospects for advancement... You should drink lots of green tea if you do not already. It is quite good for you (her new tea arrives, she takes and sips it) and has a taste, which grows upon you... As for relationships, I have had 12, some of which are still going on... I'm not a fan of monogamy... You’re very shy aren’t you?"

*Ministry in charge of the oversight and coordination of all other Ministries (Internal Affairs, arbitration and auditing). A powerful, if dry and unexciting, position.

"Shy? Not really," said Sklenova. She crumpled up her empty cup of tea, stuffed it in her pocket, and got a can of Coke. "As for my views on monogamy, I think that morally you're fine as long as you use protection and don't have children you can't afford." She noticed the Jagonian on the island. He seemed stressed about something. "Hello... something wrong?" She had been stressed most of her time on the trip. She was sensitive enough to know if someone else was stressed too. "You seem like you have a lot on your mind."