NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: wait till i gas ur capital then we'll see who threatens who.

IC: A small propeller plane flew over Nova Constans, a small canister thrown out of the cockpit hurled to the ground. Unlike the sleep inducing agents in the Dubai conflict, this canister contained enough Nitrous Oxide to make even the most strong-willed succumb to relaxed laughter.

OOC: this is just a joke, not real. Btw, Nitrous Oxide is laughing gas (used in dental offices). ;) have a nice day.

OOC: just a helpful hint for franberry if he ever writes a paper on collums. collums is properly spelled "columns."

Pythogrian medical personell were able to save many of the wounded, but total casualties were 76. None were caused by Pythogrian personell, and are the fault of Nakanaori. Pythogria notes this, and sends the following message to Nakanaori:

To: Nakanaori

From: Pythogria

Re: Gas

Text:

If you ever try to gas this area again, we will shoot you down. Do NOT land here, or we will retaliate. Stay out of SAD. You have killed 76 civillians, and our relations are now set at "Distaste".

To: Nakanaori
From: Franberry
Topic: Gas Attack

Text:
Good job on missing our base. Our men have spread out and taken 10 more blocks in every direction. We will not comment on our gas attack to the media.

General Broadcast

Attention, I am Brigadier General Hannah Borislov. All faction leaders, foreign and domestic and regardless of strength, are hereby called to attend a series of Carthaginian hosted peace talks.

They will be held this evening, at 19:00, in Carthaginian held neutral territory.

All participants will be free to leave at any time, regardless of criminal status.

Thank you.

To: Carthago Deuce
From: Franberry
Topic: Peace talks

Text:
We wish to attend these peace talks. Although we can go to your base and hold the talks there, we feel it would be safer to hold them at sea, on a ship. Thre, the chances of an attack drop tremendously.

Peace for SAD!!

OOC: so at first you allow this airstrike, and then you take numerous blocks and arrest dozens of militants, establish a new base all within a 5 hour time frame thanks to MY sleeping agent, and now you condemn and accuse me of killing civilians. well done.

BTW, you would've killed more civilians if they hadn't been gassed.
When did the citizens of Dubai dare drive cars, it's a warzone for Christ's sake!

IC: In increasingly hostile situations, the Jitsu prepared for the worst. 50 F-17.5s prepared to launch on the flight deck. At any sign of aggression, these remote controlled fighters would vertically take off and engage.

"Isn't it amazing how fast people will turn on you once they get what they want?" Admiral Steven Hiller commented as the last 17.5s were armed with sidewinder missiles. Satellite imagery produce a map with intel on all potential threats. At the push of a button, the satellite could pin point any target on the globe and the fighters would respond. If anything sudden happened, the Jitsu would not go down without a fight.


To: All forces that participated in the raid

Congratulations to you who have captured militia and were able to move further into the city. I'm sure the estimated casualties that you would have faced to gain those areas without the gassing was worth the risk.

Admiral Steven Hiller,
NN Jitsu

OOC: so at first you allow this airstrike, and then you take numerous blocks and arrest dozens of militants, establish a new base all within a 5 hour time frame thanks to MY sleeping agent, and now you condemn and accuse me of killing civilians. well done.


(OOC: I hope u are not talking about me, I said i would not comment, and if the opportunity for a victory appears, I will take it)

OOC: i'm not directing it at you. don't worry :) it was directed at pythogria.

OOC: i'm not directing it at you. don't worry :) it was directed at pythogria.
(OOC: ok)

To: Carthago Deuce
From: Nakanaori
RE: Peace Talks

We would like to attend this peace talk but we request that the talks stay on topic and not stray. Time is of the essence and militant groups may bomb the meeting since so many high officials will be present. We suggest heavy fortifications along the perimeter to prevent suicide bombings.

Thank you,
Admiral Steven Hiller,
NN Jitsu

OOC: Just to clarify that i'm not trying to be imperialistic: I do not have a single ground unit in Dubai or anywhere else. All my forces are on a carrier, far from the action. I really don't care what kind of government is installed, i just want this conflict to be resolved.

OOC: It's funny how the citizens of Dubai hate foreigners, yet the name of this thread is "Citizens call for foreign intervention." :rolleyes:

OOC: It's funny how the citizens of Dubai hate foreigners, yet the name of this thread is "Citizens call for foreign intervention." :rolleyes:
(OOC: did u read the OP? cuz the man prefers being alive with soem foreigners to being shot by the militia)

OOC: The ones who call for foreign intervention are refugees who have already left the city/country. Anyway let's get this conference started.

IC:

Citizens began waking up all over Dubai in various states of mind. Many were unhappy to see they were now under direct control of foreigners and all were enraged to see their weapons confiscated.

It did not take long for the arms dealers to set up shop throughout the city and re-supply the population out of vast hidden weapons caches. It did not take long for these newly woken citizens to commence small but organized attacks on foreign patrols. Mortar bombings of known foreign bases began almost immediately.

Statement by Zakwan ibn Khulus
I underestimated you foreigners. When you came to SAD you promised to support me, but you were false. I kept my word like a true warrior. When you placed citizens in camps I kept quiet, when you blatantly attacked civilians in the street I did not speak. But now you have used chemical weapons against us, against me. You have arrested my own men and violated our country's most sacred law: the right to one's weapon. How long until your special forces come to have me killed? Why not just admit your true purpose for being here?

I shall still attend the peace conference. I demand that myself and all warlords and their men, make that all citizens of Dubai, are given working gas masks free of charge. Until then you lose my support in this battle. Any foreigners entering my territory will be fired upon and killed. Surrendering enemies will be given quarter until their trials. I hope you realize now I am not your puppet. Your imperialist policies must end. I agree order must be restored, but the end does not justify the means. You must conduct yourselves as peacekeepers, not hostile invaders.

OOC: What about the camp? Isen't a fight going on there? I think the gas attack just overshadowed it

IC:

Franberrian patrols were suffering a large number of attacks within the city perimiter. They were just to have to clear out their perimiter block-by-block, just as they had done last time. Thankfully, Franberry's allies, Kooo Kooo and Garpatzo, have each offered 50,000 men to help. While they weren't as good as the Franberrian soldiers, they were good enoguh to take on garrison roles, and free up the other soldiers for harder duties.

OOC: so at first you allow this airstrike, and then you take numerous blocks and arrest dozens of militants, establish a new base all within a 5 hour time frame thanks to MY sleeping agent, and now you condemn and accuse me of killing civilians. well done.

BTW, you would've killed more civilians if they hadn't been gassed.
When did the citizens of Dubai dare drive cars, it's a warzone for Christ's sake!

---snip---

OOC:Not all that numerous (10 AT MOST), and I only set up a small camp. No airfield or anything. And we condemned you because you killed civillians. We only thought it would put them to sleep!

IC:

Pythogria wishes to attend these peace talks. Our troops will halp with security.

OOC:Not all that numerous (10 AT MOST), and I only set up a small camp. No airfield or anything. And we condemned you because you killed civillians. We only thought it would put them to sleep!

IC:

Pythogria wishes to attend these peace talks. Our troops will halp with security.

(OOC: They killed people??)

(OOC: They killed people??)

OOC: The car crashes. Not to mention some are very sensitive to certain chemials.

OOC: The car crashes. Not to mention some are very sensitive to certain chemials.
(OOC: Oh, the car crashes, well, thats indirect, but still, if you want to attack him, u might have our support)

OCC: I was thinking that the talks could be held aboard the Halcyon, which would be difficult to target in an attack but still allow the warlords/millitia men to feel at ease as they wouldn't be trapped out at sea.

(OOC: Oh, the car crashes, well, thats indirect, but still, if you want to attack him, u might have our support)

OOC: I'll remember that next time. Thanks.

OCC: I was thinking that the talks could be held aboard the Halcyon, which would be difficult to target in an attack but still allow the warlords/millitia men to feel at ease as they wouldn't be trapped out at sea.
(OOC: If needed the Comlumbo-Class aircraft carriers have a conference room in them for diplomatic missions, so I dont knwo about the Halcyon, but just saying what facilities I have)

(OOC:I telegrammed you Pythogria)

(OOC: Sorry guys got behind again. I will try to briefer than normal with my post, so you can see what I am doing. You might want to be aware of this because there is going to be a lot of troop movement)

Westward push

The westward assault saw little resistance. IEDs, suicide attacks, and other guerrilla attacks did little to this concerted troop movement. Punching right through, dispatching resistors as they did, Otariet forces closed the gap to the Franberry perimeter. This saw the entire northern section of the city flanked.

The vehicles rolled towards the Franberry front. The convoy slowed with one tank coming full speed. The hatch opened and the commander stuck her head out, waving to the Franberry troops. Shouting over the noise of the monstrous engine the young woman flagged the highest ranking Franberry officer she could see.
“Ahoy there Franberry! We come in peace to establish zones of control.”

Otariet Sweep North

While a rapid push right through the territory was painless for a well armed force the slow securing of block after block using actual infantry was another story entirely. Knocks on doors were met with machine gun fire, Molotov’s sailed from windows, and IED disabled land transports. The troops moved through the city’s northern area, taking easily defendable buildings for themselves. It was not a question of whether this area would fall, since it had no organized resistance, merely a question of how many Otariets would die doing it…

Landing on airfield

The loud screech of rubber was almost constant now. Cargo planes and modified strike fighters fell from the sky and stuck the runway with a rapid grace that only military technology could ever seem to produce. Unlike commercial planes these beefy cargo planes sported impressive suspension and braking systems. It was necessary though, considering how many tones of military cargo they brought down with them.

As the planes pulled off to the sides the fighters were modified for in theatre use while the cargo planes were unloaded. From the bellies of the army green beasts came more tanks, food supplies, troops, et cetera. They all prepared to expand into neighboring areas as larger forces declared them all clear.

Assault Eight

By now yet another force was ready to push from the docks. Like so many before it this one drove forward with an arrowhead of tanks protecting armored land transports. The land transports continuously rotating as they unloaded and drove back for more. This left an Otariet presence spread over the city.
Assault Nine

Once enough planes had come in another prong of the assault was ordered from the forward base. Following a similar strategy this prong was a circular effort to close the gaps left by others. Beyond that it would see the front coming dangerously close to the Pythogrian front.

Otariet Gas movement

When the gas came down on the city the Otariet forces were ready. Donning gas masks the troops pushed like mad, some reaching their destinations in jeeps. Otariet control made a massive expansion and literally hundreds of low level terrorist leaders have been apprehended.

This maneuver also saw the Otariets and the Pythogrians sphere of control come plush against one another. In some instances it came down to the Otariets controlling one side of the street while the Pythogrians controlled the other. Weirded out but still friendly small barters took place over the street as conscripts began to figure out a way past the language barrier, if only to ask for a pack of smokes.

Port Construction

At last the final crane had been removed from the ship and placed on the dock for permanent use. Now fully operational all of the docks could service anything so large as a super freighter. With port capacities now ten fold Otariets streamed into the city with a vengeance. The fleet could finally fully unload.

Announcement of reconstructed ports

To all nations we do have operational ports. We are willing to share these pending the results of the peace conference. It is there that we might be able to establish one another’s intent after the war.

Announcement of a No fly zone

With the Otariet air force now in operation in great number jets could be seen flying overhead. Beyond having an intimidating effect the planes sported high tech scanning equipment that gathered data constantly, nothing gone unknown. With so much Command and Control in the area Otares sends the following message to all foreign parties.

“Greetings comrades I General Andrei Yakovlev do once again greet you.

To further co-ordinate our efforts, and to ensure security, Otares has initiated fly-overs of the city of Dubai. This is done to enforce a no fly zone over the entire city. It is hoped that you will clear all flights in Dubai with Otariet command and control as the planes of which I am now warning you are charged with enforcing the no fly-zone.

Thank you comrades and a delegate will be given to the peace talks so that you might bring this up with us.”

(OOC: so tired… just consider me having a diplomat there. She’s a tall blonde woman in a blue uniform; name of Natalya Fedorov’sk I will RP her later. She will have one diplomatic attaché and one security guard. Carth I will give you no trouble if the security guard needs to wait outside.)

Wire to Carthago
From: Magister of Foreign Affairs: Belisarius Brindisi

The nation of Materdei will be represented in the peace conference. I myself will be representing the Basileus and our country.

OOC: So, a few car crashes that seem highly improbable from ever happening (What are civilians doing in cars during dinner time in a war-torn city???), and i get my allies plotting to stab me in the back. well, that's just dandy.

IC: We the forces of the Allied States of Nakanaori, withdraw our requests and intentions of attending this "peace" conference. We feel that it will be another Diktat of Versailles.

To Zakwan ibn Khulus:

We gassed your people, but in order to save hundreds of lives, it had to be done. Imagine if you were in our position. You could either let the militaries on the ground destroy the infrastructer of this city, risk the lives of hundreds of civilians with prolonged fighting, or speed up the securing of the city by putting everyone into artificial sleep. What would you do? Do you really want these warlords to continue fighting? They use human shields and endanger the live of so many innocents. Wouldn't you rather have them captured now, than at the end when there is nothing left in Dubai to cherish or protect? President of the United States Harry S. Truman was once faced with a dilemma: "Was it worth it to drop the Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima, Japan?" He concluded that in order to save the lives of countless individuals, it was worth the thousands of lives lost in the attack. If you view the whole picture, the gassing was worth the lives that would've been lost had these other foreign forces continued their fighting.

Although the disarmanent of civilians was an objective, we the Allied States of Nakanaori, did not carry this out. This is due to the fact that we have no forces operating in the city. We only supplied the means for other nations to carry this out.

As for the gas masks, I'm afraid we do not have enough to supply the entire populace. Besides, we are out of the gas, so we won't be gassing the city anymore. We will not be attending the peace talks, as we do not possess any military forces in the city. Another reason being the talk of betrayal from other nations against us.

Our best wishes to you and your country.

OOC: That boy with the dud, sneak into conference and gas everyone? lol. that would be hilarious.

The citizens of Soviet Arms Dealers could not believe their eyes. Looking again they confirmed it. Otariet troops were laying street car tracks into the dusty roads. Powered by mobile generation units the street cars were the first bit of infrastructure the Otariets planned to put down.

The street cars came rolling out of the Otariet compound on a flatbed 18 wheeler, obviously brought in by plane. Shiny like a San Francisco 1950s classic, and almost as campy, the street cars were a happy little addition to the streets of Dubai. No sooner had the first line gone in then signs gone up advertising for workers. Yes the Otariet military was looking to pay local Soviets to be a street car conductor, ticket collector, mechanic, and all sorts of other jobs.

Other wanted posters began appearing as well. With new buildings going up the Otariets sought office clerks and census officials. Indeed a census bureau was offering official Soviet Arms Dealers ID cards.

Perhaps most amazingly was that a map of the Otariet controlled areas was circulating through those said same areas. The text beneath this map explained that the Otariets were looking for ‘city councilors’ and if each area of the city could produce a man, or woman, who had a petition of support signed by 25 registered citizens. As the posters explained it the city council would be allocated resources by the Otariet occupation forces. These funds could be spent in any way that the council liked, so long as the councilor’s participating maintained 50% +1 approval ratings in their districts.

Jobs are also appearing for construction worker’s as the Otariet military is willing to work side by side with the local Soviets. Hospitals, walls, through fares, a single radio station and fire departments are all going up in short order and construction jobs are readily available.

This does beg the question of what the Otariet are paying the Soviets with. Already back in Otares proper a printing of a new Soviet currency is taking place. These New Soviet Credits are redeemable at local Otariet distribution centres, where luxury items can be purchased. These luxury items include everything from nicer cuts of beef, to radios, to fine clothing.

Flyers are also appearing offering up New Soviet Credits for weapons. Any weapon, functioning or not, will receive some Credits.

To: Otares
From: Franberry
Topic: Rebuilding

Text:
We have seen your efforts of rebuilding, and we have started to do the same. To make the rebuilding a more international effort we hope that you will agree to an exchange of representatives, so the rebuilding is a co-operative effort. We would also like to see some of this "new currency" you are making, and we hope that you use it as a vouchers for points, rather than official money. Having a foreign power print your money would dont do great things for the occupacion forces.

Pythogria loves to see rebuilding in this nation. Pythogria will do the same. We will now ask the people the govenment they want.

---Dubai---

All over the city, loudspeakers blurted, "Come one, come all! Vote for what system of government you want! Voting stations at the Pythogrian base!"

OOC: I'll let SAD RP people's choices. Basically, it's asking if you want monarchy, democracy, etc.

“From General Andrei Yakovlev
RE: Rebuilding

Greetings comrade;

You are more than welcome to send a delegate into our reconstruction area, simply let me know and I will have one of my officers meet you. In regards to the co-operation of the rebuilding efforts, neit. It is unfortunate but for reasons I am not at liberty to discuss I am afraid that Otares must do this on its own. We can take suggestions, offer some in return, and of course speak of these things; but there cannot be any joint operations.

As for the New Soviet Credit, it can be shown on the tour if need be. The New Credit is going to function as a currency for these people. It is not totally fair that we have imposed this on them no, but their government is in shambles and until we mange to build the institutions needed for these people to self govern then we must do it for them. If when they possess a central bank of their own they decide to discontinue the New Soviet Credit then so be it. Until then the areas of SAD administered to by Otares will run on the New Credit.”

(OOC: You mean the load speakers in your small section. We don’t control anywhere near enough of the country. I started doing this because I don’t want to see people suffer under my area. )

OOC: ummm... money is usually backed by a precious metal or credit. Without these, money is general worthless (German Reich Mark after WWI and before WWII), so unless you're willing to give SAD free gold, the money is worthless. Unless you settle this with Otariet loans which is also dangerous because anything that happens in Otariet proper will also affect SAD. (i.e.: United States gave Germany short-term loans in order for them to pay back Britain and France after WWI, NYSE collapsed, a day later the German economy also collapsed.) Just a warning.

And are the peace talks over? prolly want to hammer out peace before your efforts are blown to bits by IEDs... I know what you're doing, it's kinda like "See all the good we do for you? Now behave yourselves." right? it should work, but then again, it depends on the citizens of SAD.

I love how other nations just miraculously have all the materials to start rebuilding on hand.

(And guys I fully expect that there may be some casualties in doing this. I have RPed out sand bagging every major intersection as well as putting a fairly large ground force in. I have soldiers milling with civilians in my areas. Just be aware that you are opening yourself up to SAD for an attack.

And yes SAD I fully expect there to be some unhappy folks in my neck of the woods too. I am just hoping I am prepared.)

OOC: How big IS this place? But basically I'll be spreading voting ads. "Vote Now!"-ish ones.

OOC: ummm... money is usually backed by a precious metal or credit. Without these, money is general worthless (German Reich Mark after WWI and before WWII), so unless you're willing to give SAD free gold, the money is worthless. Unless you settle this with Otariet loans which is also dangerous because anything that happens in Otariet proper will also affect SAD. (i.e.: United States gave Germany short-term loans in order for them to pay back Britain and France after WWI, NYSE collapsed, a day later the German economy also collapsed.) Just a warning.

And are the peace talks over? prolly want to hammer out peace before your efforts are blown to bits by IEDs... I know what you're doing, it's kinda like "See all the good we do for you? Now behave yourselves." right? it should work, but then again, it depends on the citizens of SAD.

I love how other nations just miraculously have all the materials to start rebuilding on hand.

I’ve put dozens of freighters to port and cargo plane after cargo plane. It’s all there. But yes I did notice that too :P

In regards to the currency you are correct it has no value outside SAD. It’s paper. However all of my resource distribution centres have been ordered to accept it at a certain value. Beyond that the currency is not available on the world market. As for what will back the currency when SAD gets back on its feet? Well that will be up to the central bank. A precious metal is not necessary, it could considered a floating currency. It’s value is only what people are willing to pay for it. If I can convince the world to trade the New Credit for a USD then that is its value.

OOC: How big IS this place? But basically I'll be spreading voting ads. "Vote Now!"-ish ones.

(I tossed another map on the OOC thread. As I understand it Dubai is quite the urban sprawl.)

i think this is just one big city-state. I mean, there are so many things in this city. you mentioned stopping at a bridge, there's prolly no end to this city. it just keeps going and going.

OOC: The peace talks haven't started yet, to my knowledge. I'd appreciate it if all nations sending personell could RP their arrival. (I'm not sure who's going and who isn't at this point.)

iono... one USD, that seems a bit much for a war-torn country. speaking of country... doesn't the rest of the country have some sort of currency???

Right guys OOC comments to the OOC thread. Sorry SAD we are making a mess in your thread.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=10616261&posted=1#post10616261

OOC: That boy with the dud, sneak into conference and gas everyone? lol. that would be hilarious.

OOC: You read me like a book. That's why I want my warlords to have gas masks too.

OOC: How big IS this place?
It's a large city. I haven't thought about setting a population size, but for now "large" is all you need to know.

And did you hack my loudspeakers? :p Anyway a lot of loudspeakers are on mosques throughout the city and they blast anti-foreigner propoganda 24/7.
IC:

Though many warlords had sworn to attack any voting stations, they saw this as an oppurtunity. They sent all their militia to vote for their preferred government form. There were some ill-effects however. Some of the more aggressive walords started using intimidation for votes. These cases were generally small and isolated. An early tally of the votes revealed:
41% Theocracy
29% Democratic Socialist
25% Military Dictatorship
4% Communist
1% Undecided
+/- 2% margin of error

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Many vendors have been reluctant thus far to accept the New Credit as currency, especially the arms dealers. In several small protests people stacked their credits in a pile, covered them with gasoline, and lit them on fire. Others see the currency as a sign that the country is finally stabilizing.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mosque loudpeakers now preach that the people should not allow themselves to be bought by the foreigners for a few New Credits. "Death before submission!" they blast across the city. No attempt to silence them has been yet made by foreigners. This may be due to the fact that people get pretty heated when foreigners mess with their mosques.

Khonsu scoffed at the results. "Theocracy... No. For the good of SAD, we're going to need to supress that."

The vote would be held again. After the city was taken.

OOC:

Well, this can't be too big. It's third-world. I'd estimate half the size of NY. Also, what about my missile attack?

IC: To increase foreign trade and exchange. The Allied States of Nakanaori are offering gas masks and NBC suits to the citizens of Dubai. They are available for $98 Soviet Arms New Currency, or the equivalent.

Waqqas ibn Yazid walked out of his tent and looked over his training camp. He stretched and yawned, then drank a glass of water an attendant had brought him. "A glorious day." he muttered. He thought he caught sight of a jet. One thought went through his mind instantly, Oh bloody hell.

The feul-air bomb struck the camp and killed everyone within it's perimeter. News was quick to reach the city. Waqqas ibn Yazid was dead. This left only 4 major warlords contesting for the city. 3 if you count that Diya al Din fled the city to hide in the mountains, though it was rumored he had returned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Warlords and their closest personnel have purchased gas masks and NBC suits from Nakanaori in preparation for the "peace conference." Zakwan ibn Khulus continues to campaign that they should be provided for free as reparations for the gas attack.

The boy with the dud canister of sleeping gas has found Rashad Muntasir and sold him the device.

OOC: Thank you. :p

Radioing in to Air Traffic control Natalya Fedorov’sk’s helicopter picked up two escorts as it headed over to the Carthagan held docks. The chopper moved slow, but this far out over the harbour saw no risk of an RPG attack.

Natalya was what the Otariet Armed forced called a supra-communications officer. Trained in the Royal Academy Natalya was the face of the Armed Forces when the diplomatic corps could not be reached, or as in this situation, when the Armed Forces possessed jurisdiction. Natalya, like most academy graduates, was very proper in her mannerism. Her blond hair pulled back into a tight military bun, her skirt regulation length above the knee, and her pips so well shined one might be blinded. Despite this glossy exterior academy graduates were not all roses and candy. Natalya herself spotted a scar on her left check, running from eye to lower jaw. The thin line was made all but invisible by some strategically applied foundation but if one looked they’d see it. And while Natalya’s voice was warm, albeit professional, her eyes held that dead look like some one who had seen too much for one person to see.

Once the chopper was cleared by the Carthagans it hovered just above the ship’s deck. Stepping off the helicopter, flanked by a man in a suit on her right and a man in fatigues on her left, Natalya made quite the imposing figure. Standing at 5’7 her imposing stature was elevated by the heels she wore. Perhaps it was only because women were not usually this tall, or perhaps it was because her spine was ramrod straigt, but Natalya seemed to offer up an impressive air.

Taking one hand to her left shoulder she brushed her beret – which was tucked into her jacket’s epaulet. The dark blue fabric had gotten unsettled when the heavy helicopter had pulled off.

Having solved one problem her steel grey eyes scanned the deck for her welcoming party. Noticing them now she walked smartly forward, hand extended. Grasping the welcomer’s forearm she gave an assertive nod.
“Hello Comrade. My name is Natalya Fedorov’sk; Royal Lieutenant of supra-communications division. Is good to meet you.”

Watching a group of protestors burn a pile of New Credits an Otariet soldier shook his head in dismay. Holstering his rifle on his back he approached the group, formulating his sentence this foreign language.
“Excuse me good peoples. May I ask why you burn this?

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

In another Otariet controlled part of the city another Otariet soldier walks up to a vendor who is selling a plethora of weapons. More importantly he has refused to accept the New Credit. Once again in a non-confrontational manner this soldier approaches.
“Good merchant. Do you have some time to speak with me?”

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

At the door of one of the ‘louder’ mosques four soldiers knock at the door and await an answer.

Having solved one problem her steel grey eyes scanned the deck for her welcoming party. Noticing them now she walked smartly forward, hand extended. Grasping the welcomer’s forearm she gave an assertive nod.
“Hello Comrade. My name is Natalya Fedorov’sk; Royal Lieutenant of supra-communications division. Is good to meet you.”

"Good evening Lieutenant Fedorov'sk." replied the officer of the deck, saluting once the Otariet released his arm. "Please follow me."

The Carthaginian led Natalya below decks, and then to the captain's stateroom.

"You will have to excuse our using the captain's personal quarters for the talks, as they aren't the most spacious. Unfortunately they are the only suitable place to meet in which wouldn't require our relocating patients.

If you need anything, feel free to ask the petty officers standing without." the escort said, motioning to the door they'd just come through, "I hope your time aboard the Halcyon is pleasant.

With that, the man returned to his post.

OOC: I feel a skirmish coming on.

IC: The people were so caught up in the moment of burning the symbol of their oppression that they largely failed to process what the soldier had asked, which had actually been a rational question. They saw a foreigner standing there, seperated from the others, without a weapon ready.

Many people were cautious after the gas attacks and the seemingly overwhelming power of the foreign forces, yet a substantial percentage of the crowd instantly mobbed the soldier. They did not fire on him, any shots were fired into the air, they meerly rushed him hoping to grab him and strip him of weapons and clothing, then parade him through the street like a dog. What reason they had for this, they did not know. Anti-foreigner sentiment had clouded their judgement for the past 6 months.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The arms dealer looked at the Otariet soldier for a moment curiously before responding almost mockingly, "Don't tell me you of all people need a weapon. Or are you just here to shut me down?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A spyhole flipped open on the door of the mosque. An eye peered out for a moment, and then the hole flipped shut. Some inaudible whispering could be heard behind the door, then the sound of running feet and a poorly executed attempt to cover the sound of moving heavy objects.

After a few moments the door swung open and an official-looking man with two armed guards behind him peered out. "Can I help you?" he asked innocently.

The soldier was shocked for about half a moment before his training honed reactions kicked in. Slipping his protective mask on he reached to his belt and began yanking pins out of the grenades. Much similar to the rounds used by the Otariet helicopters There were brilliant flashes of blinding light, and a spray of noxious gas. Going blind for a moment the soldier struggled to his feet, as he had been dropped by the man holding him. Already the polarized lenses had compensated for the change in the lighting. His belt still sparkling as the chemical burned he shed it; losing his pistol, ammo – for both rifle and side arm – those few grenades he had not pulled, a canteen, and unfortunately a couple of frag grenades. Turning to run the soldier looked back for his belt, which had already been absorbed by the mob. oh shit Was his only thought as he pulled out his riot baton, activated the electrical component of it, and made his way towards where he thought the mob ended; all the while his grenades still smoking and offering up flashes of light.
“Command this is Conscript Semenov over.”
“Command go ahead Conscript.”
“Sir there has been a bit of a problem…” After a brief radio exchange dozens of soldiers near Semenov jumped into jeeps and land transports to rush to their comrade’s aide.
--------------------

“Neit comrade, no. Considering how much you people like your weapons my comrades and I would be dealing with riots for weeks no?

“And I think I am quite good for weapons. No I come to ask you why you don’t like the New Credit we have brought you. Your old currency is all but worthless and you function on a mostly barter system. So I am curious as to why you do not like it, especially considering what is available at the resource centres.”

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

“Hello comrade and yes. We were hoping to speak to who is in charge of that speaker over there.” The leader made a motion to the speaker, still blaring anti-foreigner propaganda. The other three shuffled nervously, two of them looking as if they did not even understand the local tongue. This was probably true. While command would never be so foolish as to send a soldier without someone on the team who could translate it was terribly unfeasible to expect every Otariet to speak this foreign tongue. Command had sectioned off pieces of barracks and other buildings for instruction but bringing everyone up to speed would take time. Perhaps this was all right considering they had a lot of it. No one saw the Otariet forces leaving anytime soon.

To: Foreign Powers in SAD
From: Franberry
Topic: Peace conference

Text:
Where and when will the conference be held?
If there is a lack of room, we offer the diplomatic rooms aboard our carriers. We will send our delegation as soon as we get a response.

OOC: they're being held on the Carthago Deuce's Halcyon. It's the Hospital Ship docked at the ports. I think they're starting pretty soon.

(ooc: Bump)

The following Carthaginian broadcast was repeated until the hour day of the talks.

General Broadcast

Attention, I am Brigadier General Hannah Borislov. All faction leaders, foreign and domestic and regardless of strength, are hereby called to attend a series of Carthaginian hosted peace talks.

They will be held this evening, at 19:00, aboard the Carthaginian hospital ship Halcyon.

All participants will be free to leave at any time, regardless of criminal status.

Thank you.

encoded message to warlords:

.-- . --..--
- .... .
.- .-.. .-.. .. . -..
... - .- - . ...
--- ..-.
-. .- -.- .- -. .- --- .-. .. --..--
.-- .. .-.. .-..
-. --- -
-... .
.- - - . -. -.. .. -. --.
- .... .
.--. . .- -.-. .
- .- .-.. -.- ...
-.. ..- .
- ---
..- -. . .- ... .. -. . ... ...
.-- .. - ....
--- - .... . .-.
..-. --- .-. . .. --. -.
.--. --- .-- . .-. ... .-.-.-

OOC: enjoy morse code!

The signal intelligence division of the Otariet Armed forces would like to point out you misspelled the word ‘attending’.

Otariet command would also appreciate you refraining from your anti-foreigner comments as it may stoke the fires of domestic xenophobia.

OOC: how long did it take you to decode? or are you like me and memorized the code? i was off by one dot,oops. probably because i had to reformat the code... yea. i was just feeling offended by Pythogria and Franberry's comments earlier in the thread.

(OOC: what does the code say??)

Franberry will send a delegation to the peace talks, they shall be heavily escorted. They will arrive by helicopter one hour before.

Lol sorry I cheated. Auto translate on computer. :D

OOC: look in the OOC thread for the translation.

OOC: look in the OOC thread for the translation.
(OOC: I saw soon after asking)

OOC: Start the conference!

OOC: Yeah, do that.

PS: This is a Pythogrian puppet.

Bumpificationizationallnessistically!

Bumpificationizationallnessistically!
fasho!

(Are any of the warlords going to be attending? If any are, just let me know who.)

Every major surviving warlord in the city was making preparations for the conference. Most had around a dozen armed guards accompanying and many more hidden in buildings near the docks.

Diya al Din had announced that a messenger would be representing him at the conference, but he had returned to the city unannounced and was preparing to attend in person. He had two dozen guards and five armored technicals ready to escort him to the conference. Arrangements had been made with lesser warlords in case things went south at the meeting.

Rashad Muntasir donned his only suit. He straightened his tie as two attendants polished his shoes. For a minute he dismissed them from the room. When he was alone, he slipped a small capsule into a hollow in his shoe. Then the attendants returned.

Each of his dozen guards carried similar capsules cleverly hidden. The capsules each carried ample amounts of the gas that had been used on the city earlier.

Every warlord and their guards were wearing gas masks, so it wasn't conspicuous that Rashad and his men were as well. They prepared to depart, as the meetings would be commencing shortly.

The guard around the hospital ship Halcyon had been tripled prior to the conference. As the attendees arrived they and their escorts were patted down by the sentries and everything which wasn't clothing was confiscated by the petty-officer of the watch (to be kept by their respective escorts until the warlord or representitive's return), and all but two of each attendee's escort herded into one of three large mess-tents which had been erected on the docks for the occasion. They would be kept there for the duration of the conference, where they would be given ample access to food and drink by the CCF (and just the opportunity to relax in the air-conditioned shade).

Each attendee, and their two escorts (or aides), were led into the bowels of the ship; toward the Captain's stateroom. Fifteen feet before the enterance to the stateroom was a security checkpoint beyond which only the warlords (or representatives) were allowed. Being forced to leave their escort at the check point, each attendee was led into the conference.

***
"Good evening, gentlemen. I am Brigadier General Borislav, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for taking such great personal risk as to meet with me face to face as a group.

We are gathered here to attempt to bring an end to the sensless violence into which your land has fallen. The people of Soviet Arms Dealers look to you who control the capital for guidence; and if we, all of us together, are able to bring stability to the capital then so shall we bring peace to the country side. I am sure that if we make a concerted effort to settle your differences through a dialouge and without further violence then each of you will have the opportunity to die old men; in your beds, surounded by family and hailed as national heros.

Could any of you ask for more?

The Otariet military watched as the warlords approached. The Otariets had cleared a road through to the docks themselves and allowed the groups free passage. No effort was made to stop the resistors from fortifying buildings near the Carthagan section of the docks. Their positions were merely noted and appropriate, albeit unseen, measures were taken.

The patrols in the area knew who they were and beyond nods between officers and conscripts little was done to acknowledge their presence. This conference was a Carthagan initiative at peace. It just so happened that they needed to go through Otariet controlled area. This was no matter as the Otariets supported the call for peace.

Elsewhere in the city the Otariets bunched about their launching zones. The docks and airport had brought in so many more troops that they swelled about their transport. They only had stopped to ensure that no one would think the Otariets were using this excuse to expand their territory. They knew that it would sink the peace process, and so they waited; biding their time, and the outcome of the conference now coming underway. The General Andrei Yakovlev knew that he now had more than enough troops in the city to make his next push the final one, but it would wait. He hoped that it would be unnecessary but nothing about this theatre had turned out well yet.

(OOC: Just noting that you’re going through my territory to get there. And I would hate for you to think I had soft borders.)

"Peace is for the weak and decrepit." Diya al Din started. Several warlords who had not noticed him until then seemed surprised to see him sitting there. "Tell me, how many civilians have been killed by foreigners since they first came into Soviet Arms Dealers? A hundred? A thousand? Oh, let's be generous." he smirked in a furtive way. The other warlords silently nodded their heads in agreement.

"Since the fall of the last regime, how many civillians have been killed by petty squabling of local boys playing leader and looking for whatever scraps of power they can pull from the debris? And how many civillians have been saved aboard the Halcyon and Lister? How many of each of your milita men? Speaking of whom, exactly how many of them would you expect to die should peace not be found? Consider how hypocritical it makes you sound when with one breath you ask for war, and the next you vilify foreigners for giving it to you?" replied General Borislov,

"If so many of you feel that 'peace is for the weak', what exactly do each of you expect to gain from the continued vilolence?"

The Franberrian delegate observed the disscussion, quietly puffing on his cigar.

The Pythogrian delegate merely waited, watching the confrence.

(OOC- Each representative is 'alone' in the stateroom. All aides and escorts were stoped at that final checkpoint.)

OOC: Editing.

(OOC: Got it!)

"As many of my men will die as is neccesary to liberate our great nation. And let me tell you they give their lives without question or hesitation. If-"

Zakwan ibn Khulus cut Diya al Din off, seeing that his argument was going nowhere. "It seems to me what you foreigners gave us was concentration camps and poisonous gas. What right did you have to engage in chemical warfare against those you claimed to be helping?"

"Zakiwan, if I may interject," the Pythogria delegate said, "But our camps are not even close to the Nazi ones of WWII. The people in them are given food, water, clothing, and shelter. They are also voluntary to go to, and the people can leave at any time. As for the gas, it was sleeping gas and we were able to save most of the injured. And we couldn't stop it, lest we get into a war. We do not have the rescources to go to war with Nakanaori."

"I would like to make it clear that Franberry had nothing to do with the chemical attack"

"There are other ways to stop a plane besides going to war. A wise tactician would have found an alternative. However, it is in the past and we must look to the future. Nakanoari will be held responsible and will face our inquiry when this is over." Zakwan replied, making it apparent he was by far the most civilized of the remaining warlords.

"That's not good enough!" Khair al Din interrupted. "If these camps were truly so free then why was one destroyed by an uprising of the people within?"

"It was not a Pythogrian camp."

OOC: A camp was destroyed? Huh?

(OOC: we never finished the camp thing)

"The camp came under attack by some religious extremists. The rest of the people were content there, plus, they were only mandatory for a week, after that they became optional"

OOC: Since we never finished it I just sort of figured it got ransacked by the mob of people until they were rounded up by the reinforcing troops.

IC:

"You infidels all sound the same." Rashad Muntasir stated. "'Don't blame us, we weren't involved, etc, etc, etc.' You have no honor and don't deserve to-"

Zakwan ibn Khulus cut him off to keep the talk under control. "Of course you all can't be blamed for everything. Of course there are many things we need to discuss. Surely you have the results of the recent vote which was held in the city?"

Rashad Muntasir mumbled something anti-democratic under his breath.

Facing the the Pythogrian and Franberrian delegates, General Borislov asked:

"The long term effects of your relocation efforts will be resentment and xenophobia. I ask that both of you implement policies in accordance with Otares', where you rebuild SAD's infrastructure; as opposed to temporaraly moving people to a better environment."

OOC: Ah.

IC:

"Actually, yes, I did. And though Pythogria, and myself personally, are all for rights, a theocracy simply doesn't work. It goes straight to holy wars."

"Soviet Arms Dealers is neither a colony, nor a protectorate, nor a territory of Pythogria. It is not the place of your country to dictate to another; and any attempted interferance with a native, organic democrasy will result in an increase in the strength of Carthaginian forces in theatre to ward off any attempts on your part or any nations to occupy SAD." said General Borislav, glaring at the Pythogrian representative.

The warlords merely watched the foreigners debate with one another. Thus far they had gotten what they wanted. Diya al Din stroked his long beard thoughtfully. Rashad Muntasir thought about the gas canister hidden in his shoe. Zakwan ibn Khulus watched intently, preparing his next statement in his head.

Natalya Fedorov’sk raised her hand, a dainty yet insistent motion. Speaking in a gentle tone she addressed the group as a whole.

“Comrades please. I don’t believe that an ad-hoc attempt at representation within Pythogrian controlled Dubai gives anyone the grounds to make any argument. I can assure you that no such vote occurred in the territory controlled by Otares and beyond that it offers no representation to those still in the rural area outside Dubai.

“In regards to our policy of infrastructure upgrades and reconstruction I will point out that the work is a long way from finished, and will be shaped by the results of this conference.” Natalya adjusted her sitting position, slightly disconcerted by the fact that her aide was not here. While unconcerned about losing her security escort the idea of losing her diplomatic attaché was odd to her.

After her adjustment her eyes looked across the group of men before her. Inhaling slowly through her nose she began again. “As for the outrage you are experiencing towards we foreigners I say to you comrades that now is not the time.” Raising her hand again to stop what she could only assume to be a flood of objections she continued unabated. “Complaints of that nature are addressed by the tools of the nation state, of which you have none. It is the position of Otares that SAD is to be rebuilt and made strong once more. And if at that time, when you are our equal, you seek to redress us for our actions here in Dubai we will give you your due. Moreover Otares will stand with a reconstituted SAD if it should be decided that the concentration camps… oh sorry ‘housing projects’, issue needs to be addressed and attended to.

“I think for now there is one issue that needs to be dealt with, from which all other issues can follow. Are you comrades prepared to assent to a national government, one that will make you all wealthier, safer, and do the same for all Soviets? Are you prepared to negotiate on that basis? If the answer is yes then we should throw ourselves to the task of forming a stable government. I say to you that Otares offers you the ability to reshape SAD you need only the foresight and fortitude to see that through.”

Each warlord nodded in agreement with the Otares representative. Immediately a flood of conflicting voices followed her statement.

"A theocracy is the only way! God wills it!"

"Let the police reclaim the streets for a better tomorrow! Iron fist dictatorship!"

"Let the people vote, but make their property collectively owned. We can create a utopian society in this barren land!"

Shortly afterward the warlords began targeting each other.

"Bah! Your thocracy would be overcome within the year."

"You think your ideal society could function better? Be realistic, Zakwan. Do not be a fool."

"Quiet!" Khair al Din yelled, and much of the shouting subsided. "We all have different ideas regarding how SAD should be run. Obviously we must compromise."

"What a change in you, Khair. Sucking up to the infidels will not help you get your way." Rashad Muntasir spat at him.

Feeling some responsibility for the Pandora’s box she seemed to have opened Natalya continued. Interrupting the din she rose her voice, albeit slightly.

“Comrades please!” Seeing that she had their attention her voice went back to its passive tone. “I can see that a national government is desired by all, it is only its form which brooks so much debate. If you will, each of you, tell me – one at a time – why you seek the government you do. Perhaps compromise is less daunting then it seems. Please, I think it is time that we all put out cards on the table. If you should do so, tell us all here what it is that motivates you towards your means, and then I shall to. The crowned prince of Otares has authorized me to reveal the Otariet position on the SAD question, for it would be silly to believe that we had no interest considering how many of our resources we have put into your country. I assure you it is quite benign and will be forth coming once you’ve all said your piece.”

"Soviet Arms Dealers is neither a colony, nor a protectorate, nor a territory of Pythogria. It is not the place of your country to dictate to another; and any attempted interferance with a native, organic democrasy will result in an increase in the strength of Carthaginian forces in theatre to ward off any attempts on your part or any nations to occupy SAD." said General Borislav, glaring at the Pythogrian representative.

"We are not attempting to dictate this country at all. We are only attempting to give it the freedom to run on it's own efficiently. A theocracy is not efficient. Not at all." The Pythogrian representitive clerared his throat. "And if you want religion, you may practice it in your homes, churches, temples, and shrines."

"Now, Pythogria would be very happy with any rule in this area, so long as it is efficient, and fair. Zakiwan, your democratic socialism would work very well. As for a dictatorship, look at us. We are a dictatorship, and we work very well. As long as it isn't corrupt, a dictatorship is the best form of government. However, corruption is very hard to get rid of indeed-- we ourselves needed a revolution to abolish it."

Admiral Steven Hiller looked out his bridge. Accusations against Nakanaori were no doubtably thrown out in the peace conference. For now, his forces would take a vow of silence. He gazed at the skyline of the wrecked city, then his eyes shifted onto the Halcyon. He could only imagine what was transpiring in the magnificent Carthagian hull. He walked along to the flight tower. Looking onto the flight deck, he saw his men and women in their black sparring outfits. Wooden katanas in hand, they simultaneously spun and struck with a loud "HA!" Their drill instuctor counted the steps as if a dance. "ich, ni, san, HA! go, rok, shchi, HA!" Nakanaori's special forces at it's best.

As the conference wore on, there was much ado about nothing on the ship, the daily cleaning, judo practice, kendo practice. free spar... Hiller sat down on a lawn chair on the flight deck. "A cup of tea, sir?" a marine asked. "No no no, it's ok, i can help myself, thank you. Carry on." The admiral drank his share of green tea and prepared for half and hour of meditation, as common practice among Nakanaorian warriors encourages clearing of the mind and soul. However, he just could not clear his thoughts:

"What is happening in that conference?"

The Franberrian delegate just watched the debates go back and forth, if it looks like a democracy wont be installed, I'll step in.

"All we ask is that the goverment is democratically elected. Franberry would lend all its help to the election process."

The Franberrian delegate just watched the debates go back and forth, if it looks like a democracy wont be installed, I'll step in.

"All we ask is that the goverment is democratically elected. Franberry would lend all its help to the election process."

"Wait. This gave me an idea. To satisfy all of you, how about a democratically elected dictatorship, with a socialist economic system?"

OOC: elected dictator.... that doesn't make an ounce of sense... but if the conference decides ok, then ok. lol.

OOC: when will it happen SAD? ;)

OOC: elected dictator.... that doesn't make an ounce of sense... but if the conference decides ok, then ok. lol.

OOC: when will it happen SAD? ;)

OOC: Actually, it makes a ton of sense. Have a dictator elected, but put limits on his power through a constitution. (I'm talking 3/4 of laws unchangable.) Also make him step down every four years or so.

EDIT: And I KNOW that he isn't really a "dictator" when he has limits. What would you call him/her then?

(OOC: A democratically elected dictator would probably be having all the branches of government rolled into one and having an election for that every so often. There would be no checks, no balances. Think of it like the (Yes/No) votes Iraq had before the latest invasion.

I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Otares is not going to get behind anything suggested by foreigners. I don’t want to be taking care of the shit storm for the next god knows how long. I am looking to tease a compromise out of the warlords themselves. We will see how co-operative they are.)

(OOC: A democratically elected dictator would probably be having all the branches of government rolled into one and having an election for that every so often. There would be no checks, no balances. Think of it like the (Yes/No) votes Iraq had before the latest invasion.

I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Otares is not going to get behind anything suggested by foreigners. I don’t want to be taking care of the shit storm for the next god knows how long. I am looking to tease a compromise out of the warlords themselves. We will see how co-operative they are.)

OOC: Well, I tried to compromise between the various warlord's viewpoints.

OOC: Actually, it makes a ton of sense. Have a dictator elected, but put limits on his power through a constitution. (I'm talking 3/4 of laws unchangable.) Also make him step down every four years or so.

EDIT: And I KNOW that he isn't really a "dictator" when he has limits. What would you call him/her then?

Chancellor? iono... thinking star wars... lol. prime minister?

Chancellor? iono... thinking star wars... lol. prime minister?

OOC: Well, yeah, that works.

OOC: Well, I tried to compromise between the various warlord's viewpoints.

Yes but I want the warlords to come up with it, it's their country after all. We could give them perfection but people want to do for themselves.

General Borislav rose from her seat and went to the door. Opening it a crack she asked one of the sentries for several glasses and a pitcher of water. Returning to her seat she sat and listened to the dialouge.

Ooc: Bump!!!!

Diya al Din was the first to jump to his feet in anger. "Are you mad? Democracy? Socialism? I would in no way give support to such a thing. Theocracy is the ONLY way! The masses must be controlled, terrible things happen when the people have rights! And socialism especially! We overthrew our communist leaders decades ago! Now you want to bring it back?"

"Wait. Are you saying you want theocratic law, or a totalitarian regime led by a zealot?" asked the Brigadier General, interupting Diya al Din, "There is no reason you can't have a democratic theocrasy."

A knock came at the door, which Hannah answered. She recieved a olive brown plastic pitcher, and a dozen clear plastic cups. She set them on the table around which the talk was taking place, took a cup from the stack, and filled it with water. She took a sip before continuing.

"May I ask that instead of trying to create an official government immediately, each of you ask your various factions to lay down their arms for the duration of the conference? As a show of faith in it and in eachother."

Diya al Din was the first to jump to his feet in anger. "Are you mad? Democracy? Socialism? I would in no way give support to such a thing. Theocracy is the ONLY way! The masses must be controlled, terrible things happen when the people have rights! And socialism especially! We overthrew our communist leaders decades ago! Now you want to bring it back?"

"If terrible things happenm when you give people rights, then I do not understand your version of "terrible". Our citizens have many rights, within law, and our nation is running well and has pretty well no crime. As for socialism, Pythogria is not socialist. But we have seen it work. We have seen it build great nations. As for communism, I will have to agree with you on that-- it doesn't work. But socialism is not communism. It uses a couple of the same principles, but it works much better and people are often made happy by it. Isn't it a good thing for a government's people to be happy?"

Bump!

Ooc: Bumpage!!!

OOC: Sorry, I've been busy lately with school and my sport is back in season but I will make a reply once I have the time.

Bumpago!

Admiral Hiller walked into the flight control tower.
"How are our agents in there?"
"We have a two-man special ops team on the Carthagain Halcyon. They will be hacking into the security system and provide streaming video or audio from the conference."
"Who's out there right now?"
"7587703 and 10242821" Soldiers of the Special Ops program lost their names and received barcode serial numbers. They go through grueling exercises in the arts of kendo, judo, and taichi in addition to standard military training. Implanted in their skin is a tracking device that only Nakanaorian satellites can pick up.

******
"This is 7587703, over."
"This is HQ, what is the situation?"
"The Captain Room does not appear to have an unsecured security network. So we are planning to set an audio receptor in the wall. Streaming... now."
"This HQ, we are receiving audio. OK boys, get out of there."
"Affirmative."

7587703 and 10242821 made their way through the ship and exited through the side gantry. They would swim back to the NN Jitsu.
******

"Well, what's the news in the conference?"
"There seems to be no talking, as if everyone is just staring at each other. Someone's shuffling their feet, but the talks seem to had stalemated."

OOC: Argh, sorry everyone, I got sick a couple of days ago.

IC:

Diya al Din grumbled angrily to himself. He didn't want to participate in what he believed were 'westerner mind tricks.' Finally he spoke, "I believe that if you foreigners had never gotten yourselves involved the situation would have fixed itself. By now I'd be the leader of a united Soviet Arms Dealers. Faith is the only effective way to control the masses. Whether they are happy or not is irrelevant."

"For the moment though, would you be willing to have your subordinates lay down their arms for the duration of this conference? Before you can start any sort of nation building here the peoples of SAD will have to stop shooting at eachother. Unless you are so much more concerned with your own personal power than the safety of your people that you care more for it than them?" the Brigadier said, looking squarely at Diya al Din.

OOC: Argh, sorry everyone, I got sick a couple of days ago.

IC:

Diya al Din grumbled angrily to himself. He didn't want to participate in what he believed were 'westerner mind tricks.' Finally he spoke, "I believe that if you foreigners had never gotten yourselves involved the situation would have fixed itself. By now I'd be the leader of a united Soviet Arms Dealers. Faith is the only effective way to control the masses. Whether they are happy or not is irrelevant."

"War, when both sides cannot defeat each other, never stops itself. And why must you control the masses? We have fair laws, no religious control, and our nation is peaceful, at least on it's mainland. And why is hapiness irrelevant? Would you rather be happy or oppresed?"

Now Diya was more composed. "I am only God's messenger. He has given me a holy mission. Now I must fulfill my destiny, or die trying. You ask us to lay down our weapons-I say lay down yours!"

"Enough, Diya." Khair al Din spoke. "You may have a vision, true, but it is unrealistic. The world now is democracy and being connected with foreign countries. You fail to account for this. A democratically elected dictatorship has worked in the past. Were that to be the course of our country, then I would have my forces stand down."

"Thank you, Khair."

"While it's not exactly what I was looking for, I'd accept it. If we agree, I'll stand down, for now." Zakwan ibn Khulus stated.

"Unacceptable." Rashad Muntasir grumbled next. "Purely unacceptable. How quickly you sell yourselves." he glared at Khair and Zakwan. "How dare you call yourselves men."

"While it's not exactly what I was looking for, I'd accept it. If we agree, I'll stand down, for now." Zakwan ibn Khulus stated.

"Unacceptable." Rashad Muntasir grumbled next. "Purely unacceptable. How quickly you sell yourselves." he glared at Khair and Zakwan. "How dare you call yourselves men."

"Rashad, an absolutist dictatorship turns corrupt very quickly. The system we proposed is the best for SAD."

"No!" Now he was on his feet. "I will take no part in this. Democracy has no place in SAD, and I will fight it until every one of my men lies dead in the street and I become King! Therefore I make one last plea to you-leave SAD forever, or die!" Rashad was flushed red with anger. His men, outside the meeting area, cringed as they heard him raging on.

"No!" Now he was on his feet. "I will take no part in this. Democracy has no place in SAD, and I will fight it until every one of my men lies dead in the street and I become King! Therefore I make one last plea to you-leave SAD forever, or die!" Rashad was flushed red with anger. His men, outside the meeting area, cringed as they heard him raging on.

"So you are only here to take power. And as for your request, it is denied utterly. Until SAD is stabilized, we will not be leaving."

"Then I will be leaving." Rashad smiled deviously. Then he smashed down on his right heel, cracking the vile of gas hidden there as he pulled his gas mask over his face. Then he smashed the other heel, which concealed another vile of the gas.

Within moments the other warlords were in a deep sleep, as they had failed to put their masks on in time.

Outside the room, Rashad's men pulled gas masks over their faces and released their contributions of sleeping gas. One the men had trouble adjusting his mask and was knocked out by the gas.

"Agh!" The representative pulled a mask over his face. "Stop him!"

Three Pythogrian soldiers heard the representative, and tried to stop Rashad. They weren't around sleeping gas.

(OOC - Where did all of these gasmasks come from? Every piece of equipment that wasn't clothing was taken from the warlords/foreign representitives on the Halcyon's quarterdeck and left in the care of their escorts who are still ashore. And while each one has two of their escorts aboard with them, they are on the other side of a steel bulkhead and 15ft. aft. of the stateroom the conference is taking place in.)

(OOC - Where did all of these gasmasks come from? Every piece of equipment that wasn't clothing was taken from the warlords/foreign representitives on the Halcyon's quarterdeck and left in the care of their escorts who are still ashore. And while each one has two of their escorts aboard with them, they are on the other side of a steel bulkhead and 15ft. aft. of the stateroom the conference is taking place in.)

OOC: Well, it seems the gas wasn't a good idea.

OOC: concealed in their underwear! lol. j/k

(OOC: IF we're going alogn with the gas attack thing)
"Whats going on??"
"I dont know, our representative has been knocked out by gas"
One escort turned to an official, and inquired about the situation. The other spoke into his walkie-talkie.
"We have a stiuation. Gas Attack Alert. Dignitary nocked out. Need backup"
----------------
"Thats not a dril!! Go NOW!!!"
Radioman Char scremed from the top of his lungs, he typed furiously, while speaking into his microphone.
5 helicopters, loaded with Marines in full combat gear, took off towards the Halcyon. 3 fighter's were also launched, and flew avobe the helis. 2 Franberrian destoryers changed their course, and went staright to the Halcyon. Marines could be seen scrambling on the deck.

OOC: Before agreeing to come to the meeting the warlords asked that they could bring gasmasks.

(OOC: I couldn't find a post where the warlords asked to be allowed to keep gasmasks with them in the conference but I won't be whiney and demand you do that over. And Franberry, what exactly do you think you're doing?)

Klaxsons calling everyone to their battle stations rang, while over the 1 MC the call came out to prepare to repel boarders. As the Franberrian helicopters disgorged their marines onto the deck of the Halcyon there erupted such a din of small arms fire as had not been heard in that area since it had been secured. With little to concealment on the deck of the ship, and less cover, the Franberrian marines who were dispatched were almost sure to be slaughtered in their entirety.

***
Below decks things were slightly more complicated. Hearing several dull 'thumps' the sentries outside of the captain's stateroom saw that one of the escorts had donned a gasmask while the others, Carthaginian guards included, had fallen to the ground. One sentry went to his knee and leveled his shotgun at the man calling out "Halt! Get on the ground! Now!", while his partner ran to the nearest sound powered telephone and called for backup, before quickly rejoining his partner.

A routine Pythogrian helicopter patrol sighted the battle on the ship. It flew down, and it's loudspeaker shouted, "STOP, OR WE WILL NOT HESITATE TO PROTECT FRANBERRIAN SOLDIERS."

"Sir! There is great commotion aboard the Halcyon!"
"My God... What is going on in there?... I knew this would turn out bad."
"What should we do, sir?"

The Admiral thought for a second. "Let's stay out of the firefight, but if it seems as if whatever is going on has turned hostile towards us, neutralize the weapons system with SSMs."

"Sir, reconnaissance within the ship suggests that our own sleeping agent has been used and the warlord is trying to take over the ship."

"Keep your orders, we don't want to risk any more casualties."

(OOC: I never landed, my helicopters are en route, and as for the cover, I would've shot up your soldiers with the miniguns on my helis before they even landed. If you had not shot them down yet with CIWS turrets or missiles. I'm protecting my representative. And Pythogria, thanks for the support)

IC:
The 5 helicopters flew over the Halcyon, and banked to the left, heading towards the incoming Franberry destroyers. 5 more helis were launched, 3 from the carrier, and 1 from each destroyer. 3 more destroyers weeled into the right of the carrier. The 5 airborne fighters were joined by 10, 5 from the carrier, and 5 from the airstrip, they had launched as soon as news of the attack had reached them. None of these units have fired upon anybody. And noone has boarded the ship. Although several boarding craft have been put down by the destroyers.

A message went out to the Halcyon



Franberry is landing soldiers to rescue our representative. We will land marines, we hope that Cartago Deuce will agree to this.

"Sir! There is great commotion aboard the Halcyon!"
"My God... What is going on in there?... I knew this would turn out bad."
"What should we do, sir?"

The Admiral thought for a second. "Let's stay out of the firefight, but if it seems as if whatever is going on has turned hostile towards us, neutralize the weapons system with SSMs."

"Sir, reconnaissance within the ship suggests that our own sleeping agent has been used and the warlord is trying to take over the ship."

"Keep your orders, we don't want to risk any more casualties."
(OOC: Franberrian troops have not engaged anyone. When I said "scrambling on the deck" I meant of my ships)

OOC: i think he meant u'd get shot by the insurgents. not his own troopers.

(OOC: Franberrian troops have not engaged anyone. When I said "scrambling on the deck" I meant of my ships)

OOC: when did i say that? lol. obviously Carthago Deuce's troops are scrambling on his own deck. i didn't say anything about urs.

(OOC: I never said you landed the helicopters on the Halcyon. You said "Marines could be seen scrambling about on the deck"; if those aren't yours then I would really like to know who's they are.)

To: The Franberrian Commander

From: Colonel Werther, XO 1st Airborne Cavalry Brigade

Despite your good intentions, your forces are hereby denied access to Carthaginian Territory. Our own forces have the situation well in hand. If you do violate our air or water, we will see this as a hostile action and reply in kind. Thank you for your cooperation.

(OOC: I meant my marines on my ships)


We would like permission to land one Helicopter. We will unload several marines from it. If you deny us the right to protect ourselves, we will see this as a hostile act. We just want to land one helicopter.

(OOC: Wow. Lots of stuff has happened…

- My diplomat would pass out. The security aide would seek to protect the other aide. No aggressive action would be taken there. The security agent would have a gas mask so while my diplomat is out cold the two aides are not

- I will not use expletaives here but I take it you guys have forgotten that I declared this entire area protected airspace and have dozens of interceptor planes in the air over the city at all times. As an aside a helicopter would need to fly over either my territory or my navy to get to the Halycon. I have give safe passage to refuges and locals – not military minded foreigners…

Please hold while I type up a massive mobilization post to protect the air space which I have previously announced to be RESTRICTED)

(OOC: Why should It be yours? If my aircraft carrier is there, I can move helicopters. Why shoudl; it be your airspace? Many different countries have planes and ships in that area, it is in no way yours)

(OOC: of course its not mine. It’s SADs. I however made a post several pages ago declaring it restricted. I also put patrols up over the city to enforce it. So forgive my crass response but – deal with it :D . My planes are in the air and enforcing this restricted air space.)

Alarms went off all over Otariet bases. Air control had spotted dozens of unidentified air targets. With no IFF tags these vehicles launched from the Franny bases and ships. Other helicopters came in over Pythogrian territory. The overhead fighters began taking commands from their ground bases. The flurry of activity was contained to the Otariet bases – from an outside perspective 5 actions occurred simultaneously. Liquid smooth the Otariet response – having been in constant preparation – was lighting quick.

Franberrian Airfield

The Franny troops were quick to be sure. They ran to their planes as ground crews prepped the birds for rapid launch. As the first birds prepared to fly skyward an Otariet interceptor fighter dropped from the heaven – using balancing jets and vectored thrust the plane hung about twenty feet over the airfield. Rolling in wide circles with its rudder and lateral thrusters it provided a very real impediment to anyone wanting to use the airfield. And within a second it was joined by another.

Transmission to Franberrian troops

You have launched several craft into restricted airspace we ask that you cease and desist immediately. All flight plans in this area must be pre-approved by Otariet flight control.

Individual airborne planes

Each aircraft that managed to get airborne – from the carrier – was picked up by two interceptors. Picking up tone on several wavelengths (IR, RADAR, LASER, etc) one craft followed closely, the other holding over the enemy craft’s dorsal blind spot. Each aircraft also was subjected to the following broadcast.
“Attention pilot your aircraft has entered restricted airspace. Slow to 100kph at five thousand feet so that we can escort you to an appropriate area.”

Individual helicopters

The helicopters each picked up a message similar to that of the planes. They were however much easier to deal with. An interceptor settled overtop each chopper and directed its jet wash down towards the blades.
“To the helicopter pilot below me you will either rise to three thousand feet and follow me to an Otariet airfield, or I will force you down with my wash.”

The Otariet Navy

The situation at sea was tense. The sailors readied the weapons stations and pointed them skyward. Battle ready the fleet began to emit a jamming signal on all frequencies. No transmissions would be heard anywhere in Dubai – except for the screeching static that the Otariet signalmen now blasted.

The Otariet airfield

Much like the situation over at the Frannberrian airfield the Otariets rushed to their planes. Unrestricted the planes however launched. Throwing up both the incredibly maneuverable planes which comprised the Otariet interceptor fleet as well as the heavier multi-role strike fighters the Otariet armed forces would be ready for anything.

(OOC: Sorry that sounded harsh. I only meant it as it might not seem fair but this is a role playing game – wherein I am playing a nation which is much larger and mightier than yours. So to be honest – and by historical precedent – no, it is not going to be fair for the smaller guy. )

"The Otariet forces are enforcing the restricted airspace they set up. It seems as if they are throwing their weight around the smaller nations anxious to get their representatives back. Franberrian choppers are being forced down by jet exhaust."
"This doesn't look good at all," the Admiral sighed.
"Otariet forces claim that the airspace we're in is under their jurisdiction. What are the orders?"
"Well... there is nothing much we can do. I don't want the entire Otariet fleet on my ass, so we are not going to engage. If, however, the Otariets fire upon foreign planes, we will avenge their losses. If and ONLY if they fire on foreign ships, do you hear me?"

Message to Otariet Flagship

Greetings,

We respect your "restricted airspace" but would like to state a warning:

If you fire upon our vessel, friendly vessels, or friendly aircraft, we will not be afraid to retaliate.


In the Admiral's mind he thought, "Please don't fire..."

Response to Admiral Steven Hiller

Greetings Admiral I am General Andrei Yakovlev;

I would first like to thank you for respecting our restricted airspace. In regards to the predicament we currently find ourselves in I am afraid I cannot say one way or another whether or not we will be opening fire on this craft. It is of course the last option and all but unthinkable – but is reserved as our final response.

We will attempt to show these transgressors why they cannot transverse the airspace by words – and jet wash. If any nation makes any hostile action towards the Carthagan vessel or any of our interests we will be quick to stop it.

On the Otariet flag ship

“My god what the hell is going on? What do these bastards know that we do not?”
“I don’t know sir there seems to be some confusion at the conference but the Carthagans have not sent us any word.”
“Prep a message to them. I want to know why all these planes went up. And get the Carthagan liaison up here I have a feeling we are going to need to be doing some PR and I want a unified front on this.”

Within moments of the General’s order a harsh rap came on the liaison’s door. A conscript spoke loudly and with an insistent tone – over the klaxons.
“Sir the General wants you on the bridge. We seem to be in need of a liaison.”

Message to Carthago Deuce

General Andrei Yakovlev to the Carthagan forces present in Dubai. Forgive the informality but what in the name of our lord above is going on at the peace talks that I don’t know about?

OOC: I'm going to need to pull my troops out to defend myself against Kraven Corporation. Once this mishap is over, I'e got to leave,

Captain Bendt made his way quickly to the bridge, escorted by Senior Chief Vidar and the Otariet conscript.

"How may I be of service, sir?", said Bendt after saluting the General.

***
To: General Andrei Yakovlev

From: Colonel Werther, XO 1st Airborne Cavalry Brigade, CCFS Thundermare

While our own information is somewhat incomplete, it would appear that one of the warlords was able to sneak some sort of incapacitating agent into the conference. (Their escorts were able to bring small quantities aboard as well.) Preliminary reports are indicating that the agent used is non-lethal, and it will be identified shortly.

While the conference has been disrupted, no foreigners have come to harm yet and the situation is contained.

***
To: The Franberrian Commander

From: Colonel Werther, XO 1st Airborne Cavalry Brigade, CCFS Thundermare

We have no want or need of your amateurish soldiers aboard our hospital ship. If the regard your forces have shown thusfar for collateral damage is any indication, allowing your marines aboard the Halcyon as anything other than casualties in need of medical attention will more than likely result in the destruction of Carthaginian property and death of our patients or personel at their hands.

The situation is contained, and your citizens will be returned to your custody alive as soon as possible.

OOC: the gas is the same sleep agent i used on the city earlier. Apparently, a small boy picked up a dud canister and sold it to the war lord.

(OOC: I know that OCC, but ICly my people don't. Yet. They'll figure it out pretty soon.)

(OOC: Pythogria – if you are looking to call your troops back for redeployment I could take over your base and help you evacuate. This way there would be no drop in security for the locals. We could also fast track you through the red tape on the restricted airspace. That way you won’t be slowed down and your cargo planes won’t be harassed by my interceptors. If this sounds good I can start up on a post to that effect.)

General Yakovlev took in the sight of the Captain and the Senior Chief. After returning the salute – which for the Otariets was a palm up affair with the elbow at ninety degrees – the General pointed to his XO. The executive officer stepped forward and snapped to attention before the two Carthagans.
“Sirs. I have been instructed to bring you up to speed on the situation…” as the two Carthagans were brought up to speed the general spoke with the young woman at the SIGINT station. Having detected the Carthagan’s message the General had ordered the jamming field to be reduced. While signal quality would be low the military grade transmitters should be able to cut through it. Anyone in the city with a lower grade radio would find themselves out of luck however.

Looking over his shoulder the general saw that his XO was finished. Walking towards the Carthagans again the general spoke up in a voice that seemed to compel consent – a tone that many Otariet officers seemed to develop in time.
“Captain Bendt, Senior Chief Vidar, I have cleared the room through that door and set up an encrypted line to the Thundermare. You can speak directly to Colonel Werther from there.

“As it stands we are content to let your forces deal with the situation on the Halcyon. I want you boys to get on the horn and figure out what exactly is going on. More importantly I want the Carthagan line on this whole situation and I will tell you if Otares will toe it. I want a unified response to this mess.” When the General saw the faces of the men his tone softened slightly. "Comrades I know that this is not going to be resolved in short order but we need to stay apprised of the situation. We need to start thinking what our position is going to be. We have warlords, air space violations, and concerned foreigners to worry about. I also want to know which warlord started this mess – retaliation may be in order.”

(OOC: Pythogria – if you are looking to call your troops back for redeployment I could take over your base and help you evacuate. This way there would be no drop in security for the locals. We could also fast track you through the red tape on the restricted airspace. That way you won’t be slowed down and your cargo planes won’t be harassed by my interceptors. If this sounds good I can start up on a post to that effect.)

OOC: Good. Do so.

The call had come in to the Otariet command. The Kraven Corporation was requiring more resources than Pythogria had expected – and so they had requested evac permission from air traffic control. Currently occupied with the situation at hand General Yakovlev passed the control off to Imperator Irina Bykov.

Irina organized an armored convoy – traveling through a protected route. The convoy transported literally hundreds of members of the engineering corps. These professionals would see to it that the Pythogrians were away safely and efficiently. Moreover they would co-ordinate with Otariet air traffic control – seeing all the Pythogrian forces out on a rapid schedule that would be unharassed by Otariet interceptors.

The Otariets knew that the Pythogrians wanted out as quickly as possible – they also knew that rushing them would not be received well. So while the Otariets worked quickly – providing extra manpower to the evac effort – they also maintained a considerate approach. Ironic since the troops which were taking over Pythogrian territory were already lining up just outside of it.

Message to Pythogria

Greetings Comrades I am Imperator Irina Bykov

Your transmission regarding flight plans for evac have been received. We have agreed and provided one better. We will be providing you with a dozen Otariet heavy cargo planes – each with a cargo capacity of 135,000 Kg. This number is a safe estimate and while you may overload – do so at your own peril.

We have set for six of these planes to be launched from your base – and six from ours. Logistically speaking it would make the most sense for the six from our base to be the last bit of Pythogrian hardware out of Dubai. These six should accomadate the last defenders of your base before we assume control. Beyond that we suggest launching from ours because our base will have functioning ground patrols. Yours – having been evacuated – will not.

We are dispatching troops to your base now. The engineers there will work out the specifics of the flight plans with yours. I will be in the next convoy – since your safe evacuation is now my responsibility.

Comrade I must ask now though. I understand that you will be tempted to torch most of your computer records but if you would leave a record of your activities so that we might pick up from your leaving that would be appreciated.

Thank you Comrades – I will see you shortly in person. My command vehicle is being prepped as we speak.

(OOC: I think we can assume that we can co-operate and evac a base so if you really want to just ‘get out of dodge’ as it were then just make a response post and we don’t really need to RP out the whole mess if you do not want to.)

(OOC: I think we can assume that we can co-operate and evac a base so if you really want to just ‘get out of dodge’ as it were then just make a response post and we don’t really need to RP out the whole mess if you do not want to.)

OOC: you spell cooperate funny.:p or maybe... it's ur Otariet accent?

OOC: you spell cooperate funny.:p or maybe... it's ur Otariet accent?

(OOC: Maybe I just have a hyphen fetish :P )

OOC: I swear I'll get a post up tomorrow.

(OOC: I'm going on vacation. Easter!!! wooooooo!! So I wont be able to post, so im gonna stop my saber-rattling. )

IC:

Franberrian helicopters returned to their respective ships, and while the intereceptors stayed ariborne, they flew over the carrier and the airfield, and took caution not to fly over other nations ships.

The call had come in to the Otariet command. The Kraven Corporation was requiring more resources than Pythogria had expected – and so they had requested evac permission from air traffic control. Currently occupied with the situation at hand General Yakovlev passed the control off to Imperator Irina Bykov.

Irina organized an armored convoy – traveling through a protected route. The convoy transported literally hundreds of members of the engineering corps. These professionals would see to it that the Pythogrians were away safely and efficiently. Moreover they would co-ordinate with Otariet air traffic control – seeing all the Pythogrian forces out on a rapid schedule that would be unharassed by Otariet interceptors.

The Otariets knew that the Pythogrians wanted out as quickly as possible – they also knew that rushing them would not be received well. So while the Otariets worked quickly – providing extra manpower to the evac effort – they also maintained a considerate approach. Ironic since the troops which were taking over Pythogrian territory were already lining up just outside of it.

Message to Pythogria

Greetings Comrades I am Imperator Irina Bykov

Your transmission regarding flight plans for evac have been received. We have agreed and provided one better. We will be providing you with a dozen Otariet heavy cargo planes – each with a cargo capacity of 135,000 Kg. This number is a safe estimate and while you may overload – do so at your own peril.

We have set for six of these planes to be launched from your base – and six from ours. Logistically speaking it would make the most sense for the six from our base to be the last bit of Pythogrian hardware out of Dubai. These six should accomadate the last defenders of your base before we assume control. Beyond that we suggest launching from ours because our base will have functioning ground patrols. Yours – having been evacuated – will not.

We are dispatching troops to your base now. The engineers there will work out the specifics of the flight plans with yours. I will be in the next convoy – since your safe evacuation is now my responsibility.

Comrade I must ask now though. I understand that you will be tempted to torch most of your computer records but if you would leave a record of your activities so that we might pick up from your leaving that would be appreciated.

Thank you Comrades – I will see you shortly in person. My command vehicle is being prepped as we speak.

(OOC: I think we can assume that we can co-operate and evac a base so if you really want to just ‘get out of dodge’ as it were then just make a response post and we don’t really need to RP out the whole mess if you do not want to.)

OOC: Good, I want it to be quick.

IC:

After a long ordeal, thew forces were leaving. All Pytogrian troops were to go to defend their homelands.

The Pythogrian commander sent this to Otares:

"Thank you. We need to defend our lands before improving other's."

OOC: wht would happen if we all went to Pythogria and helped defend? lol. interesting.... Spring break!!! WOOT!

OOC: wht would happen if we all went to Pythogria and helped defend? lol. interesting.... Spring break!!! WOOT!

Sign up in the planning thread to defend me! PLEASE!!!

Sign up in the planning thread to defend me! PLEASE!!!

Where???

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=476989

Again. . . bump

OOC: Been really busy lately. Tell me if I missed any details.

IC:

The warlords began to wake up from sleep. They soon realized they were tied up in the conference room with Rashad Muntasir standing over them. "I'm sorry I have to do this, but I just couldn't pass up the oppurtunity." he said.

Diya al Din walked up behind him. "Imagine. All our enemies at our mercy. We could get anything we wanted."

"You can't take over the ship. Do you know how many guards there are?" Zakwan ibn Khulus spat.

"Oh, I don't want to take over the ship." Rashad answered slyly. "I just want my demands carried out. I think they'll listen." he nodded towards the foreign representatives tied up next to the warlords. "This room and portions of this level at least are under my control. I'll let them know my demands."

He sent out one of his men to dispatch a message to the foreigners. He was unarmed and holding a white flag as he headed for the deck of the ship.

(OOC: The only detail I can think of is that you stopped RPing the reactions of your citizens to my soldiers… :P I understand you are busy though – no rush )

Natalya Fedorov’sk awoke with all the other members of the conference. Shaking her head she overheard the conversation between the warlords. Hearing that Rashad was speaking of auctioning them off the Royal Lieutenant shook her head. Putting her back against the wall she pulled herself into a sitting position – flashing defiant angry eyes up at Rashad.
“Comrade I think you need to ask yourself what you expect to get out of this. You have captured one Royal Lieutenant from Otares. I was sent here with two attaches. Do you think if they were truly concerned they would not have sent more – anything really – to protect me?

“I only ask – for the sake of your people – that the two of you keep from my government your identities. I worry that your brash actions have just motivated an Otariet response of retribution. Comrade please consider your actions carefully – we have more tones of explosives then you have people.”

(OOC: I am interested to see what he expects to get out of me – or anyone else for that matter.)

"Sir, a man with a white flag was just taken into custody. He has a list of demands from the warlord who released the agent." a petty officer reported to Colonel Werther.

"Well? What are they?"

(OOC - Sorry I didn't post sooner, or longer, been busy.)

The man taken by the Carthaginians had made listed the demands of his warlord.

1. All refugee camps were to be dismantled
2. Foreign forces were to withdraw from Dubai and the surrounding waters
3. Soviet Arms Dealers be declared a theocracy with Rashad Muntasir as Dictator and Diya al Din as Head of the Church.
4. Failure to comply will result in the deaths of all hostages (excluding other warlords), the destruction of the ship, and continued fighting for every inch of Dubai until neither walord nor foreigner nor innocent civilian is left alive.

(OOC: I realize that I am jumping the gun here so I will delete the post if it offended Carthago Deuce – as I am basically declaring his character’s actions.)

General Andrei Yakovlev stood impassively as he was brought up to speed – both by his comms officer and by the Carthagan liaison. Exhaling through his nose in an exasperated tone the general created what those around him could only describe as the sound of seething. Muttering in his native tongue – in such a manner that the XO winced – the general turned to Captain Bendt.

The General’s posture and demeanor was cool and collected but the fact that his eyes burned was not lost on anyone. His tone was so hard and punctuated that the tension almost begged a good yelling. Yet an officer of the caliber of General Andrei Yakovlev did not stoop to fits – though the point was carried all the same.

“Captain Bendt – I will give you our response to the warlord’s demands. One set of responses will be the official policy the other to keep our Carthagan partner’s apprised of our situation.

“To the warlords;
1) Otares has never operated a refuge camp. In fact now that we are overseeing Pythogrian territory the camp we have come into possession of is being dismantled – its inhabitants already released to their own accords. We are offering these people jobs and a chance at a new life. Something – I would note – that your lifestyle of vulgarity and warfare has not. These people are given the opportunity to work at satisfying projects of creation. And I assure you whatever you might think of us it is human nature to feel more satisfaction in creation then destruction.

2) No. You are stuck with us for better or worse. We will leave on our own time.

3) No. Your country is in no way shape or form ready for a sovereign government – let alone one delivered at the barrel of a gun. Once stability is achieved we plan on having public consultations to determine what government style is best suited to your people. In fact we are starting this process now –a process which this stunt as interrupted.

4) There is an expression in my country Comrade Muntasir and roughly translated it is this: A rat may tear a piece from a grizzly bear which is many times the size of a rat. The rat may pride itself on its defensive prowess – but it is still a rat under foot a grizzly bear. To be more blunt – you are starting something you cannot possibly understand.” After letting the words hang in the air for a moment the General looked at the Captain – like one would appraise an antique. While the anger was still there a more calculating look had come to the fore.

“Now Captain as for that which is between us; you may tell your superiors that the resources of the Otariet armed forces are available to you in any rescue attempt. It is – however – your ship, your conference, and your prerogative. Otares will take a backseat to the Carthagan position in regards to the hostages. You need not even relate our response the warlords. It is after all antagonizing and if you are going to negotiate it may impede your efforts. You have Otariet support in resolving this situation how your government sees fit.” Turning to look out the clear polymer that comprised the bridge windows the General strode four steps towards the window, turned, and took two steps back. Behind him the Captain could see recon drones being launched from the deck of the flotilla – from this and many other ships.

“Your people should know though. We are currently culling our sources of information on both Muntasir and al Din. As soon as we know more of their force composition and locations we are going to initiate a bombing campaign. If need be we will wait as long as the hostages are alive and in captivity. If either one of those criteria changes though – we must act.”

(OOC: SAD The only real sources I would have would be sympathizers in my territory, the recon drones, and anything I can get out of the local populace with mass bribes. If you could give me some more info on these two I can put some flavour into my bombing posts.)

Colonel Werther had ordered that all Carthaginian personel evacuate the section of the ship in which the conference had been taking place, sealing hatches and locking doors as they go, the moment he'd read the demands. Now standing in the Halcyon's Comand and Control center, he gave the order to cut all power and ventilation to the evacuated section.

The warlords and their hostages were plunged into total darkness with the final call of the 1MC echoing down the corridors:

"The foreign powers have recieved your demands and are reviewing them presently. Don't do anything rash which you might regret later."

***
A Platoon (80 men) of Carthaginian personel was sent ashore to disarm the men brought by Rashad Muntasir and Diya al Din and hold them in custody for the duration of the hostage situation. This would be expedited by the Carthaginian guards present in the 'escort tent' keeping the various groups separated in order to prevent violent outbursts, but every man sent knew there was a good chance that the natives would be 'difficult' to deal with.

Withdrawing the Observer-Class Carrier Jitsu and its crew from conflict.