NationStates Jolt Archive

Yalta Oil Headquarters, Jonensberg

Yalta Oil was one of the largest oil companies in Kulikovia. It began with one man, Gustav Allon. He was a captain of industry with a dream and the means to fullfill that dream. He was a business owner from the port of New Archangel, then suddenly had enough trust money to start his business and keep it afloat. Over the years his company grew and slowly began to overtake his competition. However, it was a slow aquisition, he faced stiff opposition from the government's anti-trust laws and moderation laws. But, he was not deterred and fought tooth and nail, with the aide of money his company bought out several politicians and steamed ahead. Now, he was in his mid-fifties but was as active and energetic as a teenager. With limitless energy he ran his company himself, made every important decision and launched a public relations campaign with him as the spokesman. Now, his company was poised to controll United Oil, the last major opponent. With a more capitalistic Chancellor he got much neede breathing room. The headquarters for his company was a modern building, with everything one could need. It was high-tech and always busy. It overlooked the Angel Gates, the historic entrance into the city. It was a brisk day and a light snow began to fall over the city. The harbor was busy with commercial ships, transports, and Naval vessels pulling in. Kulikovian sailors dragged up and down the entertainment sector of the city which was also visible from his headquarters.

It was quiet in his office. He always set aside time to allow himself a chance to clear his mind and make private calls and deals. His cell phone bgean to ring and he quickly fished it out of his coat pocket.
"Hello?...Yes, I'm very well aware...uh-huh...yep...No, I called him yesterday, it's all set...Don't worry...Alright, I'll make the call...Alright" and he hung up and set the phone down on his table. he went back to the window and sighed. After a few moments it was time for him to make another call.

Assembly Hearing on Intelligence and Surveillance

The Avenue of the Proletariat ran directly through the government sector of the capital, Jonensberg. Several noteable buildings sat next to this broad avenue. The General Assembly, The Worker's Court, as well as The Chancellor's Residence. Snow began to fall as well on the city. It was a business day and people filed up and down the streets. cars beeped and honked as the citizens went about their days. The General Assembly Building was quite busy today. A joint Council of members from the Senate and House of Deputies were present on a session on Intelligence and Surveillance. The Intelligence community was in the process of some house cleaning with the new Chancellor taking charge. One of the hot topics of the day was Kulikovia's role in INTERPOL. Alexsandr Kolokov and Sergi Ulansk emerged into the chamber. A panel of Assemblymen sat high infront of them. They took their seats. Johannes Keppler, Charirman of the Council opened the proceedings.
"Mr.Kolokov and Mr.Ulansk. We appreciate your coming here today for oue hearing on our involvement with INTERPOL. After several operations which most were a success a bill as been introduced to widen our cooperation with INTERPOL. It calls for more aide with money, equipment, and personnel. We would like to know your opinions on this move, you still have yet to be confirmed as Representative." Keppler said as he leaned forward, his voice all business. Kolokov leaned forward and spoke.
"Senator, we are grateful for the opportunity to be here today" he began, "Cooperating more with INTERPOL will help to foster better international relationships with other nations. With supporting them and becoming an active member we can help to damper international crime and bring international criminals to justice. War Crimes, drug trafficking, human smugggling, as well as terrorism are on a rise and we must counter this new wave of violence and lawlessness" The hearing went on for several more hours as Kolokov defended INTERPOL and beat off the hounds who would like to see Kulikovia leave the organization. Many believed that Kulikovian intelligence agencies were more than capeable of dealing with crime and terrorism and didn't need assistance. The badgering and calling of witnesses and experts continued. Finally, after the hearing was over, Kolokov left the Chamber, face red. Ulansk followed behind him.
"Alexsandr, wait up a minute" Ulansk pleaded. Kolokov was heading for the smoke area to burn away a few cigarettes. Out in the open cold air of the smoking area, the regulars puffed away and chatted. The whole hearing was bullshit in Kolokov's mind. There were hardliners who were too bull headed to realize that INTERPOL was only beneficial.
"I can't believe some of those damnn politicians. What do they know about what we do? They sit at their desks and debate and argue with one another about trivial things while criminals and terrorists run around while agencies are too terroitorial to come together and play on the same team" Kolokov sputed off.
"It's a shame, at least Senator Keppler was in favor" Ulansk said as he coughed from Kolokov's cigarette smoke. Ulansk looked up at the snow and tucked his hands into his pockets. From across the open square he saw a graceful and beautiful woman weave in and out of the crowds with great care. She didn't brush against anyone and moved like a ghost. Her coat was unbuttoned and seemed unfazed by the cold. "Snap out of it, Ulansk" she said as she reached the top of the stairs.
"Ms.Konovski, it's nice to see you again" Ulansk replied. Kolokov looked around and threw his cigarette to the ground.
"How are the hearings going?" her question direted at her boss.
"You know damn well how they're going. A bunch of know nothing politicians trying to make a difference in something they have no control over." he shot back.
''I know Keppler's a friendly face on the council...one of the few" she smiled and took the cigarette from his hands before he could light it. Kolokov grumbled.
"Perhaps, the hearings over with and they're going to deliberate on it. The future of Kulikovia's involvement with INTERPOL may be decided today and the way it looks...The agency will have one less member, after everything we've accomplished." He fumed.

Keppler left the cmabers after a brief converse with the other Assemblymen. It was a long day and his work was not yet done. Ouside he pulled his trenchcoat further across him and made his way to an awaiting limo. The door opened and a young, attractive, and intelligent woman sat with legs crossed and PDA in hand. She was Mika Gregov, his trusted and dilligent aide. She was methodical and well organized. He climbed in, back aching.
"It's been a draining day" he commented.
"Hearing not going well?" Mika asked, tapping something on the pad.
"The opposition are really digging in against our membership in INTERPOL. It's a tough fight but I think we can pull through. Kolokov and others gave a good argument. She nodded and the limo pulled off and down the Avenue of the Proletariat. The government sector was well protected by the Capital Security Department. The CSD had a good reputation as the protectors of the government. The black BMW in front of the limo had two agents in it who diligently surveyed the surroundings. They turned off of the Avenue and onto another street.
"You have a meeting with Deputy Minister Hylland at five today" Mika said.
"Clear the rest of my schedule" Keppler replied in urnest and sat back in his seat. After a few minutes they stopped at a red light. All of a sudden, a van screeched to a halt in front of the motorcade. The door slide open violently as three masked men jumped out, armed with uzi's. They riddled the BMW with bullets, killing the two agents just as they reached for their guns. They moved around to the limo, shot the driver. Keppler was frantic with fear. He looked over and saw Mika being dragged from the limo. He looked back and saw a pistol in his face...it was the last thing he ever saw.