NationStates Jolt Archive

Maraque Global News


20 Dead as Armed Gunmen Storm Grand Imperial Palace Grounds

Written by Tore Landon
8th March, 2007

(08/03/07) SUPER CITY, MARAQUE – 20 people are dead and several more injured as as many as 45 armed gunmen stormed the Grand Imperial Palace Grounds in Super City today.

It all unfolded at around 6:39 AM just after sunrise when a group of 45 masked, armed gunmen jumped the gates at the prestigious palace and began their assault in a failed attempt to infiltrate the palace and reportedly kill the Lord Governor, Jovan S. Norris. The men were quickly subdued after a nearly three hour long gun battle that left the Grand Imperial Palace in lockdown and every location within a five mile radius closed for the entirety of the incident.

The Freedom Warriors has claimed responsibility for the attack, claiming more are to come if the Lord Governor does not restore democracy back to the country within the next five years; a demand the Lord Governor has vowed repeatedly not to bow down to. The Freedom Warriors are responsible for a slew of terrorist attacks across the nation including their most recent attack at the famous Tri Towers in which they let loose a biological agent in the ventilation system of the tallest and most important financial centre in the country that left more than 300,000 seriously ill and 71 dead.

The Freedom Warriors became active after a national referendum to eliminate the position of President was passed late last year. The referendum passed with such a high majority that many in the international community saw it as a rigged vote, and soon afterwards the Freedom Warriors introduced themselves to the world and began their assault upon the nation that has never truly been a real democracy.

The Freedom Warriors are believed to be receiving their massive funds to orchestrate these large scale attacks from an outside source linked to former President Darius Schulz who is in prison on 13 consecutive life sentences for his admitted role in the organization and execution of some of the attacks by the Freedom Warriors. His first interview can be seen on the World News Italia network on television or at the WNI website.

THE EMPIRE of MAGIC SORCERY

The Empire of Magic Sorcery sympathezies with your country and express our deepest sympathy to you. Being rooted traditionalist Empire as much as we try to have a free soceity you will always have the nay sayers, and that is sad that some would take measures of terrorism which is not what Democracy is about.

Chancellor Lucius Blackhelm sends his condolences, and hopes to improve our relationship back up to its former level. On behalf of the Confederacy, we would like to contruct a memorial to the fallen guards and also wish to send an envoy to speak with Mr. Norris.

OOC: Do I still have part of the Super City?

TO: Magic Sorcery
FROM: Maraque

We thank you for your condolences. The tragedy that has taken the lives of 20 of quite possibly our most honourable men and women has saddened us all, and we thank you for your kind words during these times.

Lord Governor Jovan S. Norris

TO: Blackhelm Confederacy
FROM: Maraque

We thank you for your condolences during these times. The Lord Governor would be interested in relinquishing relations with your nation and welcomes an envoy to meet with His Majesty as soon as you see fit.

Minister for Foreign Affairs

OOC: Nope, it was taken under Maraquean control during a "silent coup." ;) Sounds like grounds for an RP...

It was a somber day in Maraque. The Imperial Palace was attacked and dozens of people were dead. The city, for the most part, was in lock down. Ambulances and police cars roared down the streets of the Imperial Capital. Every nation has suffered from the sting of terrorism, Maraque was no exception. A man in his mid thirties sat at a cafe, a folded newspaper on the table, it was the Maraque Global News and the headline was the brutal attack on the palace and attempted assasination of the Lord Governor. Of course, this man already knew about the attacks and barely skimmed through the article, his rough but methodical hands thumbed through the pages to the funnies as he brought a cup of coffee to his lips and took a long sip. He snickered a little and set the paper back down. He was known as Janus, a courier. Couriers were go betweens from a certain government, his own to another organization such as the Freedom Warriors. With the assistance from a splinter organization within the government, he supplied the Freedom Warriors with money, supplies, weapons, and intelligence. This attack was months in the planning but wouldn't have happened as quickly without his ''expertise''. The cell phone in his blazer pocket went off and he casually took it out and brought it to his ear.
"Janus...yes, the courier has made his delivery...I understand" and the other line hung up. This was just the beginning of the Courier's mission in Maraque.

Meanwhile, across the city in a shabby apartment complex, several men gathered in the living room with several duffle bags around them. There was a tall, well built man with blond hair in a crue cut. His strong hands picked up one duffle bag and heaved it onto the couch and unzippered it. Inside were several technical pieces of equipment, wires, boxes, and such. Another man moved up and began to take them out.
"How long do we have here?" another man asked, leaning against a wall.
"One month rent paid up front" the blond haired man responded in a deep, authorative tone.
"In cash?"
"Of course not, that would make it seem suspicious" he smirked and strode over to the window. He grasped the railings and breathed in the air, sirens in the backdrop of the city. They had alot of work to do, and plenty of time to do it. This operation was going to be planned, methodical, and drawn out. The authorities would not be able to track them, their movement. Janus and these men were the shadow of the Freedom Warriors, whenevr light was shone of them, they would disappear, it was perfect.

Maraque Global News


Approval of Lord Governor Tumbles, As Many Call For Attacks to Stop

Written by Tore Landon
9th March, 2007

(09/03/07) SUPER CITY, MARAQUE – The Lord Governor's approval rating has fallen to a new low of 29% after the recent attack upon the Grand Imperial Palace, a new Maraque Global News poll has found.

49,918 took part in the poll, which asked a series of questions involving the Lord Governor's leadership, foreign policy, economic policy, and how he is handling the domestic terrorism problem.

When asked how they felt about his leadership, 75% replied "favorably," 10% replied "somewhat favorably," and 15% replied "not favorably."

His poll numbers were solid when asked about his foreign policy, with 99% replying "favorably," and 1% replying "somewhat favorably."

On the economic front, his poll numbers went downhill with 75% replying "not favorably," 12% replying "somewhat favorably," and 13% replying "favorably."

On his handling of the domestic terrorism problem, many were lax in their judgement, with 60% saying "favorably," 25% saying "somewhat favorably," and 15% saying "not favorably."

On his approval overall, only 29% said "favorably," with 58% saying "not favorably," and 13% "somewhat favorably."

These numbers are a stark contrast to his earlier numbers which were in the high 90% in the last few weeks. The Lord Governor's low approval rating has led to a slew of calls for new elections to take place, some even speculating that former Emperor Stephen D. Norris should replace his own son.

A resolution currently in the Imperial Senate will ultimately decide the Lord Governor's fate, but many believe he will win the vote of confidence because the Imperial Senate is Liberal Bloc dominated; the party of the Lord Governor. Others speculate that the Liberal Bloc will vote against the Lord Governor in a move to gain political favor and to get re-elected in next years upcoming Congressional elections

Janus stood up and left some coins on the table for the waiter. He left the newspaper as well and began to walk off. He then decided to take a different, and longer route back to his apartment. It was more scenic as other people moved up and down the street. He stopped to admire an old but well kept building. There was much beauty in the city, a shame that he had to come for the reason he did. Back at the cafe a young man in a sweater walked past the table, the newspaper was no gone. Janus then moved to a window shop and viewed some of the paintings of the gallery, he always fancied himself an artist, though his art was a tad bit different, the art of deception and espionage.
"That oen there is a beautiful piece" a voice said from behind him, an all too familiar voice. Janus continued to look at the painting. A man in his mid forties stood next to him.
"It is indeed, what brings you here?" Janus asked, knowing the answer.
"The Department wants me to keep an eye on you" he replied, his voice freindly but still forbodeing.
"Have I done something wrong or something those damn pencil pushers don't approve of?"
"Tha latter, my friend"
"Those bastards don't know the first thing of what it's like out in the field, unlike you and myself. They argue about budgets and trivial things"
"I understand that, I'm just doing my job"
"Plans change, the rules are different and there are no black and white areas, only gray." Janus said, voice stren.
"Just be careful, there are enemies all around". Janus's gaze turned to where the man was supposed to be, but he was gone. The man's codename was Gerard, he was a shadow, someone who is specialized in following marks and blending into any scene. The two of them have a history, a descently freindly one but with some stressful times. He sighed and continued his walk back to his apartment.

1:30 PM
9th March, 2007
Grand Imperial Palace Conference Room

The Lord Governor steps up to the podium.

"Thank you ladies and gentlemen for coming today," he started. "As you all know, just yesterday the Freedom Warriors tried yet again a pitiful attempt to undermine the Democratic Elective Monarchy and infiltrate our most glorious landmark in all of the Empire."

[applause]

"But as you also know... these vile people did not succeed, because of our loyal and brave men and women in uniform who died in our honour to protect me and what our nation stands for."

[applause]

"These people's vile acts of treason have not, and will not go unnoticed. We are gathering more and more evidence by the day to establish where these people are getting their funds, how they are getting their funds, and how they are receiving the materials to do these awful crimes against Maraquean civilization."

[applause]

"The Internal Secret Service has done all it can do to try and apprehend these criminals; 79 members of the Freedom Warriors have been captured since they first came to the international scene, and because of this many have given us viable information to capture more people, so we can ultimately destroy and foil every plan these people may have planned."

[applause]

"Today is a sad day, as we see yet the kind of disgusting and despicable acts humanity can do. These people are no more human than the asses on the farm; they are not human at all. They are a degrading and gross people who wish to cause harm to innocent people in the name of freedom!"

[thunderous applause]

"I ask all Maraqueans to stand proud! Stand proud that you live in a free country with the freedom to do as you wish without the interruption of the government, that you are allowed to walk freely in the street without fear that you may be killed because of your nationality, sexual orientation, social class, or race! These animals want to destroy all your freedom! They want to turn the Democratic Elective Monarchy into a totalitarian regime! We can not let this happen, and it will not. I give you my word!"

[thunderous applause]

"I thank you once again for coming, and I wish you all a good afternoon and day."

The Lord Governor walks down from the stage and vanishes behind a dark maple wood door.

Official Dominion of Vetaka Forigen Affairs:

To: Lord Governor, Jovan S. Norris of Maraque
From: Lord-Govenor Roxanne Wright of The Dominion of Vetaka

As part of our Alliance within the Dominion Commonwealth I write to you to offer the Deployment of a 5 Man team of Vetakan Counter-Terrorist Scouts. These men are highly trained Counter-Terrorist Operators from the Vetakan Mountains they have undergone extensive training to become crack operatives. You already have a Vetakan Scout on your Personal Bodyguard unit however he is an elite Bodyguard. The men I am offering you are trained to hunt down and remove terror cells. They would of course be under your operative command.

Yours Lord-Govenor Roxanne Wright.

TO: Lord Governor Roxanne Wright of Vetaka
FROM: Lord Governor Jovan Norris of Maraque

Greetings,

Your offer of these counter-terror operatives is most appreciated, but I do not believe they are wanted at this time. Our Super Elite Imperial Guard are all we need at the moment, but we'll be sure to contact you if your expertise is indeed needed in the future.

Sincerely,
Lord Governor Jovan S. Norris

Meanwhile, the blond haired man, code named Leonidas, walked through a tunnel, it was a short one in the middle of a park. It was a pre arranged meeting area for him and a contact. There was a situation, one which needed to be addressed quickly. On the phone, his contact was panicked and desperate to talk. So, Leonidas went out to meet him. He wore blue jeans and a leather jacket, ordinary looking. He checked his watch, the contact was late...again. Finally, several minutes later he heard footsteps and spun around to see a short man with a gotee, the contact.
"Leonidas, there's a situation" he began "The police...I think the police followed me today." his voice was tired, mumbling.
"Did they follow you here?" Leonidas asked, eye brow raised.
"I don't know. I haven't talked to anybody about this, there's no way they could know me"
"Don't worry, I'll take care of it" Leonidas said, calmly.
"Thank you", Leonidas took his left hand out of his pocket, it was gloved. Then, swiftly his right hand came out and a knife emerged. His powerful legs exploded towards the contact who hardly had time to react, the knife drew acrooss his throat, blood splattering against the wall. He gurgled and fell to the ground. Leonidas wiped the knife on the pants of the now dead man, a pool of blood collecting. Leonidas rumaged through his coat pocket and took a wallet. His lips curled and walked off, a problem solved.

4:21 PM
Arthur Branislav Park, Super City
Crime Scene

"I love you baby," said Martina to her boyfriend Scott as they walked slowly along the path going into the tunnel that ran along the park.

"I love you t- what is that? ..." Scott's voice trailed off as he pointed towards the blood splattered body. "Oh my God! It's a body," he said, frightened, his girlfriend Martina calling the police with a disgusted look on her face as she smelled the rancid oder of blood that was everywhere.

4:42 PM
Arthur Branislav Park, Super City
Crime Scene

"Cause of death?" said the detective just arriving to the scene.

"Slit throat, from the looks if it a sharp blade of some kind, possibly a knife. The blood was speared on his pants," said the examiner.

"Interesting... very interesting. Does he have any ID on him?"

"None whatsoever. The killer probably took whatever he had on him. A robbery maybe?"

"This appears to be more than a robbery, I'll tell you that. Where's the people who found the body?"

"Over there."

"Thank you."

The detective walked over to the couple, who still loook noticably frightened and distraught.

"Hello, I'm detective Hammond, your names please?"

"Scott Venyamin and this is my girlfeiend Martina Igon."

"Alright, and when did you find the body?"

"About 20 minutes ago. We were just walking down the path and came into the tunnel when we saw the body laying on the ground with blood splattered everywhere."

"And you didn't see anyone else?"

"No. No one."

"When did you call the police?"

"As soon as we saw the body."

"Interesting. We'll call you if we need any further questions."

Grand Imperial Palace

The red hair beauty, which could kick your butt if she wanted to, walked through the Grand Imperial Palace. She was Captain Alexandria Stark-Norris (http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/CountJWolf/AlexandriaStark.jpg) and married to Prince Deric Norris. She even aided in the defend of the palace during the attack.

This attack only made her think about the United Dominion, where an attack like this wouldn’t have had happened. She walked with a few of her husband royal guards, but she was still armed with her two customized pistols in their holsters.

I wish Chris was here. she said to herself, about her brother being at the palace.

OOC: Just to get a post in here.

"Where?...did it have to end like that?...I understand, keep me posted. This better be the last little bump, we can't afford more like that, the authorities are already on high alert, this will make them even more suspicious...uh-huh...I'm telling you this for our own good, Gerard paid me a visit today...yes, Gerard. We have a shadow, possibly more...Good...Alright" Janus put the phone down on his coffee table. The new developement made him upset. It was a dangerous game and these things happened, though he always hated such occurances. Leonidas did a good job at tying up a loose end which could've ended their stay in Maraque. He sat back and sighed. The job was very stressful and always dangerous. He missed his wife and children terribly but could not carry a single picture or even wear his wedding ring, Department policies. So, he stood up, moved over to the cabinet and fished out a bottle of brandy and a glass cup, poured himself a nip and bolted it down. He made several other calls and then rested back on the couch.

Leonidas returned to the apartment, the others were waiting. He told them what happened and they silently nodded.
"No more mistakes, we have to be more careful with who we deal with" he ended, voice stern and cautionary. They went over some more plans, ate a dinner which they all helped to cook and shared some good stories. There were nine of them, all experts in surveillence, counter-surveillence, sabotage, assasination, anti-terrorism, demolitions, the list went on. These men and women belonged to another branch of their government, special forces in a way. They were hand chosen for their individual skills, as well the fact they were all single and clean backrounds.

Grand Imperial Palace

Prince Deric had just arrived back to Super City from a week-long trip to the province of Addeis Abaus in eastern Maraque when he walked through the Palace gates and was suddenly faced with reality as the scene around the building looked rather dim because of the blood splatter across the otherwise impeccably kept lawn.

My god, Deric thought to himself. I told Jovan that the location of this building was too dangerous for the Imperial Family to be living in. It's in the heart of a bustling city, anyone could jump the fence.

Deric slowly walked up the enormous stairway leading up to the brown stoned Palace that gleamed with dignity, his crutches becoming a nuisance, but something he was now used to.

As he entered the Palace, the interior was even slightly damaged as bullets from the assault went through windows and hit the walls inside. They were soon to be replaced by bullet proof windows, as well, 16 ft stone walls were to replace the flimsy old-age metal walls that surrounded the perimeter of the Grand Imperial Palace Grounds.

He slowly made his way through the foyer to the living room, where he saw Alexandria walking around idly.

"Alexandria, are you alright?" Deric said embracing her softly. "I heard you helped defend the Palace? You really are an amazing person, aren't you?" he said, his eyes gleaming with amazement and respect.

5:18 PM
Internal Secret Service HQ, Super City
Situation Room

"Alright, what do we have so far?" the head of the Internal Secret Service said.

"Well it appears as though the man that was killed earlier today was the man we've been keeping on eye on. He was certainly a part of something involving the Freedom Warriors, and obviously he was killed for that reason."

"Alright. I see. Anything else?"

"Not at this time."

"Alright, thank you for your time. Carry on."

Grand Imperial Palace

Prince Deric had just arrived back to Super City from a week-long trip to the province of Addeis Abaus in eastern Maraque when he walked through the Palace gates and was suddenly faced with reality as the scene around the building looked rather dim because of the blood splatter across the otherwise impeccably kept lawn.

My god, Deric thought to himself. I told Jovan that the location of this building was too dangerous for the Imperial Family to be living in. It's in the heart of a bustling city, anyone could jump the fence.

Deric slowly walked up the enormous stairway leading up to the brown stoned Palace that gleamed with dignity, his crutches becoming a nuisance, but something he was now used to.

As he entered the Palace, the interior was even slightly damaged as bullets from the assault went through windows and hit the walls inside. They were soon to be replaced by bullet proof windows, as well, 16 ft stone walls were to replace the flimsy old-age metal walls that surrounded the perimeter of the Grand Imperial Palace Grounds.

He slowly made his way through the foyer to the living room, where he saw Alexandria walking around idly.

"Alexandria, are you alright?" Deric said embracing her softly. "I heard you helped defend the Palace? You really are an amazing person, aren't you?" he said, his eyes gleaming with amazement and respect.

Alexandria was taken back to the real world after Deric embraced her. Plus, it wasn’t a good thing to be daydreaming in a palace that was attack.

“Ah…it wasn’t anything. My military training just took over. “ she said then kissed Deric. “So, how was your stay in Addeis Abaus?”

"That's my wife. You just can't stand down. I'd have preferred if you followed safety procedure, though," Deric said with a smile. "Addeis Abaus was good, but it would have been better with you there. I was worried sick when I heard about the attack, and then you taking part in it, and not having any way to contact you. I was scared, but I knew deep down you held your own and were okay."

The Republic of Kanami


On behalf of Prime Minister Elenore Romney, and Foreing Affairs Minister Karou Kamiah, I Vice Prime Minister Akiko Mashimo of Kanami do send my sympathy of the government. It sounds like you might be having terror problems, would you like Interpol to help in the hunting and capturing of these people? We can make it happen. We hope your Government doesn't feel this puts a perversion on democracy. Not all democracies are the same after all. Some are represenative Republics, some are Direct, some are Lazzier-fair, some are like yours, Aqua Anu's and Magic Sorcery gurantee feedoms but still uphold your long tradition of a monarch rule.


Yours Truly,
Akiko Mashimo-VP


________________________________________



Fundelmentalist Christians Ask Parliament Not to Sympatheize

Carmina Gadalica-Over a dozen members of the F.C.M.K. Went before Parliament stating sympatheizing with a nation like Maraque will envoke the wrath of God upon Kanami. "God is showing his wrath to the immoral nation of Maraque, and we must not associate with it."

Parliament let the group speak untill their time expired, and then resumed business. Internal Affairs Minister Jason Izen stated he can gurantee Vice Prime Minister Akiko Mashimo will send a letter of sympathy to Maraque.

Not everyone is pleased with F.C.M.K. as this isn't the first time they've been a bit of a thorn in the side of everybody. They are also notoriously known for their protest shouting awful phrases regarding the troops fighting in the Southern Islands against Stevid as well as the Previous Hanover war.

Parliament can not bar them from speaking unless they become violent and disruptive.

TO: Kanami
FROM: Maraque

The whole Democratic Elective Monarchy thanks the Kanamian government for their sympathy in these troubling times. We would indeed like the help of INTERPOL to apprehend these criminals and put them to justice once and for all.

Lord Governor Jovan S. Norris

"That's my wife. You just can't stand down. I'd have preferred if you followed safety procedure, though," Deric said with a smile. "Addeis Abaus was good, but it would have been better with you there. I was worried sick when I heard about the attack, and then you taking part in it, and not having any way to contact you. I was scared, but I knew deep down you held your own and were okay."

“I was safe. I can’t help that I was in the front when the fools broke through the main gate. I’m a military brat, hon. I don’t run.” she said with a smile. She looked back at her royal guardsmen. “I did have those two with me, too. They did their job and I did my thing. There was even a Devil‘s Guard at my side.”

She kissed him again. “Anyways, I’m happy that you had a nice time. Maybe next I’ll go. I do want to get away from Super City as soon as possible.”

“I was safe. I can’t help that I was in the front when the fools broke through the main gate. I’m a military brat, hon. I don’t run.” she said with a smile. She looked back at her royal guardsmen. “I did have those two with me, too. They did their job and I did my thing. There was even a Devil‘s Guard at my side.”

She kissed him again. “Anyways, I’m happy that you had a nice time. Maybe next I’ll go. I do want to get away from Super City as soon as possible.”"What do you say me and you go to the countryside, away from all the madness of the city and just relax by a warm cozy fire in a nice comfortable home in the middle of no where. Would you like that, honey?" Deric said, completely serious as the city-life was starting to get to him too. He needed a break, a long, long break from the busy life he's led for the last 18 years.

"I can do all my work from any location in the world. We don't need to be confined to one place. We could go anywhere you want. Name a place, and we'll go."

Busy fingers thumbed through pages of a highly detailed notebook. It was a journal of sorts, coded in a way only he knew. Janus was old fashioned, he would use computers but lacked the technical know-how. He had a laptop that contained high-tech filters and encryption software. But, Janus had been doing this too long and enjoyed keeping logs, short ones with codes, almost his own language. The phone rang again.
"Yes?...no, it's taken care of, everything's fine...uh-huh...yes...I know that...alright, so the package will be delivered in a few days?...excellent" and he hung up. Another shipment secured for the Freedom Warriors. It was late at night, but he was used to not sleeping much, he also knew Gerard was somewhere, watching him most likely. Tech guys swpet the apartment for bugs but they also worked for The Department. It didn't matter, he had nothing to hide from them, just everyone else.

Maraque Global News


Grand Imperial Palace Vacated After Attack, Heightened Security All Across Nation

Written by Tore Landon
8th March, 2007

(08/03/07) SUPER CITY, MARAQUE – The Grand Imperial Palace has been vacated indefinitely following the terrorist attack against it days earlier. The Grand Imperial Palace will get a massive $500 billion security make over and new security procedure will be put in place to make sure that nothing ever happens again.

New security details will give Maraqueans who live in the area a headache; following the terrorist attack, all buildings within a five mile radius will now have 24/7 Grand Elite Imperial Guard troops in the area, as well as snipers on rooftops within a two-mile and one-mile radius. As well, no cars will be allowed to park on the street, and will have to find alternate parking in parking garages or elsewhere; not doing so will result in a fine of $1,500 or more depending.

A new curfew has been put in place as well. Now, no one is allowed to walk the streets within this designated area after 10 PM, or before 6 AM. This has caused a lot of outrage among many here who say they either don't get out of work before 10, or need to head out to work before 6. Special arrangements can be made, but you'll have to go through a vast security check that many don't see as appropriate.

The Lord Governor says the new safety procedures are appropriate and needed during this time, and says put all the blame on the Freedom Warriors, because if it weren't for their attacks, these procedures would have never been put in place. Many aren't buying it, saying such safety measures are ridiculous and infringe upon the freedom they used to have.

The measures have already resulted in a dozen strikes and protests all across the nation, some totaling 500,000 to a million individuals. Clearly this won't go over well, but we'll have to wait and see how it plays out.

"What do you say me and you go to the countryside, away from all the madness of the city and just relax by a warm cozy fire in a nice comfortable home in the middle of no where. Would you like that, honey?" Deric said, completely serious as the city-life was starting to get to him too. He needed a break, a long, long break from the busy life he's led for the last 18 years.

"I can do all my work from any location in the world. We don't need to be confined to one place. We could go anywhere you want. Name a place, and we'll go."

“We could always go to Ravensburg. Chris has a cabin in the Saint Clair Province.” she said with a smile. “It will be nice and quiet there.”

“We could always go to Ravensburg. Chris has a cabin in the Saint Clair Province.” she said with a smile. “It will be nice and quiet there.”"Alright, then to Saint Claire we go. We'll have to leave for the renovations anyway."

OOC: Making babies! w00t!

"Alright, then to Saint Claire we go. We'll have to leave for the renovations anyway."

“That’s good.” she said.

OOC: And that’s all we need to do. We’ll just say they are at the cozy cabin in the mountains and making babies. :p

psst > http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=520314

OOC: I just subscribed to the thread. I'll post soon.

The apartment was still. Leonidas finally fell asleep on a couch, the other members of his team where in various parts of the flat. They had alarms set up to give them advance warning but all was safe now. The alarm went off and the athlete awoke, cracking his neck and getting up from his slumber. He only slept three hours but that was more than what he needed. The other members began to wake as well. An hour later they were back to work. Dimitri, their shadow was to go and meet with a contact with the Freedom Warriors and finalize the shipment. The shipment, being a wire transfer of several millions dollars, filtered through various bank accounts, laundering systems, and safe deposits and routed to an off shore secured account. He would give them the pin. The account was under the name of an oil executive, sympathetic to the cause and the payment of the Kulikovian government. What' suspicious about an oil exec pulling out large sums of money? They do it everyday and pull out more than a measely three million. Leonidas contacted Janus and the meeting was set, though they would have to be careful.

11:13 PM
Internal Secret Service HQ, Super City
Situation Room (SIC)

The room was dark, several men sat around a long table in the room, with only a dimly lit light in the center of the table. They were unidentifiable and they did not utter any names.

"Did our wiretaps confirm anything?" one man said.

"Nothing yet, but we've informed every telecommunications company about our doings on the promise they do not let this leak out to the public. If the public knows we're tapping their phones - and I mean all phones - we'd be in trouble. We're trying to capture these guys after all."

"Yes, and hopefully they either use a land line or pay phone, then we'll be hot on to them."

"Sir, are you sure we should be doing this? It's against the constitution, and you know that death is one of the punishments for acts against the constitution, sir."

"I know that! Do you think I'm an idiot? What the Emperor doesn't know won't hurt him. He is a good man, but he also acknowledges that these people need to be captured, and this is one of the measures."

"He'll find out sooner or later."

"And we'll be screwed, yes, but we'll be out of the country by then."

Official Government Announcement.

THE DEMOCRATIC ELECTIVE MONARCHY HAS JUST ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT IT IS OFFERING $50 BILLION USD TO ANYONE WHO GIVES THEM A LEAD TO THE CAPTURE OF ANY OF THE TOP TEN FREEDOM WARRIOR LEADERS. ONCE THE CAPTURE IS SECURE, AN ADDITIONAL $500 BILLION USD WILL BE GIVEN TO THE PERSON AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION. ANYONE WITH A LEAD IS ASKED TO CALL THE DEMOCRATIC ELECTIVE MONARCHY INTERNAL SECRET SERVICE AT 1-771-898-382. ALL CALLS ARE COMPLETELY CONFIDENTIAL.