NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: this is a semi-closed thread, please TG me if you want to participate)

Altanari Conservative Party (ACP) National Headquarters
Ael Khalas, Altanar

"....and the Royal Electoral Commission has confirmed that Justice Minister Norgan Sheloran will be the next Prime Minister of Altanar. With 43% of the vote, Sheloran is set to assume power in one month's time. We're live outside the Hotel Daranal, where Minister Sheloran is about to give his victory speech..."

A glass full of whiskey flew through the air and smashed against the television screen, right on the pixellated face of the perpetually perky reporter from Sun TV.

"Turn that crap off," a pockmarked, greasy-haired man barked to the others in the room. "The last thing I want to see right now is that holier-than-thou bastard rubbing our noses in it." A black-suited flunky quickly scurried to shut off the TV. Another one rushed to get his boss another drink.

Tarjan Askinath was not a happy man. For years, he had been the undisputed and sole leader of the ACP, and had strived to get the Altanari people to see the light. The royals and the government were weak and soft, and were slowly grinding the traditional values of Altanar into the dirt, under a barrage of liberal-minded pablum and embracing of foreign ideals. They had even gone so far as to give part of the country away to outsiders. And now, instead of electing him to lead Altanar, they had thrust into power a halfhearted lackey of the King.

"Very well...if they won't see the light, then I'll blind them with it. To hell with this nonsense of 'electing' leaders. I'll show them what it really means to lead....damn sheep..." Askinath muttered under his breath.

A discreet cough from behind him cut short Askinath's muttering. "What is it?" Askinath barked at his lieutenant, Perak Leikas.

"I just caught word of this group that might be...useful...in leading the sheep. We should discuss this privately," Leikas said.

"Fine. Everyone else get the hell out of here," Askinath growled at the roomful of people, who hastily beat a retreat.

"Ok. What's this babble about a group that might be useful?" Askinath asked Leikas.

In response, Leikas walked over to the DVD player. He placed a disc inside, disdainfully wiping the whiskey from the controls, and played the message (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12756380&postcount=1) that had been received earlier.

After the message finished, Askinath tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. "They could be useful, yes...but you saw what happened the last time people tried to poke the government...or did you happen not to notice the whole revolt-crushed-thing that happened not too long ago?"

"Those idiots failed because they confronted the government directly. This group gives us a way to destablize the government and cause some chaos while keeping our hands publicly clean. And the more destabilized the government becomes, and more chaotic the situation on the ground, the greater opportunity for us," Leikas said coolly. "How else do you think movements like ours take over, anyway?"

Askinath simply sneered. "Fine, contact this group, then. But do it secretly, damnit. The last thing we need is for the government to connect us to it. I prefer my head on my neck, and not on a spike outside the Aerie, thank you very much. Now go make yourself useful and get me another drink," he said.

---

SIC
Encrypted message
To: Pravus Ingruo

We are interested in contracting your services. Respond to this message to discuss terms.

---

"Boss! We've got something!" A voice rang out from the small radio stationed next to Michael Kake's bed.

"Son of a bitch." He grumbled, slamming his hand down on the button that allowed him to respond back to the man. "Keep your god damned voice down. I was asleep. Now, try talking in a normal volume, shall we?"

"Yessir." The other man paused for a minute. Kake thought he had lost him before the radio crackled again. "We got a message. Simple, to the point, two sentences."

"And those sentences were?"

"We are interested in contracting your services. Respond directly to this message to discuss terms."

"Coming out of where?"

"Altanar, sir. No clue as to who sent it, though." Figures, Kake thought, these bastards always want to keep secret, hiding in their corners while we do their dirty work. Then they come out and take credit for it. Pathetic parasites. "What should I do, sir?"

"What should you do? Send a bloody message back. Short, concise, same as theirs, let them know we are interested. And give them the code to the satellite uplink so we can discuss terms face to face if they wish."

"Yessir, on it, sir." The radio went dead. Kake smiled. A first job perhaps. At least someone had heard their message. Time to make sure everyone knew their name once they were done.

Encrypted message/Level 1
TO: Whoever in Altanar
FROM: Pravus Ingruo
RE: A Job

You have garnered our interest. Satellite communication is available for face-to-face contact. Code follows.

0112056008321

We await your call.

Within minutes of sending their reply to Altanar, a response was received from the satellite. A thin-faced, black-haired man wearing a black suit and tie appeared on the screen, flanked by two other men wearing similar suits and ties on either side of a long wooden desk. In a cool, almost bored voice, he said, "My name is Perak Leikas. I represent certain interests in Altanar that could benefit from your services. To whom am I speaking, if I may ask?"

"Transmission incoming from the satellite in three... two..." the man by the camera held up one finger and then pointed to Kake as the image wavered up onto the screen.

A thin-faced, black-haired man wearing a black suit and tie appeared on the screen, flanked by two other men wearing similar suits and ties on either side of a long wooden desk. In a cool, almost bored voice, he said, "My name is Perak Leikas. I represent certain interests in Altanar that could benefit from your services. To whom am I speaking, if I may ask?"

Kake sat in the same, plain chair he had been sitting in before, with the flag behind him, and his plain, black, military cut uniform on. His jet black hair was slicked back from his head, highlighting his widow's peak and cold black eyes. His pale skin beamed in the dimness of the room. Perfect for his first encounter.

"Michael Kake, Mr. Leikas." His voice was low, but contained a certain fire to it as he spoke. "I'm the leader of the group you contacted. May I inquire as to who these 'interests' are and what services they require, if I may ask?"

"Michael Kake, Mr. Leikas." His voice was low, but contained a certain fire to it as he spoke. "I'm the leader of the group you contacted. May I inquire as to who these 'interests' are and what services they require, if I may ask?"

"Of course," Leikas said smoothly. "I represent a political movement in Altanar that wishes to change our weak and liberal-minded government. We have suffered a bit of a...setback...in the political arena, and have decided that we must pursue other means of advancing our cause. Our goals, to put it simply, are to destabilize the government and help bring about conditions in our nation that are more...conducive to our ideals. What we want from you is quite simple: we want you to weaken the confidence people have in our government, military and monarchy by any means you can. We also require assistance in raising the...temperature on the street, as it were, to cause people to seek us out as a stronger alternative to our rivals. We cannot be connected to this effort, however."

"Of course," Leikas said smoothly. "I represent a political movement in Altanar that wishes to change our weak and liberal-minded government. We have suffered a bit of a...setback...in the political arena, and have decided that we must pursue other means of advancing our cause. Our goals, to put it simply, are to destabilize the government and help bring about conditions in our nation that are more...conducive to our ideals. What we want from you is quite simple: we want you to weaken the confidence people have in our government, military and monarchy by any means you can. We also require assistance in raising the...temperature on the street, as it were, to cause people to seek us out as a stronger alternative to our rivals. We cannot be connected to this effort, however."

Kake really had to restrain himself from laughing. Politicians were all the same, always trying to sugarcoat things instead of just coming right out and saying them. Normally, he would have told the man just to get to the point and be done with it, but since this was their first job, he decided against that.

"So what you want are random acts of terror throughout your nation targeting the government and the military, you want us to assassinate the monarchy, you want civilians to feel threatened and fear for their lives, which will make them run to you, and you want all of this to happen without anything pointing back at you? Is that accurate, Mr. Leikas?" Kake heard a slight laugh in the background but decided to ignore it for the moment. The offending party would be punished later.

If Leikas heard the laugh, he didn't show it. A slightly bemused look crossed his face. "I would not have put it so bluntly, but that does sound correct. Is that something your group is capable of accomplishing? From what I understand, you are relatively new to this sort of thing."

If Leikas heard the laugh, he didn't show it. A slightly bemused look crossed his face. "I would not have put it so bluntly, but that does sound correct. Is that something your group is capable of accomplishing? From what I understand, you are relatively new to this sort of thing."

"We are new only in the fact that people do not know and fear our name yet." Kake spoke indignantly. He hated it when people disrespected his group and their abilities just because they were knew. It had happened to him in the army as well... and he had certainly shown them, hadn't he. Kake took a deep breath to regain his composure.

"We can certainly accomplish that. We will, of course, need a list of targets, military, governmental, and monarchy members you wish to see dead, funds for accomplishing all you ask, including the bombings, and safe means of passage into the country for my agents."

"We shall transmit you a list of our primary targets. Give me a moment," Leikas said. A minute or two later, the following list was sent:

Primary individual targets: King Aelkyn, Queen Melika, Crown Father Cianar, outgoing Prime Minister Jaris Krytellin, incoming Prime Minister Norgan Sheloran, Defense Minister Pargal Khaskereth, any members of the High Council (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Altanari_High_Council), any members of the Peoples' Assembly.
Primary targets in our capital: The Legislative Building, The Aerie (royal palace), Fort Olen (military HQ), Royal Police HQ, the Safe Haven Center (immigration processing center).
Additional potential targets: Nalitar House (village of Nalitar, another royal residence); international airports in the major cities, Royal Police garrisons or military bases in the major cities.

"That's a good list to start," Leikas smirked. "If your group does well, we'll add more to the list. As for how your people can get into the country, we have contacts within the military and police who can get you in through the port at Kyrinia safely. Once in-country, we can provide safe houses for your agents to hide out at if needed. As for money, we can provide that once we know what sort of amount you're looking for."

Kake's eyes widened slightly as he looked over the list. Impressive, certainly, but it should be manageable. Leaning back, Michael tapped his chin thoughtfully. A thought crossed his face and he smiled softly.

"Isn't the swearing in of your new Prime Minister happening soon, Mr. Leikas? And won't most of these targets be there when the festivities go down?" Without waiting for an answer, Kake continued. He had his idea, and he was going to run with it. "I want to hold off on the bombings for now. Taking out targets of that sort are always harder than taking out a few people."

"My plan is this... You get us three news helicopters of your nation and airspace clearance to fly them around the ceremony, and, I can assure you, your High Council, incoming PM, outgoing PM, any royals there, any quite possibly a few civilians will be dead to Pravus Ingruo rockets and bullets." Kake smiled again as he looked Mr. Leikas right in the eye.

"Is that acceptable, Mr. Leikas?"

Leikas smirked again. "That does seem like a good way to kill many, many birds with one stone. That is completely acceptable....we'll make the arrangements on our end. We have a little less than a month to get ready, so that should be sufficient time. The Air Fleet usually allows media helicopters for these kind of events up to a certain distance, but they'll have tight security in the air too, so we'll need to deal with that."

Leikas smirked again. "That does seem like a good way to kill many, many birds with one stone. That is completely acceptable....we'll make the arrangements on our end. We have a little less than a month to get ready, so that should be sufficient time. The Air Fleet usually allows media helicopters for these kind of events up to a certain distance, but they'll have tight security in the air too, so we'll need to deal with that."

"We'll have the men in the helicopters armed... just make sure on your end that our helicopters don't get searched. Also, any vantage points from surrounding buildings that you can get us to for some stable sniping platforms would be extremely helpful as well." Kake smiled. "Since this is our first target, we will only be charging our standard personnel fee, plus hit charge, which is a deal, since we'll be taking out multiple targets."

"Our standard hit fee is $300,000 USD, plus $75,000 for each agent on the mission... which will be twelve, four for each helo, plus however many sniping positions you manage to get us."

"That is acceptable, Mr. Leikas?"

"It is. We can wire you the money immediately. Normally, we wouldn't cough all of it up until the hit was actually completed...but I think you guys are a good risk," Leikas grinned. "So we have a deal. We're ready to get your agents through the border security as soon as you can send them."

"There will be sixteen of my agents ready to cross your border tomorrow morning, your time. They will have all the weapons they need with them. Rockets, heat seeking rockets for the air security, sniper rifles, assault rifles with scopes, and ammo. Our agents will be wearing all black, and one of their crates will be draped in a Pravus Ingruo flag. Your password so our agents can identify you as friendlies will be 'moritati'." Kake looked off screen for a moment and made a sweeping gesture with his hand to someone.

"We appreciate doing business with you, Mr. Leikas."

"As do we. Our people will be there to greet your agents....they will be dressed much like we are. We look forward to seeing your results," Leikas said, ending the transmission.

---

Port of Kyrinia Complex
Kyrinia, Altanar

The massive port complex in Kyrinia, one of Altanar's largest, was normally a bustling, chaotic scene. However, in the early morning hours, traffic was light.

On the far edge of the complex, at an auxiliary station of the Royal Altanari Coast Guard, a group of men in black suits and ties waited calmly, flanked by a blue-uniformed Coast Guard officer. They kept a sharp eye out for the Pravus Ingruo agents. "They'd better get here soon," the Coast Guard officer muttered grimly. "I can't keep this station open much longer without someone noticing."

The ACP men simply ignored the Coast Guard officer, and waited.

Two small boats raced towards the auxiliary dock. After making sure that there was no trickery abound, the agents were ready to make their contact. Pulling up to the shore, the silenced motors shut off, one of the crates in the first boat draped with the Pravus Ingruo flag. Slowly, three men stepped out, the thirteen remaining in the two boats making no secret that they were armed. One pulled off his sunglasses as he strode towards the men in the suits.

"Alan Harland. I'm assuming you're our contacts." He spoke softly, quickly, and straight to the point. The sooner the equipment was off the boats and somewhere safe, he would a much happier man.

"Indeed. I believe 'moritati' is the word that will confirm this?" one of the black-suited men said. "I'm Keran Geranar of the ACP. I'll be your liaison during your operation here. We should get the vans loaded up and get out of here before anyone notices us," Geranar added, pointing to some white cargo vans parked near the dock.

"Quite correct, Mr. Geranar." Harland smiled. This was going easier than planned. He nodded to the man on his left, he turned and made a quick slashing gesture, and the men on the boats got to work, offloading the crates of equipment and carrying them to the vans. "I assume that there have been no problems with our deal as of yet, Mr. Geranar?" Alan spoke as he watched the men move boxers of RPGs from the boats.

"None so far," Geranar said calmly. "As soon as we get the vans loaded, we'll drive you to the safe house we have set up for now. This isn't the best place to talk, and this guy's getting antsy," he added, nudging the Coast Guard officer. The ACP men began helping load the vans, while their drivers got in and started them up.

"Works for us." Harland turned and made a swift motion, telling his men to double time it. Within three minutes, everything was onto the vans, ready to head out. "Lead the way, Mr. Geranar. We'll be right behind you." Alan smiled as he and his men started walking towards the vans, his men keeping a sharp lookout for snipers or other people who might compromise their plan.

Geranar simply nodded, gesturing to his men to get in the vans. Once everyone was aboard, the vans quickly exited the old Coast Guard station. "Our vans are all going to take different routes to the safe house, to avoid looking like a convoy," he said to Alan.

The vans traveled circuitous routes for roughly an hour, eventually arriving at what appeared to be an abandoned ranch house. The vans pulled into a long barnlike structure behind the house. "This place is out of the way enough to avoid anyone noticing us," Geranar said. "We can bunk your men here until the operation, unless they need to be moved before then. We should go inside...we can discuss what steps to take next," he finished, gesturing to the Pravus Ingruo men to follow him inside the house.

A couple of quick hand gestures told half the agents to continue to unload the equipment while the others started scanning the building for threats and listening devices. Alan Harland wasn't too concerned, the men had no reason to double cross them, especially since their leader wasn't here.

They walked into a large family-type room and Alan sat in one of the chairs. "So, let's get down to business, shall we?"

"Of course," Geranar said, settling down into one of the chairs. "We've begun gathering information on the plans for the Prime Minister's inauguration. It's going to be held in two weeks in Legislature Square." Geranar passed some aerial shots and diagrams of the square over to Harland. "Most of the buildings around the square are government-controlled, but there are a few private commercial buildings with lines of sight that should work well as sniping platforms. Also, we've begun working on getting the media helicopters we need. Is there anything specific that you need us to do? You're a lot more experienced than we are with this sort of thing."

Harland gazed over the aerial photos, liking what he saw. The commercial buidlings had views over the entire square, yet all the buildings were low enough and spaced out enough that their helos would be able to operate with impunity. Tapping a few buildings thoughtfully, Alan spoke.

"Me and my men are going to need to scout out these buildings tomorrow. Inconspicuously, of course. But we're also going to need the seating arrangement for the ceremony, ASAP, so we can know exactly where our targets are going to be sitting. Can you do that for us?"

"That shouldn't be a problem," Geranar said. "We're working on getting the specific seating arrangement now, but we do know that there will be a large grandstand set up in front of the steps of the square, where all the big names will be seated. The first thirty or so rows of the audience will be reserved for government, military and security types, but there will be some public seating further in back. Our big-shots here have never been able to resist making populist gestures that way," Geranar added with a smirk.

"Perfect..." Harland whispered softly. "A few well placed rockets should take most of them out, then. We'll guarentee kills on your primary list by giving them to our snipers, though. The first kill would be the new Prime Minister, hopefully as he is taking the oath of office. A bold statement, that shot would key off everything else, including the rocket attacks, security attack, and more snipings. By the end of it, most, if not all of your primary target list should be dead." Leaning back, Alan tossed his feet up on the table in front of them.

"Now, there is the issue of civilian casualties as well as those from members of your own party. While we will not directly target either, of course, we must wanr you there is a chance for those to be killed, especially civilians. What I would do if I were yourself is to have your members sit as close to the civilians as possible, and then beat a VERY hasty retreat once everything starts going down. That way you can minimize your own casualties. Does that sound reasonable?"

"It does. Civilian casualties are inevitable, as well as some of our own people, but their sacrifice will not be in vain. They will both help us to bring forth a new Altanar," Geranar said with all the fervor of a true believer. "Your assistance will help us do that as well, of course."

Geranar leaned back, took a sip from a bottle of beer, and pondered.

"Our party leader will not be there - he is not exactly high on the popularity list with the government - but we'll have several of our members there for appearances' sake," Geranar added. "We are being very careful to make sure that our people who are making the arrangements for you are not ones the government knows about yet, and thus cannot be connected to the ACP."

"Of course. Well, I do not wish to be rude, Mr. Geranar, but these acomidations are quite cozy and we are in need of sleep. With your leave?" Alan stood and shook hands with Geranar and the others. As soon as they were out the door, he was passed out in the chair.

OOC: Want to fastforward to the event itself? Or RP the scouting around, first?

OOC: we can fast-forward to the day of the event itself. We'll just assume the scouting went off without a hitch, because the ACP would have had contacts with the buildings' security.)

IC:

Fort Olen, RADF HQ
Ael Khalas, Altanar

Looking out the windows of the newly-built Royal Intelligence and Security Directorate (RIS) headquarters, Defense Minister Pargal Khaskereth seemed pensive. "Are you sure that our security is prepared?" he asked yet again.

"Yes, sir, I am," RIS Director Alicia Kamalek said again. "We've got a perimeter set up around the square, and another one along Merikatha Parkway, Legislature Way and Olen the Unifier Boulevard. There are corresponding air perimeters set up as well. Ael Khalas Municipal Police, Royal Police, Air Fleet, Army and Guards are all set up to provide security, and the A-Guards are going to handle the inner security around the grandstand. Even if someone does try to attack, they won't have an easy time of it."

"Let's make sure of that," Khaskereth said grimly. "After the security fiasco during the civil war...er...conflict, we can't afford to make any more mistakes." Turning to face a viewscreen mounted on the wall, Khaskereth coughed discreetly. "Your Majesty, I'd really prefer if you stayed away from the ceremony."

The man on the viewscreen simply smiled. "How would it look if I cowered in my palace and didn't honor Norgan's victory?" King Aelkyn asked. "You know I can't do that. Because of her pregnancy, and security concerns, I did ask Melika to stay home. That's the best I can do, Pargal."

"But there are still Akamian separatists, former noble supporters, and rebels out there who would love to target you. And I don't like having so many of our people out in the open," Khaskereth said.

"This is why we're keeping you at Fort Olen, and keeping the deputy ministers under lock and key in case something does happen," Aelkyn said calmly. "In any event, I'm used to people trying to kill me by now. We can't live in fear."

"Very well....we'll just hope for the best," Khaskereth said.

---

Legislature Square
Ael Khalas

The long, broad expanse of the square in front of Altanar's Legislative Building was already filling up with officials, military officers, and eager citizens. Many of them waved small Altanari flags. The national banner of the Golden Sun hung from buildings, lampposts, and draped the huge grandstand set up at the end of the square, with the white-and-gold Legislative Building soaring over it as a backdrop. The crowds of people seemed cheerful and happy, eager to put the brief but bloody civil war Altanar had endured behind them. Election of a head of state, for the first time ever, was a positive sign, and cautious optimism was the emotion of the moment. There were reminders of the war, though, in the large numbers of armed police and soldiers that could be seen around the square.

On the grandstand, the seats were already filling up also, as high-ranking politicians, military officers and powerful citizens began taking their seats. Altanar's outgoing Prime Minister, Jaris Krytellin, walked up to shake hands with his successor. "I hope you're ready for this...it's not an easy job," he grinned. The new PM, Norgan Sheloran, simply smiled. "I just hope I do as good a job as you did, Jaris. We didn't agree on much, but you've always cared about Altanar, and it's an honor to follow in your footsteps."

Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden storm of cheering and applause from the crowd. The Royal Limousine had just arrived, and King Aelkyn began proceeding up the stairs to the grandstand, waving cheerfully to the crowd.

---

Reknara Auxiliary Airport
Reknara, Altanar

The auxiliary airport in the Ael Khalas suburb of Reknara was usually a quiet place on weekends, and this was no exception. As a feeder airport for King Olen International, Reknara mostly saw traffic only when the main airport was full.

A white van drove up to a security gate in the rear of the cargo terminal area. A security guard walked up to the van. Quick gestures were made between the driver and guard, and the gate soon opened, allowing the van to drive through.

The van pulled up to a hangar, and several men in plainclothes quickly exited. They walked up to the hangar, which bore a small sign: "Hangar 1-A-3. Sun TV helicopter service/storage". Once inside, they made an encrypted call: "Helicopters are secure. We're ready to begin."

Building near Legislature Square

For two days they had waited. Alan, and his team of three other snipers, had been set up, now on their third day, making to sure get to their places just after the security sweeps, and before the lockdown occured. But, they were now ready. Alan's cell phone beeped and he opened it quickly.

"Helicopters are secure. We're ready to begin." He smiled. The ACP had kept their word after all. Leaning back from his perch, Alan texted a quick message to his helo teams.

"Bird 1-3, fly." That was all he needed to do. He moved back to his rifle and sighted down at the square. The King had just arrived. Check off another target to be killed today. He pressed his hand to the small microphone near his ear. "Look sharp, Zooms." The code name for his snipers in case anyone managed to decrypt their frequency. "Gin, grapes, and wine are on site."

Near the hangar

Two vans raced towards the hangars, their drivers pushing their gas pedals nearly to the floor. Instead of stopping, the gate was already open, they pulled all the way into the hangar, pulling to a tire squeeling stop. As soon as the vans were stopped, the doors flew open and men and equipment started piling out. All of the agents were dressed in plaincloths, but all had shortrange radios in their ears, and all wore sunglasses. Quickly, six air-to-air Strela-3 air-to-air missiles (NATO designation SA-14 Gremlin) were loaded into each helo, as well as a single RPG-7 launcher. Two M-4s with 4x ACOG scopes and plenty of ammo also went into each helo. As quickly as the men appeared, they then disappeared inside the helos, taking off, and flying to their targets.

In the air, Legislature Square

F/A-18 Hornet fighters and AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters flew in a tight pattern over the inauguration site. "Keep your eyes open and your hands ready," their commander sharply reminded the pilots as they scanned for anything unusual. A motley assortment of media helicopters flew nearby, following the prescribed pattern the Air Fleet had ordered them to follow.

On the ground, Legislature Square

As the ceremony began, Royal Army soldiers and Royal Guardsmen blocked off the perimeter area, blocking anyone else from entering.

The Ael Khalas Symphony reached the end of the song they were playing, the national anthem, the signal for the festivities to start. The Speaker of the Peoples' Assembly, Janae Lukeras, walked briskly to the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending," she said in a warm voice. "We are here to witness a historic moment for democracy in Altanar. For the first time, an elected head of state has been chosen to lead our great nation. Please allow me the honor of presenting Jaris Krytellin, Norgan Sheloran, and High Priest Melakis of the Church of Altanar, who shall perform the Ceremony of Succession."

The crowd cheered and applauded loudly as the three men stepped forward.

OOC: Numbers on the Hornets and the Apaches?

Above Legislature Square

The three helos in use by the Pravus Ingruo agents quickly picked up on the intended flight plan and joined in, making sure to put distance between themselves and to always keep an eye both on the ground and on those Apaches and Hornets.

Building adjacent to Legislature Square

Slowly and methodically, Alan set up, his sights already following the new Prime Minister, Norgan Sheloran. Slowly, he clicked the safety off. He pressed his radio to full on. "Zooms, open hatches. Birds, contact daddies then sprinters. Welcome wagon on my mark." What Alan had just done was to tell the snipers to get their targets and to turn their safeties to off. He also told the MANPADs in the helos to fire on the Apaches first, then to worry about the Hornets, since the Apaches could follow them around buildings, and the Hornets couldn't.

Moving back to his rifle, Alan sighted again. The crosshairs were right on the Norgan's forehead... all he needed to do was place his hand on the bloody book and start speaking... and his life was over.

(OOC: figure a squadron of 18 Apaches, and a separate squadron of 18 Hornets. There would be additional flights on standby around the area and at Fort Olen, but they probably won't get there on time to help out much)

IC:

High Priest Melakis accepted a copy of the Altanari Way from Speaker Lukeras, and thanked her gracefully as she sat down. In a booming voice, he said, "We are here today, in the presence of the Pantheon and by its grace, to execute the will of the people and present their chosen leader to His Altanari Majesty, our most noble King Aelkyn, as their representative. Minister Krytellin, please hand the sash of office to Minister Sheloran."

Krytellin took the sash of office off, handed it to Sheloran with a short bow, and then stepped back.

Melakis' voice boomed out again. "Minister Sheloran, please don the sash of office, and place your hand on the Book of the Way." Sheloran placed the sash over his chest, to a round of thunderous applause, and placed his hand on the book.

Building

Alan sighted and his figure slowly tightened around the trigger. He smiled as he counted down in his head.

3... He shut one eye so as to completly focus on the task at hand before him. His crosshairs were aimed directly inbetween Sheloran's eyebrows.

2... He swallowed one last time as he began to slow his breathing, becoming oblivious to everything around him. He had a job to complete.

1... He sucked in a final breath and held it, sighting one last time, his finger tightening around the trigger.

He fired.

Air

As soon as they heard the shot, all three helos immediatly flung open their side doors, both men who were serving as gunners aiming SA-14 missiles at the hovering Apaches. Six streaked out, the tubes were dumped, and six more were grabbed and fired in quick sucession. After those tubes were dumped, one man in each helo fired a RPG-7 rocket at the area below, two aiming for the grandstands, the other for a contingent of guards. Gunshots continued to ring out from the snipers and three more SA-14 missiles were fired. Grabbing their M-4s, one man in each of the helos began firing on full auto on the crowd below.

Building

Alan had aimed his first three shots, his next two going after members of the Altanari High Council, but then just started aiming and firing at people on the grandstands as chaos erupted. He smiled. For at least a few seconds, this was fun.

On the ground

Where the head of Prime Minister Norgan Sheloran had been just a second before, a spray of blood replaced it, covering Melakis and Krytellin. They had no time to dwell on that, however, as chaos and hell erupted.

More gunshots rang out, and Krytellin grabbed Melakis and dove to the ground behind the podium, screaming in pain as a bullet ripped into his leg. Upon hitting the ground, Melakis let out a single, wet, rattling cough as a red blossom spread over the front of his holy vestments. Krytellin thought about dragging Melakis to safety, but realized that there was no point, as the light left the eyes of Altanar's spiritual leader.

RIS agents moved to drag Krytellin away, along with anyone else on the grandstand who was still alive. Most of the members of the High Council, unfortunately, did not fit that description. The RIS agents hustled people off the back of the grandstand and into the Legislative Building, using their bodies as shields. Many of them would not make it to the golden double doors that marked the entrance.

In the audience, what had been an orderly crowd a second before became a screaming, frantic mob, trying to escape any way they could. The soldiers and police guarding the ceremony frantically tried to guide the crowd and maintain control on the ground at the same time. Wreckage from destroyed helicopters began falling into the crowd, killing people left and right and making that effort even harder.

On the secondary perimeter, several M1097 Avenger-armed HMMWVs began tracking the helicopters that had fired on the Apaches, although it was unclear which ones it had been. There was no hesitation, though; secret protocols adopted after the civil war made it painfully clear that any airborne threat to the Altanari government of this magnitude was to be shot down without hesitation. The Avengers began firing Stinger missiles at anything in the air that wasn't Altanari military.

Meanwhile, also on the secondary perimeter, the police and military units assembled there began trying to pinpoint where the shots were coming from. The government buildings around the square had all been locked down before the ceremony, and were quickly excluded as possibilities. While the commercial buildings were quickly suspected, there were several of them, and they were quite large, which meant finding the shooters would be difficult at best.

In the air

The frightened exodus of the media helicopters exacerbated the problems facing the Air Fleet and Royal Army air cover. They were, quite simply, getting in the way of figuring out who was firing. But the airborne units had the same protocols in place as the ground units. As SA-14s blew their fellow pilots out of the sky, five helicopters that had managed not to get shot down yet began firing Stinger and Sidewinder missiles at the civilian helicopters, including the ones that had fired the SA-14s. The Hornets in the air also began targeting them with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, although the fighters would not prove to be very effective against the helicopters.

Before his Apache was turned into scrap metal, one of the pilots radioed frantically to Fort Olen, requesting help.

Alan swore as two of his helos, along with the men inside, became flaming debris that rained down on the terrified crowd. They had done as well as they could, terror had been issued, and Harland knew that most, if not all, of the High Council along with Sheloran was dead. He had seen Melakis shot, but didn't know if he was dead or not.

"Bird 1, cease fire and take cover in the buildings. Close doors and fly at regular speed back to the hangar. Get back to the safe house, over."

"Roger that, lead." Alan watched the helo turn and dive in between two buildings. He hoped no other choppers saw them and that they were able to get back alright, but he couldn't worry about that now.

"Zooms, listen up. We have unfriendlies incoming. Get out of the building as fast as you can, ditch all weapons except pistols. Appropriate any civilian clothing you can find. Meet back at the safehouse. If captured, name, organization, motto. Nothing else. Go!" Alan looked through the scope and fired a few last shots until his magazine ran out at the retreating security personnel heading for the double golden doors. With that, he left his gun and raced for the elevator, hoping that would seem a less conspicuous way down.

In the air
The few helicopters that made it outside the air perimeter were allowed to leave unscathed, as they were no longer posing a threat to the crowds or the government personnel present at the ceremony.

On the ground

At Fort Olen, the frantic message from the doomed Apache pilot reached the National Military HQ, which had already seen what was happening at the ceremony due to the media coverage present. "Son of a bitch!" Defense Minister Khaskereth screamed, red-faced, at RIS Director Kamalek. "No one attacking would have an easy time, huh?" he added sarcastically, while a stone-faced Kamalek said nothing.

Khaskereth turned to the assembled heads of Altanar's Royal Security Council, who were in the situation room with him. "Under my authority as Defense Minister, Ael Khalas is under martial law at once until further notice, until we know the King and Prime Minister are safe. I want the streets, highways, transport centers, everything locked down now!"

Throughout the city, units of Altanar's military began rolling out to lock the city down. M113A3 APCs and M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks began moving out to block streets and highways.

Back at the square, other APCs and MBTs that had been deployed for the ceremony security began doing the same. Royal Guardsmen armed with Heckler & Koch MP5 rifles began searching the commercial buildings, backed up by Royal Army soldiers carrying M4A1 carbines. Anyone not wearing an Altanari military uniform was ordered to stop and be searched, or risk a quick exit from the world. The crowds trying to flee the ceremony site began being herded into rows by the military forces and police present.

Alan had gotten lucky. He had seen other people being searched, apperently others had decided to watch the ceremony from the building and were now trying to leave, and he had deposited his gun in the back of an unsuspecting man's pants. When searched, the man had been able to offer no explanation and was executed in front of everyone. Alan recieved a semi-suspicious look for his black cargo pants and white t-shirt, but was allowed to go.

Outside posed another problem. The city was already in a virtual state of lockdown. Tanks and APCs were rolling through the streets. Alan sighed and faced the long proposition of walking to the safe house. Which was exactly what he did, hopeing that he wouldn't be the only one when he got there.

Buildings around ceremony site

When the military units first began to arrive on scene, people were allowed to leave with only a cursory visual examination of their national IDs. As the initial chaos began to subside, however, and more police and soldiers began to arrive, they began running computer checks on the IDs. Most of the IDs scanned checked out....until one of them showed up as invalid.

The Royal Police officer scanning the IDs, who had his Glock 22 in his other hand, immediately leveled it at the person whose ID came back invalid. "Get the hell on the ground now!" the APF officer screamed, as nearby soldiers pointed their rifles directly at the man.

Legislature Square

With the attack over, the area around the square began filling up with the dead, dying and wounded. Ambulances and police vehicles began steadily entering and leaving the square, carrying people off.

A tearful reporter from Altanari Royal Television, who had been at the scene to cover the ceremony, could be heard broadcasting over the sirens and sounds of human misery. "We have received word that Prime Minister Norgan Sheloran and High Priest Melakis are confirmed dead, and that several members of the High Council may be among the casualties as well. No word has been released yet on the condition of King Aelkyn or any of the other officials, or any idea of how many audience members may be among the dead or wounded. We will bring you more coverage as this tragic story develops."

Building

Garrison scowled as he got onto the ground on his knees, his hands in the air as he looked over the rest of the security officers. If he had had his pistol, he would have gone down fighting. As it was he was unarmed. He looked at the man who had told him to kneel and smiled softly. He spit onto his shoe.

The butt of the Glock 22 coming down at his temple was the last thing he saw before his world plunged into darkness.

Safe House

Alan looked around one final time before entering the safe house. Very few tanks and APCs roamed the streets out here. Making sure he hadn't been followed he pushed open the door.

Various rifles and pistols, numbering six in all, were instantly pointed his way. Once the men saw that he was one of their own, they slowly lowered their weapons.

"Welcome home, Chief." One of the helo jockeys spoke. Alan nodded slowly and scanned the room. Only one contingent of helo men was still around, he had known the other two groups to be dead already, but there were only two other snipers were there. Garrison was missing.

Alan sighed. Garrison was a loss, but he knew that the man would not break. None of them would if captured. "Any word on the news stations?" He asked.

"Well, they were all covering it live. People have called it the most blatant terrorist attack in Altanari history. They've had to edit your killing shot of Sheloran out because it was "too disturbing". Internet sites are already overflowing with the footage though. I've got to say, boss, it was a good shot."

"Any word yet on casualty counts?"

"Sheloran, High Priest Melakis, 'numerous members of the High Council', no specifics yet. Dozens of civilians. They're being very vague on numbers."

"They have every right to be... we struck their head and almost chopped it all the way off. Have you sent a transmission back to base yet?"

"No, boss. We wanted to see if you would show up first." Nodding, Alan walked over to a satellite transmitter and sent a quick message.

"MA, 9 down, AA." The message meant, mission accomplished, nine agents lost, Alan alive. A few minutes later, a message was sent containing a video package. Alan smiled and copied it, then erased the record of the message. Quickly logging online, he sent it out to all the people who had posted assassination videos online, knowing that they would jump all over this opportunity. The video was as follows:

The video starts with a view of the Pravus Ingruo flag, whole, without it's trademark red bullet holes and red sniper sights. Suddenly, shots ring out and the bullet holes appear as the sniper sight slowly fades into view. That image fades and is replaced by that of Michael Kake.

"Greetings, citizens of Altanar. My name is Michael Kake, and I am the leader of the terrorist organization, Pravus Ingruo. The actions that took place today in your Legislative Square were the product of my agents. This is all the information you will be receiving for now. Rest assured there will be more later. Do not try and find my agents, or more attacks will commence. If you have captured any of my agents, you will release them at once, or risk a weapon of mass destruction being smuggled into your capital. You have been warned."

"Kake out."

The screen fades to black. A single gunshot sounds.

The APF officer swore at the now-unconscious Garrison. He pointed his pistol at Garrison’s head as if about to fire, but was quickly held back by several soldiers. “We need him alive! We can’t interrogate a dead man!” one of them yelled at the policeman. The APF officer only grunted in response, but holstered his pistol.

The cordon around the scene parted, as three black SUVs parked not far away. Several men in suits exited, looking around as they did so to make sure no one else was about to pop off any gunshots. The soldiers quickly dragged Garrison over to one of the vehicles, handcuffed him and threw leg irons on him, then unceremoniously tossed him in the back. The black SUVs drove off quickly, escorted by several Royal Police vehicles.

While the square was still covered in wreckage and bodies, anyone who was alive had efficiently been hustled off for treatment, or herded out of the square. The area around the square was now deathly silent, except for cleanup crews beginning to arrive, police sirens and the sound of APCs and tanks moving up and down the streets.

As the furor outside died down, the people who had taken refuge inside the Legislative Building were escorted out. A convoy of military and government vehicles traveled from the building north on Merikatha Parkway, the eight-lane road eerily deserted in the middle of the day. The convoy entered the gold-and-iron gates of the Aerie, soldiers quickly taking up positions around the royal palace.

The convoy stopped in front of the soaring, green-and-gold stone arch that marked the front entrance. Flanked by more soldiers, the few officials that had managed to survive the terrorist onslaught quickly walked inside. Confusion, uncertainty and fear may have reigned throughout their country, but that was not a luxury the remnants of Altanar's shattered leadership could afford.

In the long, narrow Throne Room, King Aelkyn seated himself tiredly on the gold-trimmed wooden bench that had served as the throne of Altanar's kings and queens for well over a century. Despite some cuts, scratches and bruises incurred when RIS agents had flung him desperately off the ceremony platform to save him, he had survived. Many of those who had been seated with him had not been so lucky.

The encrypted viewscreen mounted in the throne room flickered to life. "Your Majesty! Thank the Pantheon you're alive!" Defense Minister Khaskereth cried.

Other faces appeared on the viewscreen as it shifted to split-screen mode. Prime Minister Krytellin, RIS Director Kamalek, and Royal Guards Col. Pasgan Felik, the officer in charge of the incident site...all of whom seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief upon seeing the King's face.

"I agree, but there'll be time for prayers later," Aelkyn said grimly. "What's the situation now?"

Felik spoke up first. "We're in control of the incident site, your Majesty. We've evacuated everyone who survived, and are beginning to identify the victims. The preliminary count is 46 victims so far, but that number will rise."

Khaskereth spoke next. "We know that Minister Sheloran was killed, along with High Priest Melakis, your Majesty. In addition, Ministers Drekeval, Crevanarath and Morelevey also lost their lives. Minister Khiskithy is being treated for injuries sustained from falling wreckage. He should survive, but we don't know yet how long he'll take to recover." Khaskereth paused. "We've captured someone with a fake ID who was trying to leave the area after the attack. We believe he is connected to this attack."

"Your Majesty, I take full responsibility for this tragedy and have no choice but to offer you my resignation," Kamalek said, her voice hoarse and weary. "This should never have happened..."

"But it did, Alicia," Aelkyn said softly. "Your resignation will not change that. And we're in no position to quit now - none of us. We've lost too many good people - senior people - today. The nation will need the leadership of all of us who survived. That includes you. I don't want to hear any more of this resigning nonsense," he said more firmly. "Is that clear?"

"Yes, your Majesty," Kamalek said.

"Good," Aelkyn said. "Now tell me what we know about who might be behind this. Is it Akamians? Or the fallen nobles?"

"At first we thought so," Kamalek said bitterly. "And then, this video began to appear on internet sites all around the country. The mainstream media is picking up on it now," she added, and played the video of Michael Kake making his pronouncement to all of Altanar.

A cold silence filled the room once the video finished playing. Kamalek's voice eventually broke the quiet. "We cannot discount the possibility that the Akamian separatists or the former nobles might have hired this 'Pravus Ingruo' group to commit this crime. We've pretty much wiped out their own military capabilities in the aftermath of the civil war, so they could well be seeking to find outside help. Someone else with a grievance against us could have hired them also, although we don't have any leads on that possibility at this time."

"I want every RIS agent, and everyone in military intelligence, that isn't working on something absolutely vital to national security, to focus on this group. I want to know who, if anyone, in Altanar may have solicited their help. And then, I want a plan to nail their collective asses to the wall. Do you all agree, or is there a different opinion?" Aelkyn asked the group.

No one said anything at first. It was Jaris Krytellin who finally spoke. "Aelkyn, we've been friends for a long time. We've been through a lot, and seen Altanar go through a lot together. But we've never faced anything like this before. If we give in to the demands of these jackals, we may as well just hand Altanar over to anyone who demands it. Appeasing these animals won't save us - they'll just take it as a green light to attack us further, that we're too weak or soft to fight back. If someone else hired them, they'll take it the same way. We can't let that happen. If we do, we're just telling the world that we don't think our nation is worth fighting for. I still think it is," Krytellin finished softly, his eyes on fire.

Aelkyn simply nodded. "So do I, old friend. And we shall. Alicia, I want this person who's been captured investigated and interrogated. And if he's connected to this, I want to find out everything he knows. Don't worry about being gentle about it either. The usual rules...don't apply here." Altanar's King gave his intelligence director a meaningful look. "Am I clear?"

"Indeed, your Majesty. We'll take care of it," Kamalek said, an almost feral smile on her face.

"Your Majesty, until we have this situation controlled, I strongly suggest we begin enforcing travel restrictions nationwide and set up checkpoints. I also recommend we shut down, or at least severely limit, all non-government travel from abroad. We have to take their threat to bring a weapon of mass destruction into the country seriously," Khaskereth commented.

"Agreed. As of now, until we track these people down, travel restrictions are ordered and all non-essential travel from abroad not approved by this government is ordered diverted elsewhere. I want our border security forces placed on a war footing and prepared to make sure that anything bigger than a mosquito can't get across the border without getting noticed. Also, alert all first responders to be on high alert in case there is a WMD attack. I also want biological and radiological detection equipment deployed. I know we don't have enough of it to cover the entire country, or even close to it. Deploy it in the highest-risk areas." Aelkyn finished.

"We'll issue the orders at once," Khaskereth declared. "Do you have any other orders, your Majesty?"

"No, but I want hourly updates on the situation," Aelkyn said. "For now, I have a speech to give."

---

Altanar's television, radio and internet outlets were replaying the speech from Michael Kake over and over again by now, interrupted by commentary and updates on the numbers of dead and wounded. People were angry that their nation had been attacked, and were also angry about the shoot-down of several media helicopters during the attack, furious that their government would order the shooting down of civilian aircraft. The news that soldiers had shot a man dead who was found with a gun at the scene also sparked an outcry, when it was revealed that the man was merely a janitor at one of the buildings on Legislative Square. As the hours passed, the initial effort of the government to withhold details about the attack became increasingly unviable.

When all television and radio stations suddenly interrupted their program for a speech from the King, virtually everyone in Altanar stopped to watch.

The cameras cut to the Throne Room, where King Aelkyn was seated with Queen Melika.

"My people, I thank you for giving me the chance to speak to you on this sad and tragic day. My wife and I share the pain you feel right now."

"First, I want to update all of you on the tragedy that took place earlier today at Legislative Square. As of the most current count, 63 people are confirmed dead, with hundreds more injured. Among the dead are the following brave sons and daughters of Altanar, who have given their lives in the service of their country."

A list, complete with pictures, scrolled down the screen:

- Prime Minister Norgan Sheloran
- High Priest Melakis, of the Solar Pantheonic Church of Altanar
- Minister of Education Lelia Drekeval
- Minister of Infrastructure Edan Morelevey
- Minister of Social Welfare Dala Crevenarath
- RIS agents Askan Melekar, Greg Hamilton, Laren Palneras, Daras Karnarak and Gired Shanan

"We shall not forget the sacrifice they made for Altanar, nor the sacrifice of other brave soldiers, police, and civilians on this tragic day. As more names become available, we shall share them with you and honor their memory."

"I wish to speak to you now about how this criminal act unfolded, and what we as a nation shall do about it."

"The terrorists appear to have launched their attacks from buildings around the square, as well as from helicopters inserted into the civilian media flights at the ceremony." Pictures of the buildings, and wreckage of the helicopters, was displayed. "We have recovered weapons and other evidence at the scene, and have also detained several persons of interest in this ongoing investigation. As it becomes safe to reveal more information, we will do so, but for now, much of what we know has to remain secret, so as not to endanger our efforts to track down and punish those responsible."

"To ensure our national safety, travel restrictions are being enforced, effective immediately. Checkpoints will be established to regulate internal travel, and air, road and sea travel from abroad will be diverted until further notice."

Aelkyn eyed the camera squarely. "I know that these new restrictions will upset many of you. On another matter, I know that many of you are also upset that civilian helicopters were shot down, and I understand why that would upset you...I am saddened by this as well. However, when our nation comes under attacks of this nature, our military and law enforcement must be given the leeway to defend the nation and eliminate the threat. I ask for your continuing understanding and patience during this difficult time. And this is a time like no other Altanar has ever faced."

Aelkyn's voice caught fire. "The spectre of terrorism, which has plagued many nations in the past, has now come to Altanar. Through the use of violence and threats, there are those out there who would demand our nation bow to them in submission, who would try to use fear to force us to do their bidding. While that strategy may have worked for them elsewhere, it will not work here!"

The King's voice lowered. "I will not lie to you. The threats are real, and they pose true danger to us all. But we must all decide, as a people, how we want to face those who threaten us - on our knees, with our hands raised in surrender, or on our feet, with our weapons in our hands!"

"Our ancestors would never have even needed to ask that question - they knew what the answer was, for any people that would claim to deserve to exist as a nation. We still know the answer, and it hasn't changed."

"So, I ask you all today to join me, and to return our own resounding answer to these terrorists, as a united and strong people - we shall not give in to you! We shall fight you, and we shall win. We shall shoulder the burden, and pay the price - so that future generations of Altanari will not have to. And our nation will endure, and be all the stronger for it."

"May the Pantheon bless us all, and may Altanar prevail."

---

RIS interrogation chamber
Somewhere in Altanar

Garrison was dragged into the chamber and chained to the wall, arms and legs shackled to the wall in a standing position. His captors stood back and waited calmly for him to wake up.

Interrogation Chamber

Garrison slowly came to. His vision was blurred and his temple killed. It seemed like the fucker had tried to hit his skull in. He went to move his hand down to feel the wound. His hand stopped. Inclining his head, a movement which hurt unto itself, Garrison smiled softly. Chained to the wall in a dimly lit room. He lowered his head down. He was actually surprised to see himself still clothed.

Raising his head a little again, Garrison's eyes wandered over the shadowy figures standing a number of feet away. He couldn't make out a single face.

"So, which one of you pussies had to use a gun instead of his fists, eh?" Garrison asked, his words echoing strangely in the chamber. "What's the matter, gents, tongue-tied? Wondering how the hell our organization just managed to assassinate most of your senior political staff?" Garrison laughed again, spitting out a little blood from his mouth in the direction of his captors.

"I don't know who hired us so don't even bother asking. That was all handled by the top guys." He said. Looking down at his clothed body, Garrison chuckled. "You know, I'm actually surprised. From what I've heard of you Altanari types, I should have woken up naked and chained facing the wall. I suppose that's how you wankers like it, eh? You should have really enjoyed today then, because you just took it, took it right up the ass."

Safe House

So far, their plan had been a rousing success. Most of the High Council dead. Most objectives achieved. The 50%+ casualty count was worrisome, yes, but the plan had been dangerous to begin with. Alan felt lucky they had managed to get one helicopter out alive.

Director Kake's message was having it's desired effect. Though the King had gone live on national television recently and asked for calm, his new restrictions showed the mood was anything but. Citizens were panicking, and Alan had already heard rumors of looting and pillaging of grocery and hardware stores. Perfect.

But the restrictions did have their desired effect for the King, in a way. No longer were Alan and his men able to travel freely. Tanks and APCs were present on every street, and soldier's were checking IDs everywhere. There was only one way to combat this form of crackdown.

Cyberterrorism. Loosen their hold on the streets and then take them from them. There was just one problem... they didn't have the personnel or the material to carry out such an operation. A quick, heavily encoded message to Kake asked for the necessary men and material to remain on standby, while Alan walked into the bathroom and locked the door.

Pulling out a mobile phone, he quickly dialed the number of their contact. They certainly needed to talk.

Interrogation chamber

When Garrison finished talking, he was greeted with silence. Then, a female voice, which could almost be described as sensual, broke the quiet. "If you're trying to get us angry, don't bother......you've already accomplished that. But our anger has come and gone, and been replaced with one purpose. To make you tell us everything you know. And you will. I'm sure you've been rigorously prepared by your taskmasters to resist interrogation, but it's safe to say you've inspired us....and everyone has their breaking point. I'm sure you had fun finding where our breaking point was. It'll be just as much fun for us to find yours."

In the female figure's hand, a brief glint of silver appeared in the gloom. A dart jabbed into Garrison's side, and he slipped into darkness again.

When he awoke, he found himself declothed (with every scrap of body hair removed) and chained by hands and feet to a wall again, but in an entirely different room. The lights were bright enough to be almost blinding. The room was tiny, and stiflingly hot. From speakers in the room, the female voice echoed out, no longer sounding quite so sensual through the booming amplification. "Let's start at the beginning, shall we.....you claim you don't know who hired you. I'm sure you know more than you're telling. This could go a lot easier for you if you cooperate."

Phone

"Congratulations...you did a superb job with the delivery...better than expected. What are we delivering from here?" answered Keran Geranar.

Interrogation, Room #2

Grinning again, Garrison squinted into the lights, trying to make out where everyone was. He couldn't see anything so he looked down at his own body again. He was quite surprised to see himself not only naked, but completely hairless as well. Interesting, he thought, smiling again, a sudden twist to try and throw me off balance. Well played.

"You know, getting back to our earlier conversation, sexy," Garrison spoke to the voice, "I think it'll be more frustrating than enjoyable to find my braking point, so while you're watching me from whatever wall you're behind, enjoy the view." Garrison thrust his hips out to make sure everyone got an exemplary view of his shaved privates.

Garrison chuckled again. "Moving on to here and now, I'll be happy to cooperate. I don't know who hired us, though. You'd have to ask someone else, if you didn't kill him in the raid, which I highly doubt. Unfortunately, since you aren't asking the right questions, all I can tell you, pretty lady, is this: Garrison Revan, Pravus Ingruo, quando omni flunkis moritati."

Safe House

Alan spoke quickly, he didn't feel like wasting time, not with one of his men out there, suffering. "We need to get more people into Altanar. I've already contacted Kake. He agreed that for now, cyberterrorism is the best option. We'll need about fifteen men and their equipment to get in-country, as well as a better safe house. One we can actually defend if attacked. Our plans won't be revealed to you at the moment, but suffice it to say the sky will start falling. We also need to contact other resistance groups. Can you do it?"

Interrogation room

A low, amused snicker rolled out from the sneaker. "Don't bother waving your little gun at me...I've seen better. Much better," the female voice laughed. "I'll play along and ask you a different question, though....where did your team have its base of operations? You may want to answer this one....the first one was a freebie, since you amuse me. Continued defiance will not go unpunished, however."

Phone

"Of course," Geranar replied. "We have contacts with the Akamians....they'll prove useful for getting your new people in-country and providing a better place to hide. They want to throw out the ruling pricks even more than we do. The first step will be to get you away from the capital area as fast as possible, and out to another location. We'll get you transport and move you to a place in Akamia - from there we can work on getting you what you need."

---

Meanwhile, as government officials made contingency plans and conspirators plotted, Tarjan Askinath decided it was time to begin reaping the fruits of his contract labor. A speech he was scheduled to give at an ACP sympathizer's compound seemed like as good a place to start as any.

ACP rally
The Eagle's Talons Compound, Nalioka

"The attack on the inauguration is being labeled as a tragedy - but was it really? In truth, the attack was a blessing. Because it opened up the eyes of our people to one unavoidable truth - a government that can't even protect itself is never going to be capable of protecting our people!"

The crowd cheered as Askinath warmed to his speech, stringy locks of hair flying as he ranted.

"This government is weak, and the attack proved it more than anything else. There is only one response to such weakness - for those of us who have the strength and will to stand up and give our people the protection this government can't! It's time for us to band together and raise our fists into the air, and protect Altanar in the way that only true strength can! We've taken up that pledge," Askinath shouted, jabbing a finger at the ACP patch on his shirt. "Are you going to sit on your hands and let this government 'protect' you - the same way it protected the people at Legislature Square - or will you stand with us and protect yourselves?"

The crowd cheered even louder, wild cries of support and anger filling the room.

In a back corner, Perak Leikas watched, coolly amused. Maybe this investment will pay off after all, he thought.

Safe House

Alan smiled as he heard the man's offer. What better place to hide than with dissatisfied rebels? The increase in travel time would be offset by the anonymity's and protection they would receive. And besides... with their current plan, they need three guys near some targets, for an hour or two apiece, and then it wouldn't matter where they were hiding.

For now, however, more pressing matters were at hand. Alan overheard the news announcer say that the search radius was expanding to the suburbs of the capital, inching ever closer to their safe house, block by block.

"We'll meet you three miles outside the outskirts of the capital. We'll be in two of the vans. Do not attempt to enter the house after we leave it. The only thing we will be leaving is a nasty surprise for the Altanari military. We'll see you then. Alan out." Alan hung up his phone and turned to his cohorts.

"Round up everything, now. Wire the house for detonation pattern Foxtrot, with tripwires on every entrance. Bury a tripwire to the van as well, we'll pack that with any explosives we have remaining after we rig the house. I want us ready to move out in twenty minutes. Go!"

The men hesitated for a second and then moved swiftly into action. Within fifteen minutes, all gear was in the two vans, and the house was wired with explosives. Crude work, yes, but it wouldn't have to be fancy. The house was a shack, but the amount of explosives between the van and the house could easily take out a tank parked in between them, as well as any troops in the immediate area. A line was quickly buried from house to the spare van, ensuring that the explosives packed in there would go off when the ones in the house did.

Alan was driving the lead van away, burning rubber out of the driveway and towards the outskirts. They were less than half a mile away when, in his rear view mirror, he saw Altanari military equipment and troops coming over the hill to search the area of the house.

Pulling a small transmitter out of his pocket, Alan pressed it, praying that Garrison still had his clothes on.

Interrogation

"Ah, but you've still seen mine." Garrison retorted. "That means we're to, like, third base." He tossed his head around like a teenage girl as his voice got very high and annoying. "Like, oh my god, no one has ever seen me like this before. Do you promise you'll go gentle?" He laughed to himself and then cleared his throat, opening his mouth to speak again, when six high pitched beeps in quick succession reached his ears. He looked around, but the lights made it impossible to see. No, that hadn't come from inside the room, it had come from the same direction as the woman's voice... over the speaker. Garrison immediately recognized the sound, of course, it was the transmitter in his clothes that would send him a code from Alan. Six beeps... six beeps, what did six beeps mean? His eyes widened for a second before Garrison bowed his head looking defeated.

"Look, I don't want trouble, alright? I'm the new guy, the last add-in to this team. I don't know much, anything really. We were staying..." Garrison paused. Even though he had heard the beeps, he prayed that they had not tricked him or that he had just been hearing things. That team was his family. "We were staying in a little shack, about ten minutes from the docks. South of the docks, I think. I couldn't be completely sure. We were traveling with tinted windows on our cars, so it was tough to tell."

Garrison sighed again for effect. He hoped he had given enough away without telling them everything, just in case the signal had been wrong.

Safe house

Cpl. Melik Jreias, of the Royal Army's Ael Khalas Regiment, cautiously approached the ramshackle house, with his fireteam spreading out in a flanking arrangement, trying to take advantage of the sparse cover. Jreias crouched behind a bush, whispering into his radio for the rest of the search team to hang back until they had a chance to secure the location. At a quick, silent exchange of hand signals, the soldiers began circling around the house, trying to make it to the building without alerting anyone who might be inside.

Jreias signaled his men to stay back, and quickly leapt onto the small porch in front of the house. He silently counted down from three, then kicked in the door.

With an earth-shaking boom, the house went up in a blinding fireball. Debris rained over a wide area, while windows in buildings as far as a half-mile away were shattered. Soldiers ducked and scattered for cover behind armored vehicles and anything else they could find.

Edge of Ael Khalas Administrative District

A small, nondescript Altanari domestic passenger car of elderly vintage sat on the side of the road. The two men inside waited for the arrival of Alan and his cohorts. Keran Geranar smoked a cigarette, while the driver looked around to make sure no one snuck up on them.

A patrol car of the Ael Khalas Municipal Police drove by them, the officers inside giving the small car a curious look.

"We better leave soon. We're attracting some attention," the driver said.

"Just keep the car running," Geranar snapped irritably.

"Damnit! Those idiot blueboys are turning back around!" the driver shouted suddenly.

Geranar turned around, to see the patrol car swinging back in their direction.

Interrogation chamber

A long, eerie silence greeted Garrison after his last remarks, his voice seeming to be absorbed into the walls themselves. The silence was finally broken by the female voice.

"You know, you almost make me want to be sympathetic to you. Almost. The problem with that, though, is that I can't afford to feel anything for you. So, I won't. If you were the new guy, you picked a really bad time to start a new job."

More silence, then the low and dark voice seemed to fill the room again.

"We'll see whether or not you're really ready to cooperate with us....after we've let you enjoy our hospitality for a bit. You probably don't know much....but we've plenty of time to find out. In the meantime, here's something else for you to listen to besides my voice."

The voice cut off, replaced by a loud hissing that seemed to vibrate the entire room. The lights went even brighter.

---

Meanwhile, it was announced in Altanar's media outlets that former Prime Minister Jaris Krytellin would temporarily reassume the PM spot until a new election could be held. It was also announced that the deputy ministers of Education, Infrastructure and Social Welfare would assume the top jobs in their respective departments, reconstituting the Altanari High Council.

"While our government, and our nation, were battered on the tragic day of the inauguration, we were not broken. And we never shall be. Altanar is more than individuals; it is the collective spirit, pride and will of the peoples of the Altan plains. And like the plains themselves, Altanar will stand strong against the storms it faces," King Aelkyn said in announcing the government reorganization.