NationStates Jolt Archive

"We must end the tyranny of our oppressors,” shouted a loudspeaker.

Piot was a coastal town, relatively peaceful. One of its major attractions was its harbour, described by some as ‘the most beautiful in the colonies. However, it brought an attraction of a different kind.

“Nearly 200 years ago, you broke away from the oppression that was the British. You named your capital city Freedom City. Us Tarlagians however, still live under the oppression of the Lords. They do not have our mandate, and yet they have the right to just take out our money into their pockets. Imagine if a Colonial Minister did that. They would be thrown out the door.”

The man on the loudspeaker pointed towards a set of three sailing ship.

“This is the Freedom Fleet. With your help, we can remove the oppressors from having any control over our destiny. For the next week, we will allow the general public to view our ship and learn about the so-called ‘Lords’ and what we are for. After that, we will be off on an expedition to disrupt and hurt the Lords so that they understand the people’s will.”

A loud cheer came as he finished his speech.

Lord Byron Nichols walked into the office like he owned the place, not even noticing the two Order guards standing inside the door.
"Slayn, I demand you do something about these freedom fleet people now! Their anti government propaganda is stirring up the rabble in my district. first it is posters and pamphlets, then it will be riots and fighting in the streets. I have even heard that the Duchess herself has been reading their filth."
The hooded figure behind the craved wooden desk sat there for a moment unmoving. just as Lord Nichols was about to ask if the man had even heard him he spoke. " Perhaps my Lord, if your idiot brother had not shot the Duke the Duchess would not be paying attention to these people." Under his breath Slayn whispered so only Nichols could hear "You would think that with 40 years in the service he would have been a better shot and killed him."
Nichols was a bit taken back by the last statement but continued. "We must protect the Tarlagian way, these fools will destroy our way of life."
Slayn smiled under his hood stood up and walked around the desk over to a map. " The only thing you want to protect My Lord is your bank account and your 16 year old mistress you keep in that apartment in Lancedale. However they could pose a danger to certain plans. I have heard that certain Knights have taken an interest in their cause. If the Knights of Ironhold become involved with these people it will give them powerful friends in high places. Yes, they should be stopped or at least discredited."
Nichols smiled " So what will you do Master Slayn?"
" None of your concern, Go back to little Beckie she can put on that little school girl outfit you like so much. I will put things in motion that will leave the freedom fleet grounded and friendless."
With that last statement Slayn walked over to the intercom. " Boris, I want you to divert the S.S. Richard Marks to Piot in the Northern Colonies. The DTT team on board has a job to do for Lord Nichols."

"Welcome to Colonial News Nightly," announced the voice-over, as a logo swooshed over the screen.

"Headlines tonight, a massive flock of sheep escapes from farm in Alban, and the Colonies wild and wacky weather, does global warming have anything to do with it?" spoke the friendly George Martin.

"However firstly, record crowds marched to see the Freedom Fleet docked in port at Piot, a coastal town in the State of Carnegie. The group Ban the Lords, is a grassroots Colonies-based action group that states its goal is the democratisation of the Council of Lords, one of the branches of the Targian government. Lise Mackmillin reports.

*Screens switches to three ships on port*

"They may not look like much, but according to the leaders of Ban the Loads, this ships are the beacon of freedom."

*switches on the speech earlier that day*

"Us Tarlagians however, still live under the oppression of the Lords. They do not have our mandate, and yet they have the right to just take out our money into their pockets"

*Focuses back on the ship*

"According to its Leader John Itzon, the Council of Lords is an outdated concept not fit for purpose in the 21st Century."

*Focuses on Itzon*

"All they do is suck the money and lifeblood of Tarlag. We could be better without them."

"Why do you think the Freedom Fleet has been so popular with Colonial citizens"

"Well I think the Northern Colonies stands as a sort of model for which we could follow. And that it is a strong supporter of freedom and I think it resonates with her citizens."

*Focuses on harbour*

"Many visitors agreed"

*Focuses on collection of random people*

"I think its c*** that they can't elect their own rep man."

"We're just here to support the Tarlagians and the quest for freedom. I even brought my Freedom isn't Free music on my iPod."

"Governments shouldn't exist, but especially oppressive ones, like Tarlag"

*Focuses on Lise Mackmillin*

"The group intends to stay at harbour for week, before setting sail for Tarlag to protest against the Lords. This is Lise Mackmillin, Colonial News Nightly."

Boris Black walked into Master Slayn's office with a motion he waved the two guards out of the room.
"Boris you have made the preparations for the Northern Colonies operation?"
The younger man gave a slight bow and began his report. The Richard Marks is 150 miles out of Piot. They have changed their registry to the Richard Campbell out of Elyris-Lorain. I have taken the liberty of having their registration made official and pre-dated two years by our operative in their Maritime Registry Department."
"What about the weapons?"
"Loaded just before dawn from one of our special operations subs. They took on 200 AK-47s and ammo. All foreign made and untraceable to us."
"Good, how do you plan to get them on board the Freedom Fleet ships?"
"A truck has been rented using cash and the driver and his helper were hired from a temp service also with cash. Identical crates to the crates containing the AKs will be loaded with supplies and labeled as a gift from the people of the Colonies will be delivered 48 hours before they sail. The supplies will be delivered in the middle of the day so the news media will see them."
"Good, the day before they sail the commandos go over and sink one of their ships. we litter the bottom with the AKs and make it look like an arms deal gone bad."
"I have also faked transactions using credit cards and accounts issued in both British Londinium and Xeraph. Both their banking systems are in enough chaos that they should be impossible to trace to us. When the Colonies investigate they will find that the Freedom Fleet has been buying arms on the open market and shipping them to their supporters here."
"Very good Boris, Begin the Operation as soon as the Marks gets to port."

Abroad S.S. Richard Campbell


Major Kurita scanned the port from his vantage point on the ships bridge as the 3,000 ton tramp freighter entered Piot's harbor. After a few moments his gaze became fixed on three sailing ships docked to a peir. A shame, three beautiful ships that are causing so much trouble. I hate to thing what will happen to them when we are through."
Kurita's train of thought was interrupted by Captain Scott the ships commander. "Mr. Kurita I have radioed the the Harbor Master and informed him we are here to repair our steering gear. I have timed our estimated departure to coincide with the Freedom Fleets timetable for leaving. If plan A fails plan B will be used."
"Very good Captain, I trust the detachable pods under the keel gave you no trouble."
"Standard issue, they were designed with such work in mind. Are we following the time table as planned?"
"Yes the truck with the crates is pulling up as we speak and will deliver the supplies. Their News media will have footage of wooden crates being put abroad. After we are done they will believe that it was an arms shipment and not just canned food and toilet paper."
The major smiled as he saw the rental truck pull up to deliver their cargo to the unsuspecting Freedom Fleet.

The truck was stopped by security officers in a gatehouse. Checking their manifest, they knew that this truck was carrying supplies to the ‘Freedom Fleet.’ One of the security guards pointed to the house in the far corner.

“You need to get through this gate to customs house and leave your crates their. We’ll deliver it to the fleet,” he said.

"Right Sir, The only problem is that if those crates are not delivered to those boats 24 hours before they sail me and my buddy here don't get our bonus. The Gentleman paying us was rather spasifik, he is given us an extra 100 each if they get there on time. You would be doing us a real favor if you got them their.


Aboard the S.S. Richard Campbell

Kurita watched the truck pull over to the customs house and begin unloading.
As he watched the unsuspecting workmen unload the crates of supplies. He called his number two man to the bridge. With in a few minutes LT. Peter West walked on to the weather bridge. "May I help you Sir?"
"Yes, I did not expect the decoy crates to go through customs. I want you to get on the Sat phone to HQ have them get the names of the customs agents on duty today and on the day after the Freedom Fleet arrived here and have 5,000 transferred to each of their accounts."
"Why Sir?"
" Simple they will testify that those crates contained canned food and toilet paper. The investigators will find that they had gotten a large amount of cash from an unknown source, making it look like they are dirty. Throwing their statements out the window. "

The shipment was quickly processed by customs without much problems.

Meanwhile, a car pulled up beside the docked ship, S.S. Richard Campbell. Two people, in suits walked out and entered the ship. They walked up to the bridge.

Captain Scott greeted the Two men as soon as they came on board. In his best Elyris-Lorain accent he greeted the men. "Welcome aboard the Richard Campbell, What can I do for you?"

The two men pulled their badges from their pockets and produced them to the Captain.

"Hi, I'm Detective Sergeant John Issac and this is Detective Constable Nathan Terry. We're from the County Constabulary General Investigations Unit. We wish to ask a few questions."

"Of course gentlemen any thing I can do to help you. However I will remind you that we are a foreign registered ship and have foreign nationals on board.

"You are however, on Supreme Governor's land," said Nathan

"Anyway," started John. "We're making some enquiries on a theft that happened last night. Did you notice anything between midnight and eight?"

"I am sorry Officer besides the bridge watch most of the crew were either a sleep or helping my chief engineer repair our steering gear. We were about 150 miles off you coast and the packing on the main cylinder blew. From what I remember our passengers were tucked away in their bunks so I don't think they could help you either. As for our bridge watch I personally stood that watch last night and I saw nothing out of the ordinary. I wish I could be of more help but nobody saw anything."

"Ok, thank you very much," the Detective replied.

They two men walked out of the ship and went to their car.

"He's putting on an accent," the Sergeant. "I have a filling he might be lying. GEt some officers to monitor the ships around here for suspicious activity would you?"

"Yes, sir," said the constable.

_________________________________________________________

John Itzon looked to toward the sails.

"Yes, we are close," he said. He was preparing now to leave. Various shipments had arrived and were being loaded onto the ships.

As soon as they were done, he went on board. With the media circling around the boats and other onlookers. He would not prepared for what was going to happen.

After the officers left Major Kurita walked back onto the bridge. "Captain do you think they bought our act?"
"Maybe Major but they were here fishing. I would imagine they will be watching us until those ships leave. I suggest we go to plan B."
"NO! Lord Nichols wants a message sent to these people and a simple collision in the harbor will not send the message he wants. We got tonight as planned. Instead of going over the side we will use the sea lock. If any one is watching this ship they will see no one leave."
Captain Scott looked over the harbor for a moment "Major I do not like the idea of leaving a body count here these people mean us no harm. I cannot believe that the Duke would have authorized this. I want to contact military command and get their input on this operation. If they still say it is a go then I will be alright with this."
"You will do no such thing, as of right now I am ordering radio silence until the operation is complete and the limpet sub has been picked up. This is an Order operation and I will not have the military interfere."
With that Major Kurita walked off the bridge. He calmly walked to the cabin that he shared with Lt. West. "Mr. West I believe the Captain and Crew of this vessel are going to be a liability."

In the forward cargo hold of the ship the DTT Team prepared to leave the ship on their mission. Peter West looked over at his team and smiled knowing that the Orders will was about to be done. He noticed that Major Kurita entered the room and he was dressed in normal street clothes and not in the black armored wet suits that the rest of the team wore. "Sir aren't you coming with us?"
"No you will lead the mission. I must deal with some lose ends here and put the rest of our Masters plan into action."
"What plan Major? I thought this was a simple strike against some NC dogs who could not mind their own business."
"Things are happening by the time you get home their will be a new Order. Now get your people moving we are on a strict time table. and remember no survivors."
"Right Sir, Move People we get wet NOW!"
With in moments the team had gone through the sea lock and began powering up the limpet sub and releasing the two pods that were attached to the underside of the old freighter. After their work was done the pointed the small open water sub towards their target the lead ship in the Freedom Fleet the one they had observed the crates of supplies being loaded upon.
While this was happening Major Kurita opened a panel on a large shipping container in the Campbell's hold and punched numbers into a key pad. After this he proceeded to the Bridge to confront the Captain.
"Ahh Captain Scott I am glad you are up this makes it so much easier."
Scott turned to the Major "What are you talking about? I thought you would be with your people, has there been a change in plan?"
"A change in your plans Captain but not mine." With that statement he pulled from under his coat a silenced 9mm Glock 17 and put two bullets in the Captains forehead. He then did the same to the two other crewmen on the bridge in a matter of 3 seconds. With out even a second thought he left the bridge and proceeded to the gang plank. The crewmen on duty at the top of the gang plank gave the Major a quick nod as Kurita walked up to him. He then gave a groan as the Major pushed the muzzle of the Glock into his stomach and fired two rounds up into his chest cavity killing the man instantly. Placing the gun on the deck he calmly walked down the gang plank. As soon as he got off the ship he reached into his pocked and retrieves a cheap looking cell phone and begins entering a phone number.

Six of the eight man DTT team surfaced by the side of the sailing vessel. As they surfaced they threw small grapple lines at the railing of the ship as soon as the lines were secure they climbed up and got onto the deck of the ship.
A lone crewmen of the Freedom Fleet who was taking an early morning smoke saw the men as the came on board. Just as the poor man reached for the bell rope to sound the alarm he was shot twice in the head by one of the commandos.
West crouched down and began directing his men below decks. "Move people, leave no one alive. Conrad plant the charges and set them for ten minutes. I will leave the laptop in the captains cabin."
The team spread out on their deadly mission sweeping the ship for any of the unfortunate crew. Most of the crew were slaughtered in their bunks with out a chance of fighting back. the lucky ones received a double tap to the head. One poor soul in the head was disinbouled by a combat knife by one of the more sadistic team members. It would be a race to see if he died from his wounds or drowning when the ship sank.
As this was going on Major Kurita comly lit a cigarette and looked at his watch after five minutes he put out his smoke and looked at his cell phone to make sure he entered the right number. He smiled then looking in the direction of the Freedom Fleet ships he pressed the send button.
That simple signal caused 1000 pounds of Semtex contained in a cargo container of the ship he just left to explode. the blast lifted the small freighters forward section clear of the water. When the Campbell settled back in the water she began to sink by the bow.
Tucking the phone back in his pocket he said out loud "So it begins."

Two officers sat in their patrol car, being tasked to monitor the harbour. A fairly cold night, quite odd for a Spring.

"Nothing's going to happen," said one.

Then suddenly, they heard an explosion

"Holy Shit, we better report this one," said the other.

__________________________________________________________________
Angston Barracks
Freedom City
Northern Colonies

Colonel Joseph Favison sat on his desk, having prepared to come home after a long days work. He was the Officer Commanding of the CTFR Regiment, the Counter-Terrorist First Response Regiment. It was considered one of the ‘Special Forces’ regiments, attached to Special Operations Command.

As the Colonel prepared to leave,

“Alert, Alert, Alert, All sabers to report to briefing room for emergency operation. This is not a drill, I repeat, this is not a drill.”

“Darn it,” shouted the Colonel.
________________________________________________________________
The Harbour

By this time, the harbour was full of people. County Constabulary patrol cars zones around the harbour.

In the sky, 3 Blackhawks and one Chinook helicopters approached the scene. This were the men of the CTFR regiment. The quickly approached the LZ, and with great skill repelled down to the ground. They were met by two officers.

“Federal Agent Jack Lauer, what do you want us to do.”

The agent, Jack was the 35 year old. He previously served with the, Counter-Terrorism Division, Federal Investigation Bureau before being transferred to the Counter-Terrorist Unit, when it was established by the Terrorism Act (2002) following the Wolf Commission.

“Ok, we need to seal this area. No one comes in or out. I want you to get officers to board and question all crew members on the ship. I don’t care if they are sleeping or not.”

“Yes, Sir” they replied.

The CTFR troops and County Constabulary officers quickly ran to complete the task. By this time, the harbour was completely sealed. Officers, armed with Sub-machine guns and shotgun guarded the doors. Practically every officer in the County Constabulary and where based near the harbour where at the harbour. In the air, four Blackhawks, with sharpshooters on boards flew around the harbour. In the sea, the NCS Warrior and the NCS Freedom sailed, ensuring that no ship made a run for it.

________________________________________--
Two officers, Constables John Miller and Andy Sak walked towards the Freedom Fleet. They were supposed to door knock at the ship when they saw something suspicious. They pulled there Sub-machine guns and radioed back to command.

Lt. Wells looked at his watch then activated his throat mike "What is the hold on the charges?"
"Sorry Sir they are now set."
"Good everyone over the side now. Who ever blew up that ship is churning up a hornets nest."
As the commandos moved on deck their over watch on deck noticed the two policemen approaching the ship. He signaled the rest of the approaching danger and brought his silenced MP-5 to the ready.
He saw the two men approach the ship then he saw one of the two point to the ship and ready their own SMGs.
As the rest of his people went over the side near the stern of the ship where they would not be observed by the two policemen, the commando acted. With an evil smile on his face he fired two three round bursts one at each of the armed Policemen.

Off in the distance observing the Freedom Fleet ship from the shadows of a dark back alley Major Kurita saw the brief flash of the SMG. He thought to himself "Good they have been seen, the plan is in motion. Well I had better get this over with."
He noticed a Colonial police cruiser just turning a corner heading towards the his hiding place. Kurita stepped out of the alley and flagged the cruiser down.

Occ I will post somthing a little longer later

The bullet hit the first officer directly in the head, splattering his head. The second officer was hit in the shoulder, the force of the bullet knocking him back onto the floor. He responding by firing a hail of bullets into the general direction of the ship.

The response was immediate. The CTFR began moving into the direction. Car squelched. Officers began to make a makeshift perimter around the ship. In the air, a helicopter shines a searchlight at the ship, illuminating the commando attempting to enter the sub. Jack pulled a loud speak and spoke.

"My name is Federal Agent Jack Lauer, of the Counter-Terrorist Unity. You are surrounded. We can do this the hard way or the easy way. Either you surrender now, or we will shoot and possibility kill you."

____________________________________________________________

The crusier slowed down to a halt. Two officers walked out. One was carrying a shotgun whilst the other, a SMG.

"Who are you?" One of them questioned.

Occ i sent you a tag on the sub so I will deal with that when it is worked out.


The Commando knew he had to buy the others time. He was seeing the Major's plan go to shit and he had to do something about it. Ducking behind a hatch cover he switched magazines from the blue tipped subsonic rounds to the Teflon coated armor piercing rounds he favored. He popped up and placed a long burst into the first of the police cars that were arriving on the scene. he then placed a three round burst into the lower body of the policeman he downed earlier to make sure he would not get up. The Commando smiled he wanted the man wounded so his fellow officers would be more concerned about him then rushing the ship.
More were coming Damn that explosion, it tipped the Colonials off and ruined the mission. Those fools on the ship must of set the explosion to warn the locals. If I ever get out of this I will personally kill those naval bastards, thought the Commando.
Suddenly a loud BOOM was heard as the charges in the Freedom Fleet ship went off, the ship rocked and shuddered as a ten foot section of hull was blown out of it. Water began rushing in and she began to sink at her mooring.

Meanwhile near by

Major Kurita smiled and raised his hands. Gentleman please I am unarmed and will not resist. I am Major Robert Kurita of the Order of Intelligence. I am trying to prevent an overthrow of my government by both your so called Freedom Fleet and members of Tarlags Military. Please take me to whom ever is in charge and contact Tarlags Embassy, it is of the up most importance.

"Shit!' Lauer shouted as shrapnel flew across the harbour, hitting the damaged patrol car. As he regained balanced, he saw the commando. He pulled his Glock 17, and fired back at the lone commando.

__________________________________________________

"Ok...," one of them started. "Wait here then."

The officer pulled his radio to his mouth. "Yankee 3, Yankee 3, we have a witness who claims to be from the Order of Intelligence or something rather. He's requesting to contact with the Senior Fed Agent. Could you please tell him?"

"Affirmative," came the reply.

The Commando held on as the deck pitched. "Those shaped charges were bigger then I was told" he said to himself. He could feel the waters rushing into the stricken ship as she settled bow first into the harbor. After regaining his footing he fired a short burst at the closest police cruiser just to keep them honest. " You will never take me you Imperialist Bastards" he yelled to the gathering police.


Meanwhile

Major Kurita looked at the two officers as one of them talked to his higher ups on the radio. "You must hurry or the men who did this will escape." he said to the men. " Please I know how they are getting away."

The officers replied with rapid fire that the commando.

___________________________________________
At the harbour

"We'll try," said the officers.

OCC: This post assumes the Limpet Sub got away from the ship.

Lt. West heard the explosion about 500 meters behind him as the open water sub made for the harbor mouth another 600 meters away. "Damn, This whole mission has gone to hell. Some one blew up our ship which warned the locals about our attack. Someone is going to pay for this." West was roused from his thoughts by Corporal Chin " Sir, Smithers did not get away, I think he was on board the target when it went up."
"Great, now they will have a body to ID what more could happen?"
At that point the Gods of misfortune answered him as the trim indicator registered the stern of the sub going lower in the water. Chin who was handling the controls noticed the drop first. and compensated for the shift in trim. " Sir, I think we are taking on water in the battery box we have a 3 degree list to the stern and it is increasing."
West looked back and noticed a small trail of air bubbles coming from the main battery box at the stern of the sub. As he watched the hole began leaking more air. All of a sudden the sub lost power as the harbors water reached the main battery terminal and shorted the system out.
"Everyone detach from the sub and bring the heavy gear we will escape and evade if possible if not we go down fighting."
The Commandos detached themselves from the subs air supply and floated towards the surface. They were going to try and clear the harbor and arrange for some sort of emergency pick up before the locals got wise.


Aboard the sinking Ship

The Commando ducked as the police fired on him. he felt a round slam into his shoulder. Thank God, his Dragon Scale wet suit took most of the impact but it still hut like hell. After taking a second to recover he fired another quick burst into another police car.

The officers ducked as the shooting continued. In the sky, the sniper locked his scope onto the commando.

"Target, sighted and locking, awaiting orders," replied the sniper.

"Green light, Green light!" Lauer shouted on radio.

The sniper took aim and with one click, fired.

The Round took the Commando in the left shoulder. The Round being larger then the 9mm that hit him earlier managed to penetrate the armor. "If I am going down I will take a few of you with me." He yelled. With that he stood on unsteady legs and tried to charge the police. However he did not realize that the round had broken his collar bone when it hit. Smithers made it about four steps before he passed out from the pain.

"CTFR, move in and arrest the man," he shouted.

The soldiers move in and kicked his MP5 so that he could not reach it. Apon, seeing the wound, Lauer radioed command, "We need to get an ambulance."

The put handcuffs and waited until it came. It was then that another radio transmission came in. He acknowledged and then walked to the two officers and the mysterious man.

"My name is Federal Agent Jack Lauer, how may I help you?"

" Agent Lauer, I believe I can help you. I am Major Robert Kurita of Tarlags Order of Intelligence. I was under cover operating on one of our intelligence gathering ships when I stumbled on a plot involving certain persons in our Military and some of the people in the Freedom Fleet. The Freedom Fleet people were going to try and smuggle arms into Tarlag to supply terrorists who want to overthrow my Government. They were being aided by certain members of Tarlags military who wanted to take control from the Grand Duke."
The Major smiled and pointed towards the sunken Freedom Fleet ship.
"However I believe the two parties have had a falling out. The Military Officers found out the Freedom Fleet people would not support them in any move they made so they decided to make an example of those poor bastards and to any who would not follow them. They dispatched a Naval Commando squad to execute certain members of the Freedom Fleet so the others would be cowed into following them."

"Ok, first question I'm going to ask is, what the hell is a Tarlagian force doing here? Secondly, would you be willing to submit to a formal interview."

__________________________________________________________________________________
The ambulance came. They scooped the commando quickly, then drove quickly back into the nearest hospital, escorted by members of CTFR.

[OOC: I'm skipping the hospital bit, but I will interrogate this guy]

"A more formal interview would not be a problem. As for what our forces are doing here is simple. This was not a sanctioned act by the Tarlagian Government they were sent by a group of renegade officers for an arms transfer. Check that damaged ship they should be on the ship or in the waters around it. The transfer was a shipment of assault rifles. I saw the boxes clear customs myself, I am afraid that this conspiracy goes deeper then you think some of your customs agents may have been involved. The boxes in question were labeled supplies and came in two days ago."
The Major looked around for a moment then looked at his watch. "Before we go to a more formal environment I would like to know if my nations embassy has been informed?"

"Yes, they will be."

"I would request that a Tarlagian representative be present for the questioning. A representative of the Order perhaps."
Kurita looked at his watch again. "So tell me how many commandos have you accounted for?"


Out in the Harbor

The commandos swam out beyond the harbor mouth looking for a place to beach or another way out. The way out presented it self first a harbor pilot boat was just returning from guiding a freighter out of the harbor. Lt. West motioned to his men to board the boat and take it. as the unsuspecting boat glided into the harbor two men looped their arms around the tires that the boat used for bumpers.

"I'm sorry, but that's not possible. The only other person you can have is a lawyer. And trust me, you will need one."

"Then, In hear by formally request that his Duke's Government be notified that a Tarlagian Citizen is being held by your government. Until this is Done I shall not say another word."

"Ok, fair enough," replied Jack.

He began to walk back to the shooting scene, but was stopped by a young, but buff man.

"Your not going to just let him off the hook right, sir?" Questioned the man.

"No, Agent Smith, I'm not. He's the type you'll call suss," Lauer replied.

"Well then, couldn't we hold him, sir?" Asked Smith.

"That's what I'm about to do."

"How?"

Lauer sighed, "You have lots to learn. He is a Tarlagian citizen within the Northern Colonies without a visa. Contact DIMIA."

"Smart thinking, sir," replied Smith quickly writing down on his notepad. He then took out a phone and pressed the buttons.

_______________________________________________________________

Soon after the phone call, a car rolled around. It entered and parked where the agents were once was. Two females stepped out. They walked towards the Major.

"Hi, I'm Melissa and this is Olivia. We're from the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. Could you please follow me to the building over there?"

________________________________________________________________

Agent Smith walked beside Agent Lauer

"Should we test the Major's theory, sir?" Asked Agent Smith

"That?" Replied Lauer.

"That the Freedom Fleet is involved in smuggling arms, sir "

"Stop calling me, sir"

"Yes, sir"

"I mean it. Just Jack. I don't demand that kind of respect."

"Yes, Jack."

"Anyway, that theory. I doubt it. I don't believe for a second that we have a corrupt customs official."

"But.. sir?"

"Jack. Anyway. If you want to test your pet theory out. Go to the customs house and get records of every shipment that has come to the Freedom Fleet, then get the video recording of every shipment that has gone through the custom's x-ray machine and into the Freedom Fleet."

"Yes, sir," Smith cried and ran into the customs house.

"JACK! For God's sake!" Shouted Jack.

*bump*

In the Grand Dukes privet meeting room Ozgoods inner circle sat around the table waiting for the Duke to enter. Just as General Cox looked at his watch the door opened and both Duke Ozgood and Duchess Ellen walked through the door.
With an angry look on his face the Duke threw a Northern Colonies newspaper on the table.
"Why in the name of God did a Freedom Fleet ship blow up, a freighter in the same harbor blow up and why is the Colonial press blaming us? The last thing I want is to be blamed for something we did not do."
Minister Sweetwater was the first to speak. "My Duke, the Colonies have had a bit of a problem with us since we refused to back them against Farmina. Now this whole thing with these people stirring up opposition to the Council of Lords we look to them like the bad guys."
Master Slayn stood up and spoke "It may of been Tarlagian nationals, I have a partial transmission from one of my agents in the Colonies. Reports indicate that the Freedom Fleet was a front for a group wishing to remove the Lords and your self by force. Certain people in Tarlag may even be involved"
Lady Ellen looked at Slayn and answered " That is impossible I have read all the literature and even exchanged Emails with them and they have never even put forward the notion of violence. My own people have also investigated them and any thing like you have suggested has never come up."
The Duke looked at Slayn for the moment then walked over to a holo map.
"We need answers and we will not find them here. We need to send someone to the Colonies to investigate."
"My Lord, the Order agents in the Colonies can do as you ask I can have a full report on your desk in 48 hours."
"Right, the Northern Colonies will believe a report drafted by the Order." Ozgood looked out the window. "Funny I don't see any flying monkeys, They will not believe anything the Order says since that whole Red O'Shay mess.
No it has to be someone both sides can trust."
Their was silence for a moment then General Cox pushed back his chair and said "Perhaps we should send a Paladin. Their word is law here and their integrity is known through out the region. That is the only type of person we can send who can get the job done."
"Good Idea Gayland, I knew I kept you around for something. Contact Lady Moonshadow if anyone can get to the bottom of this she can. We will also send a Fair Witness and anyone else Lady Moonshadow wants."

**********************************************************

To: The Government of the Northern Colonies
From: Grand Duke Ozgood the Third
Grand Duchy of Tarlag

I saddens me that violence has befallen you good nation and my Government my be involved. Let me first say that I approved no action against the Freedom Fleet or to anyone with that group. I wish to get to the bottom of this as I am sue you do. To that end and to help your investigators to get to the bottom of this matter I am dispatching Lady Paladin Leenara Moonshadow and her hand picked team to aid in your investigation.
Lady Moonshadows reputation is spotless and with your investigators help will bring to justice the person or persons who ordered this attack. I want who ever ordered this to be brought before a Northern Colonies court to face trial.
Lady Moonshadow has my complete trust as is acting with the full authority of my office and with the full authority of a Paladin. I know she can get the answers that certain people in my government may not wish to give your investigators.
I hope something good can come out of this tragic event.

Thank You
Ozgood the Third
Grand Duke of Tarlag

To: The Government of the Northern Colonies
From: Grand Duke Ozgood the Third
Grand Duchy of Tarlag

I saddens me that violence has befallen you good nation and my Government my be involved. Let me first say that I approved no action against the Freedom Fleet or to anyone with that group. I wish to get to the bottom of this as I am sue you do. To that end and to help your investigators to get to the bottom of this matter I am dispatching Lady Paladin Leenara Moonshadow and her hand picked team to aid in your investigation.
Lady Moonshadows reputation is spotless and with your investigators help will bring to justice the person or persons who ordered this attack. I want who ever ordered this to be brought before a Northern Colonies court to face trial.
Lady Moonshadow has my complete trust as is acting with the full authority of my office and with the full authority of a Paladin. I know she can get the answers that certain people in my government may not wish to give your investigators.
I hope something good can come out of this tragic event.

Thank You
Ozgood the Third
Grand Duke of Tarlag

To: His Grace, Grand Duke Ozgood the Third
From: Office of the Prime Minister of the Northern Colonies

We will be willing to have officers from the Paladins assist us in this investigation. Thank you for the sympathy.

Yours Sincerely,
The Rt. Hon. John Anderson MP
Prime Minister of the Northern Colonies

________________________________________________________________

Daylight had broken. And with it the opportunity to investigate the wreak. Divers were sent to examine the wreak. And then the pictures came.

"There's a lot of limbs here," said the radio. "It may be the whole crew."

Upon further examination, they saw something strange.

"There's weapons down here. Lots,"

"That's strange," replied CTU Agent Jack Lauer. "I better report that to Smithy. Tell him that he might be right."

OOC: You havent replied to the Immigration officers.

OCC: Sorry been sick as a dog. Lets get this ball rolling again.



Major Kurita looked rather disappointed at the immigration people and thought to himself "Go God, is this the best they can come up with to hold me. What armatures, the Order would of have everyone in a four block area cuffed stuffed and processed by now. Well I had better play their game."
"Of course lead the way."


OCC: I will post Lady Moonshadows arrival aether tonight or tomorrow when I am a little bit better.

OOC: I'll wait until you post Moonies coming before I reply to both.

An ancient DC-3 droned 5,000 ft above the ocean waters that separated Tarlag from the Colonies. The forest green plane had the markings of the Knights of Ironhold on each wing of two swords under a Unicorn. Just under the cockpit was the name AVRO in gold lettering.
Sir Alan Mc Lar looked out the window at the ocean passing below. " My Lady, why must we always take this flying museum and not the Duke's privet plane like he offered?"
Lady Moonshadow closed the file she was reading and looked over at her so called body guard "Alan, we have been over this a hundred times there has been one plane that never failed me and this old girl it it. Besides I have finally gotten this seat just the way I like it and if I changed planes I would have to spend the next 50 years breaking a new seat in." With that she smiled and went back to the file.
The man siting across from the Paladin looked up from his lap top "I just went over the intercepts we were given from the Embassy and something is not making sense."
Lady Moonshadow closed the file and handed it over to Sir Mc Lar " Read this Alan and you may learn something. So Mr. Strange What have you found?"
Peter Strange turned the screen of his laptop so the other three people in the planes cabin could see "As you all know as SOP our embassies monitor and record police band transmissions and local police blotters. No known member of the Freedom Fleet has appeared on either. You would think that some organization that was planing an overthrow of a neighboring government would have at least a few troublemakers on board. The police records we were given on these people could have been altered by the Colonies saying anything but we know are recordings were not."
A blond woman in her early thirties sitting next to Mr. Strange spoke up. " So what exactly are you saying?"
"Simple Witness Blake any group of gun running thugs the night before leaving port are going to go out get drunk and at least one is going to run afoul of the police. That did not happen they were all snug in their beds when they were blown to hell. I am starting to think what the Order has been telling us is not the total truth."
"That is why the Duke is sending us, he needs to know the truth. If this is some sort of setup by the Colonies to make us look bad we need to know. However if someone from Tarlag did this it needs to be exposed and who ever gave the order will be brought before a court and brought to justice."
Just as Lady Moonshadow was about to continue the pilot opened the curtain that separated the cockpit from the cabin. Everyone strap in we are on final approach."
After the plane landed and taxied to its assigned spot the four disembarked.
Lady Moonshadow spoke as she left the plane " Remember everyone we are here for the truth and nothing but."

On the tarmac, the Tarlagian Paladins were met by three people.

"The plane is a DC-3. A DC-3, for crying out loud," replied one. "Jack, Andrew, I'm surprised it can even fly."

"From the documents, sir, the officer in charge is like over eighty," replied Agent Andrew Smith.

"I don't trust the Tarlagians, sir," replied Jack.

"Why?" said the man who had previously complained about the planes.

"Dunno," replied Jack. "Just don't trust non-colonists."

Lady Moonshadow then stepped out of the plane.

"Hello, Lady Moonshadow," replied the man. "My name is John Dwyer. I'm the Director of CTU Operations for the Eastern Northern Colonies seaboard. This is Senior Agent Jack Lauer, and Agent Andrew Smith, also from CTU."

"Greetings Director Dwyer I am Leenara Moonshadow, this is my assisint Knight Alan Mc Lar. The young woman to my left is Fair Witness Ann Blake and the Gentleman to my right is Inspector Peter Strange of TIB (Tarlagian Investigation Bereau. Before we begin, on the Dukes behalf I wish to formally apologize for any actions any Tarlag national has taken in this unfortinate incident. People have died and I hope to aid you in bringing those responsible to justice no matter what nation they are from."
Lady Moonshadow went with the group of Colonials to the main airport building. She looked over at Mr. Andrew " I could not help but notice you looking at my plane. A beauty isn't she, I have made 34 combat jumps and 40 assault landings from that old girl and she has always got me to where I am going. Avro is old but like me still has a lot of life in her yet."
" We have come out mostly in one piece Paladin" injected Alan Mc Lar " I almost broke my neck after that assault landing in The Pagan Borderland last year."
" You should look before leaping out of a plane, it is not my fault you did not Waite till we stopped."
" Of course Paladin."
Lady Moonshadow looked over in the direction af Agent Lauer. "Agent Lauer, from what little I have been told I understand that you have some persons of interest. If possible I would like to interview them and maybe see if we can get some answers. I would also wish to have you present to get your impression of the information."

Andrew didn't reply. He was transfixed on the blond Paladin.

"Oww!" A Muted cry from him. "Sir, why did you elbow me."

"The Lady asked you a question," replied Jack.

"Oh, aircraft," Andrew replied, to Leenara. "That's more the boss' thing."

Jack then faced the Lady.

"He is currently under interogation by immigration officials. What we need to first of all confirm who he is, whether he is a Tarlagian citizen and where he is from. We need records on everything about this guy. Do so, and I'll let you go in to interogate him with me."

The director interrupted, "We will be going to the CTU building in Carnegie."

________________________________________________________________

The Major was ushers into a interview room. The two ladies sat on the seats and beckoned the Major to do so. She turned on the recorder on the desk.

"This is an immigration interview conducted on the Twenty-eighth of August two thousand and seven. This is Immigration officer Melissa Smith and my supervisor Olivia Newton is also present. We are interviewing an unknown alien, found in the Piot harbour on the same day."

She then faced the Major.

"First of all, I must read you your rights. You have the right to remain silent, however this may affect whether we allow you to continue staying in this country. If you choose to speak, any information spoken may be used to determine your current eligibility to remain in the Northern Colonies. Any information that is subsequently found to be less than honest will incur severe penalties that may include jail time. Do you understand this rights set before you?"

"Confirming who he is should not be a problem just give a retinal scan to
Mr. Strange and he can run it through our data base. As for his records I can contact the appropriate agency and have what ever you need e-mailed to your office.
Agent Lauer I would like you to know one thing before we get to far in to this investigation. I am a Paladin only one of fifteen in all of Tarlag. That title gives me a great amount of authority in any task I take on. I will use that authority in any way possible to find out what happened and get to the truth. Something about what happened doses not feel right. My instincts tell me that this is bigger then some radicals and a gun running deal gone bad."
Leenara looked over in the direction of Witness Blake. "Ann my dear, would you be so kind as to have one of these men show you what they have on the victims. How they died and so on. Also any records on that ship that exploded just before the Freedom Fleet was attacked and give me your report."
The blond woman nodded her head towards the Paladin and looked over at Agent Smith and smiled. "Mr. Smith if you could aid me in my observations it would be most helpful."

________________________________________________________________

Major Kurita looked at the people gathered in the small room then spoke "As I have stated before I formally request a representative from the Tarlagian Embassy be present for any questioning. This matter concerns both governments. Until then I will say nothing."

"Yes.. Yes.." Smith stammered. "Um... Um.."

"Oh, he's making no sense," replied Jack.

Smith tried again, "Sure.. Sir.. I mean ma'am."

__________________________________________________________________

"I don't think I made myself clear," replied Melissa. "At the moment, we consider you an unknown alien, a non-citizen, if you will. Until you show evidence to the contrary, we will not be contacting the Tarlagian embassy, because we don't know whether you are a Tarlagian citizen or not. Because we don't know what is your country of origin, we can't deport you. So if you don't speak, I will have no choice but to send you to Villawood Detention Centre which is in the Zogian Occupied Territory, not in mainland Northern Colonies. So it would be to your benefit that you do speak."

Ann smiled at the agent "Please there is no need to be nervous you just need to show me the information". With that she lead agent Smith to get the data.
Leenara looked at the two people braking off from the group and chuckled
"young people".


________________________________________________________________

"God you people are dense here!" With that he handed over a Tarlagian diplomatic passport. " If that is not enough evidence then I suggest you contact my government before the shit hits the fan."

OOC: I'm assuming we're at CTU

"Sorry, umm..." Smith replied. "I'm just not good around girls... I mean, new people. Right this way, make sure you're wearing your visitor's badge."

_________________________________________________________________

"What were you doing that Piot then," she replied, flipping through the passport. "And do you have any other sources of ID."

"That is all right Agent Smith There is no need to be nervous I put my pants on like everyone else. If I may take a moment." With that statement she went into her over sized hand bag and removed a white robe and put it on over her dress. "When acting in my capacity as a Fair Witness it is required of me to wear my robe. If you will please show me the requested information I will observe it and report what I have see to Paladin Moonshadow."

______________________________________________________________
Lady Moonshadow looked over at Agent Lauer. "I would like to know how many of the attackers did you capture. As part of my investigation I would request to see them. With your people present of course. If they are Tarlagian military I have sufficient rank to order them to give me the needed information. I want to follow the chain of command to the person who ordered this attack. That is the person I am really after."

_______________________________________________________________

Major Kurita looked at the people in the room. "To let you know why I was there I was on Governmental business dealing with a suspected illegal arms deal involving Northern Colonies nationals and rouge elements of Tarlags military. If you want anything else I suggest you contact my government Now!"
He smiled for a moment then spoke again " The longer you delay the worst it will be I am sure your security service wants to know what happened. The longer you delay the longer it will take and the more people may be hurt."

"I will go get the file," replied Andrew.

He walked into the computer on the other side of the room. As he was typing on the computer, a voice went straight into his ear.

"Bang her!" The voice said.

"Peter," Andrew streaked. "For Fuck's sake you scared me."

"Well," Peter replied. "The new chick in the house, who is she?"

"She's from Tarlag. A fair witness or something rather. Not to familiar with their law enforcement system."

"Do something then, you know, make an advance."

"For Pete's sake, Peter. She's a professional, I'm a professional, we have to act professionally."

"I'm sure she's professional in bed."

"For God's..," Andrew spoke in rage. "No."

"Yes, just ask her for lunch. Just to look at the files you seem to be getting out. You know..."

"Maybe."

"You owe me a favour. Remember Zognia?"

Andrew sighed. Peter got him with that one.

"Fine, I will."

He pulled his USB disk out of the computer and quickly walked back to the Fair Witness.

"Fair Witness, the infomation is in the USB disks," he started. "You can use the terminals here to have a look but..."

Andrew strugged. He could wimp out now. Save the embarrassment. But Peter would get him, he knew.

"Do you want to have a look at this over lunch? I know a few good places around here. And you must be hungry after the plane trip."

"it will only take me a short while to gather the data. After that I must report back to Paladin Moonshadow. When I have done that then I think lunch would be nice."
" Yes the flight was a lot longer then nessary Lady Moonshadow may be one of the most powerful people in Tarlag but her love of an 67 year old aircraft is illogical at best. It has always puzzled me that she will use that plane when ever she flies. She has been offered a replacement all most every time she leaves the country but she refuses. If you will forgive me for that personal observation."
With that she proceeded to go over the data. to the causal observer she appeared to be just skimming the pages of information on her portable computer screen. Running through the pages at about three times the speed anyone else would of. After about twenty minutes she shut off the screen and looked over at Agent Smith. "I just sent the pertinate information to Mr. Strange to analyze and he will report to Paladin Moonshadow."
With that statement she removed her robe and folded it in her bag. "So where is a good place to eat?"

"Umm.. there's a restaurant down in downtown Carnegie, I can drive you there."

_____________________________________________________________

"Lady Moonshadow, we have one," Lauer started. "His currently in a coma at hospital. You won't be talking to him any time soon. We also that suspicious character who was floating around the harbour. The guy who I had him sent to immigration to hold him until we can get there. I'll drive you to the port if you like and we can talk to him."

"That would be fine I would like to try some of the local fare."


______________________________________________________________

"Actually Agent Lauer if you could get finger prints from the man in the hospital then that would speed up the IDing process. If we could find out where he came from then we may be able to figure out who sent him. As for the man you are holding lets speek to him now and see what we get."
Mr Strange who had been spending the last 5 minutes looking at his Blackberry suddenly spoke up "Agent Lauer, Lady Moonshadow I have just gotten the preliminary data from Fair Witness Blake."
Leenara looked over to her chief investigator with great interest. " What have you found?"
"Four bodies have been recovered so far from the freighter the Richard Campbell out of Elyris-Lorine. Three had gunshots to the head and one had a gun shot to the stomach. One of the dead was dressed as the ships Captain."
"Interesting Mr. Strange, Anything on the Captain?"
"Local authorities have him listed as Captain Albert Scott. His ID seems to check out to. I went through our embassy there and his back round and ships registry checks out except for one thing."
"What is that?" Leenare said.
"I cross referenced his fingerprints with our TIB records and I have a match to a minor juvenile record of a one Jason Scott of Tarlag. The finger prints were a 100% match. As far as I can tell all other records of Jason Scott have been erased."
"Keep digging, Contact our naval office and the merchant marine commission and have them do a search of the physical records and see what they come up with."

"Maybe the guy changed his name by deed poll," Lauer discussed. "Otherwise we need to investigate this fully."

"Sir," he was interuppted by Smith. "I'm going out to lunch with Ann, to talk business. Is that ok?'"

"I suppose," Lauer replied. "But I want you back in a hour."

"Of course, sir," Smith replied.

"And, Jack, not sir."

"Ok, sir."

Lauer smacked his head as Smith walked off.

_____________________________________________________________

"Ok, just hop in my car then," replied Smith, walking to the parked car.

Strange answered Agent Lauer's comment about the name change. " If that was the case we would have the court records on file but there is nothing else besides a juvinal record. I would have to say this looks like an Order eraser job. Our juvinal records are sealed at age 18 and if who ever was doing it was rushed they might have overlooked these records."
Lady Moonshadow looked with a bit of surprise at Mr. Strange. " What makes you think it was the Order?"
"Two things, first if the records and files on the Campbell are fake it was a very good job. The Colonies would not have access to anything that would prove these records false. Record alteration if that is what we are looking at, could have only been done by a few groups in Tarlag. Secondly I am going to bet that the crew of the Freedom Fleet ships were killed in the same manor and the bodies recovered from the freighter. Our own Intelligence people indicated that the trigger men might be rouge navy personal but our military is trained like your Colonial military to shoot for center of mass not head shots. Their are only three military or para-military groups I know who are trained to shoot like that. DEST which we know the Duke did not otherise. The Fideles which as far as I know are not trained for small unit actions and the Order Dirty Tricks Teams. An Order DTT team does fit the current profile. Slip in to a defended harbor do the hit then slip out again with out being seen."
"Well keep digging, I really think we need to speak with the person you are holding agent Lauer, he may have the answers we are looking for."

_____________________________________________________________


"when we are done with lunch Agent Smith I would suggest we meet up with the others. Knowing Paladin Moonshadow's reputation she will want to do as much as fast as possible. She is said to be a very impatient woman.
Ann looked over at Agent Smith as they pulled out of the parking lot and asked. " So what do people do for fun around here after dark? Being a Fair Witness I don't get to go out alot."

OOC: Sorry, been sick as well. Flu season (ironically some of our horses are getting a bit of horse flu as well)

"Indeed," replied Lauer. "Follow me to the car, Lady, Sir. I'll go grab the boss."

He walked up the stairs, and into office of John Dwyer, Director.

"Sir, I think we should go to the interview that suspect we picked up, boss"

"Can't we take young Smithy?" John questioned.

"No, he's gone off for lunch with that Tarlagian witness person. Gotta talk to him bout that."

"Yea, ok."

They both walked back downstairs, and escorted the Tarlian company into the two cars. They also brought two Field Support Officers, to help with the interrogation.

_________________________________________________________________-

"Well, Carnegie has generally young people, so there's a lot of bars, clubs. Musical theatre, the works really," replied Smith. He pointed to a Chinese Restaurant. "We're here by the way."

______________________________________________________________

"I'll will have to talk to my supervisor then," replied Melissa. "Terminating interview at 6:52PM,"

The two walked out of the room, taking the passport with them.

"Suppose we wait until CTU rocks up hey," Melissa said.

"Don't know how they going to get anything out of him. His like a bloody rock," replied Olivia.

"And if they don't?"

"We send him to the Zogian Occupied Terrority camp. That should soften him."

They laughed.

OCC no problem about the Flu I know how that is.

Lady MoonShadow looked at the Directer "I suggest we recall Agent Smith and Ms. Blake after their lunch if the person you are holding is Tarlagian then the arrival of a Fair Witness and myself will have a very big impact.

______________________________________________________________

"Sounds good, We don't have a lot of Chinese restaurants in Tarlag, so this will be a real treat. I usually spend most of my time in New Port our capital working for the Duke's office so I don't get out allot. Once in a while I do manage to get to the Japanese Steak house just down the street from the Duke's residence."

Agent Lauer turned on the sirens of the cars, and drove quickly to the Port.

"I don't think we can fit that much people inside the interview room, from memory," replied Lauer. "I plan to conduct the interview with me, my boss and you. That ok?"

________________________________________________________--

"Yea, that's nice," replied Smith. "It's basically Yum Cha. Food just get delivered around, and if you want it just ask."

He then looked at Ann

"So what do you Paladins actually responsible for? I'm not familiar with the Tarlagian law enforcement system."

Having a Fair Witness there would be better but if there is a lack of room then just my self will have to do. Depending on who it is we may get the answers we need.


_______________________________________________________________

"Your mistaken Agent Smith, Only Lady Moonshadow is a Paladin. There are only fifteen of them in all of Tarlag and their position in our government is sort of hard to explain. They are known as defenders of the people and keepers of the nations conscience. The thing is the Paladins and the order of knights they belong to are not even an official part of the Dukes Government but they have an enormous amount of influence. If all the Paladins agree that the Duke himself is acting against the peoples interest then they have the power to remove him from office. It prevents the Duke from becoming a curpet dictator."
As they walked in the restaurant Ann smiled at Agent Smith and went on.
"The one thing about the Paladins is that they are universally trusted. I don't know how they become what they are but everyone in Tarlag respects them and looks up to them. When Duke Ozgood heard about what happened here he was afraid that it could lead to another armed conflict between us and he wanted to prevent that so he sent someone who can make the right decisions and keep the peace. Lady Moonshadow who is a trained investigator and a decorated war hero was sent because the Duke knew that she had the authority to cut through and red tape on our end and she would be more trusted by your people then a normal team of investagators. If we find out it was someone from Tarlag that did this she has the power to bring them to justice no matter who they are."

"What about a fair witness then?"

OOC: I'll do the interrogation tomorrow.

" Now the Fair Witnesses are official. We are trained to observe and report what we have seen to the courts without personal bias. The Fair Witnesses were created in the days before security cameras and the like. Most of us have photographic memories so if we see an arrest for example, we can recount it to the courts without putting our own spin on it. The Duke sent me along to make sure no one political agenda would get in the way of the investigation. We wear the white robes to show that someone is present that is an unbiased observer to an event. Now enough about me please tell me about yourself."


OCC If you can make it early tomorrow. I will have to leave early for a ten hour day at work.

"Interesting," Smith began. "Well, I'm not too good at this. I'm an Agent with CTU, we basically investigate anything related to Terrorism. We also collate intelligence from other organisations as well. I've done this for six years, recently promoted to Agent. Previously, I was an officer in the Army. I got a degree in criminology. Yeah... that's bout it from me."

_______________________________________________________________

"We're here, by the way."

Lauer quickly escorted Leenra and company outside to the interview room

"Oli, how's the suspect?" Asked Lauer, to the two immigration officials.

"Your not going to get a word outta him, I'm telling," replied Melissa.

"Don't worry, we got the tools," replied Lauer.

"I'm doubting it."

"Five bucks says I can break him."

"Fine."

"Good."

The Field Support Officers gave a headpiece to the agents and to Leenra.

"Basically, we have a camera that can help us ascertain whether someone is lying," he started to talk. "I will tell you when this is the case."

"Ok, are we ready to go in?"

"So you do a lot of anti-terrorist work. Does your country have a big problem or are you just a sleepy side office?"


_______________________________________________________________


Leenara walked into the interview room behind Agent Lauer and stood directly in front of the suspect. "Well Major Kurita I am surprised to see some one of your ilk here. What rock did you crawl out from under?"
The smug smile that the Major had been wearing through out the interview disappeared as soon as he recognized Lady Moonshadow entering the room.
" I am surprised that the Foreign office would send some one of your high stature to hear my information."
"Duke Ozgood himself sent me, now tell me the truth of what is going on and not this harebrained story the Order is trying to feed us."
Kurita paused for a moment then spoke "I have nothing to say to you Paladin Moonshadow. The only thing these people can hold me on is maybe some trumped up immigration charge. I technically have done nothing illegal on Colional soil so why should I speak to you."
"Major I am not interested in you. I want the people who gave you the orders to do this. your presence here is all the proof I need that the Order killed those people on both ships. So Major I will make sure you rot in hell if you don't tell me the truth."
"Go to hell old woman, If I tell anything I would be dead in a week. The people responsible for this are powerful even above your law. If I could disappear maybe I would tell you something but beyond that forget it. When I mean disappear I mean on my terms not in some Colonies hell hole."
Lady Moonshadow turned to Agent Lauer "May I have a word with you?"

"God, we haven't even turned on the tape," replied the Director. "Hang on."

He pressed the Record button on the machine on the side.

"For the tape, This is Director John Dwyer speaking. I am interrogating a Major Kurita. With me is Federal Agent Jack Lauer, and Lady Leenera Moonshadow, observing from the Tarlag Paladin's Office.

He then faced the Major.

"Major Kurita, you are being held under the auspices of the Terrorism Act. You are not obliged to say or do anything unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say or do may be used in evidence. Do you understand the rights set forth?"

Meanwhile, Agent Lauer beckoned the Lady out of the room.

_____________________________________________________________

"I chose to work at Carnegie office cause it wasn't busy. It does get busy if you choose to work at Freedom City where you often get sent out to Zognia. It's a place where bombings are a regular occurrence. Get paid more but, I'd rather save my own skin. A few agents have died there."

"I will say nothing to you or anyone else. You can do nothing to me."


_____________________________________________________________

"Agent Lauer let me fill you in on what is going on. That Man in there is Major Hirko Kurita on of the Orders main hatchet men. I have been forced to deal with this person from time to time and let me tell you he is a cold calculating killer. Just last year he was an adviser to a rebel group in some third world country and he purposely sent civilians, wounded, and his own troops directly into British Londimmun fire. His actions killed over 350 people just for a sound bite. He is a stone cold killer with no regard for human life. With him involved you are lucky the body count was not higher.
According to your report he just walked up to a police car and turned himself in. If he did that he was under orders to do so I need to find out who gave him those orders. He seems to be trying to ask for some sort of deal. If he is doing that he must know a lot or he would not even try and deal with me.
He knows that I will not believe the story his higher ups have cooked up so he seems to want out. This is your nation and your arrest, what can we offer him to talk."

_______________________________________________________________________________

"Sad we have some home grown groups but they have been quite lately."

"Is that a yes or a no?"

____________________________________________________________

"Yea, I kind of sensed that," replied Lauer. "Look, I'm dead certain that his is part of this in a big way, so I'm not willing to deal. But the fact is, we need to get him to talk or find some other evidence. So we need to know how is his controller. If it's not the Duke then who? In my opinion, we should start with the Lords."

____________________________________________________________

"Hmm..," replied Smith. "That's a good thing."

*bump*

Major Kurita looked at his interrogators " God you people are dense, for the final time I will say nothing unless I can walk. Do I have to spell it out for you or would you like me to draw you a crayon map!"

_______________________________________________________________

"Knowing who is controller is that is an easy one, he is high enough in the Order that he would take orders directly from Slayne their head." Leenara seemed to stop and think for a moment then went on. "I have an idea though, let me go back in their for another round I think I can make him give up the information I just have to turn on the charm and maybe break some laws." With that she smiled and headed back in.

______________________________________________________________

Ann seemed to be enjoying her meal, while sipping her tea she asked. "Do you think your people can really find out who attacked those ships?"

OOC:

The Cost of Freedom is a buck o' five.

The director replied, "Ok, then. Interogation terminated at 1123 pm."

He walked out to join the Lady and Lauer outside

"Well we can't exactly you break laws as first of all, it would ruin the case," replied Lauer. "A good lawyer will get the case thrown out otherwise."

"I've got an idea," replied Dwyer. "We let him go."

"I see where you are going let him go and see where he runs. Could work, I have some friends at our Embassy here so if he goes there he will be watched. The one thing is that when you have him followed do it from a distance. Order agents are trained to spot tails and loose them. Also if he rents a boat or boards a ferry nail him he may have a pick up waiting off shore that is most likely how the others got away."

"The alternative is to have him stay in a prison cell with an informant and see if he talks to said informant. But the way I see it, we could have him for days and we won't get anything. I prefer the let him loose option personally, but it depends on you guys, particularly you Lauer, since your leading this. I would still like your input though, Leenra."

"Leaving him in prison is not a good option. He is a trained Order agent with over 25 years of experience and would never let anything slip. The other problem is that if the Order believes he may talk in jail then his chances of living long are slim. You may be right lets see where he runs to."

"Ok, let's do that then," replied Lauer.

The Director both walked back into the interview room.

"Due to new evidence, you are no longer required to assist us in this investigation," replied Dwyer. "You are free to go."

OOC: Just realised I left Ann hanging.

"Well, we never know to be honest," replied Smith. "Every investigation is a new one. Though I know who Lauer would be poking his nose at. He'll be suspecting all the way to the your Grand Duke if he had to. Doesn't really trust outsiders."

Ann looked at Agent Smith for a moment then answered "From my observation of the Grand Duke I doubt he would authorize this sort of thing. Ozgood is ex Tarlagian Navy and they instill a sense of honor and fair play in their officers. I sat in on the meeting about this and I can say he was truly
pissed about this. Besides if the Duchess found out about it he would be sleeping on the couch for a year."

_______________________________________________________________

The Major looked at the Colonial official and got up to leave. "Have a good day gentlemen." After collecting his things he left the building and proceded to the nearest ATM and withdrew the maximum amount he could get in local currency. He then proceeded to the nearest clothing store and purchased a new set of cloths and changed. After disposing of his old out fit he took a series of taxis to various locations all over the city. After about three hours he ended up back at the harbor near where he flagged down the police cruiser. He proceeded into an ally where he retrieved a package taped to the bottom of a dumpster.

"Hey Ann," Smith waved his hand in the air. "It's not me saying it. I wouldn't believe it for a second that he would be willing to possibility start a war like this. "

___________________________________________________

The Major may have not noticed, but trailing him was a another car. He was being followed by members of the Clandestine Service of the Colonial Police. They had managed to stay back, but changing the vehicle that they were on. And so, they were looking at the Major as he pulled the package out of the dumpster.

"We need to find out what is in the dumpster," said one of the agents.

"Yep," replied the other.

"I know your not saying it besides the Duke has made it a point to reach out to the Colonies after the Farmina war. Most of our region was ready to invade and put in a new government. Thank God it did not happen. The sad part is their are a lot of people in Tarlag who still hold a grudge against you.
Some are saying back home that the whole Freedom Fleet movement is trying to bring down Tarlag. I know that is ridiculous, but some people believe it.
I have read their material and they want a needed reform not a revolution. Hell half the people who started it are Tarlagian ex nationals."
Ann stopped speaking for a second and it seemed she had an idea. "You know Mr. Strange said something on the flight over. An attack like this was someones way of sending a message. That it would of been easier to intercept the ships mid ocean not attack them in a harbor. Someone wanted to send a public message and I think I know who."


_______________________________________________________________

Kurita looked around then removed one of the items from the package, a cheap looking cell phone. He entered a five digit code then dialed. After a ten miniute converstaion he placed the phone in his pocket and headed to the nearest bus stop.

"Maybe so," replied Smith. "Inspire fear. If I was a betting man, I would choose someone from the Lords. They had the most to lose from the Freedom Fleet, since they advocated their abolishment."

________________________________________________________

The agents continued tailing him.

______________________________________________________

"I have a Clandestine team on his tail at the moment," started Lauer "But we can't just twiddle our thumbs, just waiting for the Major to give his handler up. We need to start actively looking at who would be most likely to commit something like this. Lady Moonshadow, I suggest we start searching top-down. Start looking at the affairs of the Grand Duke, then every member of the Lords. Focus on people who have a history working or otherwise corroborating with the Order."

"Well I know of one Lord with a huge axe to grind against the Freedom Fleet and it fits with what I just put together. Lord Byron Nichols, speaker of the Lords. He not only would loose his position but he also has so major problem with Mr. John Itzon the founder of the Freedom Fleet. About a year ago Lord Nichols came to Duke Ozgood with a request to have Mr. Itzon arrested for anti-government activities. The Duke refused, Mr. Itzon and his people were not doing anything against Tarlag in the Dukes opinion so he pretty much dismissed Nichols. Lord Nichols got mad and stormed out saying something about his wife. It was so under his breath so I could not hear. Three weeks later Lady Nichols files for divorce and drops out of sight taking a fair amount of the Lord assets. At the same time Mr. Itzon leaves Tarlag with some of his followers to come here. The Freedom Fleet was formed shortly after arriving in the Colonies bankrolled from a mysterious benefactor. What if the benefactor was Lady Nichols?"

______________________________________________________________
Major Kurita rides the bus for about two miles get off and proceeds to a rental office where he rents a motor scooter. he then heads north up the coast.

_______________________________________________________________
Lady Moonshadow stopped and closed her eyes for a moment. "I doubt it was Ozgood. He has been making noises that he is going to disband the Order and he and Slayn have not been getting along since the start of that whole Farmina afare."
Mr Strange spoke up "Lady Moonshadow, I do have something of relevance that is going to be reported to the Duke that may tie in here. "During the Farmina vs Northern Colonies war Tarlag sold massive amounts of arms and ammunition to not only Farmina and her allies but also to Rotovia and some other nations in the region. The Duke as I am sure you are aware of wanted to keep us out. Then the Red O'Shay was sunk and we joined in. At that point Admiral Alexander Nichols came forward with plan Go to invade the Colonies. When the war fizzled Tarlag was sitting on a massive amount of ammunition and Admiral Nichols great war plan was chucked in the dust bin."
Leenara looked at Strange and asked "What has that got to do with this?"
"It is simple, the TIB was asked by the Duke to look in to the sinking of the Red O'Shay to see if the Northern Colonies Navy really sunk her. I am on that team and we are just finishing off that report. Agent Lauer before I go on I must ask for your discretion on this. The report is going to be made public next week and if it is leaked then their could be problems.

"That could be an interesting lead," replied Smith. "Any idea where Lady Nick may be in now? We should inform Lauer of this."

_____________________________________________________________

"Where is this guy going damnit," replied one of the agent following the Major.

"Definitely not running away from us, that's for sure," replied the other.

______________________________________________________________

"It's not exactly our area of mandate, but why would it be a problem?"

"I personally don't know where she went but rumor had it she left the country.
Why don't we rejoin the others and see what is going on."

_____________________________________________________________

The Major left the city behind traveling north along the coastal road for about 20 miles. He pulls in to a road side restaurant and stops for food.
After leaving the Restaurant the agents following him noticed he now had a blue backpack.

_____________________________________________________________

"The link here is simple Agent Lauer, Both the sinking of the Red O'Shay and the two ships in the harbor appear to be Order operations against the Northern Colonies. Nether operation was approved by Duke Ozgood. Now the question is who approved them?"

"Ok," replied Smith.

He went up and paid the bill and then walked into the car with Ann, and drove to the Port. When he got there, he walked Ann and himself over to the interview, where Lauer was talking.

"Ah, yes," start Lauer. "Maybe young Smithy can tell us. Seeing as he has been out whilst the good bits have happened. Andrew, we've let the Major go."

"What?!" Replied Smith. "Why?"

"We're tracking him at the moment," replied Lauer. "In the mean time, if I said he was being controlled by someone, who would it be."

"Ahh," replied Smith. "We were discussing this over lunch. Ann suggested that there a Lord who could be particularly interesting in terms of our investigation."

"Who?"

"A Lord Byron Nichols. He is the Speaker in the House of Lords. In addition to losing his title if the Freedom Fleet achieved it's directive, it appears that he had an altercation with one of the victims, a Mister John Itzon about a year ago. The Lord attempted to have him arrested on anti-government charges. The Duke refused, and he apparently stormed out."

"Suss, that's what we'll call it," replied Lauer.

"See, it wasn't all fun and games, sir" replied Smith. "We got business done."

"Jack, please."

_________________________________--

They continued following him (OOC: He's gotta stop somewhere to sleep)

"It makes sense, Byron Nichols has been making anti Freedom Fleet speeches for the last two months. From what I have heard he has gotten a lot of the Lords behind him." said Leenara.
Witness Blake went to Mr. Strange. "Do you know where the former Lady Nichols resides Now?"
Strange began typing on his lap top after a few minutes he got his answer.
"Well, well Lady Lisa Nichols left Tarlag aboard her Ex Husband's private jet ten months ago after raping their joint accounts for an estimated 55 million Grots. The monies were transferred to a Rotovian bank, then four months ago according to the international banking system 10 million was transferred to the First Colonial National bank in this city. The jet on the other hand made stops in Rotovia, Elyris-Lorain then The Northern Colonies. After that she dropped out of sight."
Leenara looked over to Agent Lauer "I will bet money that one of the victims on that ship was a Lisa Nichols. 55 million and a privet jet makes a great motive."

______________________________________________________________

After traveling another two hours The Major pulls off the road and parks in a wooded area. He then pitches a small pup tent and seems to bed down.

"We'll, we won't know until the coroner is finished with his report," replied Lauer. And that an if. Some of the bodies may not be identifiable. We could look at the manifest, but we won't be sure if she was on the boat. We need to talk to the Byron Nichols."

________________________________________________________________

"Looks like we're camping for the night."

They parked nearby, where they could see the tent.

"Talking to Lord Nichols is never an easy thing. He surrounds himself with heavy security and shields himself with Lords Privilege so TIB most likely could not get him to consent to an interview." Said Mr. Strange
Lady Moonshadow smiled and got out her cell phone. "Lords Privilege does not extend to the Paladins. If we want to talk to some one we talk to them. The beauty of Tarlagian law is that a named Paladin has the right to question any citizen at any time."
With that last statement she hits the speed dial on an out dated looking cell phone. "George. this is Leenara I want you to find and Question Lord Byron Nichols. I am having Mr. Strange send you the pertinent details." There was a short pause as the person on the other end answered then she responded
"George you only need to ask a few questions do you get it. Great good by."
Alan Mc'Lar who had been observing through this investigation piped up. "Lady Moonshadow your sending Paladin Steel to question someone he is not the most subtil of the Knights."
"True, he has his own way of doing things but he will not take no for an answer."

"In any case, someone blunt could be needed. You must remember, that we can't accept whatever happens between you Paladins and the Lords into the courts, unless the prosecution and defendant both agree. We need to somehow interview him ourselves.

"Their is a way if you need to speak with him. But I guarantee it will not be pretty." With that statement Leenara picked up her cell phone and redialed the number. "George this is Leenara again. I want you to bring Lord Nichols for a state visit to the Northern Colonies." She listened for a few moments as Paladin Steel responded. "Just inform Nichols that the Senior Paladin of Ironhold Keep wishes to speak to him and I am to busy to come to his house."
With that last statement she turned to Agent Lauer. "It is all nice and legal from our stand point I have made a request to meet with a senior member of government and they must respond. If it turns out that he is involved, any diplomatic immunity he might claim can be rescinded by Duke Ozgood. The Duke has given me instructions that anyone I see fit may be turned over to you for prosecution."

________________________________________________________________

In a luxury apartment building out side of Lancedale in the Grand Duchy of Tarlag.

A large man in his late forties who was built like a mountain gorilla left the elevatore. He was followed by four even larger men wearing green military style coats. They approached two men in dark suits apparently guarding the door to an apartment.
"I am sorry gentlemen you are not allowed." The first guard never got to finish his statement as Paladin Steel moving with fantastic speed for a man of his size grabbed the man and slammed him into the wall. the second guard drew his pistol but before he could bring his weapon to bear the other four knights were on him. The fight was breif and very one sided. After the unconscious guards were gently placed on the floor Paladin Steel comely knocked on the appartment door. The door opened and a girl of about fifteen dressed in a maids uniform opened the door "Lord Nic"
the girl never got to finish because a huge hand coverd her mouth. With little effort the young maid was passed off to one of the men. Steels party moved quickly into the room and headed to the bedroom. "Lisa honey tell whoever it is to go away Becky and I are getting lonely." yelled a very naked Lord Nichols from the king sized bed in the center of the room. "Sorry to interrupt your playtime my Lord but Lady Paladin Leenara Moonshadow requests you meet with her and I have been told I am not to take no for an answer."

"That's great," replied Lauer. "Perhaps we should proceed to the airport then."

Paladin Steel's party went through the main lobby past the Door Man and Lord Nichols four unconsiouse security men. "Have a good evening Gentlemen" the Door Man said as he opened the door for the men. Chuck the Door man had seen a lot in his twenty years here but he had never seen the likes of tonight. Five men come in and wiped the floor with Lord High an Mighty's goon squad. Then they go up stairs for ten minites and come back down with two little girls in tow and Nichols dressed in a sheet. Tarlag news service will pay a lot for this story Chuck said to himself.
The group left the building and headed for a seeming innocent Little Bobbies Bakery van when they heard "Freeze" being shouted buy three more security men who were guarding the Lords limo.
"Paladin Business Gentleman I suggest you stand down NOW!" Shouted Paladin Steel.
"Screw You! we got guns and you don't besides Lord Nichols pays us not you Asshole!" yelled the Limo Driver as he clicked the safety off is Ruger P-85.
With that remark the back doors of the bakery van opened revealing two more knights Manning an M-2, 50 cal. machine gun.
Steel turned around and walked back words to the van and replies "Mines bigger, I suggest you drop the guns and leave."
The only sound that could be heard after that statement was the clank of three automatic pistols hitting the pavement.
"To the Airport, Her Ladyship gets real mean if she is kept waiting."

The C-17 transport in the markings of the Knights of Ironhold landed at Piot's
airport. The plane taxied to its assigned spot next to an antiquated DC-3. The C-17 stops and the rear cargo door opens revealing Paladin Steel leading a party of five men, four are knights dressed in their green coats and the fifth is a dejected looking man in jeans and a Deathklock tee shirt. Steel marches the party to the terminal where Lady Moonshadows partie waits.
"Lady Moonshadow I bring you one Byron Nichols gift wrapped and very screwed. We found him in an appartment with two very under age girls naked.
He did not put up a fight unfortunately but some of his men did, so at least that part of the mission was not boring."
Leenara and Ann in her Fair Witness robe walked forward. "Paladin Steel are you saying in your opinion that Lord Nichols has abused Lord Privilege."Sounding very formal at the sight of a fair witness he responded "Yes that is my opinion Lady Moonshadow. I have four Knights in good standing as witness and the two girls have been turned over to the Lancedale police for their statements. Which I have just gotten via e-mail before we landed."
"Very well Paladin Steel, Pending further investigation and with the agreement of your self. Lord Byron Nichols I hear by revoke your Lords Privilege until your case can be heard by the Grand Duke. Also these nice gentleman over here would like to talk to you about an incident here and I suggest you corporate."
"You can't do this you old hag, the Counical will not stand for it. They will be calling for not only your head but Ozgoods as well for letting this farce happen. Release me now and I may not have you and your pet gorilla here arrested and executed for an assault on a Lord."
Leenara smiled at the outraged man. "You know you can do no such thing to a Paladin doing their duty. Agent Lauer I turn this man over to you for questioning. When he is of not further use to you I will personally bring him back to Tarlag on charges of Statutory Rape."
_____________________________________________________________


About 2am local time

Kurita knew he was being watched so now it was time to lose the tail. Cutting the tent open on the side that faced away from the road he crawled out and procceded deeper into the woods.

"In any case, Lord Nichols," started the Director. "You are in the Northern Colonies. Lords Privileges don't exist here."

The three agents then pulled a warrant card out of his point.

"By way of introduction, I am Director John Dwyer from the Counter Terrorist Unit. Next to me is Senior Agent Jack Lauer, and Agent Andrew Smith, also from the Counter Terrorist Unit. We wish ask you a few questions. Back at the station that is."

" You people can't do this to me I have diplomatic immunity. Contact Tarlag's Embassy and they will confirm it. As for these so called paladins I want them arrested Mr. Dwyer for kidnapping. They have no right to do this."
"Actually Lord Nichols just before you got here I had a phone conversation with the Grand Duke Himself and he has officially revoked your diplomatic immunity and ordered me to present you and any evidence gathered to Directer Dwyer. I have been also be ordered to inform you and the Northern Colonies officials that an official hearing is going to be conducted on the Council of Lords into abuse and corruption. Also the Duke is considering have the Counical disbanded and replacing them with an elected body voted on by the people."
"You old Bitch!!" With that he lunged at Lady Moonshadow in an attempt to strangle the older woman. unfortunalty for Nichols 60 + years of combat training kicked in and she quickly side stepped his attack. With the speed of a person a quarter her age she tripped her attacker and put a nerve lock on the struggling man.
"Directer Dwyer, I believe you have just witnessed an assault against my person a poor defenseless little old lady. Please arrest this man before I am forced to defend my self further."

"Lauer," replied the Director. "You can do the honours."

Lauer pulled out his handcuff, and grappled him. He then locked the Lord's hands with the handcuffs at his back.

"Bryon Nicolas, I'm charging you with Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm."

"You can't do this to me I have rights! The other Lords will never stand of this you old Hag."
"Lord Nichols do you realize you are very lucky attacking a Paladin in the performance of her duty is considered a Capital offence. Count your self lucky you did it here."
With that statement Leenara dusted herself off and headed to the car.

________________________________________________________________
Major Kurita made his way through the darkened woods for about an hour until he came to a house set off about 100 meters from a side road. Entering the house through the attached carport he made his way to a side bedroom.
Just as he reached the door of the room he heard "The Monkey Sleeps Only in Dead Trees." The Major responded with "But only on Tuesdays."

"Alright shut up," replied Lauer, as he dragged Bryon into the car. They then started moving, back to CTU.

The Major entered the blacked out room. the man sitting in an over stuffed chair handed kurita a cup of coffee. "So were you followed?"
"Of course, I did not see them all the time but they were there. So what is going on?"
"We need to get you out of the country now. That bastard George Steel arrested Nichols and brought him here. It is only a matter of time until he talks and the whole plan falls apart. Slayn in getting the Lords on board with removing the Duke and putting one of themselves in his place with Slayn pulling his strings."
"Will that work? With Nichols out and the story in taters I don't see how we can go forward."
"It would of worked if Ozgood had not sent a Paladin here to investigate. Our people could of stone walled anyone else. However the plan to make the Colonies look like the aggressor has failed, war is still possible but we will have to take another tact later. I want you to take the four door in the car park. I will report it stolen in exactly 5 hours. Go to the marina I have marked on this map. On Dock three you will find a speed boat named the Louie B. Take it twenty miles out and wait for pick up."
"Very good."

Lauer took him out of the car and into the desk at reception.

"Sergeant, get the interview room ready," ordered the agent.

"Yes, Sir," replied the Sergeant.

A few moments later, Agent Lauer and Smith were in a interview room with Bryon. Behind the 'mirror' was the Director with the Paladins, observing.

"Mr Nichols, I must first read out your right," Lauer started. "You are being held under the auspices of the Terrorism Act. You are not obliged to say or do anything unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say or do may be used in evidence. Do you understand the rights set forth?"

"Yes you dim witted Ape, I understand my rights. I have done nothing to your people and you cannot hold me. The Council will not stand for it."

"Directer Dwyer, I suggest that you let Miss. Blake into the room to observe in plane view of Nichols. The sight of a Fair Witness, especially the Dukes official Fair Witness should give him the idea we mean business."

"Yes, we can hold you for the assault," replied Lauer. "Would you like a lawyer present?"

"Of course I want a Lawyer you idiot. The best this hell hole has to offer. I also want some decent cloths I won't be caught dead in a Deathklock tee shirt."

________________________________________________________________

Major Kurita pulled out of the driveway in a nondescript four door blue car with tinted windows following the directions given on the map.

"Well, do you know one? Otherwise, he or she would be coming from the Public Defender's Office."

"Just call the Tarlag Embassy and have them send over one or can't you figure that much out."

He passed a phone over to Bryon.

"We ain't a pizza store, Mister Nicolas," replied Smith. "You have to organise it yourself."

Nichols took the phone and dialed after a ten minute screaming match with the Embassy on the other end he slammed the phone down. "Damn Paladins and that Bastard Ozgood. They refuse to assist me, something about trouble back home and that I am some how causing it. Call your stupid public defender and if he is some snot nosed kid with glasses just send him away and I will deal with the legal matters myself."

______________________________________________________________

After driving for about twenty minutes Major Kurita pulled into the deserted marina. getting out of the car he spotted the speed boat berthed as promised.

"To be honest," replied Lauer. "You will probably get a snot nosed kid with glasses, so should I just get on with this or do you want the public defender to come?"

"Ask your questions and I will see if they are worthy of answers."

Lauer showed Bryon a picture of John Itzon.

"Would you know this man?" Questioned Smith.

_______________________________________________________________

"Sorry, I didnt answer you're question before," replied the Director. "But no, I can't do that."

An officer walked into the room. On his shoulders was three pips, indicating that he was a Chief Inspector

"John, there's a build up of media outside the complex," the Chief Inspector asked. "I've put in extra officers to secure the complex. Do you want me to organise some sort of press conference or something?"

"Yeah, thanks Andy," replied the Director.

"Ok," Andy replied as he walked out of the room again.

"John Itzon is a revolutionary wannabee. He is an over educated hack who used to work for me as a media specialist for about ten years. He got greedy with the petty cash one day and I fired him end of story. He never forgave me for firing him so he started this anti lord movement to get back at me"


______________________________________________________________

"I would suggest that one of my people go with you if you give a press conference. I would imagine there is a lot of Tarlagian media out their and if they see a face from home My People won't think this is some kind of Northern Colonies screw job against Nichols."

"Is there anything else you want to comment on in regard to John Itzon?"

________________________________________________________________

"Leenra," replied Dwyer. "I agree, but we'll see what will be happening. Also, can you conduct a search of Mr Nicolas' property?"

"I have nothing more to say about him. If he died in that attack the world is a better place."

________________________________________________________________

"Let me make a phone call and get the search started. We just have to get a search warrant from a Judge. With the charges already against him that may already be happening.


_______________________________________________________________

With the lines cast off from the dock Kurita turned the key to start the speed boat that would take him to freedom. The still early morning air was suddenly shattered by a fire ball from the explosion of the speed boat.
"First rule of assassination'" the Major said to himself as he dropped the string that he used to start the boat. "is kill the assassin."

Lauer pulled a paper out of a folder.

"This is a transcript of an incident that occurred between you and the Grand Duke, about last year. You asked the Duke to arrest Mister Itzon over anti-government activities. When he refused, you stormed out and muttered something about your wife. Despite being a major incident, you have not mention it when I asked the question."

"Basically," Smith said. "What did you say about your wife? And did Mister Itzon have any personal relationships with anyone related to you, beyond a working one?"

_________________________________________________________________-

The two agents, having waited for hours for the Major to come out of the tent, walked towards the tent itself.

"Shit," replied one of them. "We must tell the boss"

___________________________________________________________________
"Good," replied the Director. "Focus on transcripts on phones or anything of the like."

The Chief Inspector walked back in.

"Sir, we've lost sight of Major Kurita," replied Andy.

"Shit," replied Dwyer.

"I see the Duke's Fair Witness has been running her mouth. Fine, Itzon was also doing my wife on the side. I went to the Duke when I was made aware of some anti-Lords pamplets came to my attention I saw they were authored by Itzon. Ozgood told me to shove my clames against him and dismissed me.
Yes I was pissed that Mary was doing Itzon and he robbed me but you can't pin this attack on me you have nothing."

________________________________________________________________

Leenara got off the phone with her people back home. "I have some good news and some bad news. First the search is being carried out as we speak and all pertinent data will be turned over to me as soon as they get it. The bad news is the shit is hitting the fan. Slayn has just had a meeting with the Lords. The Lords Council has just released a statement that both the Knights of Ironhold and the Grand Duke are acting against the best interests of Tarlag. They have ordered the arrest of the Duke and all of the Knights.
They also say that Nichols is a political prisoner and they are demanding his release. I thank God that the Military supports the Duke or there could be real trouble."

_________________________________________________________________
"So the Bastards want me dead, well I played the loyal officer doing my duty and it got me nothing. Lets see how they like me now."
Kurita ran back to the car and raced out of the parking lot.

Lauer ignored the comment.

"Would you know this man?" He asked, showing a picture of Major Kurita.

___________________________________________________________________

"And so the shit really hits the fan," replied the Director. "I hate politics. Fucks everything up. Otherwise I would be in an office in Freedom City and not here."

The Chief Inspector came back in.

"Lisa doing the organisation thing now. Probably about a hour or two before the conference starts. Also, there's been another explosion. A boat about the same place."

"You're serious," replied the Director. "It means that Kurita is nearby. Get as many units as you can to find him."

"Him yes, that is a Major in the Order's Special Forces Division. I do not remember his name though. He testified in front of a committee I chaired about six months ago after Jarrdia pulled the rug out from under us when we were fighting Doomingsland. From what I remember he was some kind of special forces bad ass.

______________________________________________________________
"Directer if there has been another explosion something is not right. If Kurita has slipped your tail that means he is in escape and evade mode. He most likely be laying low and or trying to slip out of the country. Setting off explosions would not be in his profile. Either he is trying to be captured or some one in the Order just took him out." Interjected Mr. Strange.

"I agree, from what I know of him he is a smooth operator he probably knew he was being tailed and lead your folks on a merry chase until he decided to lose them. Your best bet is to cor den off the area and hope you get lucky. If this man does not want to get caught he won't be." Said Leenara
"As for the stuff going on back home our best bet is to get Nichols to spill on what happened. Things may get tricky back home but one thing I know the Duke will not back down from the Lords."

______________________________________________________________
Kurita drove about a mile from the boat docks when he spied a dirt road leading in land. he turned the car down the road and drove about another two miles when he spotted an abandoned hay barn. Pulling the car next to the barn away from the road he then covered it with moldy hay. Taking a mountain bike from the trunk that he liberated from the house where he got the car he proceeded cross country perilling the coast.

"Would you have any other involvement with this person any time after the committee?"

________________________________________________________________

"Right now, focus on Mister Nic here at the moment. We need to find some evidence because we can't arrest him on anything but that assault charge."

"Why would I have any involvement at all with such a person. The man from what I understand is a stone cold killer."


_____________________________________________________________

"Why not ask Nichols about any ties he has with the Order. Slayn is the type of person to order this sort of thing and his name sometimes can be enough to unnerve people."

Lauer showed a picture of Slayan.

"Would you know this man?" Asked Lauer.

________________________________________________________________

"The agents have earpieces," said the Director. "At the moment it has been set up so they can here everything we are saying.

" Just leave him out of this conversation. I want nothing to do with the man he is insane. If he even thinks I would even mention his name linking him with this then I am dead. My Family is dead that bastard would find my Prom date and kill her just because he could.
I will sign anything you want just keep that sicko out of this." It could be clearly seen that Nichols started to break out in a cold sweat.


________________________________________________________________
"That proves it as far as I am concerned Slayn is in this up to his eyeballs. I have never seen Nichols lose it like that. Slayn must have a powerful grip on him if he reacted like that."

" Just leave him out of this conversation. I want nothing to do with the man he is insane. If he even thinks I would even mention his name linking him with this then I am dead. My Family is dead that bastard would find my Prom date and kill her just because he could.
I will sign anything you want just keep that sicko out of this." It could be clearly seen that Nichols started to break out in a cold sweat.


________________________________________________________________
"That proves it as far as I am concerned Slayn is in this up to his eyeballs. I have never seen Nichols lose it like that. Slayn must have a powerful grip on him if he reacted like that."

"Worrying now?" Replied Lauer. "He's not here. How does you and Slayan relate to this bombing."

________________________________________________________________

"That may be the case for a Tarlagian," replied the Director. "But we have due process. We don't have anything unless he confesses or you find something."

"Like I said keep him out of this. He has nothing to do with the bombing. Unless you want to get us all killed just drop it and charge me with the assault."


_______________________________________________________________
"Now I never said we have enough to convict Slayn but I do have enough to go to the Duke with so maybe he can start an investigation on his end. If Slayn is responsible for what happened then he must be brought to justice."

"I don't believe you," replied Lauer. "Let's just make this easy. We believe that your somehow involved with the bombings. He doesn't have to know we've had this conversation. Otherwise, you going for more than just the assault. Smith, tell him how long he may be imprisoned for."

"Well," replied Smith. "When I was in Zognia, most terrorists charges received a sentence of about 7 to 12 years. And it's not likely he will get to you whilst in prison so I suggest you talk."

"Of course," Lauer started again, in a more threatening tone. "We could just let you go and then leak the contents of this interview."

_______________________________________________________________________________________

"Of course, go for it," replied the Director.

"if you can garentee my safty and maybe put me in a less then hell hole of a jail I might consider it, but you don't know the Order. Their reach is far and Slayn said if I ever betrayed him I wold die in an most unpleasent manner."

"Well, if you talk, I can cut a deal with the DPP," replied Lauer. He couched forward. "Plus, Slayan doesn't know me."

"Fine but I want protection Slayn does not know you but you don't know his reach. I want to be well out of it."
He paused for a second and wiped his brow. The then hung his head and started.
"I just wanted the Freedom Fleet stopped and Itzon dead for what he did to me. So I approached the one man who I knew could make it happen Slayn.
He then began filling my head along with some others with more then just a simple murder. God what have I done!"

"We count 12 bodies," replied Lauer. "Keep going."

"Twelve bodies before all this is over their may be millions dead and nations in ruin so your twelve dead mean nothing to me now. Slayn has is own plans and now I see the Lords are just pawns. He ordered the attack on the Freedom Fleet using his own agents. I was the one to demand Itzons death and a message sent to the rest but I had no idea what else he had planned
now it is two late."

"Are you suggesting he may be planning some sort of coup?" replied Smith.

"The Lords and Ozgood have been at odds for years. Ozgood has supported political reform and more Democratic freedom. We support the old ways. We have always ruled Tarlag fairly and without question. If it was not for my stupid brother who took a shot at the Duke then none of this may have happened. A take over is the least of your worries. Slayn fully intends to start a war between the Northern Colonies and Tarlag."

Clearly distressed and almot babbling. Nichols wipes his brow again and requests a glass of water then continues

"It all started during your war with Farmina. Certain people in Tarlag saw an opportunity. When we hosted the regional conference to decide if Reformed Oceania would support you and it was discovered that you lied to us about Farmians true intentions, they saw their chance. If we went to war and you were defeated then Tarlag would have a major say in the spoils and the the new government. So they cooked up the who Red O'Shay sinking and it gave us a good reason not only to go to war but bring GAPTS in to insure victory. When that failed Slayn saw a opportunity with the Freedom Fleet. He would prove that you were supplying arms and support to revolutionaries. War would be declared and GAPTS would be brought in before your defenses were ready. He promised a swift victory. Now that the truth is known the Duke would never support such a war so he will have to be removed or force you to attack Tarlag. I am sure he has a plan to do one or the other may be both.
Once I was captured I am sure he has gone to plan B."

"And what would that be?" Replied Lauer

"If I knew that you fool I would tell you."



OCC check your TG

"Hmm.." replied Lauer. "Would you have anything against Slayan, as in evidence?"

_____________________________________________________________

"We should get the DPP in now," replied the Director.

"Yes, Sir," replied the Sergeant in the room.

"Check my cell phone. I have a voice recording of the orginal conversation."

________________________________________________________________

"I am going to contact the Duke and see if we can get Slayn arrested."

The door opened, and a uniformed man gave Lauer his cell phone. He opened the package and showed to Bryon.

"Get it to play then," replied Lauer.

"What you people don't have cell phones, figure it out for yourself. Maybe you can have the wicked bitch to the west out their do it for you. I have just put what is left of my miserable life on the line now I have to bury my self further. Leave me alone I don't want to talk anymore."

"Ok," replied Lauer. "Fair enough."

He flicked a few buttons and then a voice came out of the mobile phone.

Nichols hung his head, looking like the last of his energy was spent as the conversation played.



"Slayn, I demand you do something about these freedom fleet people now! Their anti government propaganda is stirring up the rabble in my district. first it is posters and pamphlets, then it will be riots and fighting in the streets. I have even heard that the Duchess herself has been reading their filth."
The hooded figure behind the craved wooden desk sat there for a moment unmoving. just as Lord Nichols was about to ask if the man had even heard him he spoke. " Perhaps my Lord, if your idiot brother had not shot the Duke the Duchess would not be paying attention to these people." Under his breath Slayn whispered so only Nichols could hear "You would think that with 40 years in the service he would have been a better shot and killed him."
Nichols was a bit taken back by the last statement but continued. "We must protect the Tarlagian way, these fools will destroy our way of life."
Slayn smiled under his hood stood up and walked around the desk over to a map. " The only thing you want to protect My Lord is your bank account and your 16 year old mistress you keep in that apartment in Lancedale. However they could pose a danger to certain plans. I have heard that certain Knights have taken an interest in their cause. If the Knights of Ironhold become involved with these people it will give them powerful friends in high places. Yes, they should be stopped or at least discredited."
Nichols smiled " So what will you do Master Slayn?"
" None of your concern, Go back to little Beckie she can put on that little school girl outfit you like so much. I will put things in motion that will leave the freedom fleet grounded and friendless."

"So," Lauer replied. "What was your involvement with the Freedom Fleet? This is for the benefit of the tape."

"Seth, check this out." Vlad passed a sheet of paper over to his co-Regent.

Sethanis of Black Shadows, one of the Regents of the Xeraphian Empire, quickly read the note and said, "OK, so Tarlag is embroiled in a civil war. Apparently a lot of double-dealing, but that's standard fare in civil wars. What's Ozgood want from us?"

"Not so much us, alone, as a full-fledged GAPTS involvement."

Seth stared. "Are you kidding me? GAPTS gets involved when millions are involved, not the regional forces of a single nation. Shit, Tarlag IS a GAPTS member. They can't take care of it themselves?"

Vlad grinned. "Of course they could....if they wanted to destroy their country. The way the Duke sees it, if a half-dozen or so GAPTS members send around 10,000, it'll show both the citizens of Tarlag AND the world that GAPTS can not only respond to massive enemy armies, but can aid one of it's own in a precise, surgical manner. Y'know...slice away the crap and leave what's good behind."

"Hmmmm...I see his point. Well, it has been a while. Let's bounce this off some of the GAPTS people. I'm sure we can raise 150,000 or so troops and deal these rebels a losing hand."

"Uh...one more thing. The enemy is Northern Colonies."

Seth covered his eyes. "Shit almighty. Their allies of Xeraph, aren't they?"

"Uh-huh."

"Shit.............."

"MY involvement was simple, You will find out anyway I am sure I contacted Major Kurita myself and told him I wanted an example made of these people. I did not realize he would go that far. I was pissed at Itzon for taking my wife. This whole thing has gone too far."
Nichols seemed to sit back for a second and think.
"I Think I know what plan B is. Re listening to that conversation Slayn said that my Brother should have been a better shot and killed the Duke. When he said that he almost seemed disappointed that it did not happen. Slayn also made a remark to me several days later that the Duke was getting too friendly with you and something should be done about it. He may try to take out the Duke because of his good relationship with you.
Add to this the report I read about two hours before that Ape grabbed me and it makes sense.
The Order has been exchanging a lot of intelligence with one of our closest allies Xeraph. What if they have been feeding the same shit to them as they have to my people. That NC is trying to destabilize the Tarlagian Government.
That must be it the, Order is going to force a war between Tarlag and You.
We, as the injured party bring in Xeraph and her allies in and overwhelm your military. With the Duke gone and your nation out of the picture that will leave a massive power vacuum for some one to fill."

"Hmm," replied Lauer. "I think that that's all we will need from you. I have to deal with the formalities. Further to the information given, you have been charged with aiding and abetting a terrorist act. We will have to take you into our custody pending a bail application. If you wish to call for a lawyer now, then please advise me now."

Two uniformed officers opened the door, almost at cue.

"These officers will escort you into into jail cell."

The officers pulled out a handcuff and handcuffed Bryon. He was then moved out of the interview into the jail block, which was empty.

_________________________________________________________________

"If what he is saying is true," started the Director. "Then we are in bigger shit then we thought. I will review the charges with the DPP, who is running bloody late again to see if we can upgrade the charges. But, if he is telling the truth, then I see two options. One is to get grab Slayan and arrest him. Another is to just get Kurita and hold him. Either way, I will have to advise the Director-General of the CTU, and the National Security Advisor as well."

Leenara seemed to think for a moment. Do what you have to do on your end I would suggest you contact you military and have them on the lookout for anything unusual. You also might want to get in touch with Xeraph and find out what they know. I could trust the old leader Alaric not to do something rash. Their new regent I don't know about he is holding thing together but barely. As for Slayn just grabbing him is problematic at best he surrounds himself with people loyal only to him. That would take an order directly from the Duke. Let me contact the Duke and see what I can do."
With that she hit her speed dial and put the phone to her ear. After a moment
she turned off her phone.
"That is strange I could not get through to the Duke."

"Could be a connection problem, try again," replied Dwyer. "But we better move quick. I'll go contact the NSA."

The Director walked out of the interview in a quick march. He walked into his office and picked up the phone and pressed a speed dial button.

"Peter, we may have a problem."

______________________________________________________________
The War Room
Parliament House
Freedom City, Northern Colonies
0100 ZULU

"So you believe the testimony of one man," questioned General Alex Ronstein, Chief of Army Staff. "Over the intelligence briefs of the Northern Colonies Intelligence Community. The Tarlags are no threat. It's not plausible."

"Yes it is," replied Admiral Jon Anderson. "We've known that the Tarlags have a grudge against us. And ever since the dissolution of the GASN, we don't enjoy the protection of the big nations, you know like Shazbotdom."

The war room was the centre point of the Colonial Military. In attendance was the Prime Minister, John Anderson, Admiral of the Navy Sir Patrick Robinsion , the Chief of Colonial Armed Forces, General Alex Ronstein, the Chief of Army Staff, Admiral Jon Anderson, the Chief of Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshall Peter Hughes - Chief of Air Force staff, the National Security Advisor, Major General Peter Smith and Chief of Northern Colonies Intelligence Community Commodore John Alias

"But, there's no evidence," replied Alex Ronstein. "The intelligence briefs just don't say anything. Isn't that right, Commodore Alias?"

"Oh, that seems to be the case,” replied the Commodore.

“…seems?” Questioned Ronstein in reply.

“Well sir, we actually don’t have much people on the ground when it comes to Tarlag. Previously, most of our attention was focusing on the Zogian rebels and monitoring Rotovia. After the Farminan Crisis, we allocated more resources on spying on the whole of Reformed Oceania, but it takes time for seeds to sprout, so to speak.”

“So you’re saying this threat is credible?” Questioned Ronstein again.

“Definitely not, sir,” replied the Commodore. “But we do need to take Lord Nicolas seriously. He is a high-ranking government official after all.”

“So,” interrupted the only man in a suit. “What’s our possible course of action?”

“Well, Prime Minister, we could raise our alert status to Yellow across mainland Northern Colonies, that would wake the soldiers.”

“Ok, let’s do that,” replied John Anderson, the Prime Minister. “Any other suggestions?”

“Well, sir,” replied the Admiral of the Navy. “I suggest the NCIC keep an eye out for any possible clues. Admiral Jon, get the two New Generation Fleets into order. They will probably be our spearheads if war occurs. We need to draw up a possible battle plan for an invasion of Tarlag.”

Everyone nodded. Any advise from Sir Patrick’s was considered foolhardy to ignore, given the amount of respect he enjoyed.

*bump*

"Yes bring in the pimply faced public defender and I will ask him who is a real lawyer around here."


_______________________________________________________________

After about 15 minutes of the entire Tarlagian group trying to get through, Alan Mc Lar got the first connection. He spent about ten minutes on the phone."Lady Moonshadow you may want to talk to my Dad while I tell the others." With that he passed his phone over to the Paladin.
"Directer you need to here this also, about one half hour ago council security troops fired on a crowd of Pro-Democry protesters outside of the House of Lords
killing well over 300 people. The real bad news was that both Duke Ozgood and Duchess Ellen were there ordering the Councial troops to lay down their arms. According to Dad a fire fight then broke out between the Councial Troops vs the Duke's security people supported by the police and a few Green Coats who were helping in crowd control. Dad said that Lady Ellen was hit while helping two kids get under cover in the Dukes Limo."

Ann broke in to the description of what went on " is she alright?"

"She is being airlifted to Dungal now. dad said she took some double OO buck to the shoulder."
Strange asked as he opened his lap top and begin typing. "Where is the Duke now?"
"Back at the Palace, Seeing he does not know which military units he can trust right now he has issued an order that all units remain in their bases and All naval units return to base. He has also called on GAPTS to send troops to aid in putting down the rebellion. Dad is sure most of the military is loyal to the Duke except for the Fidelis, Dad thinks that they are only loyal to the Order."
Strange interrupted. "Directer if you or your government has any Questions please ask. We will give what information we can."

"Ok," replied Lauer, as Bryon was led out.

________________________________________________________

"Yes, one," asked Dwyer. "What the fuck is going on?"

Leenara looked at Dwyer with great concern. "Slayns plan B by the look of it.
The Lords are no longer acknowledging the Dukes authority and there men have opened fire on not only a crowd of people but the Duke himself. The one thing is that the Lords nether have the troops or the backing to stage a revolt. Slayn must be backing them. We need to act before this spreads and involves the rest of the Region."

"We?" Questioned the Director. "I think you mean you. Look, Lee, I hate to sound like this, but it is the policy of the Northern Colonies Government not to get involved with the affairs of another nation. My job is to simply arrest those involved in the bombings. I'm going now with the DPP person to the magistrate to get an arrest warrant for both Slayn and Kurita. But I'm not going to get involved with any revolutionary action within Tarlag."

"I hate to rain on your policy, but it is too late, if Slayn some how wins guess who he is coming after next. Tarlag has a very large and efficient military. I don't know who would win but millions would be dead. We need to stop this before it gets bigger.
If your investigation can prove that Slayn and the Lords are dirty then hopefully what little public support they have will dry up and float away. The same thing with the support they have in the military. Their are a number of high ranking officers who would like nothing better then to kick you door in. I am here to prevent that along with bringing the guilty parties to justice. Right now there is more then the twelve lives lost in the Freedom Fleet at stake.
Tarlag is dirty here and I admit it, but if you want to bring these people to justice and make those peoples deaths mean anything you will help me."

"Then, I'll go arrange the arrest warrants," replied Dwyer. "I hope we enough evidence. But I can't help piece together your Government. In any case, the Northern Colonies military isn't something to be mess with either. GASN may not longer exist, but we may still find favour with some of them."

"To be honest some days I can't piece Tarlags Government together. Please get those warrants issued and if you could get copies to the Tarlag Embassy for processing to start extradition on Slayn. Right now it will not mean much but when the Duke wins I can get him to honor the request. You had mentioned doing a press conference I would suggest you do that. If we could get that aired in Tarlag that alone may make a difference."

"Alright," replied Dwyer. "As he walked off."

OOC: For Brevity's sake, just assume they successfully got the warrant. I might do the press conference on another thread to keep this one just focused on the action.

OCC No problem The whole Slayn fighting the Duke thread will be restarted in a day or two. The outcome will reflect on what happens here and the press conference.

OOC: Tarlag, Xeraph asked me to join in on this. So, I'll post a little more involvement later.

OCC Newtdom head over to the GAPTS thread and start there. This thread is mainly closed between NC and Myself. However I am sure that you are more then welcome on the news conference thread (yet to be started) and you are more then welcome on the Lords rebellion thread (Which I will be restarting in the next day or so).
Just so no one gets confused here are the different threads involved in what is now going on

Cost of Freedom- The Bombing of the Freedom Fleet and the following investigation (Basically Between NC and Tarlag)

The Grand Alliance of Peace Through Strength :: The Revival This is the main GAPTS thread where the Forces gathering to appose Slayn will be getting together.

The Lords Rebellion- Where the Fighting will be against Slayn and the Rebellious Lords

(?) News conference (Yet to be titled) The news conference held in the Northern Colonies over what is going on the Press is welcome.

God one little Idea between Nc and myself can kind of grow.

OOC: Yep. Now im going to bed

As Dwyer walked away from the Magistrate's Court, he felt a rumble in his pocket. He pull out his mobile phone, and pressed the green button/

"Hello," replied Dwyer.

"It's Edward," replied the voice.

"Sorry, say again?"

"Edward Mcqueen, the director-general"

"Oh hey."

"We need you to come to Freedom City for the press conference."

"Can't you do it?"

"You're leading the investigation. I've been reading the report and I have no fucking idea what's going on. Have you been reading the news?"

"Too busy, mate."

"Tarlag is in shit. There's been an attempt on the Grand Duke of Tarlag's life."

"Oh, right."

"And you think they are full of it?"

"Not all, some."

"Anyway, get here ASAP,"

"Roger,"

________________________________________________________________

A middle aged lady passed through the interview room just as Lauer and Smith were walking out.

"Oh hey," replied the lady. "Dwyer sent me a message to say that he's got the arrest warrants, and that you could have today off, because you've been here for a few days straight now."

"Oh, yippee." Replied Lauer. "Ok, before I leave, have you done the things I've asked Agent Alisa?"

"Yep, I've checked on that commando dude you shot yesterday. He's still in a coma, not coming out for a while. I've got two of the probos* on rotation to talk to him if he wakes up. Also got a ton of uniformed in there. Got another probo going through the evidence collected in the two bombings. And one more going through Bryon's mobile quite closely."

"And you?"

"I'm investigating that second bombing, seeing how it all ties up together," replied Alisa.

"Good," replied Lauer. "Looks like I've got nothing to worry about. Phone me if anything interesting shows up. I don't care what time."

"Well until that commando wakes up we should head to the hotel and get some sleep." Leenara said to her people. "Agent Lauer if anything comes up call and we will render what ever aid possible."



_______________________________________________________________

Major Kurita now dressed as a homeless person stood in an ally near the Police Station. Seeing Agent Lauer leaving the building he left the ally and headed over to where the man was getting in his car.

An uniformed officer walked up to him.

"Excuse me," he said, forcefully. "You're not allowed here."

"Sorry officer I will be on my way" Said Major Kurita in a most convincing local accent. The Major thought there had to be another way to get to this man. After a moment he mumbled to himself as he shuffled away "If I can't do it here I will see him at home."

"Ann," Smith ran out as she was leaving. "I know you're going back to the hotel and all. But, you wanna go out somewhere tonight?"

Lauer walked into his car and drove away.

Ann smiled at Smith "Well I do like to Dance. Do you have any suggestions?


________________________________________________________________

Kurita watched Lauer's car drive by. "Well Agent Lauer if we can't meet here then I will see you at home."

"Later tonight, Annie," he smiled. "I'll call you when I think of a place."

_____________________________________________________________

Lauer drove along a highway.

Bring
Up
My
Post

Thanks I have to freshen up and then we can go when you are ready.



________________________________________________________________

Kurita activated his cell and called a number as he gets in to the car he was near. After a few minutes of conversation with the person on the other end he hung up. Smiling, as he gets on the highway about six car back from Lauer. "Well Mr. Lauer take me home we need to talk".

Lauer went onto a freeway. The traffic began to empty up.

Kurita smiled to himself "So Mr Lauer you live out in the boonies, that makes my job so much easier." With that he dropped back far enough so it would not seem that he was following.

Jack flicked his mirror back and forth. He then went to his phone and pressed a few buttons after which a ringing tone was heard.

"...Messagebank," Lauer replied, as he heard a female phone on the other side.

"Hey hon, it's Jack how have you been? Well... I'm free tonight, you wanna go out tonight to a restaurant or something. Call me back if you can. Oh, and let the geese out ok?"

__________________________________________________________________
CTU Eastern Command
Carnegie, Northern Colonies
2200 ZULU

A map was shown on the wall, with text drawn of over it. A man stood in front, in uniform with three 'pips' on his epaulettes, indicating a rank of Chief Inspector.

"This is the Alzim's Pub. We intend to trap out tango here. Agent Alisa and Probationary Agent Amy while be in a unmarked car here," replied Chief Inspector Andy Berners, pointing to a car park space. "The rest of us will be hiding here, pointing to small streets. The tangos will be going through this road. Tango 2 is a dangerous target, and is possibly armed, so bullet-proof vests and P90s are all in. Also, bring Tasers. If the tango does not respond to our request to arrest him, we'll shock him. Ok, let's move out."

Kurita knew he had to act tonight. His plan was simple follow the good Inspector home do what I have to do then disappear, quick and simple.

Lauer left the freeway. After a few minutes he reached the building. A sign hanging down said Alzim's Pub. He saw a gleam and smiles and he drove into the car park and parked.

___________________________________________________________

"Charlie One," replied Alisa replied. "Tango 1 has landed."

Kurtia saw Lauer pull up to the Pub. "A little to public for what I want to do."
With that thought he drove by and pulled into a parking lot about half a block up. "I hope you have a nice night Mr. Lauer for when you are done we must talk."

"Charlie One, I have positive ID on Tango 2, registration Bravo Alpha Tango Three Six Niner, red Ford."

"Roger," replied the Chief Inspector. "Alright, move in."

The police cars drove up as fast as they could. The first two flashed there lights when they approached the car. The officers walked out of the car. With a baton, one of them smashed the window, two other dragged Kurita out of his car and whilst the other shouted, pointing P90s at Kurita.

"POLICE DON'T MOVE!"

bump

"Right I surrender, just get Lauer over here I have something to tell him!"

"You can tell it to me," Lauer replied, walking out the bushes. "Fell right into our trap. Not quite the smart one now, are you?"

"I owe nothing more to Slayn and his people. If you want to save lives you will make me a deal." Kurita smiled and continued. "I was going to give this to you for free but seeing as your cleaver trap worked this Intel will cost you, now it's lets make a deal. Say several hundred lives for my freedom."

"Not happening," replied Lauer. "I don't have the power to do so. And it's not politically expedient to do so."

He shouted to the other officers,

"Put him in the paddy wagon," replied Lauer.

"Yes, Sir," the officers replied dragging Kurita into the vehicle.

"So you have condemed them to death I hope you can live with yourself!"


_______________________________________________________________

The press conference ended about 30 minuites age and John Lock walked out to his car. Patting the trunk and smiling he opened the drivers side door and started the car. Using the GPS unit on the dashboard he ploted his route to the local childerns hospital. He yelled to the back of the car "Don't worry John it will not be long now."

"If you're so concerned about those lives, than why do you need to bargain," shouted Jack back as the paddywagon moved along.

_______________________________________________________________
CTU Interview Room.

"This is Agent Lauer and Agent Alisa," said Agent Lauer. "We are interviewing a Mr. Kurita, who is currently detained and has been charged with Murder, Conducting an Act of Terrorism. Kurita, I must for read your rights. You are being held under the auspices of the Terrorism Act. You are not obliged to say or do anything unless you wish to do so, but whatever you say or do may be used in evidence. Do you understand the rights set forth?"

"It is simple and I will even talk slowly so you can understand. I want out of this whole thing. You put me in jail I will not last till my court date the Order has a long reach as you will soon find out. I will give you a piece of the puzzle and maybe then you government will be willing to deal. The Order has infiltrated this country with agents. Those agents are under orders to provoke a war between Tarlag and you. If you respond with force General Cox's Neutrality Order will mean nothing. Tarlag's military will respond and the Duke will be discredited. Slayn will win."
Kurita Smiled "I was coming to tell you this in person for free then I was just going to disappear. Now it will be a price I give you the targets and you let me leave the country, never to bother you again. Yes I do know the targets because I was the one to draw up the list. Well Mr Lauer what will it be?"

________________________________________________________________________________

Lock stopped the car in a deserted parking lot and walked over to a dumpster. Going behind the dumpster he began taking boxes of nails he had hidden there the day before. After loading them in the back seat of the full sized car he walked around and opened the trunk. Smiling down at the man who was tied and unconsiouse there surrounded by tightly wrapped containers of explosives he said.
"Sorry I had to take your place John but Master Slayn wants you to take the blame."

"Screw you!" Panting heavily Kurita looked up at Lauer and spat in his face.
"I am trained to resist torture you idiot, by the time you break me it will be to late. Every time you do something to hurt me that is one less target I give up that just cost you 250 lives, Want to try for more?"


______________________________________________________________

Lock waited it the front seat of the car for about ten minutes, He smiled as he saw a bakery truck pull into the deserted lot. A nondescript man exited the truck and walked over to the car. Lock opened his window and addressed the man "Mr. Smith are you ready?"
"Yes Sir, I park next to the main market and leave the truck. The timer is set for 1 min. then BOOM! I escape in the confusion."
"Good, all attacks will happen exactly at 9:00am local. Now get out of here and remember follow all traffic laws we don't want to pay for any tickets."
Both men laughed s they went their separate ways.

A few moments later, he got a piece of paper. He threw it at Kurita

"Look like your political stars are aligned," Lauer replied. "That's you're pardon papers."

bump

OCC Sorry I did not respond sooner work has been a bear

Kurita smiled "Look for the Little Debbie bakery trucks out of Freedom City. One of the Order front companies bought it about two years ago and have infiltrated its work force with their people. Most of their targets are Hospitals, Markets, Schools and Nursing Homes. If you act fast your people can stop them."
Kurita looked at Lauer "Yea, I want out. I have betrayed my people I right now the only way out I have is to disappear, but if you are straight with me I can help you to make this right. Contact Lady Moonshadow I think she can help us both and maybe together we can help you get the people who started this."

OOC: Sorry for not posting earlier

"Well, she's on her way," replied Lauer. "Interview Terminated at 1840 hours."

They both walked out of the interview room. Lauser walked for only for a few seconds before he bumped into someone familiar.

"Director, Sir." replied Lauer.

"Yes, it's me." replied Dwyer. "So did he take the bait."

"Totally, it would seem."

"Good," replied Dwyer. "Keep up the good work."

bump

Lady Moonshadow put down her cell phone and looked at her party gathered in the hotel room. "Things have gotten bad back home folks, there is fighting in the capital. I have also been told our GAPTS allies have been called in by the Duke to help put down the Lords. We have also been officially recalled by Paladin Dragonblade."

Ann Blake looked up from her cell phone as she was dialing out. "So when do we leave?"
"We aren't Child, we should at least stay to see if we need to give witness in any court proceedings. I am going to get Lauer on the phone and see if he needs anything from us."
Mc Lar walked over from the wet bar where he had gotten himself a glass with some ice. "Lady Moonshadow is that such a good idea? Have we not helped these people enough."
Leenara gave her most disapproving look to her supposed body guard "I thought I taught you better then that. Never leave a job unfinished. We also need to repair relations with them. If we can be seen as aiding them to route out these killers it may help us in the eyes of the Colonies in the long run."
Lady Moonshadow picked her phone back up and dialed. "I need to speak with Agent Lauer Please."

"Hi, this is the switchboard. Lauer is currently in operations, but he did leave me a note to say that he need you in the station ASAP."

Lady Moonshadow looked at the rest of her party. "Lets move people they need us at the station."
Mr. Strange looked over at the elder Paladin and asked "What about our orders? We are suppose to be going home?"
"At my age I have learned to follow most orders. However the job is not done and I never leave a job unfinished. Alan be a dear boy and get the car we don't need to keep Mr. Lauer waiting."

Ten minutes later they entered the Police Station. "Could you inform Mr. Lauer Paladin Moonshadow is here."

The Sergeant on the desk replied, "He's out at the moment. He told me to come in and make yourself comfortable. The Director will brief you."

He pulled out a few badges.

"Here, you may need this visitor badges."

*bump*

Lady Moonshadow passed out the visitor passes and proceed to find Lauer.
After a few minutes of asking passers by she managed to locate the Agent.
"Greetings, So what do you have for us?"

OOC: Err.. Lauer is not the Director, Dwyer is.

"Well... do you have all the files from the Order first of all? We want you to pass all of it to us."

OCC sorry my bad.


Mr. Strange passed a DVD to Agent Lauer. "Here is all the data we have on Order operations in the Northern Colonies. Internal security raided the Orders main headquarters out side of New Port and downloaded it to me off of their mainframe."
Lady Mooshadow looked a Lauer then spoke " According to Strange it will have all of the locations and names of any Order operatives in the Colonies and their contacts. I hope it helps."
Strange opened his lap top and showed the Agent the screen. "It Looks like they were setting up some good sized operations here for some time. If left undisturbed in another six months or so they could have done some massive damage to your infrastructure. Just by what they were setting up it looks like they were getting ready for a major war between us. Thank God they tripped their hand."

"Indeed," replied Dwyer, taking the CDs. "If you're wondering, Lauer is out on a mission. It seems that the Order has placed bombs in trucks and wanting to blow something else up. What has happened, is that in return for a pardon, he has given us this information. We gave him a fake pardon."

He looked at the pair and noticed something missing.

"Where's Ann?"

"Ms. Blake will be along shortly, I ordered her to put on her Fair Witness robes. We will have to return home soon and she along with the rest of us will have to make a report to the Duke." replied Lady Moonshadow.
"Are you sure he did not give you fake or incomplete information. Kurita is no fool he would never give you the complete picture or all the targets until he was safely away." Said Mr. Strange.

"Hence why we sent Lauer to investigate," replied Dwyer. "Plus, this DVD should help us."

*bump*

OCC sorry I have gotten busy with other things.


Leenara looked down the hall as Ann Blake approached in her white Fair Witness robe. "Lady Moonshadow, Agent Dwyer when can we see Mr. Kurita?"
"As soon as they give us permission. Agent Lauer is out investigating the information Kurita has all ready given up."
Lady Moonshadow turned back to Dwyer. "Just so you know I understand that you are going to put Kurita before you courts. I have been ordered to inform both you and him that the Duke has ordered that no one from our government may interfere or help him in any way."
Mr Strange looked over at Dryer and asked "How many of the false front businesses did he tell you about? Going over the information I have counted at least three."

"Well, he told us only one at the moment," replied Dwyer. "We need to go through this carefully."

He gave the DVD to a lady walking by.

"Emes," said Dwyer. "Get you're evidence analysis team to go through that and get a report to my office by tomorrow."

"Yes, John," she replied

OOC: Can we assume that Lauer has completed his mission can come back in the next post? So we can start the final interrogation sooner rather than later.

OCC Fine with me


"When may we see Mr. Kurita? Now that he is a little more talkative we need some asnwers."

OOC: Will post something here at the end of the week