NationStates Jolt Archive

Sinking of Aurum Doman Vessel – Tragic Accident, Cover-up or deliberate attack?
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By Lisa Pewterszhmit

The Royal Navy today sank a vessel on route from the nation of Aurum Domus to the Animarnian port or Saxbury. The large cargo vessel christened the “Moonlight Lady” and identified as a large cargo container was scuttled by a Royal Navy Destroyer after it ignored repeated communiqués by the navy to board the vessel and carry out an inspection after being identified by the Animarnian Counter Terrorist Unit. As a perceived serious threat An Amber Alert was issued for the vessel to be searched and inspected for terrorist equipment, paraphernalia or personnel; the alert was sanctioned after the vessel visited a nation on the terror watch list. According to government officials speaking on the condition of anonymity the vessel was tracked by at least two unmanned air vehicles and satellite surveillance as it entered the Nova straight. As the rouge vessel passed the four hundred-mile markers a Royal Navy Type 48 Queen Mary Class destroyer – HMS Bainbridge was dispatched to intercept the vessel on its way to Saxbury. Which at the time was hosting the welcome home ceremony for the Fleet Carrier Alexia DeLèan after its most recent tour of duty. The Destroyer is alleged to have made repeated communiqués to the ship requesting it to come to full stop and prepare for boarding. However these were ignored and as the vessel passed the twenty-five mile limit two anti-shipping missiles were launched from the Bainbridge at the vessel striking at the forward and rear compartments on the port side; sinking it in its entirety and killing all crew aboard. Upon examination of the wreckage Navel Experts and the Maritime Shipping Safety Board (MSSB) have ruled that the ship contained no contraband or Terrorist equipment.

There has been no official government statement about the incident thus far and the Head of the Royal Navy Admiral Jonathan C Davis was unavailable for comment at time of printing. The thoughts and prayers of this reporter go out to the family and friends of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.

Official Statement From Aurum Domus High Command

The sinking of the ADS Moonlight Lady was a terrible accident. The cargo ship was not government owned and therefore it is not our business on how to deal with this. We do strongly urge the Animarnians to at least pay reparations to the families of the men they mistakenly killed.

To: Aurum Domus
From: The Animarnia Department of State
Encrypted Level : Delta - (Light)

The Animarnia government will not pay any reparations to the alleged terrorists in this incident as the Royal Navy was following correct and proper procedure in this incident. The cargo ship “Moonlight Lady” was given every opportunity to hail to; be boarded and inspected; several communiqués were sent to the ship via RF Radio; and over loud speaker from the Bainbridge via directed sound amplification system. They were given over 25 minutes to comply with these requests after repeated warnings - these were all ignored. As such the department of homeland security authorised the use of deadly force after declaration of an Amber alert under Counter Terror legislation civil contingencies bill section 8 and scuttled the ship.

Miss Tegan Harris
Minister of Law and Justice
Animarnia Department of State

Public Message to Animarnia.
As an ally, and as a nation with knowledge of how cargo ships can be used for hostile purposes, we request that you carry out a salvage operation as soon as possible. -The Lone Alliance

Whitetail Ski Resort, Mt Tritium, Outside Goldton

Mortuss Visio and the men that led each section of Silens Nex, the elusive criminal empire that was involved in literally all organized crime that happened in Aurum Domus, sat at a long table in the command center deep within the mountain. They had just received word that the Animarnians had sunk a ship belonging to a shipping company named Malum Traba which was actually a front company used to smuggle vast amounts of drugs and weapons into other nations. The ship in question hadn't been carrying anything harmful or illegal, only shipments of food that had been originally loaded on in Aureus Insula.

Mortuss stood and and spoke in clear, harsh voice.

"Well Gentlemen, we cannot have one of our ships sunk without consequence. Though I cannot confirm this at the time, I believe the official story is nothing but a cover. Our ships have been bringing cargo to Animarnia for years without problems and now this. I think someone in their Intelligence Agency figured out who owned the ship and gave the order for it to be blown up.

The Admiral of the fleet who destroyed our ship was certainly involved somehow. He will be the first target. Animarnia will feel our wrath, no one gets away with attacking Silens Nex!"

\Suburbs of Saxbury, Animarnia 7:00 am Nova Time

A lone sniper sat in a water tower several blocks away from Admiral Anazai's home. He peered through his SDSV-33 scope, which was mounted on his silenced DRS 84, at the front door of the Admirals house. He was due to exit the house any minute. At the completion of the shooting the sniper would disassemble his rifle and stow the individual pieces in a backpack. He would hopefully be able to blend right into the crowd and casually walk away.

Five minutes later, the Admiral stepped out of his front door. The sniper placed the scope's crosshairs over the Admiral's head and fired. He then cycled the bolt and shot one more round at the Admirals chest for good measure.

Monday
In the backseat of a moving red and white, he is cut loose from the city, from this life. It watches me pass with sharp neon eyes. The night has gilded the skyscrapers in silver. Every brick wall is covered with graffiti and filth; ever so often we pass something of interest; some creative piece of art which amounts to something more than just 'Amy sucks cock' The red and blue of the police car's lights flash on the white snow. Stuck in the limbo between right and wrong with no road signs or guide to help; the police following a trail of empty shell casings. A pistol fused to a hand like another limb; he doesn’t even feel the cold steel anymore; it's like an extension of his body a familiar friend always with him, when you dwell next to the gates of hell; death will always be at your door.

That's how it started; a crescendo of flashing lights and wails from police cars; it seemed appropriate to end like it began. He was lying on a stretcher in the rear of an ambulance I'm pretty sure the paramedic driving was new; he heard mutterings of “Oh God”. His hands tied tightly to the sides of the stretcher as much for his own protection to stop him moving. He was not in good shaping though, 2 bullets; one centre of mass the second to the head which would have killed him instantly had it not been for a sheer stroke of luck, he was bleeding out. The paramedic had said something about head trauma; he guessed that explained why his vision is getting fuzzy and it feels like his head is swimming after he smacked in on the concrete floor.

He Was never seen Alive again.

Tuesday
Grayskull Military Cemetery
Several people from various walks of life stood around the grave; many were in military dress; others were in traditional brightly coloured funeral dress; all were either crying or holding there heads down in sombre as Animarnia buried one of its greatest naval leaders. As the coffin was lowered in the ground; people placed items special to them into the grave appropriately and a military Royal Marine detail in full dress stood to attention as the Sargent commanded it

“Ten Hut” he ordered and the Marines raised there old single shot rifles into the 45 degree position; “Fire” a twenty four gun salute was fired into the air; followed by a second; then a third; “Company Hut” the Sargent ordered and the Marines moved there rifles to the sides. Two Marines moved forward and folded the Animarnian Flag and handed it to the Admirals Widow who was holding her two children crying.

Central Security Intelligence Service Headquarters
Section D – 02:30AM
The response to this assassination needed to be immediate; the head of Section D Adam Hunter responsible for Counter intelligence was not happy as he walked through the corridors of central; and past the secure check points. “What in bloody hell happened?” he said almost immediately having been on a Holiday to a rich Alpine Ski resort at the time he was not pleased to be called back early; and what he heard next pleased him even less.

“Admiral Anasazi was shot by a sniper yesterday morning at 7:00AM Animarnian standard time; he died on his way to hospital at 7:02 AM; this was nothing short and an assassination”, Andrew Myers Section D’s senior case officer reported calmly and without pause. “Director Fisher has left it to us to find out what happened” he said moving to the side and leading Adam to the large LCD display. “The Police have canvassed the area; so far we have eight eye witnesses that saw the Admiral go down; ballistics report bullet used was 8.8x77mm which is a standard Doomani round used in tactical sniper rifles” Andrew reported flicking the LCD to show the round in question.

“Trajectory shows that the shot likely came from one of these buildings here or the water tower“ Andrew flicked the HD LCD to show the area in question. “Chloe has run the Satellite Surveillance photos and we found our shooter on the top of the water tower and sure enough using the DR-84. Using CCTV we’ve tracked the shooter across the city to a warehouse on the East Side of Saxbury probably waiting for extraction” Andrew pressed the button on the remote and showed the satellite tracking the shooter while another HD screen showed the CCTV footage.

“As far as we can tell he’s still there; we had Ruth pull up the building plans from the city archives”, Andrew said and led Adam to the flat computer table in the centre of the room. He tapped a control, which turned the 2d plans into a 3D holographic display. “Entrances front and back; and two stories high with roof access; the SAS and armed response have drawn up assault plans”

Saxbury – 04:25AM
The normally bustling city of Saxbury was dead quiet; at between four and five AM not a creature was stirring; the city had been hit with tragedy yesterday morning as Admiral Anazasi travelling to the navel port had been hit by a sniper. Guardian Drones stood by in the air ever watchful and feeding data from their night and thermal cameras back to Central and to the Surveillance Vans posted at various points.

Two Eliminates of Armed Response moved silently through the dark night to take up positions at the front and back of the wear house; Snapper moved forward checking for booby traps and placed a breaching charge on the door while Ginger stood by ready with a flashbang Grenade. Meanwhile up above a UH-500 Little-bird in Whisper mode was landing on the roof top and Red Troop of the SAS were getting ready to breach the Roof Door with a similar charge again with flash-bangs ready. While Blue Troop repelled down the side of the warehouse on ropes and placed small breaching charges on the windows designed to blow them inwards.

“Delta Six, We are ready for go”, Came the Reply from Red Troop

“Delta Four Ready to Go”, Said Blue Troop

“Armed Response Go”, Said the leaders of the armed Elements ready to breach.

“Roger All Elements; Bang and Clear” Andrew gave the order; and like a symphony of chaos and destruction all the elements reacted at once; First the breaching charges fired on the front, rear and Roof Doors creating loud explosions then at least two flash bangs were tossed into the rooms.

“Bang and Clear” said a trooper with a distinctly British accent as the flash bangs exploded and the elements rushed in armed with CR-20 Carbines with Wireless Taser Modules under-barrel where some had full CR-20’s and Grenade launchers; the troopers stormed the warehouse.

“Armed Police! On the ground!” They shouted as Blue Troop Breached the windows and tossed in several more flash bangs before entering and clearing the rooms one by one; “Armed Police!” The SAS and Police moved from room to Room Tasering any suspects hoping to reach any suspects before they could wipe computers or destroy evidence.

Warehouse 12, East Saxbury

Warehouse 12 was the base for Silens Nex's operations in Animarnia. Considering their operations here weren't too big, mainly smuggling drugs and weapons, the amount of people in the warehouse at a time was never that large. At the moment there were twenty gangsters asleep inside several different rooms. This included Deadshot Smith, the assassin responsible for the Admirals untimely demise.

The explosions and the subsequent flashbangs awoke everyone inside though fifteen of the twenty were stunned or tasered before they could reach their pistols. Deadshot grabbed his jacket and ribbed out a bit of the lining. He retrieved two small cyanide pills which he then swallowed. He laid against the wall and waited to die.

Meanwhile, the remaining four gangsters grabbed their TDX .40 pistols and started shooting at the men rapidly moving toward them. There really was no hope of survival but at least they wouldn't live to be interrogated by the Animarnians.

Warehouse 12, East Saxbury
The SAS and Armed response quickly moved through the warehouse banging and clearing each room as they went Tasering many of the suspects when they came back to the four gangsters the SAS troopers put them down with four round bursts from there FN P90’s. Aiming for the extremities such a shoulders, arms, kneecaps and thighs etc to incapacitate them rather than go for the kill shots. After they were down another trooper came forward “Get their shooters!” yelled the troop commander

As they cleared the rooms they quickly came across ‘Dead-Shot Smith’ leaning against a wall frothing at the mouth the signs instantly recognisable “Shit! The fucker’s taken Cyanide!” a Trooper yelled quickly opening his medical kit and administering an anti-toxin concoction designed to be fielded against Biological and Chemical weapons including cyanide they only hoped that they got to him in time.

Mean while other police in body armour were already piling in to the wear house after the all clear from armed response to cuff the suspected terrorists and take them over to the waiting paddy wagons where they’d be delivered to a detention facility maintained by Section D for interrogation.

The Animarnians were too late, even with the anti toxin the assassin was near death. His eyes rolled back in his head and the top part of his body fell and hit the floor. Dead Shot Smith, one of the greatest assassins in the employ of Silens Nex was dead. His family would be paid a large amount for grievances, making the ultimate sacrifice for the organization was the most honorable thing you could do.

Meanwhile the remaining thugs went quietly, they didn't really know any details. They had only been told to protect the assassin until extraction. It was standard work that had gone horribly wrong.

Warehouse 12
As the man keeled over; white froth still foaming in his mouth; “Shit” was the one word echoed near simultaneously by the seven SAS troopers in the room. But just because the man was dead; doesn’t mean he couldn’t talk; in Animarnia; Dead men could indeed tell tales. A specialised medical technician came in took Smith’s photo then along with fingerprints, blood, hair and even a semen sample which were all labelled and packed off to be sent to the Section D Lab. While the actually body was zipped into a black bag and taken to HQ where it would be pined over with a toothcomb for any clue at all to his origin. It was relatively unknown except in certain circles but Central had possibly the largest database of terrorists, assassins, known foreign nationals, arms dealers, Neen-er-do-wells and General people you wouldn’t take home to mother in existence. The Assassins photo, DNA, Blood type, Fingerprints and even semen would be matched against all known criminal, Intelligence, Military, Healthcare and even donor clinic records. Not to mention information gathered exclusively by Section C and the off the books Section E. So if he had ever even been to a hospital; or had a medical record some information would be found.

As for the other detainee’s they were quietly searched for ID as they were herded into the waiting black transit Vans down the ally. All there belongings were confiscated; there passports taken and they were even stripped naked and had there heads covered with urine soaked sacks before being bundled into the van one by one. Upon there arrival at the Section D Detention facility they would each undergo a similar procedure to the Assassin; fingerprints, DNA, Blood work, Hair and semen samples would be taken. They would be subjected to a thorough cavity search before being taken at gunpoint by Section D Agents to a Eight foot by Six Foot Cell to themselves. Which would be flooded with white noise from speakers built into the walls where they would be left to contemplate their situation for several hours while being watched by an ‘eye in the sky’ built into the ceiling.


Breaking News…

Armed police today raided a warehouse in Saxbury; believed to have been the hideout for an assassin responsible for the killing of Admiral Anasazi of the Royal Navy early this morning. Details are still coming in however up to twenty suspects are alleged to have been captured and some of which were injured in the raid under anti-terror laws. One suspect is believed to have been killed It is unknown if this suspect was shot by police or took his own life. The government and police have so far refused to comment on if this is a wider crack down under the new Civil Contingencies Bill passed by the Senate earlier this month. This Raid comes just days after the sinking of the Moonlight lady; one thing for sure is that if I were an Aurum Doman I would certainly sleep with one eye open tonight; this is James Macavoy, ANN reporting live from Saxbury.

Interrogation Room #1.
It had been at least six hours since the group had been brought to Section D; all the while exposed to white noise and had there heads covered in the urine soaked sack; arms tied behind there backs to prevent them from removing it. The first of the detainee’s was led into a grey room; with a single light bulb above a metal table; and two metal chairs (one either side). Several flat metal panels were in the top Four Corners of the room at 45-degree angles and there was a one way mirror at the back of the room where they would be observed and likely recorded.

The detainee was forcibly sat down onto the chair and tied to it before the sack was removed. The bright light undoubtedly causing discomfort for the eyes after hours of darkness. An interrogator entered to room; she was tall; likely in the range of six feet and with coppery steel hair straight down over her shoulders; she was without doubt quite beautiful if not for the shoulder holster under her left arm. Over a Red blouse and dark black skirt. She sat down opposite the detainee. Placing a glass of water on the table she took out her firearm; a FN FiveSeven .45ACP and placed it on the table pointing at the man; the FiveSeven quite popular with Section D agents; she also placed a pair of pliers onto the desk.

“Let me be clear I am going to ask you some questions; every time I think you are lying I am going to remove something; and I promise they will be things you will miss” she began

“Think about that for a moment, you have 10 fingers, and if I take each one at the knuckles that’s 2 knuckles per finger, 20 cuts before I even get to your toes. Remember you can still masturbate with half a thumb, Digest that for a moment” she said with a firm cold stare.

“Now; shall we begin? Who do you work for?” she said pliers at the ready

"Well I'm sure you know anyway, myself and my men are members of Scelertus, the street gang unit of Silens Nex. Though I'm sure you knew that anyway, before you even ask more questions I'll tell you this. Neither me nor any of my men know who the dead man is. We were only asked by the higher ups to protect him until he was extracted."

Office of the Honoured Parceltongue, Pouncing Tiger, (Dr P Cox), Palace of Freedom, New Theeb, Vetaka:

Pouncing Tiger had been isolated within his office for some 90 minutes now. His head deep in various large files from various Government Agencies regarding the recent sinking of a Aurum Doman Cargo Ship by the Animarnian Royal Navy. Whilst Vetaka had made no official statement or comment on the incident, the Vetakan Government was maintaining very close attention to the event. Whilst Vetakan Foreign Affairs, Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service (VSIS) or the Vetakan Defence Force (VDF) had made no official request for information regarding the incident with the Animarnians or the Aurum Domans behind close doors and strictly off the record personnel of various Vetakan Agencies where calling in favours and leaning on friendships to gain information about the event from both sides.

Whilst this was going on Space Command, Naval Command and Air Command directed by VSIS Strategic Intelligence Unit where attempting to determine whether OBSAT Spy Sats, Vetakan Naval Assets and Vetakan Air Assets had been in the local area at the time of the incident. Vetaka was fortunately in luck a Vetakan Vanguard Submarine the Vetakan Defence Force Naval Ship (VDFNS) Longnor had actually trailed the Moonlight Lady for serveral hours before it had entered Animarnian Waters on entering Animarnian Waters the VDFNS Longnor had reported that the Vessel was heard to be hailed by the Royal Navy and that Long Range Radar had reported that the Moonlight Lady was fired on by a Royal Navy Surface Combatant identified as HMS Bainbridge.

Pouncing Tiger had read the VDFNS Longnor's report numerous time before decided to contact the Longnors Commanding Officer which was Capitain Rick Davenport after a short 20 minute phone conversation Pouncing Tiger thanked the Captain and read through VSIS Intels report regarding the Naval Incident and the resulting terrorist assassination Royal Navy Admiral Anazai incident whilst VSIS had yet to find a connection it was strange that a Ship is sunk and then an Admiral is murdered. That done he contacted the Vetakan Navies Chief of Staff, Supreme Grand Admiral Charles Hornblower and explained the situation and asked for Hornblowers opinion whom informed him that if the incident had been dealt with by the Vetakan Navy the Vetakans would have responded identically to their Animarnian Brothers and Sisters.

It was then that their was a short loud knock at Cox's door he looked up and murmured:

"Enter"

As the door opened and a women stepped in Cox smiled and spoke:

"Lea, what brings you here?"

Leanne Simpson was a VSIS Command Directive Intelligence Officer it was her job to brief and provide Intelligence Support to high ranking members of the Vetakan Government and Military. She was around 5ft7, brown hair and hazel eyes. She had worked for Cox before during his time as Vetakan Foreign Secretary and his time as Vice President they had built a great friendship and was somewhat surprised with her arrival now. Mainly because Lea had been assigned to Parceltongue Rising Tiger. She smiled and spoke:

"Hello Old Friend, Pearce Sent me with a report regarding Intel we just received from our Agents operating in Silens Nex's. The ship the Animarnians sunk belonged to a shipping company known as Malum Traba which is registered in Aurum Domus, the company is actually a known Silens Nex Front Organization for the smuggling of drugs and weapons in nations where Silens Nex fell their is is a market"

She fell silent and showed him a picture of the Moonlight Lady in Port:

"We have considered using Malum Traba to smuggle weapons and supplies to various groups where its believed using VDF Special Ops would be to risky. Now our agent in Silens Nex doesn't know what the Ship was carrying if anything at all. All the agent knows is that Mortuss was pretty pissed when they discovered the ship had been sunk, as such our agent reckons Mortuss retaliated..........."

Cox finished her sentence:

"With the assassination of Admiral Anazai"

Leanne smiled:

"Exactly"

Cox smiled warmly at her:

"Keep this off the Allied Intel Database for now, Get our Operative within Silens Nex to see what he can dig up, ideally I want know what was on that ship, did the Animarians on know about it, if it was something illegal who was shipping it, where was it destined and finally is the Aurum Domus Government involved. Keep this Classified and strictly out of the ears of the Animarians & the Aurum Domans. Id rather not worsen this Crisis by sticking our nose in if its not needed or will make things worse, got it?"

"Of Course, Boss." replied Leanne

Who stood and moved for the door before turning and smiling:

"By the way, Pearce asked me to tell you. "Told you Red Gumland would Win"

Cox chuckled:

"Bastard"

With that Leanne burst into giggles and prompt left the room.

Interrogation Room
Alison turned her head; taking the man in and studying him; evaluating his potential in a matter of seconds and laying a off yellow file on the desk taking out various photographs. One showing the body of the fallen Admiral a large hole in the left side of his head, another was off a chalk outline on the concrete floor, another of blood splatter. As she laid them out one by the urge to cause this man pain by removing limbs or kneecapping him with her FiveSeven was only suppressed by the knowledge of how much paperwork was involved. The Admiral had been a much-loved figure in the government; well liked by all that knew him.

“He was gunned down in broad daylight yesterday morning; in front of his wife and two children” she said; “In your warehouse; rented under the name Malum Traba; a company registered out of Aurum Domus. Your homeland I believe according to your passport and an known front for Silens Nex and Aurum Dorman Intelligence when it suits it” she said simply.

“We Found several large weapon caches in the warehouse; enough to start a small war; plus the illegal weapons that were in your persons; and our data engineers are going over all the computer drives we found too. We have you dead to rights; I could hand you and your buddies over to the DA right now and have you nailed to the fucking cross and personally I would like nothing more”

“Fortunately for you; my boss is willing to make you a deal I want you to tell me everything you know about Silens Nex Organisation; names, places, operational systems, everything; I want you to roll over, sing and dance a damn jig if I ask it. In return we will give you a new identity, a new face – a new life. You as you are now will cease to exist.” She said; flexing her trigger finger to get rid of that nervous itch.

“However if you want to make things difficult; we can return to the path of removing limbs” she added and waited for his reply. While it was true that the Animarnians knew a good deal about Silens Nex including several of its known fronts Section D could certainly always use more information; especially from an insider even a low ranking one may be a gold mine without even realising it. Of most interest though was the question of had the Aurum Dorman government or any branch there off known or ordered the assassination; the she doubted that this kind of information was available to the low ranking ‘lowlife’. It was unfortunate that ‘smith’ had taken his own life before they could get to him, as he would have been a far more useful subject.

At Sea, HMS Morgana LeFaye
The Gleaming hull of the recently refit LeFaye stood proud with its fighters running standard flight ops off its glistening decks surrounding it was its operational group of destroyers and cruisers while below it moving silently were its guardian protectors in the form of Nuclear attack submarine’s. Admiral Laura Tyrol was on her command deck watching the gently glow of afterburners as fighters lifted off from the electromagnetic catapults. Normally the DeLèan would be leading but she was in for an eight-month refit and general overhaul. Which meant the baton fell to the LeFaye along with the call-sign ‘Carrier Group one’ the LeFaye herself just out of an extensive refit which would extend the carriers life by another decade at least. A Young Sailor; Finch she believed his name was entered into her ‘space’ where she was working and handed her a Tablet computer; which flashed to life as she placed he thumb print on the scanner. A moment later the image of the Royal Navy seal on blue background changed to the face of Kara Panturgaust; recently promoted to head of the naval service from Submarine Group One; she was now joint lesion between Naval Intelligence and the Royal Navy Proper. Laura clipped a Microphone/Headphone earpeice on

“Hey Laura; I have some orders for you; you heard the news right; its been all over ANN by now” she began.

Laura nodded “yeah” she said into the microphone of the earpeice. Allowing the real time digital communication; the whole package a product of the recent upgrade.

“Well; central seem to think that the Aurum Dormans are involved; we’re 98% Certain that the Silens Nex Mafia were behind the assassination. However Central think that the Aurum government may have backed the attack in retaliation for us sinking that cargo ship CTU flagged up” Kara spoke over the video link; quite animated with hand movements.

“Why do I get the feeling I’m not going to like what’s coming next?” Laura spoke. Kara nodded in reply.

“Because you know me; your orders are to proceed to 400 kilometres from Aurum Dorman waters don’t provoke them for the moment; but if they engage you; well you know the drill; I’d suggest going to Condition 2 fleet wide. We may be asking you to conduct air strikes against Silens Nex Targets inside Aurum Dormus with or without the governments consent” Kara spoke.

“Aren’t they our allies?” Laura replied somewhat uncomfortable.

“No one in the high ups has really trusted the Dormans since that crap they pulled with the Doomani; Central have just been looking for an excuse to bury them; and this may be it so keep sharp” Kara replied finally. “Godspeed”

With that the link went dead once again switching to the logo on blue; the notion made Laura a little uneasy but orders were orders; “Helm Right 45; Full Ahead; Rig for Continentia; Hold at Aurum Domus 400 clicks” she ordered.

“Aye Skipper”, came the reply.

“Condition 2, Fleet wide” she ordered.

“Aye, Aye” Came a reply this time from a different voice; and Klaxons started sounding all through the ship with a hornets nest stirred up every crew man acting as if a fire had been started under there butt.

"I'll accept the deal if you agree to conditions, first, my sixteen year old son is among the people you have jailed. I would like him and the rest of my family to have new identitys aswell. Second, I don't ever want to have to wear a wire seeing as that is as good as signing a death warrant. If you agree to these things I'll tell you everything I know though I do not know much."

Interrogation Room
Alison looked at him gauging his response; “This is not a negotiation”; she began; “however we are willing to accommodate your request; for amnesty of your family. We will arrange from them to be sent with a new identity anywhere in Nova; working for one of many of Animarnia Multi-national companies”, she said simply.

“However as for your request of not wearing a wire; this is a non issue; even with the great length we have been to in concealing the identities of the suspects; the raid has gathered media attention as an undercover assets all 20 of you have essentially been burned. All you can tell us now is what you already know” Alison spoke.

She nodded to the one way glass an a man in a dark suit entered the interrogation room and placed a large pad of paper and a pen in the desk before leaving. Alison turned the pad around to face the detainee. “Your home has already been searched; and your wife is being debriefed; naturally this will take some time to explain”

“In the mean time - Start Writing”; she all but ordered the tone of her voice leaving no room for negotiation of any kind; Alison was still involuntarily flexing her trigger finger.

Office of the Honoured Parceltongue, Pouncing Tiger, (Dr P Cox), Palace of Freedom, New Theeb, Vetaka:

The Sun was now slowly dropping now over the City of New Theeb, the cities workers where on the way home ready to doll themselves up to launch themselves into the cities wicked nightlife. Some of the older ones where sitting down with their families. Pouncing Tiger was hoping to get out of his office soon so that he could get back to his Wife, Wagdogian Ambassador to Vetaka Lady Toriel and their lovely Elven-Human hybrid child Luthein. However he had just one task to do before he could hopefully escape for a weekend out of the office and out of politics. Pouncing Tiger smiled as he picked up his phone and dialled a number it rang and ran through security protocols before it connected, a relaxed elegant females voice answered:

"Leanne Simpson?"

"Lea, I want you to approach Alison Carter, With the VSIS File on Silens Nex" spoke Cox

"Yes Sir" replied Simpson

17:02, Animarnian Embassy, 2002 St Lewis Street, New Theeb, Vetaka:

The Black Audi A5 screeched to a halt outside the closed gates of the Animarnian Embassy 3 people exited the vehicle. 2 of them where men in suits with Black Glasses the third was a women. Simpson she approached the Embassy Guardsman and smiled speaking softly:

"Evening Gents, I need to speak with Ambassador Alison Carter?"

She showed the Guard a Small ID Card which showed she was a VSIS Intelligence Officer with one of the highest security authorizations within VSIS:

"I am Leanne Simpson, Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service, I need to speak with the Ambassador now. Its a matter of International Security"

Animarnia Embassy, New Theeb
The rather large Embassy guards in fully body armour and with assault rifles hanging loosely down at there waist from shoulder straps nodded reading the ID; “Just one moment ma’am” said the one; a strapping lad and Green Army Regular. The soldier turned; and went over to a phone picking it up. Meanwhile the second guard simply smiled and made small talk waiting for his companion to return which he did a moment later and nodded his approval to open the gate.

The large gate was opened and the three visitors were led through; by a third guard on the other side with just a side arm in desert BDU’s they were led through the large embassy building to Ambassador Carter’s office; who offered them to sit down.

“Please sit”, she nodded and waved a hand to the large lazy boy leather chair on the opposite side of her wooden desk. “You’ll have to forgive the extra security out front I’m afraid we’ve had to put our embassies on alert after the shooting earlier today”

“So What can I do for you?” she said running a hand through her hair which came just above he shoulder and brushing it behind her ear.

Animarnia Embassy, New Theeb:

Leanne smiled at the strapping young gents as she passed them. Lea was single and somewhat wild when it came to drink and young men. As she relaxed within the Lazy Boy she sighed before speaking:

"Now this is what you call an Office"

She smiled at Alison before speaking:

"I am here representing Dr Cox, He wants me to give you this"

Leanne reached into her pocket and withdrew a small silver USB device she placed it on the Ambassadors Grand Table and continued:

"VSIS has reason to believe the assassination of your Admiral was carried out by Silens Nex. We also believe the ship your Navy Boys sank was a Silens Nex smuggling ship. Their are elements within Vetakan Intel and the Tribal Council that feel Silens Nex are getting to arrogant and to big for their boots. As such I am here to tell you that as always should Animarnia require anything in relation to taking down Silens Nex, Vetaka is their for you. To start with this, is everything Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service currently has on Silens Nex. Everything is their including known hideouts, operatives, front companies and bank accounts in various nations. Most interestingly information regarding what we believe to be Silens Nex's Headquarters in Aurum Domus."

Leanne leaned back and let her words register before continuing:

"Their is also something else, We have an Agent working deep cover within Goldton, Where we reckon Nex directs and commands its operations around the world. Details of which are on the USB, If you intend to hit the base we would be greatful for some prior warning, so we can pull our Agent out. In return we can instruct our Man to perhaps place OBSAT Target & Laser Designators for your Airforce. Bottom line is whether we have it right or not on what you guys are doing we are here for you?"

Leanne smiled sweetly and leaned forward:

"If Animarnian Intel needs something or has any requests, Ask them to contact Leanne Simpson, Command Directive."

She then rose from her chair and made for the door. She suddenly stopped and turned speaking:

"I almost Forgot, Pearce has a bottle of Whisky for you & Cox has a bottle of Blue Lagoona for you."

This ought to be intresting I think I will send a few government "Observers" to watch the progress of the situation.

OOC: Jeez, you guys aren't making this very easy for me....

IC:

Interrogation Room

"Well then I'll do what your asking. I hope your not disappointed, I really don't know too much."

The informant began writing everything he knew about Silens Nex on the pad of paper. No time to turn back now

ADIA Headquarters, Goldton

Jack Spencer was an agent in the ADIA in the employ of Silens Nex. He was paid mass amounts of money to pass any information he knew on to the shadowy group. This included names of enemy agents both domestic and foreign. He was part of the reason that Silens Nex hadn't been heavily infiltrated.

At the moment there was one foreign agent monitoring Silens Nex. No one really important, just some Vetakan sticking his nose where it didn't belong. The idiot had no idea he had been compromised and had only been allowed to stay alive to keep the Vetakans from investigating further. His time was up now, information gathered from various places had indicated that the Animarnians were going to make a move in retaliation for the assasination of the Admiral and they would surely be helped by the Vetakans. Even if the info was false, at least there was one less idiot trying to spy on Silens Nex.

Streets of Goldton, 12:00 Midnight

A silent assasin stalked his target through the backalleys and deserted streets of Goldton. Once he was sure the agent hadn't detected his presence he pulled out a silenced TDX .40, crept up close and fired three shots toward the agents head and heart.

Animarnia Embassy; Office of Ambassador Alison Carter
Alison nodded in approval; “Thank you” she said with a nod loading the data onto her computer; it was sent via an Animarnian Satellite over a 3-Gigabit heuristic Encrypted line, which altered its algorithm and decryption code every 8 seconds. Making the data-burst unbreakable by brute force to the point it would take the computing power of the entire earth from present day to the birth of the big bang to cycle enough combinations to break it by which time the code had long since altered. Plus since the Satellite was not a shared one it was unlikely that anyone other than a designated Animarnian would have access to; while the ‘hard copy’ would be sent by military courier to Section D.

“The Booze is much appreciated; no doubt we all face hard times ahead of us” she said; pouring two glasses of Animarnian Single Malt and offering one to Leanne. “As for any strikes on the Domans; I’m afraid I am not informed on such matters at this time. However; if there are any strikes I surgest that we keep an agent in place at Vetakan command for Tactical Comms and avoid the Global Allied Network like the plague for the time being. – Moscow Rules” she said with a nod. Moscow rules being an old code word for a type of trade-craft used extensively in the cold war which meant back to basics. All agents in the field no matter where there placement were to consider themselves behind enemy lines and act accordingly; avoiding technology like the plague and returning to dead drops and shift pattern ciphers which were impossible to break without not just the source book but the same edition. Agents going beyond CCTV; ditching phones; going beyond technology because technology will always let you down; playing by old school methodology and trusting no one; because anyone could be selling you out.

Data Network 64 Delta- Section D, Magi Sub-unit #3
Once the Magi had crunched the Data from the Vetakans it was compared to all data gathered by Animarnian Agents in place as well as the data from the prisoners’ interrogations. The ‘spider web’ algorithm that went through their lives with a microscope vetting anyone they’d ever known and their friend’s etc. Seeing whom the mutual links was between them and following the chain up Silens Nex’

“Follow the Trail and dismantle” was the old adage; of the seven hundred targets supplied by the Vetakans they had been crossed off and whittled down to 200 positive targets of Silens Nex across the mainland of Aurum Domus and its colonies. The remainder being decoys and ‘false positives’ placed for misdirecting strikes onto Nex’s rivals. It was doubted very much that the Vetakans would supply false data deliberately to mislead though it was well known that they relied far to heavily on the OBSAT system. Which people with something to hide; like Dorman intelligence which to cover its tracks and mislead strikes on Nex to lessen the damage, could use, which was partly why Animarnians avoided the allied Intel net like the plague for the most part. With that a Red Flag was dropped into the system.

Animarnia Embassy; Office of Ambassador Alison Carter
A Message flagged up on Allison’s private screen informing her of potential danger
“Miss Simpson” She began; “If I were you I would pull your agent out at once; we have reason to Believe your Agent may have been compromised and may very well be in danger”

RAF McLain
In the hours that followed RAF McLain was put on alert; and crews were told to start fuelling a wing of B-2 Bombers loading them up with hundreds of multi mode guided 250lb Small Diameter Bombs. Though no one was told why the wing had been activated; also one B-2 was to be loaded with a GB-03 Samuel L Jackson Bomb. The second odd thing that evening is that engineering crews were told to remove the OBSAT Interlink Module which identified the bombers to allied airspace and allowed allies to track them. Instead Pilots were to be relying entirely on Animarnia’s own StrikeNet Satellite network. Engineers and ground grew continued to load ordinance and check over systems as B-2C Spirits started to taxi out from there hangers in the dead of night to the runway holding area waiting for the orders to take off.

Animarnia Embassy, New Theeb:

Leanne nodded as Alison spoke, Everything the proud Animarnian said was what Leanne was pushing for in VSIS. Lea was a women like many whom believed Vetaka relied to much on OBSAT. Her eyes narrowed at what Alison said her stomach twisted snatching her phone she sent a quick e-mail to VSIS Headquarters. Looking at Alison she stammered:

"Whhaat dodo you kknow?"

00:01, Streets of Goldton, Aurum Domus:

Alex Matthews cursed the wind as he was hit in the shoulder and chest falling to the ground he painfully rolled behind a small fence drawing a un silenced FN FiveSeven .45ACP he fired wildly into the air and into the direction of the tail he had spent hours trying to loose. Alex stopped short of emptying the clip and drew his MDA, threw his spitting blood he pressed the enter button. The device buzzed wildly and then smoked slightly. He groaned as the device smoked dropping it he looked down to see the phone was now corroding slowly. Through the tears he groaned and emptied the remainder of the clip bar one bullet into the shooters direction. He listened and then put the pistol to his head he murmured:

"See you soon Chantelle"

With that he fired the gun, the bullet ripped through his skull killing him instantly. When the assassin arrived he would discover a dead man with nothing but an empty pistol, spent bullet casings and 2 clips of ammunition. Alex had dropped his keys and jewellery down a drain his wallet had gone the the open fire of a homeless mans alleyway with its money going to the homeless pensioner he had passed. His MDA II had in its last few seconds executed a preset number of orders. Firstly a small device fitted to his Laptop in his apartment had fired sending the Laptops Contents bouncing around to a secured VSIS Satellite which in turn via massive levels of encryption sent it on to VSIS General Headquarters within New Theeb. The Device would then proceed to execute a program which wiped the Hard Drive and released a Virus which corroded the Devices Command Functions. The device lastly released a small amount of corrosive acid destroying the Laptops in workings totally.

Thirdly the MDA sent a total of 2 encrypted burst distress signals one of them to VSIS HQ and the other to a location within the Aurum Domus Capital itself. Finally the MDA like the laptop deleted itself and a small beacon within the phone released a corrosive virus destroying its insides and melting part of its exterior. Alex Matthews had died but Vetakan Intelligence had not lost his work, he would avenge his own death.

RAF McLain, Ashtone St Chad
Captain James Parker was sat in the cockpit of his B-2C that was still waiting on the runway when a coded order was received over the radio giving him clearance to open the safe built into ever B-2C between the pilot and co-pilot consoles. Entering the combination by turning the spindle and then unlocking it with a key from around his neck. He took out a large off yellow envelope marked ’Classified/No-for’ and opened it inside was a typed orders sheet and a CD; quickly reading the orders he showed them to the co-pilot Commander Helen Franks. Who nodded and then they loaded the CD into the targeting computer which automatically loaded all the targets they were going to hit into the local computer system. With that they began the task of final taxiing onto the runway and taking off; they would be followed by five other B-2C wings at Ashton who had all received a similar orders package. The large black aircraft taking off from there airbase in the dead of night they would refuel midway from a tanker aircraft then head on to Aurum Domus where they would bomb Silens Nex into the stone age

B-2 Spirits were carrying approximately Thirty three Mark 77 Fuel Gel incendiary bomb’s and one hundred 250lb Small Diameter high explosive bombs hitting with the same penetration power as a 2000lb JDAM. With each B-2 wing consisting of some seventy-two aircraft for a total of three hundred and sixty aircraft in total operation broken down into five wings. With every third bomber of the wing carrying a Mass Ordinance Airblast Bomb or Mother of All Bombs MOAB bringing a total of one hundred and twenty MOAB’s to bear in short over some 11.9 million pounds of ordinance would be dropped on the Aurum Dorman Capital.

The Bombers would hit from high altitude with bombers breaking into groups or Six for the strike and reporting to areas of operation inside the capital; Four with the standard load out and two with the MOAB. Essentially this formation meant obliterating anything for a 60 mile radius around the central detonation since the SDB’s could be deployed that distances away from there targets in maximum mode using GPS and laser guidance. Deployment pattern would be Juliet-Theta a Semi-Star shaped deployment with the Mark 77’s Orbiting the two MOAB’s and the smaller SDB’s Orbiting the Mk 77’s outwards to a radius of 60 miles per ‘group’ and with near 60 groups in operation. Dropping at high altitude did remove an element of precision for the free falling bombs like the Mk 77 but with enough overlapping fields of fire it was decided that the gains outweighed the drawbacks. Since high altitude bombing from B-2C’s at 19,000 meters thanks to the C Models newer and better engines also offered one critical advantage it made SAM retaliation very small and even fighters would have a difficult time intercepting.

Plus with no OBSAT modules the bombers shouldn’t appear on any friendly tactical nets making them stealthy predators once again. The Objective was to fire bomb the city; hopefully creating a firestorm the likes of which not seen since the sacking of Dresden this was the retaliation for the admirals death in what the Amimarnians believed to be directly supported if not sponsored or ordered by the Aurum Dorman government. This was their penance; this was cleansing through retribution; this was not vengeance; Vengeance is an emotional response; this was punishment.

All across Animarnia; Various actions were already taking place as fighter squadrons were being tapped and put on high alert as well as bomber wings being activated and loaded up ranging from incendiary to HE fragmentation. An additional Three wings of B-2C Spirit Stealth bombers were being called on for operations against the most defended of the Aurum Dorman Colonies while conventional bombers such as the B-1B and B-52K we’re being tapped for deployment in a mass air raid on the less fortified. Even as the fires of the Doman capital burned more bombs were being rolled off the production line.

400 Clicks off the Aurum Dorman coast.
Admiral Laura Tyrol sat in her office aboard the LeFaye; it wasn’t particularly spacious but it was home for 8 months of the year for Laura; her XO knocked and she gave an acknowledgement to enter which he did; “What’s wrong?” She asked as he had a stiff nearly constipated grimace on his face.

“Ma’am we have new orders” he said handing over the tablet computer to the admiral, which flashed to life from the finger print reader as the white text decrypted into readable English.

“Shit” She said; “All hands to battle stations, Condition 1 Fleet wide” she ordered and her XO immediately went to the intercom panel.

“Battle stations, Battle stations; all hands general quarters this is not a drill; this is not a drill” his voice echoed over the ships PA. The fleet went into a bee hive of activity like someone had just lit a fire under a hornets nest with people rushing around as both Laura and her XO ran to the bridge arriving not five minutes later. Which was equally alive more like a living breathing entity.

“Get some Hawkeye’s in the air to feed targeting systems; and put up our CAP; I want our Valks in the air” She ordered

Several E-2C Hawkeye catapulted off the deck of the LeFaye and began emitting a large detection network painting multiple targets with there large radar arrays up to 600 miles away triangulated with Satellite GPS. Several moments later Valkyrie fighters started to rocket off the flight deck in pairs and running around the ship in race track formation essentially putting up a CAP of a third the total aircraft available leaving two thirds for strike and attrition operations. Targeting information was fed to Missile guidance systems since they were still to far out for gunnery and hopefully still out of range of any coastal anti-ship missile systems.

“Lock Cruise Missiles; Tubes two by two” She ordered.

“Aye, Aye Sir, two by two” which was a euthanism for firing every odd numbered VLS Cell in the main battery which held a cruise missile. Targeting was simple; focusing on Defence Batteries, SAM Sites and RADAR centres along the coast closest to the fleet. Softening it up for a Marine landing. Hundreds of missile flashes lit up the sky as pillars of smoke and flame sent the weapons on their way to targets as far out as 1000km from the coast.

“How long till we get Reinforcements?” Laura asked.

“The Sir Galahad; Rose Tyler and Scarlet Rogers will be with us inside three hours; a Marine warfare group will be arriving within six hours” the XO Returned studying the tactical overlay map.

“Alright; so Three hours we have to hold out for; set formation Defence Pattern H” She ordered; within minutes the formation of the battle group would be altered. So that the heaviest armour ships like the battle ships and heavy cruisers would be protecting the thin skinned ships like the missile cruisers and carriers and the destroyers would run our rocket propelled Sonar bogeys. These would aid significantly in submarine detection; they knew Silens Nex had deep connections and it was likely the whole Aurum Navy would be out for them

Operation Blood Hound was indeed a go

30 Minutes Before Animarnian Attack......

Vetakan Embassy, Goldton, Aurum Domus:

Honoured Sarah Lane, Ambassador to Aurum Domus from Vetaka tossed and turned in Bed. She just couldn't seem to drop off and fall asleep like normal something was just off, she thought nothing of it putting it down to just having a bad night like everybody does at some point in their lives. This all changed when her bedroom door opened, the light clicked on and threw intrusive brightness across the room and her room became host to a mixture of Combat Fatigued People one of whom drew back the curtains of her four poster and spoke coolly:

"Madame Ambassador, We are engaging Evacuation Protocol 1 on the advice of VSIS. A large Animarnian Military Force has penetrated Domus Waters. VSIS believes the situation is going to escalate. The C5 is being prepared as we speak and Evacuation Procedures are been exacted as we speak. The Convoy will be leaving in 20 minutes."

Sarah blinked, smiled and simply replied:

"I couldn't sleep anyway, Gentleman if you could step out I need to get dressed."

2 Minutes later Sarah stepped out into the corridor of the Embassy which was inhabited by a number of Combat Fatigued VDF Diplomatic Guards. They all snapped to attention before Sarah whom wore Black Combat Fatigues and Black Combat Boots. An OBSAT PDA paired with a Bluetooth Headset sat within a pouch on her chest and at her left ear respectively. A SP-45 Ezaltian Pistol was holstered at her side a few additional clips sitting slightly behind the pistol itself. She smiled at her now silent audience and spoke casually:

"At ease Gents, if their is one thing I wished id impressed on you its that I am a Casual women. Captain report?"

"Phase 2 Evac Protocols are almost complete. Executive Officer Bennett is almost complete. Our Advance Guard at the Airport reports that the C5 is ready and secured. Once Phase 2 is complete we are ready to depart Ma'am"

Just as Sarah was about to reply a second man pipped up:

"Ma'am. Code Red. Priority Message 1 from the Foreign Directorate"

He handed her a Tablet PC, which she read and sighed:

"Captain. Change of Plan, I am to remain within the Embassy along with VDF Guard Detachments 1 and 2 along with the Executive Officer and the two Chief Administrative Attaches to co-ordinate Evac of citizens if this goes further south. All other VDF Guards and Diplomatic Staff are to Evac as planned. We will be reinforced by VDF Commandos within 12 hours, VDF High Command is deploying a small carrier group to launch evac of our people if required. The Government is firmly behind the Animarnians but is calling for calm and reinforcing what they are calling "Precision Strikes" against Terrorist Targets."

The Captain nodded whilst Sarah continued:

"You will evacuate to Flanders as planned. I and the remaining personnel will engage Lock down Protocols and retreat into the Bunker awaiting reinforcements. Understood?"

The Captain groaned before replying:

"It leaves you very exposed but this has come from the top I suppose. It will be done but my Report will detail my apprehension and protest of the situation. I'll have the Evac Guard proceed with just the one additional clip."

With that a Private spoke up:

"Ma'am the Convoy is ready and the Bunker is prepared as required"

"Thank You. Private" replied Sarah

With that the Staff, Guards and Ambassador bid each other goodbye. The Convoy made up of Black Armoured Vehicles flanked by Aurum Police sped out of the Complex and towards the Airport. Meanwhile Ambassador Lane armed herself with a P90 Assualt Rifle stowing it across her back and proceeded to order her remaining Staff and Guards to secure the Embassy move all supplies, ammunition and luxuries into the Complexes Bunker that done the men and women retreated into the Embassies secured and heavily reinforced Bunker whereby they would sit out the bombing watching it live via the worlds media streamed live into their new bunker home via Vetakan Satellite.

The impending Animarnian attack against Aurum was unlikely to hit the Embassy but in the heat of battle anything could happen.