NationStates Jolt Archive

(OOC: this thread is open to any one who's interested in role playing, in giving tips to locate the terrorist backers, as the international backers themselves, or what ever. Of course if no one's interested, this thread can simply die a quiet death).

Strolling casually down Paulton Street, Michel Shoreman kept his apearence carefully composed. Suddenly his breath caught at the sight of a dark-haired brunette across the street, and he darted into a side alley, his heart pounding. Slowing his breathing back to normal, and praying he had been wrong, he darted a glance around the corner and shut his eyes tight against the wave of relief that he had been wrong.

As he continued his stroll down Paulton Street, his mind went back to the last time he had seen her, in her apartment that morning. She had sensed something, somehow; she had always been observant. She had been nervous, had asked him to stay. He remembered their last kiss; he had wanted it to last forever, wanted her to somehow know, so she could stop him. He stopped walking, fighting the thought. He was furious at himself, disgusted at his cowardess and faithlessness. And for a mere woman, not even a believer. But for her... she had to understand, when it was over that what he had done was right. Eternity alone was far more terrifying than death. But could he face the Lord, coward that he was? Yet the Lord worked in mysterious ways, and his shame, his need to purge himself had solidified his will. With new determination, he turned on to Federal Boulivard, heading quickly toward the tall glass building that was the central Headquarters of the Department of Education.

As he crossed the plaza and neared the entrance her face flashed across his mind again, but he forced the doubts down with all his will. He was doing this for her, for all the unbelievers like her who could yet be led to the true path. Giving himself no time to think, he drew a semi-automatic pistol and pointed it at the nearest guard. He saw the flash of the muzzle and in that moment he would have died to call the bullet back. The guard stumbled back, blood soaking his shirt, a not-quite believing look on his face. There was a moment of silence. Then all hell broke lose.

Thirty paces away, Lt. Martinez heard the crack of gunfire. A moment of silence, and then chaos, as people dropped to the ground screaming and tourists scattered across the plaza. The Lt. barely noticed this. Reacting on instinct, he dropped to one knee, drawing his weapon. As a second guard fell clutching his arm the shooter turned to face him. Martinez fired three times. The first shot went wide, but the second took the gunman in the shoulder, the third in the chest. He fell, but Martinez saw him reaching under his coat, grabbing at something. He threw himself flat on the ground, hands protecting his neck and head, but the blast never came. As panicked screams faded to shocked silence or quiet weeping, Martinez rose and aproached the gunman. The pistol lay at his side, still smoking, but his hand clutched a detonator. The last thing on his tear-stained face was a look of surprise.

ooc: I would like to get involved in this, possibly as a supporter of the terrorists. Need more info on the situation though...

OOC: The terrorists are a group of extreme right libertarians, though there libertarian beliefs do not extend to freedom of religion. They resent living in a socialist libertarian state, and feel that the legal libertarian and conservative parties are too moderate in their messages. They are a small group, but they have been actively courting International support from regiems and other terrorist organizations with similar ideologies. This is their first planned attack. Previously, they were know only for violent rhetoric and a few...incidents at protest rallies. As a result, they were not high on the government's radar. Until now.

ooc: All right, ill have an rp post up tommorow... a powerful government figure in my country will act as their financial backer and whatnot...

As he stepped out of the squad car next to the Ministry's main entrance, Captain Thomas Garret was surprised by how calm everyone seemed to be. The square was filled with emergency vehicles, of course, and a large area around the crime scene was roped off, but there were no signs of panic. Nodding to himself in aproval, Captain Garret called to a nearby officer. The man aproached, giving his Boss a sharp salute. He was all business, of which the Captain aproved, but his news was far from good.

"One gunman, Sir. He aproached to point-blank range, and fired four rounds. One guard dead, another two wounded. He also had a bomb strapped on, but the detonator didn't go off."

Thomas nodded to himself. It could have been a lot worse, then.

"Where's Lt. Martinez?"

"Over there, Sir. I think you need to speak to him."

Thomas looked in the direction the officer was pointing, and saw the Lt. slumped wearily against a near by hot dog stand, muttering morosly to him self. Face tightening with concern, Thomas stepped towards him.

"Report, Lt."

The Lt. glanced up, then rose and saluted reluctantly. His voice was calm, but there was a hint of anxiety beneath the surface.

"Suspect fired four shots at point blank range. One guard dead, two injured. I don't think he was shooting at bystanders. I..." He hesitated. "I should have been faster. I missed at first. If the detonator hadn't malfunctioned..." His voice trailed off.

Captain Garret looked him strait in the eye.

"I know you did your best Lt. These things happen very fast. Sometimes you can't stop it. If anything you deserve a commendation."

"Thank you, Sir. I forgot to mention, Minister Stanson and Director Johnson are on the phone. They want to speak to you at once."

Grimacing, Captain Garret dialed the number of the Director's office. As the head of Skyland Mt. law enforcement, he was at the top of Garret's chain of command. Normally Garret would report only to him, but a possible terrorism case necesarily brought in the intelligence types. He was not looking forward to dealing with Minister Stanson. The man was highly competent and professional, but he demanded an answer for everything, and he demanded it at once. It was nearly two hours before the conversation ended, but there was a great deal of work to do yet. It was past midnight before Captain Garret was asleep.

As Lord Ragan II flipped through a local newspaper he found an article on a terrorist attack in another nation. With a sigh he picked up his phone.
"Hello?" said General Yokland, head of The Talentay Airforce.
"Greetings. This is Lord Ragan II. I need an IDRT (International Disaster Recovery Team) sent to Skyland Mt ASAP! Tell them to fully cooperate with the Skyland Mt government. They are too go to the Central Headquarters of the Department of Education in The Downtown Capital District and keep the peace."
"Yes Si....!" Click, Lord Ragan II hung up on the general.


Letter From The Dictator of Talentay:

Greetings,
I am sending a small team into the area to keep the peace and help in any investigations. If the suspect survived the bullet wounds I am requesting permission to have my team question him after you do. Also it is with great regret that I am forced to close Talentay's Borders to your citizens until this issue is resolved!

Signed
The Dictator of Talentay
Lord Ragan II

"God damn it!," snarled Minister Stanson. Even the President started; such displays were totaly alien to the Intelligence Minister. The man seemed so agitated that he barely even seemed embarresed by his outburst. Instead he turned to adress the President and Minister Harison of the Defense department, his face a mix of surprise, frusteration, and anger.

" A message from the government of Talentay." He read the message aloud. When he was done, Minister Harison looked like swearing too. He was swift to voice Minister Stanson's concerns.

"They're sending a team. To help maintain order." He smiled grimly. "A small, new nation, dedicated to democratic principles, but that has just suffered a terrorist attack. A tempting target for this dictator, if he thinks we're off-ballence."

"What do you think?," asked the President, turning to Mr. Stanson.

"I think that considering the relatively small scale of the attack, the offer of a relief team is a little excessive. Particularily for a nation with which we have no diplomatic relations. It is posssible that the message about the borders is intended to intimidate or blackmail us into accepting interference in our internal affairs. I think influence is all they're seeking. One small team is not an invasion force." The last was acompanied by a measured glance at Minister Harison.

The President nodded, but his words were some what at odd with the gesture.

"Perhaps we should not jump to conclusions. The offer may be well-intentioned. We should accept graciously, but we must still make it clear that we can handle our own affairs. Stanson, send off a reply at once, and get George in on this. I trust you to handle this matter to this best of your abillity, and with your full reasources. Divide your Ministry's efforts between tracking members of this terrorist group and gathering intelligence on Talentay. Harison, I need you to contact the Lamonian Defense Minister at once. Beyond that, try to maintain calm. We need to keep this situation under control."

It was late at night, but as always, Minister Stanson worked tirelessly. He sat at a large round table in the Ministry of Intelligence, next to Director Johnson, and across from Minister Harison. Johnson was filling him in on the latest regarding the investigation.

"The problem isn't tracking down the members of this group, the, err... the Free Faith Republic. We have files on all their top leaders, and we know more or less who's affiliated with their church. The problem is finding a pretext to hold them. I've sought arrest warrants, but there just isn't evidence to hold them. We've had a hundred people in for questioning, of course, and we're executing search warrants as we speak, but so far we're coming up dry. Things are more positive on the Forensic side, however. We're sure to get prints and DNA off the bomb. We've already identified the shooter: he's one Michel Shoreman, a younger member of the congregation. We brought his room mate in to identify the body. From some of her comments, we gather that she knew, or at least suspected something. We're holding her for further questioning."

"What about the bomb", asked Stanson. "Why did it fail?"

"The wiring seems to have been defective. Whoever built that thing was no pro."

"That's good to know." Stanson turned to Minister Harison. "Any news on our friends in Talentay?"

"Nothing yet. George faxed them a reply an hour ago."

"Good", Stanson nodded. Then I guess this meeting is ajourned."

Sitting quietly in his living room, George Benson, Minister of Foreign Affairs listened to the news cast on the attack. They were mid-way through replaying the President's Address to the People, an address that would be repeated tomorrow before the Congress. The words washed over him as he tried to clear his mind for sleep. The scant hour he had snatched to practice on the range had not been nearly enough for such a stressful day, but he needed his rest. He was not a young man, and tomorrow would be harder still.

"This attack has come as a shock to many of us. I know. It is with deepest sorrow for the families of John Arnow, Michel Smith, And Jane Carter that I stand before you, the sorrow we must all feel for those who live, or perish in such a tragedy. I also feel sorrow for Michel Shoreman and his family. No greater tragedy can befall a family than to have their only son brainwashed by a cult bent on taking innocent life. Rest assured that the government is responding to this outrage with all the means at our disposal. Minister Stanson and Director Johnson will be holding a press conference tomorrow to discuss the progress of the investigation. We will show these terrorists and the World that we will not be cowed, we will not lash out, we will handle ourselves with calm and strength, and dignity, and we will see justice done!" He paused, then spoke in a softer tone. "I ask now that we hold a minute of silence to remember the victims of this tragedy, living and departed."

Far away, a fax sat on the desk of Lord Ragan the II, Dictator of Talentay.

"Lord Ragan II, Skyland Mt welcomes your offer of assistance. Unfortunately the gunman died from the injuries he suffered during the attack, though in any case we would not have been able to hand him over for questioning. None the less, we again welcome your assistance in what ever form you can provide it. Hopefully this will be the beginning of stronger relations between our nations. Have your men land at Skyland Airbase tomorrow, and we will provide escort to the site of the attack.

With thanks and salutations,

The Government of Skyland Mt.

To: Skyland Mt
From: Kingdom of Lynion, Prince Ranakin.

I send mr regards and I aslo wish to tell you the Kingdom of Lynion can come to your aid. Even though we don't send money, we can send a Division of Lynion Assassin's, 3rd Lynion Guardian Fleet to your aid. It my not sound like much but we can help you if you require it.

Foreign Ministry of the Free Republic of Lamoni

To: The Government of Skyland Mt.

The Free Republic finds itself very concerned by the terrorist attacks in the territory of Skyland Mt. In response we publicly declare our support of the government of Skyland Mt., and extend our offer of whatever assistance that the government of Skyland Mt. should find itself needing. Never let it be said that Lamoni deserts it's friends.

Signed,

Tanya Ley
Foreign Minister
Free Republic of Lamoni

Skyland Mt would like to give its thanks to the governments of Lamoni, Talentay, and Lynion for there kind support and generous offers of assistance.

Official Government Message
The nation of Orbath would first like to offer you its condolences to the families of those who were lost in such a cowardly and yet brutal attack. We would then like to offer you the services of some of the finest individuals known to Orbath. The Anti Terrorism Task Force. Since their creation, they have eliminated all known terrorist groups operating within Orbath, even thwarting a potential nuclear threat. Since then, we have provided our services elsewhere, helping to stop potential threats in several other nations. If you would like assistance, we can have a team arrive in less than a day.

We would welcome the assistance of Orbath in aprehending these criminals. Your expertise will be invaluable, and we reject no assistance willingly provided by any nation in countering the threat of extremism.

Minister Harison,
Ministry of Defense,
Skyland Mt.

OOC: I hope you don't mind me just RPing my arrival.

A lone, large, olive drab aircraft, not a usual C-130 or C-5 but some sort of modified jet airliner descended rather quickly, bumping along the runway until it finally came to a stop. Dramatically, the aircraft sat, not one movement coming from inside or out until finally, a door opened, and an inflatable slide, much like those used in emergencies on regular aircraft, ballooned outwards and down, creating a way down for the imposing figure who now stood in the door way.

The man was Mack Johnston, a four year member of the ATTF and before that, an Air Calvary soldier and an intelligence officer. He donned an unique black battle dress uniform, black balaclava, black gloves, black helmet and black boots. In his hand he clutched a Yanitarian made sub machine gun. Strapped to his right hip was a Yanitarian made, slienced service pistol and on his left, a large steel bayonet.

He jumped onto the slide, sliding quickly down onto the ground below. He turned, and another figure appeared in the door, tossing a ruck sack and two duffel bags behind him. Then that person jumped and so on, until the entire 12 man team assembled on the ground, kit with them, waiting for transport.

A tall man with dark hair and a stern but handsome face stood waiting on the air strip. As the team disembarked, he strode forward to meet them, hand extended.

"Greetings, I'm Director Johnson of Skyland Mt. Law Enforcement. This is Major Layton of the Armed Forces." He gestured to the imposing figure standing beside him, in front of a half dozen security officers. "We're hear to escort you to a briefing with Minister Harison of the Ministry of Defense and Minister Stanson of Intelligence. They're waiting for you downtown in the Ministry of Defense. It's under construction I'm afraid, but the Minister's office should be quiet enough. In the mean time I'm to update you on the progress of the investigation. If you'll follow me to the vehicles over there?"

(OOC: I am going to assume that my offer in another thread has been accepted.)

The LAF C-130 landed not so long after the aircraft from Orbath had moved off of the runway, and the Lamonian aircraft waited until it was at a designated stopping point before the onboard stairs lowered, and the 50 Lamonian Berserker Special Operations troops, and ten LIA agents walked off of the plane, and stood at attention in lines of ten men each. One would be forgiven for thinking that if one gave these men spears, Greek Armor, and Greek Shields; that the assembled men would make an excellent Greek Phalanx. The men stayed that way, waiting for Skyland Mt. authorities to welcome them to the nation.

OOC: I'll presume I've being accepted.

IC:

The ships came into view the coastline as they slowly slowed down a little.

"This is Captain Mac of the 3rd Lynion Guardian Fleet. We've just slowed down and are requesting permission to dock into the harbour," asked Captain Mac on the radio to the harbour.

The bridge was silent as the waves crashed against the side of the ship. Mac looked around as his first mate came onto the bridge.

Mack took each mans hand shaking in. He then removed his balaclava, revealing a weathered, worn, strong face. He was older, in his forties but still had the energy of a twenty year old. His face was cleanly, very cleanly shaved leaving little contrasting against his dark brown eyes and hair which was cut rather short, in a military fashion. He instructed the others to remove their balaclavas, revealing a team of younger men and women.

''I'd be happy to follow you to the vehicles.''

The voice over the radio sounded highly professional, if a little strained, as it directed the Lynion vessels to the nearest unocupied docks. As the vessels pulled alongside, several vehicles pulled up, and out stepped a dozen or so men wearing the uniforms of navel officers, or in some cases bussiness suits. Acompanying them were at least a dozen security officers. Standing beside the docks with her arms folded, and flanked by several of his Senior officers, Admiral Lauren Mathason, prepared to greet the new arivals.

At the nearby airfields, a second group of cars stood ready to greet team from Lamoni. Striding forward, hand extended, General Frank Morirson aproached the lines standing rigedly at attention. Singling out the comander, he adressed him in a formal if pleasent manner.

"Greetings, and welcome to Skyland Mt. My name is General Frank Morison, and I'm Comander-in-Chief of Ground and Air Forces for Skyland Mt. Mr. Harison sent me to meet you, and invite you to a briefing taking place right now at the Deffense Ministry. I must compliment you and your men. I've never seen such disciplined troops! Your assisstance will make a fine addition to our anti-terrorism efforts."

Exiting the air base, the convoy that had recieved the Orbath team headed into the city, their progress slowed by the heavy traffck. Around them buildings soared high in towers of pollished steele and sparkling glass. Skyland Mt. was small for such a large population, and so its people built up, ever higher into the clouds. As they turned down Excellsior St towards the back of the Defense Ministry Headquarters, Director Johnson briefed the visitors on the current state of the investigation. Not far away, he knew, the other teams would be recieving similar briefings.

"The attack itself was mercifully unsuccessful. The shooter fired 4 rounds, killing one guard and wounding two others, before a cop managed to bring him down. Strapped to his chest was a crude bomb, which fortunately failed to detonate. From this information we have drawn a number of conclusions. First, these terrorists are relatively inexperienced: this is, as far as we know, there first planned attack. Secondly, they are genuinely interested in preventing collateral damage. Note how the shooter fired only on security guards, and gave the crowd time to scatter before attempting to detonate the bomb. Third, and more troublingly, this group has members who are willing to die for their cause. Given that, and the lengths to which they have gone already, we expect future attacks to be increasingly violent. Therefore, it is paramount that we aprehend the leaders of this cult imediately. It is clear that the group has a religeous motive. The shooter was part of the Church Of The Rebirth, a small congregation based in one of our outlying provinces. There politics are conservative-libertarian, but with a disturbing theocratic bent. We believe there target, the main offices of the Ministry of Education, is significant to them, as they oppose the secularist educational policies of Skyland Mt. For similar reasons, we have pegged the Ministry of Health, and my own Law Enforcement Offices as likely future targets."

we would love to help i will send the best divisons of my army but the will have to have acces to our ports becuse we will becomeing by ship

To the Government of murthag:

While we apreciate the offer of assistance, we would advise against sending divisions to assist, as the scale of the attacks does not warrent such a large intervention, and too many forces to coordinate might impede rather than enhance our investigative capabillities. We therefore must respectfully decline your offer, and we hope that the necesity of this desisioin will not harm relations between our two countries. If your government has expertise in counter-terrorism operations, or information on the whereabouts of the criminals behind this attack, we would apreciate your assistance. Information is our most pressing need in adressing this threat.

Sincerely,

George Benson,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Skyland Mt.

Official Notice to foreign teams opperating in Skyland Mt.:

While we apreciate your assistance, and it is not our wish to antagonize your governments, we must warn you that you will be required to follow our laws regarding humane treatment of prisoners, requirements of evidence for an arrest or search warrent, and the ban on torture and harsh interrogation tactics. Failiure to follow any law of Skyland Mt. may result in legal action, and our constitution prohibits giving diplomatic imunity in a criminal case. We hope that the governments who have generously provided aid to our nation will undrstand and accept these terms, and relay them to all citizens opperating with in our boarders.

Sincerly,

George Benson,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Skyland Mt.

then we will send are best anti terosim squad to help you we will come by boat

"Greetings, and welcome to Skyland Mt. My name is General Frank Morison, and I'm Commander-in-Chief of Ground and Air Forces for Skyland Mt. Mr. Harrison sent me to meet you, and invite you to a briefing taking place right now at the Defense Ministry. I must compliment you and your men. I've never seen such disciplined troops! Your assistance will make a fine addition to our anti-terrorism efforts."

"Thank you for the welcome, General. We will do our best to defeat the terrorist menace that has plauged your nation. If there is one thing that all civilized nations cannot abide, it is the use of terror tactics against the innocent. I am Colonel Vladimir Smith, and my LIA counterpart is Warren Jacobs. Both men saluted the General, then the Colonel barked, "Troops, saltue!" As one, all of the Berserkers saluted the General. Our men have received the best training that a grateful nation could provide."

"The attack itself was mercifully unsuccessful. The shooter fired 4 rounds, killing one guard and wounding two others, before a cop managed to bring him down. Strapped to his chest was a crude bomb, which fortunately failed to detonate. From this information we have drawn a number of conclusions. First, these terrorists are relatively inexperienced: this is, as far as we know, there first planned attack. Secondly, they are genuinely interested in preventing collateral damage. Note how the shooter fired only on security guards, and gave the crowd time to scatter before attempting to detonate the bomb. Third, and more troublingly, this group has members who are willing to die for their cause. Given that, and the lengths to which they have gone already, we expect future attacks to be increasingly violent. Therefore, it is paramount that we apprehend the leaders of this cult immediately. It is clear that the group has a religious motive. The shooter was part of the Church Of The Rebirth, a small congregation based in one of our outlying provinces. There politics are conservative-libertarian, but with a disturbing theocratic bent. We believe there target, the main offices of the Ministry of Education, is significant to them, as they oppose the secularist educational policies of Skyland Mt. For similar reasons, we have pegged the Ministry of Health, and my own Law Enforcement Officers as likely future targets."

"My first choice would be to use two of my LIA men to attempt to infiltrate them, then." Mr. Jacobs continued, "while the infiltrators attempt to see what they can find out, the rest of my LIA personel will work with your intelligence officials. The Colonel no doubt has some plans of his own, so I shall let him tell you about them."

Colonel Smith smiled. "If these terrorists are as inexperienced as you claim, then there should be records somewhere pertaining as to where and how they purchased the materials for their crude bomb, as well as where they obtained the gun used in the attack. If they are attempting to prevent what they perceive as civilian deaths, then they are obviously either trying to make a power grab, or wanting you to bow to whatever demands that they toss about. This would amount to the same thing, if I am reading the situation correctly. I won't presume to tell you how to do your job, but I would like to suggest the use of more plain-clothed Law Enforcement Personel in the likely targets, preferably SWAT members. If joint efforts can pinpoint terrorist cells and safehouses, my men can and will clear them out."

Official Notice to foreign teams opperating in Skyland Mt.:

While we apreciate your assistance, and it is not our wish to antagonize your governments, we must warn you that you will be required to follow our laws regarding humane treatment of prisoners, requirements of evidence for an arrest or search warrent, and the ban on torture and harsh interrogation tactics. Failiure to follow any law of Skyland Mt. may result in legal action, and our constitution prohibits giving diplomatic imunity in a criminal case. We hope that the governments who have generously provided aid to our nation will undrstand and accept these terms, and relay them to all citizens opperating with in our boarders.

Sincerly,

George Benson,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Skyland Mt.

This notice was read by all of the Lamonians as they were walking to the breifing after having alighted from their transportation.

The circular briefing room was large, spacious, and well-lit, with curved table running along one side, and a large projection screen on the other. Ministers Harison and Stanson and their secretaries were already waiting with Police Captain Garret when the Lamonian team arrived. They greeted the arrivals respectfully, then sat while General Morison relayed the Colonel's suggestions. Then they sat down to wait for the members of the other units who were currently on their way.

Mack listened to the briefing, taking notes on a personal recorder he had with him which he would later type up. After the man had finished, he decided to add his own insight.

''I agree, the attacks likely will become more violent and I believe they will become more effective and better coordinated. At the moment, I recommend a non visible security presence at possible targets. The guards did not deter the terrorists, as they are the targets, however, keeping some security around that isn't visible and thus, not a target but can react quickly may prevent future deaths. I recommend snipers and surveillance teams around possible targets, as well as a rapid response team in the area. As for actually find their hide outs, that is one thing my team is good at. These guys are inexperienced, so we can probably find anything local within a few days.''

As the cruiser docked in the whraf, Field Admiral Mac noticed some Humans standing along the jetty waiting for them. The cruiser opened the side of the ship (on the deck) and placed a boarding plank across onto the jetty. Mac was followed by his second in command, Naval Captain Jaxson.

They walked along the plank with their escort as Field Marshall Lee joined them. Mac looked at what seemed to be the admiral with Jaxson on his left and Lee on his right.

"Field Admiral Mac," introduced Mac. "Field Marshall Lee. Commander of the 3rd Lynion Assassin battalions and regiements," Lee nodded his head. "And Naval Captain Jaxson," Mac opened his hand and pointed it to Jaxson standing beside him.

Vice Admiral John Thornson stepped forward to greet the force from Lynion.

"My government welcomes you to Skyland Mt., and thanks you for your assistance. I have been sent to bring you to the briefing currently under way in The Ministry of Defense, and to fill you in on the details of the case so far. If you'll join me in one of the vehicles..."

So saying, Admiral Thornson gestured to the nearest vehicle and climbed inside. Five minutes later the convoy was speeding down city boulivards towards the Ministry of Defense, as the Admiral gave the newest arrivals the same briefing to which the other teams had already been privy.

"Hmmm..." started Lee as he looked at the admiral. "This is most interesting. They target the education sector. Hmmm....,"

Mac looked at Lee and Jaxson as the convoy started towards their destination. He looked out the window for a moment and gazed at the beautiful sights.

"The education sector is where they train the future people right?" started Mac.

"As in teaching admiral Mac," corrected Jaxson.

"Teaching I mean. Like I was saying, they wouldn't strike in the same place twice," started Mac again. "When they failed, they decided they should try somewhere else that will create chaos. If they bomb a key power station that supplies the nation or a city, if they bomb a security department or a military area, then people will cause trouble. Causing trouble will then lead to riots and chaos. If they complete this..."

"Then they can come into the country and take over without question..." finished Jaxson.

Mac gave him a smile and nodded his head.

(OOC: skipped strait to the briefing at the Ministry of Defense. I'll assume all nation's teams are preasent and participating in the briefing. Hope no one minds.)

The large round breifing room was filled near to capacity, but it was very quiet. These men and women from differant nations were all experienced profesionals, but little more so than their hosts. These men, when it came to matters of defense or security, had fully earned the name "Best of the Best." After the President himself, it was on their shoulders, first and formost, that the burden of defending their nation fell. Director Johnson adressed the group. It had been agreed that as the senior law enforcement officer, he would lead the briefing, both as one of the most informed on the investigation, and as the man heading what was being treated, first and formost, as a law enforcement, rather than a military matter. Now he stepped forwarrd and began his presentation.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome. Some of you I have already met, and others of you I look forward to meeting in person soon. In the meantime, however, it is of the highest priority that we provide you with the information nessisary to aprehend these suspects. To begin with, we have a number of tapes to play for you. I'm sure you'll find them highly informative." So saying, he turned, flicked a light switch, and pressed a button to play the first tape."

(OOC: have to go now. I'll post more late tonight.)

The lights came back up as the first tape finished playing: a security camera's footage of the attack. Director Johnson stepped forward again.

"What you just saw, obviously, is footage of the attack. The next videos are from our downtown Police HQ, and depict testimony from three different individuals associated with the case. The first is a random cult member, selected due to a number of common features which figure prominently in our psychological profile, and the second is from the cult leader. As he finished speaking, the videos began playing again.

A young woman in a blue dress sat, visibly nervous, in front of two police officers. Yet as they questioned her, she answered every query in a too-calm voice, an unnatural monotone that never wavered, save once.

"Did you know Michel Shoreman?"

"Not well."

"But you knew him? He attended your church?"

"That is correct."

"Did you ever speak to him?"

"Yes."

"Did he ever speak of committing acts of violence in the name of the Church?"

"All our actions are in the name of God."

(muttered aside between the officers)

"Yeah, right."

"nut job."

"Tell me about it."

(questioning resumes)

"Did he ever discuss commiting acts of terrorism with members of the Church?"

(Angry voice) "We are not terrorists. The church advocates God's will on Earth. Our mission is to spread the word of God."

Johnson stopped the recording.

"There are a couple of things worth noting here. First, they don't slip up. These guys stick to their story. Secondly, while this individual may not have been involved many of our suspects repeat that they are not terrorists. This seems to be the group's viewpoint; that because they do God's work, they are not terrorists. They seem to hold that the sparing of civilians validates this." His lip curled with disgust, and he skipped to the next tape. Two more police officers, and another suspect, but this one calm, self-possessed, dressed in a simple, if still costly suit.

"You are the leader of this Church, Mister...Conrad?"

"Yes, I am."

"Did you know Michle Shoreman?"

"I make a point of knowing everyone in my congregation."

"Did you ever here him discussing acts of violence with members of the Church."

"No, I did not. The Church advocates peaceful measures to oppose the corruption in society."

"Did you speak to Michle Shoreman in the days leading up to the attack?"

"No, I did not, outside of regular services of course He was something of a recluse, I'm afraid, though I thought him a pleasant and bright young man. I'm sorry to see I was mistaken."

Johnson froze the image, then turned to the assembled crowd.

"Unfortunately for Minister Gerald Conrad, Mr. Shoreman's ex-fiance claims he went to meet the Minister the night before the attack. Accordingly, we have made the good reverend our number one suspect, and have obtained a warrant to secretly tap his phones. We also plan to infilterate his organization. It is composed of the Church, a Church school, and a number of charities. I need volunteers to infilterate each branch. A note to foreign units: if you are amenable, I would like you to report to Captain Garret here. He's heading up the on-sight investigation. You'll report to and clear any proposals with him, however each commander will retain tactical control over there units, and be more or less free to carry out operations as there experience dictates, as long as they do not violate our laws. Is this arrangement acceptable?

''Very acceptable sir,'' Mack replied.

He thought briefly, and spoke again.

''The majority of my agents specialize in intelligence gathering which does often involve the actual infiltration of a terrorist cell.''

Mack pointed to a younger man, likely in his early thirties. The man was cleanly shaved and had buzz cut hair.

''Agent Mark Anthony has infiltrated one terrorist cell which operated within Orbath, and I'm sure he could do it again.''

He then brought up another point.

''I'd like to send some to have a brief look at the crime scene, I'll have a couple do some research and perhaps the rest of us could find hotels or a building nearby potential targets.''

Colonel Smith agreed. "I'd like to send some of my men, and even myself to look over the crime scene. The LIA agents would like to research, and to liaise with your intelligence personnel. The rest of my men can happily set up at a hotel or police barracks. Just somewhere central where my men and I can sleep when required."

Director Johnson nodded.

"Very well, I'm sure Captain Garret can find you acomadations, and provide transport to the crime scene. Have your man infilterate one of the Church organizations, and relay any information he uncovers to Captain Garret. If no one has any more questions, then this meeting is adjourned. My office will keep in touch with each of you, and we'll let you know as soon as we receive results from our forensics unit, which we expect imminently."

Once at the crime scene, the Berserkers took a look around, fitted the remaining clues into a complete picture. With that mental picture in hand, a plan started to formulate in Colonel Smith's mind. After conferring about it with the other Lamonians who were present, they decided that it might be best if the others didn't know what they were going to do to stop the terrorists just yet.

"Hmmm..." started Mac.

"Would you allow some of our boys to question these terrorist's?" asked Mac.

"We let them go home since we didn't have evidence to hold them. But we can round up a few for your boys to talk to, if you want. Just remember that we ban torture and other "harsh interrogation tactics." And one of our officers will have to be pressent. No offense I hope. Its in the Constitution, and the last thing I need in this case is a civil rights law suit."