NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: sure.

IC:

Rachel ignored the car moving through the rough terrain, and was thinking of what was going on. She remembered her father going to the hospital last year for an injury to the head. At least, thats what her mom told her.
"Seriously, the Commonwealth has some of the best surgeons in the world," Yuri assured her.

-------------------

"We could try the new laser treatment," the female doctor mentioned.

"Nonsense," said another, "It's too risky."

"Risky? The man's got a melon pressing on his brain!" she exclaimed.

"Every country always says the same thing. Why would he need surgery?"

"Every country always says the same thing. Why would he need surgery?"
"erm well," Yuri says, heming over his faux pas, "He probably won't, but just in case..." He looked over at Rachel, "It'll be okay."

---------------

A doctor knocked on the door and entered, smiling slightly to those gathered.

"Excuse me, but, I have something to discuss with the Minister privately," she said, "If you don't mind."

"Of course," Yvgenni reached for Jessica's hand to lead her out.

"erm well," Yuri says, heming over his faux pas, "He probably won't, but just in case..." He looked over at Rachel, "It'll be okay."

---------------

A doctor knocked on the door and entered, smiling slightly to those gathered.

"Excuse me, but, I have something to discuss with the Minister privately," she said, "If you don't mind."

"Of course," Yvgenni reached for Jessica's hand to lead her out.

Jessica and Yvgenni left the Minister with the doctor.

"Well, whats happening?" asked the Minister.

-------------------------------------------

"I hope so."

Jessica and Yvgenni left the Minister with the doctor.

"Well, whats happening?" asked the Minister.

-------------------------------------------

"I hope so."
"It's pressing down on your brain...more advanced than your doctors had surmised," she put a CT on the screen. "It caused you to black out. We have several...treatment options available; mostly to keep you comfortable and locomotive longer...but there is one procedure that's possible. It has a potential to remove the tumor completely, or at least to the extent that chemo would be effective," she explained.

--------

"I know so," Yuri said confidently as they approached the hospital.

"It's pressing down on your brain...more advanced than your doctors had surmised," she put a CT on the screen. "It caused you to black out. We have several...treatment options available; mostly to keep you comfortable and locomotive longer...but there is one procedure that's possible. It has a potential to remove the tumor completely, or at least to the extent that chemo would be effective," she explained.

--------

"I know so," Yuri said confidently as they approached the hospital.

"What chance do I have for the last option?" asked the Minister.

"What chance do I have for the last option?" asked the Minister.
"Less than 35%," she says somberly. "But...you'll die eventually even without treatment."

"Less than 35%," she says somberly. "But...you'll die eventually even without treatment."

He'd already figured that. He thought hard and said, "I'll do it then."

"Just so you know," the doctor explained, "The procedure is still experimental. It has only been performed successfully once, and the case was not as advanced as yours is..." she said. "The specialist will be flown in from Meridian State Hospital," she adds, "He'll be able to go over the surgery in detail, but to sum it up, we'll use a laser and computer-guided equipment to remove the tumor."

"Just so you know," the doctor explained, "The procedure is still experimental. It has only been performed successfully once, and the case was not as advanced as yours is..." she said. "The specialist will be flown in from Meridian State Hospital," she adds, "He'll be able to go over the surgery in detail, but to sum it up, we'll use a laser and computer-guided equipment to remove the tumor."

That sounded strange in his head, but he knew medical tech was more advanced then ever.

That sounded strange in his head, but he knew medical tech was more advanced then ever.
"Sir, there's something...personal to discuss," she commented. "We think it's time that you told your family. If this surgery isn't a success..."

"Sir, there's something...personal to discuss," she commented. "We think it's time that you told your family. If this surgery isn't a success..."

"Alright, I'll tell them." said the Minister, slightly annoyed.

"Alright, I'll tell them." said the Minister, slightly annoyed.
The doctor wanted to say more, but decided against it, "Well, I'll let the specialist explain it then...should I let your family back in?" she asked.

----------

"Here we are," Yuri slammed the brakes as they pulled into the emergency lot. "C'mon," he urged Rachel, flinging the door open and circling around to get her door for her.

The doctor wanted to say more, but decided against it, "Well, I'll let the specialist explain it then...should I let your family back in?" she asked.

----------

"Here we are," Yuri slammed the brakes as they pulled into the emergency lot. "C'mon," he urged Rachel, flinging the door open and circling around to get her door for her.

"Alright sure."

----------------------------------------------

Edward who was downstairs ran into Yuri and Rachel and he quickly explained what happened.

The doctor opened the door and informed Yvgenni and Jessica they could enter.

"You go in," Yvgenni hugged her encouragingly, "I'll go get the others...they should be here by now..."

--------------

"Come on," Yvgenni called to them as he met them downstairs, "The doctor's letting us in again."

The doctor opened the door and informed Yvgenni and Jessica they could enter.

"You go in," Yvgenni hugged her encouragingly, "I'll go get the others...they should be here by now..."

--------------

"Come on," Yvgenni called to them as he met them downstairs, "The doctor's letting us in again."

The Minister waited patiently for everyone to return so he could explain to them the whole thing.

The Minister waited patiently for everyone to return so he could explain to them the whole thing.
Yvgenni knocked as he returned with the others.

"Sir...?" he addressed the Minister, "Yuri and Rachel are here with Edward."

Yvgenni knocked as he returned with the others.

"Sir...?" he addressed the Minister, "Yuri and Rachel are here with Edward."

Then, right there, he explained calmly to the stunned audience.

Then, right there, he explained calmly to the stunned audience.
Both Yvgenni and Yuri gave the girls comforting side-hugs as they looked on stoicly. Even though both had only known the minister for a short time, this news struck them hard.

Both Yvgenni and Yuri gave the girls comforting side-hugs as they looked on stoicly. Even though both had only known the minister for a short time, this news struck them hard.

"But father, why couldn't you tell us?" asked Rachel, sounding stunned.

"I didn't want you to worry, but now it seems I'm having suregery." explained the minister

"But father, why couldn't you tell us?" asked Rachel, sounding stunned.

"I didn't want you to worry, but now it seems I'm having suregery." explained the minister
Meanwhile

A CV-35 Globestar landed on the tarmac, the engines pivoted for a VSTOL landing. It had the markings of the Commonwealth ADF, and a jeep drove out onto the field to meet it. A ramp extended and a single individual exited. Dr. Richard Kimble was the leading neurosurgeon within the Commonwealth, and had developed several innovative treatments for various diseases in his tenure as Chief of Medicine at VI Lenin Hospital in Meridian City.

He waved off the salutes of guards as he was ushered into the vehicle and driven off in the direction of the hospital.

--------

"Is there anything we can do for you?" Yvgenni asked, himself wondering if there was an answer to that question.

ooc: did you get my message?

Meanwhile

A CV-35 Globestar landed on the tarmac, the engines pivoted for a VSTOL landing. It had the markings of the Commonwealth ADF, and a jeep drove out onto the field to meet it. A ramp extended and a single individual exited. Dr. Richard Kimble was the leading neurosurgeon within the Commonwealth, and had developed several innovative treatments for various diseases in his tenure as Chief of Medicine at VI Lenin Hospital in Meridian City.

He waved off the salutes of guards as he was ushered into the vehicle and driven off in the direction of the hospital.

--------

"Is there anything we can do for you?" Yvgenni asked, himself wondering if there was an answer to that question.

ooc: did you get my message?

OOC: Yeah, what do you need exactly? ships?

IC:

"Well, for starters, you might want to contact the government back in Greal."

"I'll get right on that." said Edward.

ooc: no, i just need you to 'prove' that the alias is phony. maybe post that you contacted the sumerian navy and they said captain collins is dead (check the page before the last to see mokastana's post about the alias).

ic:

"Anything else?" Yvgenni offered. "I mean...can I get you something or..." his voice trailed, "Sorry, this must sound stupid..."

ooc: no, i just need you to 'prove' that the alias is phony. maybe post that you contacted the sumerian navy and they said captain collins is dead (check the page before the last to see mokastana's post about the alias).

ic:

"Anything else?" Yvgenni offered. "I mean...can I get you something or..." his voice trailed, "Sorry, this must sound stupid..."

OOC: ah, wait a sec, what do you want the Hegemony readings to read?
IC:

"Its alright." said the Minister calmly.

OOC: ah, wait a sec, what do you want the Hegemony readings to read?
IC:

"Its alright." said the Minister calmly.
ooc: well, since i'm not in the Heg, but am allies with you, i just want you as the go-between. something like, "sent message to the Heg and Sumeria..." and then, "No such person known..." etc.

ic:

"Well..." Yvgenni wanted to do something.

"How 'bout something better than hospital food?" Yuri spoke up, noticing the tray at the bedside.

ooc: well, since i'm not in the Heg, but am allies with you, i just want you as the go-between. something like, "sent message to the Heg and Sumeria..." and then, "No such person known..." etc.

ic:

"Well..." Yvgenni wanted to do something.

"How 'bout something better than hospital food?" Yuri spoke up, noticing the tray at the bedside.

OOC: Sumeria?
IC:

"Yes please." said the Minister obviously glad.

OOC: Sumeria?
IC:

"Yes please." said the Minister obviously glad.
ooc: that's the alias he used. idk the members of the Heg. so, idk...

ic:

"I heard of a great burger joint in town..." Yuri began to rattle off the menu choices he knew of, "Rachel, you should stay with your father, though," he said, "I'll be right back," he turned to leave.

ooc: that's the alias he used. idk the members of the Heg. so, idk...

ic:

"I heard of a great burger joint in town..." Yuri began to rattle off the menu choices he knew of, "Rachel, you should stay with your father, though," he said, "I'll be right back," he turned to leave.

OOC: Are you sure it isn't Sumguy?

IC:

Rachel nodded and then Edward came back from his phone call.

"The Ministry is sending someone over."

OOC: Are you sure it isn't Sumguy?

IC:

Rachel nodded and then Edward came back from his phone call.

"The Ministry is sending someone over."
ooc: erm...maybe. check the post...he dropped some different names. either way, just post that the alias is false...cuz it is...

ic:

"Someone over?" Yvgenni asked, "For what?"

---------

Yuri passed through the doors just as a distinguished-looking man was making his way into the building.


"Dr. Kimble," said the Chief of Medicine, "I'm Colonel Briggs, welcome...I wish it were under different circumstances."

"I'd like to review the latest test results first," Kimble said, "And then I'll see the patient."

"Of course, sir," the Colonel replied.

ooc: erm...maybe. check the post...he dropped some different names. either way, just post that the alias is false...cuz it is...

ic:

"Someone over?" Yvgenni asked, "For what?"

---------

Yuri passed through the doors just as a distinguished-looking man was making his way into the building.


"Dr. Kimble," said the Chief of Medicine, "I'm Colonel Briggs, welcome...I wish it were under different circumstances."

"I'd like to review the latest test results first," Kimble said, "And then I'll see the patient."

"Of course, sir," the Colonel replied.

"The Defense Ministry has to keep an eye on their minister in another foreign nation.' explained Edward.

"Oh, well that makes sense," Yvgenni said.

---------

Yuri, meanwhile, had taken the Rover into town and was searching for the burger place.

"Oh, well that makes sense," Yvgenni said.

---------

Yuri, meanwhile, had taken the Rover into town and was searching for the burger place.

"Yes it does. Apparently, the guy they're sending should arrive in a hour."

"Is he like, an agent or something?"

----------

"I think I'll see him now," Dr. Kimble said.

"Right this way, doctor," the Colonel led him over to the suite they'd given the Minister.

It didn't take long, and soon, the Colonel knocked on the door.

"Excuse me, Mr. Minister," he said, "I'm Colonel Briggs, Chief of Medicine. The specialist you were told about is here now..."

Dr. Kimble walked in, nodding politely as he was introduced.

"Is he like, an agent or something?"

----------

"I think I'll see him now," Dr. Kimble said.

"Right this way, doctor," the Colonel led him over to the suite they'd given the Minister.

It didn't take long, and soon, the Colonel knocked on the door.

"Excuse me, Mr. Minister," he said, "I'm Colonel Briggs, Chief of Medicine. The specialist you were told about is here now..."

Dr. Kimble walked in, nodding politely as he was introduced.

"Not sure...but." Edward never finished his sentence, because someone had walked in.

"Show him in." said the Minister.

-------------------------------------

Meanwhile, a private jet approaching FUS asking for permission to land.

"Hello, I'm Dr. Kimble, and I'll be performing the surgery," he said. "I've reviewed your file and, though yours is in such an advanced stage...I believe it is treatable," he assured the minister.

-------------

"You are authorized to land. Use runway 3 at Niflheim ADB. An F-16 will escort you through our airspace."

"Hello, I'm Dr. Kimble, and I'll be performing the surgery," he said. "I've reviewed your file and, though yours is in such an advanced stage...I believe it is treatable," he assured the minister.

-------------

"You are authorized to land. Use runway 3 at Niflheim ADB. An F-16 will escort you through our airspace."

The Minister nodded." I hope so too."

---------------------------------------------

The private jet entered the FUS airspace and was preparing for landing.

"Now, would you like me to detail the surgery, so you know exactly what's going on?" Kimble asked.

------------

A jeep with Colonel Polenin drove up to the tarmac, awaiting the landing of the private jet.

"Now, would you like me to detail the surgery, so you know exactly what's going on?" Kimble asked.

------------

A jeep with Colonel Polenin drove up to the tarmac, awaiting the landing of the private jet.

"Just simplify the details." said the Minister

--------------------------------------

The private jet now was landing at the strip and after a few minutes, its passenger departed the plane.

"Just simplify the details." said the Minister

--------------------------------------

The private jet now was landing at the strip and after a few minutes, its passenger departed the plane.
"Basically, we're going to open up your..." he turned to the others, "Do you want to hear this...?" he asked.

"Um, well," Yvgenni said, turning to Jessica and Rachel, "Are you two okay with hearing it?"

------------------

Polenin stepped out and headed over to the passenger.

"Colonel Polenin, adjunct base commander," he introduced himself.

"Basically, we're going to open up your..." he turned to the others, "Do you want to hear this...?" he asked.

"Um, well," Yvgenni said, turning to Jessica and Rachel, "Are you two okay with hearing it?"

------------------

Polenin stepped out and headed over to the passenger.

"Colonel Polenin, adjunct base commander," he introduced himself.

"Its fine." said Jessica and Rachel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Brigadier General Stylus." It turned out to be a attractive female as a general. Two GIA agents followed the general.

"Its fine." said Jessica and Rachel.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Brigadier General Stylus." It turned out to be a attractive female as a general. Two GIA agents followed the general.
"All right then," Dr. Kimble said, "As I was saying," he walked over to the x-ray of the Minister's skull. "We cut your skull here and here," he pointed, "And open it up. From there, we'll get a complete look of the tumor and will begin to excise it in the traditional manner. Once we have removed as much as we can, a special device we've created will be fixed atop your head. It has two robotic arms, and by using CT and MRI imaging, it will be given a precise layout of the tumor. The robot arms will then use these hyper-accurate scans to cut away the remaining tissue," the Doctor concluded.

ooc: i don't know medicine, i'm a history major, so this is complete bs, btw...

--------------

"General," Polenin saluted crisply. "I've been sent ahead to escort you to the base hospital. Our specialist is already there." To himself he asked, Where's General PDA?

-----------

Another pair was making its way to the hospital. Mark and Sara had heard about the Minister's collapse, though not about the reason, and she had insisted they visit. They ran into Daniel and Alisa, who were looking at the room numbers-the desk clerk had refused to give them the Minister's room number.

"All right then," Dr. Kimble said, "As I was saying," he walked over to the x-ray of the Minister's skull. "We cut your skull here and here," he pointed, "And open it up. From there, we'll get a complete look of the tumor and will begin to excise it in the traditional manner. Once we have removed as much as we can, a special device we've created will be fixed atop your head. It has two robotic arms, and by using CT and MRI imaging, it will be given a precise layout of the tumor. The robot arms will then use these hyper-accurate scans to cut away the remaining tissue," the Doctor concluded.

ooc: i don't know medicine, i'm a history major, so this is complete bs, btw...

--------------

"General," Polenin saluted crisply. "I've been sent ahead to escort you to the base hospital. Our specialist is already there." To himself he asked, Where's General PDA?

-----------

Another pair was making its way to the hospital. Mark and Sara had heard about the Minister's collapse, though not about the reason, and she had insisted they visit. They ran into Daniel and Alisa, who were looking at the room numbers-the desk clerk had refused to give them the Minister's room number.

OOC: Nice job. Whos General PDA?


IC:

Thank you for explaining." said the Minister, absorbing the details.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you Colonel." said Stylus saluting back.

The two GIA agents were hold light machine guns that probably spooked anyone.

OOC: Nice job. Whos General PDA?


IC:

Thank you for explaining." said the Minister, absorbing the details.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you Colonel." said Stylus saluting back.

The two GIA agents were hold light machine guns that probably spooked anyone.
"Well, I still need to keep running blood tests and the like, but I think we should schedule the operation as soon as possible...perhaps next week," Kimble said.

------------------

ooc: No one is general PDA, it's a play on words. A stylus is the pen thing you use for PDAs...get it?

ic:

Polenin dropped his salute. "If you'll follow me then, Comrade-General, the jeep is waiting to bring us to the hospital," he waved his hand, **inviting her to lead the way.

** military custom is that a lower-rank follows to the left and slightly behind a superior officer.

"Well, I still need to keep running blood tests and the like, but I think we should schedule the operation as soon as possible...perhaps next week," Kimble said.

------------------

ooc: No one is general PDA, it's a play on words. A stylus is the pen thing you use for PDAs...get it?

ic:

Polenin dropped his salute. "If you'll follow me then, Comrade-General, the jeep is waiting to bring us to the hospital," he waved his hand, **inviting her to lead the way.

** military custom is that a lower-rank follows to the left and slightly behind a superior officer.

"Next week is fine. I've got time." said the Minister.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Sasha Stylus was unaccustomed to this since in Greal junior officers were allowed to lead superior officers to somewhere.

"All right then," Kimble said, "In the meantime, I'm going to put you on Imatanib treatment, along with other anti-cancer drugs," he started writing in his prescription pad. "I've reviewed the drugs you've been given by your own doctors, but I think these will be better." He looked over at them all, "Any other questions for me?"

-----------

Polenin opened the door and stepped in first, allowing her the honor of getting in after.

"Sorry if our military customs seem different," he said.

note: a junior officer enters first so that, upon exiting, the superior officer exits first.

"All right then," Kimble said, "In the meantime, I'm going to put you on Imatanib treatment, along with other anti-cancer drugs," he started writing in his prescription pad. "I've reviewed the drugs you've been given by your own doctors, but I think these will be better." He looked over at them all, "Any other questions for me?"

-----------

Polenin opened the door and stepped in first, allowing her the honor of getting in after.

"Sorry if our military customs seem different," he said.

note: a junior officer enters first so that, upon exiting, the superior officer exits first.

"I have no more. Thank you." said the Minister grateful.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thats alright. I somethings visit other countries, so this may be strange to me, but I get used to it." said Stylus cheerfully.

"I have no more. Thank you." said the Minister grateful.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thats alright. I somethings visit other countries, so this may be strange to me, but I get used to it." said Stylus cheerfully.
"All right, I'll check in on you later tonight. For now, get some rest...spend time with your family," Kimble said. "I'll see you all later," he smiled warmly before leaving.

As the doctor left, Yuri came walking in, bags of food in hand.

"That's not for my patient, is it?" he asked.

"Um...no, sir," Yuri began to think fast. "The rest of us were hungry, but we didn't want hospital food..."

The doctor frowned, but shrugged and walked off.

"Geez, I was almost done for, huh?" Yuri asked as he closed the door and put the food on a table.

------------------

"Speaking of which, our Expeditionary Forces were in Greal for a time," Polenin said. "Did you meet any of our forces while they were stationed in your country?" he asked.

"All right, I'll check in on you later tonight. For now, get some rest...spend time with your family," Kimble said. "I'll see you all later," he smiled warmly before leaving.

As the doctor left, Yuri came walking in, bags of food in hand.

"That's not for my patient, is it?" he asked.

"Um...no, sir," Yuri began to think fast. "The rest of us were hungry, but we didn't want hospital food..."

The doctor frowned, but shrugged and walked off.

"Geez, I was almost done for, huh?" Yuri asked as he closed the door and put the food on a table.

------------------

"Speaking of which, our Expeditionary Forces were in Greal for a time," Polenin said. "Did you meet any of our forces while they were stationed in your country?" he asked.

"I think he knew." said the Minister smiling.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Ah, I met the commander of the Expeditionary Forces. He seems to be a pleasant fellow." said Sasha uneasily.

"I think he knew." said the Minister smiling.

------------------------------------------------------------

"Ah, I met the commander of the Expeditionary Forces. He seems to be a pleasant fellow." said Sasha uneasily.
"Oh, really?" Yuri asked, pulling out a burger and a package of fries. "Well...here you are, sir," he smiled sheepishly, putting it on his tray.

-------------

"Oh, you mean General Dubrilobov?" Colonel Polenin chuckled. "He's...do you have assholes in your country? He's only 26, you know...and looks like a kid. But he has a brilliant mind when it comes to battle, it's almost scary."

"Oh, really?" Yuri asked, pulling out a burger and a package of fries. "Well...here you are, sir," he smiled sheepishly, putting it on his tray.

-------------

"Oh, you mean General Dubrilobov?" Colonel Polenin chuckled. "He's...do you have assholes in your country? He's only 26, you know...and looks like a kid. But he has a brilliant mind when it comes to battle, it's almost scary."

"Thank you." said the Minister.

-------------------------------------------------------

"Thats who I mean. He is a efficient administrator too."

"Thank you." said the Minister.

-------------------------------------------------------

"Thats who I mean. He is a efficient administrator too."
Yuri passed out everyone's meals before speaking.

"So...how's the news?" he asked, inquiring about the doctor's visit.

-------------

"That he is," Polenin said as the car pulled up to the hospital. The driver opened the door for the General, and Colonel Polenin followed after her. "He's the youngest general ever in our history...and a complete demon. We call him Dux Bellorum. That means, Duke of War."

Yuri passed out everyone's meals before speaking.

"So...how's the news?" he asked, inquiring about the doctor's visit.

-------------

"That he is," Polenin said as the car pulled up to the hospital. The driver opened the door for the General, and Colonel Polenin followed after her. "He's the youngest general ever in our history...and a complete demon. We call him Dux Bellorum. That means, Duke of War."

Rachel explained to Yuri.

-------------------------------------------------

"Which room is he in?" asked Sasha abruptly changing the subject.

Rachel explained to Yuri.

-------------------------------------------------

"Which room is he in?" asked Sasha abruptly changing the subject.
"Oh, I see," Yuri said. "Well, at least he seems so knowledgable...and he sounds like he was confident, that's something," he said encouragingly.

---------------

"He's in ICU, we gave him a private room," Polenin answered as they entered the hospital. He motioned for the elevator. Looking at the General, he wondered if something had happened between her and General Dubrilobov. No one had ever seen him take interest in a woman, however...

ooc: if you feel like adding to the General's story, go right ahead. Gen. Dubrilobov is one of my favorite and most hated chars.

"Oh, I see," Yuri said. "Well, at least he seems so knowledgable...and he sounds like he was confident, that's something," he said encouragingly.

---------------

"He's in ICU, we gave him a private room," Polenin answered as they entered the hospital. He motioned for the elevator. Looking at the General, he wondered if something had happened between her and General Dubrilobov. No one had ever seen him take interest in a woman, however...

ooc: if you feel like adding to the General's story, go right ahead. Gen. Dubrilobov is one of my favorite and most hated chars.

"Yes it is. I can hear my doctors laughing." joked the Minister

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Sasha didn't say anything else as she pressed the door to open the elevator doors.

OOC: Maybe something happened, and she didn't want to do it, so your general got pissed.

"Yes it is. I can hear my doctors laughing." joked the Minister

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Sasha didn't say anything else as she pressed the door to open the elevator doors.

OOC: Maybe something happened, and she didn't want to do it, so your general got pissed.
Yuri cracked a smile, despite the situation.

"My mother...God rest her, always said that If you can joke about it, it's not that bad," Yuri replied.

-------------------

The doors shut and Polenin looked over at her. He wanted to ask, but...it seemed like he'd struck a nerve.

"I was shortly under his command, you know," Polenin said. "And I must admit...he could be quite persuasive when he wanted to be...and stubborn as well."

ooc: that sounds good. but, he's just a jerk, not abusive, fyi

Yuri cracked a smile, despite the situation.

"My mother...God rest her, always said that If you can joke about it, it's not that bad," Yuri replied.

-------------------

The doors shut and Polenin looked over at her. He wanted to ask, but...it seemed like he'd struck a nerve.

"I was shortly under his command, you know," Polenin said. "And I must admit...he could be quite persuasive when he wanted to be...and stubborn as well."

ooc: that sounds good. but, he's just a jerk, not abusive, fyi

"What happened to her? If you don't mind me asking." asked the Minister.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sasha was completely uncomfortable speaking about this and didn't reply.

"What happened to her? If you don't mind me asking." asked the Minister.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sasha was completely uncomfortable speaking about this and didn't reply.
"She died in the blitz," Yuri said, "A Katangaran bomb hit our house..."

---------------

"Forgive me, Comrade-General," Polenin said, sensing her uneasiness. "I didn't mean to say anything...upsetting." The door pinged and he ushered her off. "He's on this floor, down the hall."

"She died in the blitz," Yuri said, "A Katangaran bomb hit our house..."

---------------

"Forgive me, Comrade-General," Polenin said, sensing her uneasiness. "I didn't mean to say anything...upsetting." The door pinged and he ushered her off. "He's on this floor, down the hall."

"I hope the death was quick and painless." said the Minister, feeling sadness.

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you, Colonel." she said, clearly eager to end the conversation.

"I hope the death was quick and painless." said the Minister, feeling sadness.

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Thank you, Colonel." she said, clearly eager to end the conversation.
Yuri hiccuped, stifling a sniffle. He didn't like to think about that...

-----------------

As the Colonel and General were walking towards the room, he caught sight of Sara, Mark Daniel and Alisa.

"Hey, you four," he called out, "Leave 'em be...he's already got an entourage in there." He gestured to Sasha, "This is General Stylus, she's come over from Greal on behalf of the Ministry. General, this is my niece Sara," he said as she offered her hand, "This is Mark with the peace delegation," he gave a brief 'how do you do?' , "And these two are part of our Resistance during the Occupation."

Yuri hiccuped, stifling a sniffle. He didn't like to think about that...

-----------------

As the Colonel and General were walking towards the room, he caught sight of Sara, Mark Daniel and Alisa.

"Hey, you four," he called out, "Leave 'em be...he's already got an entourage in there." He gestured to Sasha, "This is General Stylus, she's come over from Greal on behalf of the Ministry. General, this is my niece Sara," he said as she offered her hand, "This is Mark with the peace delegation," he gave a brief 'how do you do?' , "And these two are part of our Resistance during the Occupation."

Sasha smiled at the guests. "So I assume you are friends of the Minister's daughters."

Sasha smiled at the guests. "So I assume you are friends of the Minister's daughters."
"Yes, that's right," Sara said. "Though Mark is the one that knows them the least."

"I'm basically just her hanger-on," he nodded to Sara. "We worked together to negotiate the peace treaty."

"Well, if it's crowded, we should stay out..." Sara said diplomatically. "We'll bring flowers or something, though."

"I'm sure it'll be appreciated," Polenin said. "I'll let 'em know you stopped by," he added.

"Thanks, Uncle Dmitri," she said, hugging him with one arm. "We'll be back then. It was nice meeting you, General Stylus," she continued.

The others bade farewell similarly.

"Are you ready to go in?" Polenin asked once they had left down the hall.

"Yes, that's right," Sara said. "Though Mark is the one that knows them the least."

"I'm basically just her hanger-on," he nodded to Sara. "We worked together to negotiate the peace treaty."

"Well, if it's crowded, we should stay out..." Sara said diplomatically. "We'll bring flowers or something, though."

"I'm sure it'll be appreciated," Polenin said. "I'll let 'em know you stopped by," he added.

"Thanks, Uncle Dmitri," she said, hugging him with one arm. "We'll be back then. It was nice meeting you, General Stylus," she continued.

The others bade farewell similarly.

"Are you ready to go in?" Polenin asked once they had left down the hall.

"May as well, thats what I came here for right?"

"May as well, thats what I came here for right?"
Dmitri smiled wryly as he opened the door for her.

"Mr. Minister," he addressed Park, "General Stylus is here," he announced her.

Dmitri smiled wryly as he opened the door for her.

"Mr. Minister," he addressed Park, "General Stylus is here," he announced her.

"General Stylus? Yes, please send her in." Why the hell did the Ministry send a brigadier general that I happen to admire?

"General Stylus? Yes, please send her in." Why the hell did the Ministry send a brigadier general that I happen to admire?
Polening stepped aside for her to enter, and stayed to the back of the room once she had.

Polening stepped aside for her to enter, and stayed to the back of the room once she had.

"Minister." Said Stylus

"General Stylus. Pleasure to see you again. How is your command?"

"Fine, thank you sir."

"Why did the Ministry send you?"

"Not sure, sir." shrugged Sasha. She turned to the Rachel and Jessica, "Hello. You must be the Minister's daughters. What branch of the military are you in?"

"Special Ops." said Jessica.

"Marines." said Rachel.

"Minister." Said Stylus

"General Stylus. Pleasure to see you again. How is your command?"

"Fine, thank you sir."

"Why did the Ministry send you?"

"Not sure, sir." shrugged Sasha. She turned to the Rachel and Jessica, "Hello. You must be the Minister's daughters. What branch of the military are you in?"

"Special Ops." said Jessica.

"Marines." said Rachel.
Yvgenni grinned. It was kind of a thrill that his fiance was a bad-ass. Who was it who said I love a girl who can kick my ass! he thought.

Meanwhile...

A CV-30 Vogel was landing on the tarmac. With the Premier still on base, General Dubrilobov was set to be debriefed in person, meeting with his Commander-in-Chief onboard Air Force One.

Once he was off the plane, he walked briskly towards the awaiting jetliner, his campaign cloak blowing in the breeze.

ooc: the plot thickens...

Yvgenni grinned. It was kind of a thrill that his fiance was a bad-ass. Who was it who said I love a girl who can kick my ass! he thought.

Meanwhile...

A CV-30 Vogel was landing on the tarmac. With the Premier still on base, General Dubrilobov was set to be debriefed in person, meeting with his Commander-in-Chief onboard Air Force One.

Once he was off the plane, he walked briskly towards the awaiting jetliner, his campaign cloak blowing in the breeze.

ooc: the plot thickens...

"Special Operations and Marines? Theres quite a difference." said Sasha smiling. She noticed Yuri and Yvgenni too. "I've heard about your engagement, congrats."

OOC: :D

"Special Operations and Marines? Theres quite a difference." said Sasha smiling. She noticed Yuri and Yvgenni too. "I've heard about your engagement, congrats."

OOC: :D
"Thank you, Comrade-General," Yvgenni smiled, holding Jessica's hand. Before he said more, a phone rang behind them.

Dmitri smiled sheepishly and reached into his pocket, moving to leave the room, but not before answering.

"Polenin..." he said, "Bolzhe moi...he's here? Damnit all-" the rest was cut off as the door closed on him.

"Thank you, Comrade-General," Yvgenni smiled, holding Jessica's hand. Before he said more, a phone rang behind them.

Dmitri smiled sheepishly and reached into his pocket, moving to leave the room, but not before answering.

"Polenin..." he said, "Bolzhe moi...he's here? Damnit all-" the rest was cut off as the door closed on him.

"I wonder what that was about." said Sasha.

"Nothing probably. So has the Ministry chosen a replacement for me yet?" asked the Minister curious.

"None yet, we were hoping that you would recommend one. The Ministry however will wait for the results of the surgery before making any further decisions."

"I understand," Polenin said in the hallway. "You sure...he's laid up in a bed...all right, no harm in asking, I suppose." He stepped back in as Park was making a suggestion.

"Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Premier is about to debrief the *CEF commander, who's just returned from Greal. As Defense Minister, you've been invited to observe the proceedings."

*commonwealth expeditionary forces

"I understand," Polenin said in the hallway. "You sure...he's laid up in a bed...all right, no harm in asking, I suppose." He stepped back in as Park was making a suggestion.

"Sir, I'm sorry to interrupt, but the Premier is about to debrief the *CEF commander, who's just returned from Greal. As Defense Minister, you've been invited to observe the proceedings."

*commonwealth expeditionary forces

"That depends on the doctors." said the Minister, "Would they let me see the proceedings?"

"That depends on the doctors." said the Minister, "Would they let me see the proceedings?"
"Well," Polenin smiled, "I don't see any around..." he chuckled a bit, "Well, it's basically just a meeting...I wouldn't think it'd wear you out...you can always turn it down, if you want?"

"Well," Polenin smiled, "I don't see any around..." he chuckled a bit, "Well, it's basically just a meeting...I wouldn't think it'd wear you out...you can always turn it down, if you want?"

"I'll come then." said the Minister. Jessica had to chuckle.

"I'll come then." said the Minister. Jessica had to chuckle.
"Actually..." Polenin said slyly. There was a knock on the door, and a tech sergeant came in, wheeling forth a multimedia cart. "With most of the Defense Directorate somewhere else," he explained, "This is a vid conference."

After a few minutes of plugging and wiring, the tech was ready. He turned on the large monitor and it displayed an image of the Premier, sitting with General Dubrilobov in a split screen. Small 'windows' along the bottom of the screen showed the other members of the Directorate; the three Politburo members, the Secretary of Defense, NSA Lexi, and the Secretary of the Ground Defense Army.

"Can everyone hear me?" Premier Galindo asked, to which the others nodded on their respective screens. "Then we shall begin, General..."

General Stark (http://stumpedmagazine.com/photoarchive/402.jpg), Dubrilobov's aide-d-campe, rose. As per military law, the commanding officer was barred from cross examination except during courts martial.

"Comrade-Premier," Stark began, "The proceedings are the briefings detailing Operation Long Shield and Commonwealth military operations in Greal."

"Actually..." Polenin said slyly. There was a knock on the door, and a tech sergeant came in, wheeling forth a multimedia cart. "With most of the Defense Directorate somewhere else," he explained, "This is a vid conference."

After a few minutes of plugging and wiring, the tech was ready. He turned on the large monitor and it displayed an image of the Premier, sitting with General Dubrilobov in a split screen. Small 'windows' along the bottom of the screen showed the other members of the Directorate; the three Politburo members, the Secretary of Defense, NSA Lexi, and the Secretary of the Ground Defense Army.

"Can everyone hear me?" Premier Galindo asked, to which the others nodded on their respective screens. "Then we shall begin, General..."

General Stark (http://stumpedmagazine.com/photoarchive/402.jpg), Dubrilobov's aide-d-campe, rose. As per military law, the commanding officer was barred from cross examination except during courts martial.

"Comrade-Premier," Stark began, "The proceedings are the briefings detailing Operation Long Shield and Commonwealth military operations in Greal."

Sasha uneasily moved away so that she won't be seen while the Minister was enjoying himself, again.

Sasha uneasily moved away so that she won't be seen while the Minister was enjoying himself, again.
ooc: fyi, if she knows dubrilobov, she knows Stark, too

ic:

The briefing continued, with Stark noting their arrival, initial estimations, first encounters with hostile forces, and the ensuing operations within Greal. His briefing was thorough and to the point. When he'd concluded, there were very few questions or inquiries from the Directorate members.

"If that is all," the Premier said, looking at his notes. "General Dubrilobov, it's noted that you had something to say on behalf of the operation. Would you care to make your remarks now?"

"Yes, Comrade-Premier," the General said, lifting himself gracefully from his seat. Despite the coldness of his heart, there was a grace to his movements, a beauty that was exuded when he moved. The light caught his blue eyes, whic shone like crystals as he smiled, though it was not a sign of mirth.

"I'd like to say," his youthful and strong voice said, "That I appreciate the honor of leading our forces into battle...but in the future, such peacekeeping missions," he seemed to have a problem saying the word 'peacekeeping,' "...Should be left to other, more worthy commanders."

"But, General Dubrilobov, you are one of our most decorated officers," the Premier rebuked, "How are you not worthy?"

"I live for war," the General countered, his eyes flashing dangerously before settling down, "Missions like these are for the gentler-hearted."

"I see..." the Premier said with a sigh. "Your opinion is noted...does anyone else have a question before we adjourn?" he asked the assembled audience.

ooc: fyi, if she knows dubrilobov, she knows Stark, too

ic:

The briefing continued, with Stark noting their arrival, initial estimations, first encounters with hostile forces, and the ensuing operations within Greal. His briefing was thorough and to the point. When he'd concluded, there were very few questions or inquiries from the Directorate members.

"If that is all," the Premier said, looking at his notes. "General Dubrilobov, it's noted that you had something to say on behalf of the operation. Would you care to make your remarks now?"

"Yes, Comrade-Premier," the General said, lifting himself gracefully from his seat. Despite the coldness of his heart, there was a grace to his movements, a beauty that was exuded when he moved. The light caught his blue eyes, whic shone like crystals as he smiled, though it was not a sign of mirth.

"I'd like to say," his youthful and strong voice said, "That I appreciate the honor of leading our forces into battle...but in the future, such peacekeeping missions," he seemed to have a problem saying the word 'peacekeeping,' "...Should be left to other, more worthy commanders."

"But, General Dubrilobov, you are one of our most decorated officers," the Premier rebuked, "How are you not worthy?"

"I live for war," the General countered, his eyes flashing dangerously before settling down, "Missions like these are for the gentler-hearted."

"I see..." the Premier said with a sigh. "Your opinion is noted...does anyone else have a question before we adjourn?" he asked the assembled audience.

The Minister had none, so he said nothing.

OOC: Okay.

The Minister had none, so he said nothing.

OOC: Okay.
"I have a question," Colonel Polenin said. The tech panned the webcam, sweeping the room as he focused in on him. Off screen, the General's eyes narrowed as he recognized a familiar face.

"Colonel Polenin...you're not part of these proceedings but, go ahead," the Premier recognized him.

"Thank you sir," to Dubrilobov he said, "I read the reports of the fighting over there...that wasn't enough to satisfy your...war-lust?"

Dubrilobov was up in a flash, standing regally and haughtily as he answered. "I didn't recieve my honors by wanting safety...I did it because I sought the battlefield; it is the only home for a true warrior," he replied.

"That'll be enough," the Premier said, slamming his gavel. "The Directorate has recieved and recorded your report, and it is the finding that Operation Long Shield was a success. This Directorate is adjourned until its next meeting on the fifteenth of January."

With that, the multitude of screens began to sign off. Before the screen displaying General Dubrilobov blanked out, there was a momentary flash as his eyes burned into the camera, as if he could see through the screen into the hospital room. Then the screens went black. The tech began to disassemble the setup.

"Well, that was interesting," Polenin muttered with a sigh.

"I have a question," Colonel Polenin said. The tech panned the webcam, sweeping the room as he focused in on him. Off screen, the General's eyes narrowed as he recognized a familiar face.

"Colonel Polenin...you're not part of these proceedings but, go ahead," the Premier recognized him.

"Thank you sir," to Dubrilobov he said, "I read the reports of the fighting over there...that wasn't enough to satisfy your...war-lust?"

Dubrilobov was up in a flash, standing regally and haughtily as he answered. "I didn't recieve my honors by wanting safety...I did it because I sought the battlefield; it is the only home for a true warrior," he replied.

"That'll be enough," the Premier said, slamming his gavel. "The Directorate has recieved and recorded your report, and it is the finding that Operation Long Shield was a success. This Directorate is adjourned until its next meeting on the fifteenth of January."

With that, the multitude of screens began to sign off. Before the screen displaying General Dubrilobov blanked out, there was a momentary flash as his eyes burned into the camera, as if he could see through the screen into the hospital room. Then the screens went black. The tech began to disassemble the setup.

"Well, that was interesting," Polenin muttered with a sigh.

"I wonder why he was like that...." said the Minister, uneasily.

"I wonder why he was like that...." said the Minister, uneasily.
"Dubrilobov is an ass," Polenin explained, "A brilliant leader, but an ass nonetheless..." He looked around, "Eh, don't tell anyone I was insubordinate," he chuckled.

"No problem, sir," Yvgenni answered. "The General's reputation is well known."

"Dubrilobov is an ass," Polenin explained, "A brilliant leader, but an ass nonetheless..." He looked around, "Eh, don't tell anyone I was insubordinate," he chuckled.

"No problem, sir," Yvgenni answered. "The General's reputation is well known."

The Minister laughed."We have plenty of those in our military."

The Minister laughed."We have plenty of those in our military."
A head poked in.

"Excuse me, visiting hours are closed-" the nurse said before noticing the discarded fast food wrappers. "Who brought this?! The Minister can't have this in-" she sighed, "All right, everyone, out."

"Busted," Yvgenni whispered to Yuri as the nurse shooed them out.

A head poked in.

"Excuse me, visiting hours are closed-" the nurse said before noticing the discarded fast food wrappers. "Who brought this?! The Minister can't have this in-" she sighed, "All right, everyone, out."

"Busted," Yvgenni whispered to Yuri as the nurse shooed them out.

Jessica and Rachel also left before saying goodbye to the Minister.

General Stylus quickly said a few words before leaving, then Edward was the last one to go.

Jessica and Rachel also left before saying goodbye to the Minister.

General Stylus quickly said a few words before leaving, then Edward was the last one to go.
"Well, that was fun," Polenin said with a grin. He turned to the General. "Ma'am, I was appointed to be your attache here. Since we can't meet with the Minister anymore...is there something else you'd like to do?"

"Well, that was fun," Polenin said with a grin. He turned to the General. "Ma'am, I was appointed to be your attache here. Since we can't meet with the Minister anymore...is there something else you'd like to do?"

"I suppose I need a meal." said Sasha."Any good places to eat around here?"

"I suppose I need a meal." said Sasha."Any good places to eat around here?"
"The mess is pretty good," Yvgenni offered.

"That's pretty much all we have," Polenin admitted to her. "Though, of course, I'd take you to the officer's mess," he explained.

"The mess is pretty good," Yvgenni offered.

"That's pretty much all we have," Polenin admitted to her. "Though, of course, I'd take you to the officer's mess," he explained.

"Alright, officer's mess it is." said Sasha, beaming.

Meanwhile, Edward was chatting with the two GIA agents that had accompanied Sasha to FUS.

"Well, General, shall we?" he asked, leading her away. "I suppose I should lead, follow Greali military customs as a show of...cooperation among our country's," he smiled.

"Well, General, shall we?" he asked, leading her away. "I suppose I should lead, follow Greali military customs as a show of...cooperation among our country's," he smiled.

"Sure go ahead Colonel. I have no idea how to get to the officer's mess hall anyway." said Sasha, smiling back.

"Sure go ahead Colonel. I have no idea how to get to the officer's mess hall anyway." said Sasha, smiling back.
When they had left the group, Polenin felt it was okay to try and strike up a conversation.

"I've never seen one of those briefings before, you know," he said conversationally, "And it was...intriguing, to see all the Congressmen and officials like that. All I've ever been before is a board of inquiry," he chuckled.

When they had left the group, Polenin felt it was okay to try and strike up a conversation.

"I've never seen one of those briefings before, you know," he said conversationally, "And it was...intriguing, to see all the Congressmen and officials like that. All I've ever been before is a board of inquiry," he chuckled.

"I always get involved in meetings like this back in Greal. I am deputy Minister of Defense. Board of Inquiry?"

"I always get involved in meetings like this back in Greal. I am deputy Minister of Defense. Board of Inquiry?"
"Eh, I was...encouragable, in my youth," Polenin chuckled. "Well...wouldn't the Minister's position make you acting Minister or something?" he inquired. To himself he said No wonder she knows Dubrilobov.

"Eh, I was...encouragable, in my youth," Polenin chuckled. "Well...wouldn't the Minister's position make you acting Minister or something?" he inquired. To himself he said No wonder she knows Dubrilobov.

"I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. I'm currently acting deputy Minister of defense."

"I'm sorry, let me rephrase that. I'm currently acting deputy Minister of defense."
"Oh, I see," Polenin said, leading her to a parked jeep. He quickly opened the passenger door for her, closing it after her and getting behind the wheel. "Well, that's still an accomplishment...my youthful impertinence will make sure I never get promoted passed Colonel," he joked.

"Oh, I see," Polenin said, leading her to a parked jeep. He quickly opened the passenger door for her, closing it after her and getting behind the wheel. "Well, that's still an accomplishment...my youthful impertinence will make sure I never get promoted passed Colonel," he joked.

"You are in charge of this base, are you not?" asked Sasha.

"You are in charge of this base, are you not?" asked Sasha.
"I'm adjunct commander," Polenin said. "General Roshenko is in command. I'm basically in command of the Air Wing," he explained.

"I'm adjunct commander," Polenin said. "General Roshenko is in command. I'm basically in command of the Air Wing," he explained.

"You fly planes?" asked Sasha, curious.

"You fly planes?" asked Sasha, curious.
"Yes," Polenin said as he drove them down the street, "I fly F-15E's now, but when I started out, I was flying Mig-29s. I've flown F-15Cs and all sorts since, though I was semi-retired before the war started," he explained.

"Yes," Polenin said as he drove them down the street, "I fly F-15E's now, but when I started out, I was flying Mig-29s. I've flown F-15Cs and all sorts since, though I was semi-retired before the war started," he explained.

"I'm not much of a pilot." explained Sasha.

"I'm not much of a pilot." explained Sasha.
"Are you a pilot, then?" he asked. "We have few women pilots, though those numbers are steadily increasing. Some people even think women make better pilots than men."

"Are you a pilot, then?" he asked. "We have few women pilots, though those numbers are steadily increasing. Some people even think women make better pilots than men."

"Not really. I fly my private jet, but thats about it." said Sasha.

"Not really. I fly my private jet, but thats about it." said Sasha.
He parked the jeep by the officer's mess, circling around and opening the door for her.

"Well, if you want, I could always take you up," he offered.

He parked the jeep by the officer's mess, circling around and opening the door for her.

"Well, if you want, I could always take you up," he offered.

"I'll have to think about it." said Sasha, shyly.

"I'll have to think about it." said Sasha, shyly.
Polenin smiled at her shy reply as he opened the door to the officer's mess for her. God, man, you're flirting with a superior officer he reminded himself. Not for your own forces, though... his mind was quick to add.

"Please do," he flashed a smile. "And here's the officer's mess..."

The door opened to something that was more akin to a restaurant than a cafeteria. There were several officers loitering around, and at the checkout counter, General Stark was walking towards the door, a tray with two metal travel-plates on it. His eyes zeroed in on Polenin, and wandered over to the General.

"General Stylus?" his gruff but kind voice asked, "Is that you?"

note: Gen. Stark is a Lt. General (three-star)

Polenin smiled at her shy reply as he opened the door to the officer's mess for her. God, man, you're flirting with a superior officer he reminded himself. Not for your own forces, though... his mind was quick to add.

"Please do," he flashed a smile. "And here's the officer's mess..."

The door opened to something that was more akin to a restaurant than a cafeteria. There were several officers loitering around, and at the checkout counter, General Stark was walking towards the door, a tray with two metal travel-plates on it. His eyes zeroed in on Polenin, and wandered over to the General.

"General Stylus?" his gruff but kind voice asked, "Is that you?"

note: Gen. Stark is a Lt. General (three-star)

"Yes, I'm General Stylus, sir." she was quick to add after she stepped through the door.

"Yes, I'm General Stylus, sir." she was quick to add after she stepped through the door.
He tried to offer his hand to shake hers, but was unavailable to because of the tray.

"Sorry for not shaking your hand, General," Stark said with an old-man's chuckle. "What brings you all the way here?"

He tried to offer his hand to shake hers, but was unavailable to because of the tray.

"Sorry for not shaking your hand, General," Stark said with an old-man's chuckle. "What brings you all the way here?"

"Supper is the one reason." answered Stylus.

"Supper is the one reason." answered Stylus.
The General blinked at her literal question.

"Of course," he smiled slowly, "Well, I must be getting back; I can't let General Dubrilobov's meal go cold," he explained with a chuckle. "Eh...I won't tell him you're here," Stark said as he left through the door.

The General blinked at her literal question.

"Of course," he smiled slowly, "Well, I must be getting back; I can't let General Dubrilobov's meal go cold," he explained with a chuckle. "Eh...I won't tell him you're here," Stark said as he left through the door.

Sasha upon hearing Dubrilobov was here, became alarmed, but she then turned to the Colonel. "Shall we?"

Sasha upon hearing Dubrilobov was here, became alarmed, but she then turned to the Colonel. "Shall we?"
"Yes, let's," Polenin said, showing her where to order food. There was a daily menu, and today it was either chicken parmesan with spagetti and meat sauce, or salisbury steak with potatoes and veggies. Colonel Polenin felt like he should say something after seeing her reaction, but still felt out of place. "By the way...you can call me Dmitri if you want; I've never really liked the military regs about addressing others." He looked away, as if studying the menu.

"Yes, let's," Polenin said, showing her where to order food. There was a daily menu, and today it was either chicken parmesan with spagetti and meat sauce, or salisbury steak with potatoes and veggies. Colonel Polenin felt like he should say something after seeing her reaction, but still felt out of place. "By the way...you can call me Dmitri if you want; I've never really liked the military regs about addressing others." He looked away, as if studying the menu.

"Chicken parmesan with spagetti and meat sauce sounds delicious." said Sasha, I'll order that."

"Chicken parmesan with spagetti and meat sauce sounds delicious." said Sasha, I'll order that."
"Make that two chicken parmesans," Polenin told the clerk, who rang up their orders.

"Meal credits, sir?" he asked. Polenin passed him a credit card.

"All meals for active servicemen is free," Polenin explained, "These credits are scanned in for our allotment."

"Make that two chicken parmesans," Polenin told the clerk, who rang up their orders.

"Meal credits, sir?" he asked. Polenin passed him a credit card.

"All meals for active servicemen is free," Polenin explained, "These credits are scanned in for our allotment."

"You're "paying" for me?" asked Sasha.

"You're "paying" for me?" asked Sasha.
"Ehehe, you don't mind, do you, General?" Polenin smiled.

ooc: since she's foreign, she wouldn't have credits, fyi

"Ehehe, you don't mind, do you, General?" Polenin smiled.

ooc: since she's foreign, she wouldn't have credits, fyi

OOC: I think I figured that out :D
IC:

"Go ahead, I'll pay you back some other time." said Sasha, who was wondering what was going on.

OOC: I think I figured that out :D
IC:

"Go ahead, I'll pay you back some other time." said Sasha, who was wondering what was going on.
ooc: just checking, lol

ic:

"Sure," Polenin smiles as they wait for their meals. After a few minutes, their plates are delivered, and he places hers on a tray before retrieving his own. "Shall we sit, then?"

ooc: just checking, lol

ic:

"Sure," Polenin smiles as they wait for their meals. After a few minutes, their plates are delivered, and he places hers on a tray before retrieving his own. "Shall we sit, then?"

"Sure." answered, Sasha who randomly picked an empty table.

"Sure." answered, Sasha who randomly picked an empty table.
"So, how do you like the country so far?" Polenin asked as he took a bite. There was a loud rumble, and the roar of a jet engine overwhelmed them. The light fixtures and their glasses shook. "Combat landings," he explained. "We're not at war anymore, but...we're still on a heightened alert."

"Yes, I've heard about the recent battle here, and even a few Greali battalions were helping."

"Yes, I've heard about the recent battle here, and even a few Greali battalions were helping."
"Yeah...your boys fought real well," he smiled. "Er, so did your women," he amended.

"Yeah...your boys fought real well," he smiled. "Er, so did your women," he amended.

Sasha chuckled and replied,"There were a few of them in the battalion."

Sasha chuckled and replied,"There were a few of them in the battalion."
"Yes, we have many women in the military too," Dmitri said. "Um...how did you end up in the military?"

"Yes, we have many women in the military too," Dmitri said. "Um...how did you end up in the military?"

"Family, connections, you know the story." answered Sasha, who thought the answer was a bit lame.

"Family, connections, you know the story." answered Sasha, who thought the answer was a bit lame.
"Ah, I see," Dmitri replied, knowing the story, as she said. "But still, you've got through on your own merits, I presume."

"Ah, I see," Dmitri replied, knowing the story, as she said. "But still, you've got through on your own merits, I presume."

"I'm a good administrator, says the military. I personally administrated Sasha district for two years, helping organize its defenses, so the Minister recommended me as his deputy."

"I'm a good administrator, says the military. I personally administrated Sasha district for two years, helping organize its defenses, so the Minister recommended me as his deputy."
Dmitri chuckled, "That's good to hear," he said, "I'd probably be kicked out if I wasn't such a good pilot."

Dmitri chuckled, "That's good to hear," he said, "I'd probably be kicked out if I wasn't such a good pilot."

"Thats how you became colonel?" asked Sasha

"Thats how you became colonel?" asked Sasha
"Yeah," Polenin said. "I was a Second Lieutenant during the Bloody Valentine War," he explained. "As my kills went up, so did my ranks. I was eventually a Major, in charge of three squadrons of the 6th Air Force. As the war went on, however, my pilots got shot down...until it was just me and my wingman."

"Yeah," Polenin said. "I was a Second Lieutenant during the Bloody Valentine War," he explained. "As my kills went up, so did my ranks. I was eventually a Major, in charge of three squadrons of the 6th Air Force. As the war went on, however, my pilots got shot down...until it was just me and my wingman."

"You involved in politics?"

"You involved in politics?"
"Oh, hell no," Dmitri waved his hand dismissively. "Politics is derived from the words poly and ticks. Poly meaning 'many' and ticks being blood-sucking arachnids," he joked, cracking a smile.

"Oh, hell no," Dmitri waved his hand dismissively. "Politics is derived from the words poly and ticks. Poly meaning 'many' and ticks being blood-sucking arachnids," he joked, cracking a smile.

"Yes I have to agree, but I'm stuck in politics because of my family connections."

"Oh, I meant no offense," Dmitri said. He chuckled a bit, "The only family connection I have is Sara."

"Oh, I meant no offense," Dmitri said. He chuckled a bit, "The only family connection I have is Sara."

"Sara? Oh, I met her. She's your niece?"

"Sara? Oh, I met her. She's your niece?"
"Yes...my sister, her mother, and her father died in a car accident about two years ago," he explained. "I gained custody of her...I'd only seen her as a baby until then," he sighed. "My family...we had a falling out...of sorts."

"Yes...my sister, her mother, and her father died in a car accident about two years ago," he explained. "I gained custody of her...I'd only seen her as a baby until then," he sighed. "My family...we had a falling out...of sorts."

"Oh, I'm sorry for mentioning it." said Sasha, blushing in embarrassment. She was half done with her meal.

"Oh, I'm sorry for mentioning it." said Sasha, blushing in embarrassment. She was half done with her meal.
"It's all right," Dmitri said, "We've worked through it already..." his voice trailed. Boy, she's attractive when she blushes he thought.

"It's all right," Dmitri said, "We've worked through it already..." his voice trailed. Boy, she's attractive when she blushes he thought.

OOC: :D
IC:

"I'm sorry for mentioning it." replied Sasha

OOC: :D
IC:

"I'm sorry for mentioning it." replied Sasha
"Nah, like I said...it's old business," Dmitri said. He flashed one of his slow, drop-dead smiles. "I've got Sara, so...that's enough." His smile faded a bit Great, didn't mean to say I didn't need anyone...

ooc: here's what dmitri looks like, fyi: http://www.gamebgs.com/data/media/10/Millenium_Pilot.jpg

"Nah, like I said...it's old business," Dmitri said. He flashed one of his slow, drop-dead smiles. "I've got Sara, so...that's enough." His smile faded a bit Great, didn't mean to say I didn't need anyone...

ooc: here's what dmitri looks like, fyi: http://www.gamebgs.com/data/media/10/Millenium_Pilot.jpg

OOC: I see that pic before.:D
IC:

Sasha didn't reply, continued eating with her thoughts entangled.

OOC: I see that pic before.:D
IC:

Sasha didn't reply, continued eating with her thoughts entangled.
"Um...sorry if I said something I shouldn't have," he said, trying to smile sheepishly, like a boy caught misbehaving. "I'm not that good with women," he admitted, chuckling bashfully.

"Um...sorry if I said something I shouldn't have," he said, trying to smile sheepishly, like a boy caught misbehaving. "I'm not that good with women," he admitted, chuckling bashfully.

Sasha smiled, "I didn't think you were. Never had time?"

Sasha smiled, "I didn't think you were. Never had time?"
"Well, I seem to be in a constant state of "between-wars" if you get my meaning," he smiled. "And...the women I would meet...always seemed to be missing that something, y'know? I'm sure if I'd married one of 'em I could have been happy...but there would be a little hollow spot." Dmitri took a drink from his glass and chuckled, "Listen to me, going all warrior-poet..."

"Well, I seem to be in a constant state of "between-wars" if you get my meaning," he smiled. "And...the women I would meet...always seemed to be missing that something, y'know? I'm sure if I'd married one of 'em I could have been happy...but there would be a little hollow spot." Dmitri took a drink from his glass and chuckled, "Listen to me, going all warrior-poet..."

"Its alright." answered Sasha, starting to feel the same way as Dmitri.

"Its alright." answered Sasha, starting to feel the same way as Dmitri.
"But what about you?" Dmitri asked, suddenly going on the attack. "There's gotta be a Mr. Stylus...or at least, a candidate, right?" he inquired.

"But what about you?" Dmitri asked, suddenly going on the attack. "There's gotta be a Mr. Stylus...or at least, a candidate, right?" he inquired.

"No there isn't." replied Sasha, blushing again.

"No there isn't." replied Sasha, blushing again.
God, she's gorgeous...

"There isn't?" Dmitri asked in a mix of incredulousness and excitement. "Now, that's a crime," he said with a smile.

God, she's gorgeous...

"There isn't?" Dmitri asked in a mix of incredulousness and excitement. "Now, that's a crime," he said with a smile.

OOC: LOL :tongue:
IC:

She became a little uneasily, but she was drawing Dmitri in her accidental conspiracy. "I've tried a few times, but its always the same in the end."

OOC: LOL :tongue:
IC:

She became a little uneasily, but she was drawing Dmitri in her accidental conspiracy. "I've tried a few times, but its always the same in the end."
"That's a shame," he said, trying in his own way to draw her out. "As I said...it's the same with me. But I'm still a hopeless romantic...believing in fate and all that," he smiled sheepishly, a bit of red showing in his cheeks.

"That's a shame," he said, trying in his own way to draw her out. "As I said...it's the same with me. But I'm still a hopeless romantic...believing in fate and all that," he smiled sheepishly, a bit of red showing in his cheeks.

"You believe in fate?" asked Sasha, who was completed distracted from her meal.

OOC: This could get messy. :D

"You believe in fate?" asked Sasha, who was completed distracted from her meal.

OOC: This could get messy. :D
"It's about one of the only things I do believe in," he answered.

ooc: yeah, this'll be good XD

"It's about one of the only things I do believe in," he answered.

ooc: yeah, this'll be good XD

She was suddenly aware of other officers who were luckily not overhearing the conversation, but if something would happen, she dared no try, so she waited to see if Dmitri would try, or not. "I don't really believe in anything. I kinda lost hope in the whole process."

She was suddenly aware of other officers who were luckily not overhearing the conversation, but if something would happen, she dared no try, so she waited to see if Dmitri would try, or not. "I don't really believe in anything. I kinda lost hope in the whole process."
What the Hell...she's not in my military...

"That's a shame," his hand reached across to touch hers lightly. "Hope is one of the few good things on this planet..."

What the Hell...she's not in my military...

"That's a shame," his hand reached across to touch hers lightly. "Hope is one of the few good things on this planet..."

He's so handsome.

Sasha was suddenly hypnotized by him. She had her hand touch his hand lightly. "Hope is good." she said softly.

He's so handsome.

Sasha was suddenly hypnotized by him. She had her hand touch his hand lightly. "Hope is good." she said softly.
"Yeah...it is," he smiled slowly, gently taking ahold of her hand.

Meanwhile...

"Comrade-General, your meal, sir," Stark said as he brought their meals in.

"Hrm...set it down..." Dubrilobov said distractedly.

"Sir, what are you doing?" Stark asked as he complied.

"Something intrigued me...a Greali aircraft I saw...and this," he explained, revealing the footage from their briefing. "When the camera panned to the fool Polenin...I saw someone familiar," he froze the image, which showed a digitally clear likeness of General Stylus. "She's here," he folded his hands, resting his chin on them.

At his side, Stark sighed. This wasn't good...

ooc: plot twist

"Yeah...it is," he smiled slowly, gently taking ahold of her hand.

Meanwhile...

"Comrade-General, your meal, sir," Stark said as he brought their meals in.

"Hrm...set it down..." Dubrilobov said distractedly.

"Sir, what are you doing?" Stark asked as he complied.

"Something intrigued me...a Greali aircraft I saw...and this," he explained, revealing the footage from their briefing. "When the camera panned to the fool Polenin...I saw someone familiar," he froze the image, which showed a digitally clear likeness of General Stylus. "She's here," he folded his hands, resting his chin on them.

At his side, Stark sighed. This wasn't good...

ooc: plot twist

Sasha smiled back and edged her seat slightly closer to tempt Dmitri to do something. "I don't suppose you know where I'll be staying?" again, she said it softly enough only for him to hear.

Sasha smiled back and edged her seat slightly closer to tempt Dmitri to do something. "I don't suppose you know where I'll be staying?" again, she said it softly enough only for him to hear.
"We do have guest quarters..." he said softly, edging himself closer as well. "But as adjunct commander, I have a residence on-base...it has a guest room." he said boldly.

Meanwhile

Dubrilobov stood up. "I'm going, keep that warm," he mentioned his meal.

"Sir, where are you going?" Stark asked.

"Judging by your reaction...the officer's mess," the General answered, "She's here, and I'm going to see her." With that, the General left the room, Stark in close pursuit.

"We do have guest quarters..." he said softly, edging himself closer as well. "But as adjunct commander, I have a residence on-base...it has a guest room." he said boldly.

Meanwhile

Dubrilobov stood up. "I'm going, keep that warm," he mentioned his meal.

"Sir, where are you going?" Stark asked.

"Judging by your reaction...the officer's mess," the General answered, "She's here, and I'm going to see her." With that, the General left the room, Stark in close pursuit.

"That sounds perfect....that way I at least have "security"." answered Sasha, edging closer again.

OOC: Get on MSN

"That sounds perfect....that way I at least have "security"." answered Sasha, edging closer again.

OOC: Get on MSN
ooc: sorry, i gotta go. I have to be up in 5 hours for air force

ic:

"Yeah, you can't be too careful," he edged closer, almost close enough to kiss.

ooc: sorry, i gotta go. I have to be up in 5 hours for air force

ic:

"Yeah, you can't be too careful," he edged closer, almost close enough to kiss.

She was close enough to kiss also, but she was struck by her hesitant self. "Does the guest room have a large bed?"

She was close enough to kiss also, but she was struck by her hesitant self. "Does the guest room have a large bed?"
"Fit for a Queen...or a General," Dmitri whispered. He was struck by a sudden act of boldness, crossing the last few inches and kissing her gently.


From the front of the building, still a bit out of sight, General Dubrilobov stepped in. He walked around the room, noticing their embrace, a smoldering coldness crossing over his face.

"Fit for a Queen...or a General," Dmitri whispered. He was struck by a sudden act of boldness, crossing the last few inches and kissing her gently.


From the front of the building, still a bit out of sight, General Dubrilobov stepped in. He walked around the room, noticing their embrace, a smoldering coldness crossing over his face.

She was paralyzed by his kiss for a moment, but that was broke when Dubrilobov walked in.

She was paralyzed by his kiss for a moment, but that was broke when Dubrilobov walked in.
Stark followed after, a look of helplessness on his face as he apologized visually to Stylus.

"Hello, Sasha," General Dubrilobov offered a small bow, his right hand coming to his left upper torso. "It must truly be ordained...that our fates are entwined so..." he smiled, that charming, boyish smile he'd won her with.

"Comrade-General," Dmitri stood, himself suddenly between Sasha and the General. "We've never met...I'm Colonel Polenin."

"Ah, Polenin...the Crow, right?" he asked, referring to Dmitri's callsign. "The harbinger of death..."

"Yeah, that's right," Dmitri gave a wry smile. Both men stared off, Dubrilobov looking at Dmitri as a wolf looks at a bear after the same meal.

Stark followed after, a look of helplessness on his face as he apologized visually to Stylus.

"Hello, Sasha," General Dubrilobov offered a small bow, his right hand coming to his left upper torso. "It must truly be ordained...that our fates are entwined so..." he smiled, that charming, boyish smile he'd won her with.

"Comrade-General," Dmitri stood, himself suddenly between Sasha and the General. "We've never met...I'm Colonel Polenin."

"Ah, Polenin...the Crow, right?" he asked, referring to Dmitri's callsign. "The harbinger of death..."

"Yeah, that's right," Dmitri gave a wry smile. Both men stared off, Dubrilobov looking at Dmitri as a wolf looks at a bear after the same meal.

Sasha reddened a little after seeing Dubrilobov, she was effectively split.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Edward was wandering around the base, saying goodbye to the last departing Greali troops.

Sasha reddened a little after seeing Dubrilobov, she was effectively split.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Edward was wandering around the base, saying goodbye to the last departing Greali troops.
"Well then..." Dubrilobov said dismissively, shouldering past Polenin and approaching Sasha. He again smiled, a warm, kind smile that, for some reason, looked unnatural on him. "Sasha, why didn't you tell me you were coming?" he asked, in a way that was like a cat playing with a mouse.

"Well then..." Dubrilobov said dismissively, shouldering past Polenin and approaching Sasha. He again smiled, a warm, kind smile that, for some reason, looked unnatural on him. "Sasha, why didn't you tell me you were coming?" he asked, in a way that was like a cat playing with a mouse.

At least she had an excuse for this one. "The Ministry hurried me onto a jet that was coming here."

At least she had an excuse for this one. "The Ministry hurried me onto a jet that was coming here."
"You were at the briefing..." he stepped closer, his hand reaching up to take her chin, tipping her head up to look into his eyes, "And I still had to find you on my own...that's not very nice."

"General..." Dmitri said to the side, his fist clenched but his voice calm and cool.

"You were at the briefing..." he stepped closer, his hand reaching up to take her chin, tipping her head up to look into his eyes, "And I still had to find you on my own...that's not very nice."

"General..." Dmitri said to the side, his fist clenched but his voice calm and cool.

She backed away from him, a bit afraid of what he might do. She had seen him scream at Greali soldiers sometimes. "What do you want? I already told you back in Womer!"

She backed away from him, a bit afraid of what he might do. She had seen him scream at Greali soldiers sometimes. "What do you want? I already told you back in Womer!"
A frown crossed Dubrilobov's face for a mere second before reverting back to the coy smile.

"Oh, Womer again, eh?" he asked, taking another step forward. He leaned in so that they were a mere inch from each other's lips. "You seemed perfectly fine the night before..." he leaned in to kiss her.

ooc: sorry for taking liberty

A frown crossed Dubrilobov's face for a mere second before reverting back to the coy smile.

"Oh, Womer again, eh?" he asked, taking another step forward. He leaned in so that they were a mere inch from each other's lips. "You seemed perfectly fine the night before..." he leaned in to kiss her.

ooc: sorry for taking liberty

They embraced for only less then a second because Sasha was a bit surprised, but pushed him away and edged away from him, aware that the other officers were probably watching this drama unfold...

They embraced for only less then a second because Sasha was a bit surprised, but pushed him away and edged away from him, aware that the other officers were probably watching this drama unfold...
"Comrade..." Dmitri said, putting a hand on the General's shoulder. "You're making our guest uncomfortable. You should leave, sir."

"Should I now?" Dubrilobov asked.

"Yes, sir. The General is my responsibility," Dmitri continued.

"You insolent..." Dubrilobov turned to face the Colonel.

At that moment, the door opened again, revealing the Premier and Samantha Lexi. The Premier quickly assessed the scene and walked over. The officers stood at attention as he approached.

"General Dubrilobov, I hope you're making our guests welcome," he said.

"Of course, Comrade-PRemier," he feigned respect in his voice.

"Good," Galindo responded, "You may go, then," his voice letting him know it wasn't a request.

"Premier, permission to make a statement." The Premier nodded, "You won't be Premier for much longer, sir."

"I see..." Galindo leaned in, "And does that fact make me more, or less dangerous, do you think?" He straightened up, "Dismissed, General."

"Yes, sir," Dubrilobov smoldered, doing an about-face and leaving. Stark traded salutes with the Premier before falling in with his commander.

"Jesus," the Premier sighed, turning to Dmitri. "What was all that?"

"Um...just an officer's quarrel," he answered.

"I just saved you a demotion and time in the brig," the Premier chuckled.

"Comrade..." Dmitri said, putting a hand on the General's shoulder. "You're making our guest uncomfortable. You should leave, sir."

"Should I now?" Dubrilobov asked.

"Yes, sir. The General is my responsibility," Dmitri continued.

"You insolent..." Dubrilobov turned to face the Colonel.

At that moment, the door opened again, revealing the Premier and Samantha Lexi. The Premier quickly assessed the scene and walked over. The officers stood at attention as he approached.

"General Dubrilobov, I hope you're making our guests welcome," he said.

"Of course, Comrade-PRemier," he feigned respect in his voice.

"Good," Galindo responded, "You may go, then," his voice letting him know it wasn't a request.

"Premier, permission to make a statement." The Premier nodded, "You won't be Premier for much longer, sir."

"I see..." Galindo leaned in, "And does that fact make me more, or less dangerous, do you think?" He straightened up, "Dismissed, General."

"Yes, sir," Dubrilobov smoldered, doing an about-face and leaving. Stark traded salutes with the Premier before falling in with his commander.

"Jesus," the Premier sighed, turning to Dmitri. "What was all that?"

"Um...just an officer's quarrel," he answered.

"I just saved you a demotion and time in the brig," the Premier chuckled.

"Thank you Premier." said Sasha, uneasily, knowing Dubrilobov will come back.

"Thank you Premier." said Sasha, uneasily, knowing Dubrilobov will come back.
"The same," Polenin chuckled, knowing that he was seconds from knocking Dubrilobov out. He stepped to Sasha's side. "I'll, uh, make sure the General is okay."

"All right, Colonel," the Premier said, "Don't do something I wouldn't do," he said, leading Samantha away. The NSA nodded curtly, following the Premier closely. Polenin wondered how long that had been going on.

"Are you okay?" he turned to Sasha, concern on his face. "Even if I get busted...I'll make sure that jerk stays away, okay?" He sighs and offers his arm, "C'mon, let's get outta here."

"The same," Polenin chuckled, knowing that he was seconds from knocking Dubrilobov out. He stepped to Sasha's side. "I'll, uh, make sure the General is okay."

"All right, Colonel," the Premier said, "Don't do something I wouldn't do," he said, leading Samantha away. The NSA nodded curtly, following the Premier closely. Polenin wondered how long that had been going on.

"Are you okay?" he turned to Sasha, concern on his face. "Even if I get busted...I'll make sure that jerk stays away, okay?" He sighs and offers his arm, "C'mon, let's get outta here."

"Thank you, Colonel." she said, grabbing his arm."Lets go."

"Thank you, Colonel." she said, grabbing his arm."Lets go."
"He really hurt you, huh?" Dmitri said as he led her to the Jeep. "You...don't have to talk about it, but, sometimes it's better to share with someone..." he opened the door for her, "I dunno what I'm saying..." he patted her hand and circled around to the driver's seat. He put the Jeep in gear, heading for his residence.

"He really hurt you, huh?" Dmitri said as he led her to the Jeep. "You...don't have to talk about it, but, sometimes it's better to share with someone..." he opened the door for her, "I dunno what I'm saying..." he patted her hand and circled around to the driver's seat. He put the Jeep in gear, heading for his residence.

She didn't anything, obviously uncomfortable about talking about it.

She didn't anything, obviously uncomfortable about talking about it.
Stopping at the house, he again opened the door for her and led her inside. The house was clean and very sterile-looking.

"I actually haven't lived in here for a few months," Dmitri explained, "I slept in the Ready Room during the war. There's a bathroom upstairs, where the bedrooms are. You can freshen up there.." he offered.

Stopping at the house, he again opened the door for her and led her inside. The house was clean and very sterile-looking.

"I actually haven't lived in here for a few months," Dmitri explained, "I slept in the Ready Room during the war. There's a bathroom upstairs, where the bedrooms are. You can freshen up there.." he offered.

"Thank you." replied Sasha, Dmitri noticed that she had a bag hanging around her shoulder.

"Thank you." replied Sasha, Dmitri noticed that she had a bag hanging around her shoulder.
"No problem," he said softly, moving into the kitchen. "I'll, uh, make us some tea...it'll make you feel better," he said.

"No problem," he said softly, moving into the kitchen. "I'll, uh, make us some tea...it'll make you feel better," he said.

Sasha came down five minutes later looking refreshed and she changed into her service uniform.

Sasha came down five minutes later looking refreshed and she changed into her service uniform.
"Feel better?" Dmitri asks as he begins to pour the tea. "It'll be ready in a sec..."

"Feel better?" Dmitri asks as he begins to pour the tea. "It'll be ready in a sec..."

"Yes, much better." answered Sasha smiling and walking into the kitchen.

"Yes, much better." answered Sasha smiling and walking into the kitchen.
"I'm glad," Dmitri said as he handed her a cup. "I tried to guess how you took your tea...lemme know if I got it right," he smiled.


ooc: let him get it right, please?

"I'm glad," Dmitri said as he handed her a cup. "I tried to guess how you took your tea...lemme know if I got it right," he smiled.


ooc: let him get it right, please?

She sipped it and smiled back "Its right, don't worry."

OOC: LOL, sure. :D

She sipped it and smiled back "Its right, don't worry."

OOC: LOL, sure. :D
Dmitri smiled boyishly. "See? Now do you believe in fate?"

Dmitri smiled boyishly. "See? Now do you believe in fate?"

"Who said I didn't?" teased Sasha, edging closer to Dmitri again.

"Who said I didn't?" teased Sasha, edging closer to Dmitri again.
"Pardon me, General," he whispered, stepping up to her and giving a playful salute. As his hand left his brow, Dmitri reached out, his fingertips brushing her cheek.

"Pardon me, General," he whispered, stepping up to her and giving a playful salute. As his hand left his brow, Dmitri reached out, his fingertips brushing her cheek.

She wasn't sure what to do, so she touched his hand lightly again.

She wasn't sure what to do, so she touched his hand lightly again.
With all his charm, Dmitri took her hand in his, kissing it lightly, first on the outside, and then again on her palm. He leaned forward and kissed her.

With all his charm, Dmitri took her hand in his, kissing it lightly, first on the outside, and then again on her palm. He leaned forward and kissed her.

Sasha's thoughts were on Dubrilobov when Dmitri kissed her, but they washed away like water as the seconds went on. Her hands moved up to hold Dmitri's face.

Sasha's thoughts were on Dubrilobov when Dmitri kissed her, but they washed away like water as the seconds went on. Her hands moved up to hold Dmitri's face.
Dmitri brought his arms to hold her to him as they continued to kiss, his hand still gently caressing her cheek.

Dmitri brought his arms to hold her to him as they continued to kiss, his hand still gently caressing her cheek.

She was kissing slowly and passionately. No one would interfere now.

She was kissing slowly and passionately. No one would interfere now.
After what seemed like hours, Dmitri broke their kiss.

"You're not afraid of being with a subordinate, are you, sir?" he asked coyly, cupping her cheeks in his hands.

ooc: in my country, female superiors are called 'sir'

After what seemed like hours, Dmitri broke their kiss.

"You're not afraid of being with a subordinate, are you, sir?" he asked coyly, cupping her cheeks in his hands.

ooc: in my country, female superiors are called 'sir'

OOC: In my country, anyone that is superior is called sir :D

IC:

"No, Colonel." answered Sasha, feeling a wave of happiness.

OOC2: gtg

OOC: In my country, anyone that is superior is called sir :D

IC:

"No, Colonel." answered Sasha, feeling a wave of happiness.

OOC2: gtg
ooc: ok, just thought i'd let you know, just in case

ooc2: buh-bye, see ya later

ic:

"Good, cuz I got no problems being with a superior," Dmitri whispered, leaning down and kissing her again.

ooc: ok, just thought i'd let you know, just in case

ooc2: buh-bye, see ya later

ic:

"Good, cuz I got no problems being with a superior," Dmitri whispered, leaning down and kissing her again.

She kissed back with passion and almost fiercely.

She kissed back with passion and almost fiercely.
As they continued to kiss, the phone on the nearby kichen counter began to ring. Dmitri fumbled for it, silencing the phone as he continued to kiss her.

----------------

"Damnit, he's not answering," Sara sighed, hanging up her cell phone. She turned to Mark, "Well?"

"I suppose we can go over the records we don't need him for," Mark suggested.

"I have half a mind to go over there and drag him outta bed or whatever it is he's doing."

"Look, that's between him and you," Mark held up his hands, "But if you want..."

As they continued to kiss, the phone on the nearby kichen counter began to ring. Dmitri fumbled for it, silencing the phone as he continued to kiss her.

----------------

"Damnit, he's not answering," Sara sighed, hanging up her cell phone. She turned to Mark, "Well?"

"I suppose we can go over the records we don't need him for," Mark suggested.

"I have half a mind to go over there and drag him outta bed or whatever it is he's doing."

"Look, that's between him and you," Mark held up his hands, "But if you want..."

Meanwhile, the two GIA agents that accompanied Sasha to the base were now puzzled. Where did she go? They went asking around to see if any service personnel saw her.

Meanwhile, the two GIA agents that accompanied Sasha to the base were now puzzled. Where did she go? They went asking around to see if any service personnel saw her.
"Colonel Polenin was assigned to escort her," said the desk sergeant, "And he checked out a Jeep, lemme see..." he shuffled through his papers. "Here; license plate GXU-643."

"Colonel Polenin was assigned to escort her," said the desk sergeant, "And he checked out a Jeep, lemme see..." he shuffled through his papers. "Here; license plate GXU-643."

"Do you know where he lives?" asked the agents patiently. if the colonel was watching her, they weren't in a hurry. Sasha had repeatedly told them to be careful of Dubrilobov.

"Do you know where he lives?" asked the agents patiently. if the colonel was watching her, they weren't in a hurry. Sasha had repeatedly told them to be careful of Dubrilobov.
"On Petrovilov Street, I think...you can't miss it. There's a sign that says it's the Adjunct Commander's residence."

-----------

"General...Sasha," he smiled, using her name, "Should we...get comfortable?"

ooc: remember, PG-13

"On Petrovilov Street, I think...you can't miss it. There's a sign that says it's the Adjunct Commander's residence."

-----------

"General...Sasha," he smiled, using her name, "Should we...get comfortable?"

ooc: remember, PG-13

The GIA agents nodded and got into a Fox vehicle supplied by the Greali army and it headed down the street.

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Yes...please." answered Sasha softly.

The GIA agents nodded and got into a Fox vehicle supplied by the Greali army and it headed down the street.

----------------------------------------------------------------

"Yes...please." answered Sasha softly.
Also down the street, a sedan driven by Sara, with Mark in the passenger seat, drove towards his residence.


--------------------------

Dmitri led her, still holding her and kissing her, down the hallway, somehow up the stairs and into the unused bedroom. He had begun to unbutton her blouse along the way, and paused a minute to regain his composure.

"Sasha...you sure?" he asked.

Also down the street, a sedan driven by Sara, with Mark in the passenger seat, drove towards his residence.


--------------------------

Dmitri led her, still holding her and kissing her, down the hallway, somehow up the stairs and into the unused bedroom. He had begun to unbutton her blouse along the way, and paused a minute to regain his composure.

"Sasha...you sure?" he asked.

The GIA agents noticed the sedan in front of them, but they weren't worried.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Yes." she said again, kissing him.

OOC: PG-13. :D

The GIA agents noticed the sedan in front of them, but they weren't worried.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Yes." she said again, kissing him.

OOC: PG-13. :D
Sara pulled into the drive, noticing the foreign car that was pulling up as well. She closed the door, stuffing her hands in her beige trench-coat.

"Let's see what my idiot-uncle is up to," she smiled bitterly at Mark.

"I still don't think this is a good idea..." he answered.

-----------

The slamming of the car door was masked as Dmitri kicked the bedroom door closed, leading Sasha towards the bed.

Sara pulled into the drive, noticing the foreign car that was pulling up as well. She closed the door, stuffing her hands in her beige trench-coat.

"Let's see what my idiot-uncle is up to," she smiled bitterly at Mark.

"I still don't think this is a good idea..." he answered.

-----------

The slamming of the car door was masked as Dmitri kicked the bedroom door closed, leading Sasha towards the bed.

The GIA agents noticed Sara and Mark leaving their car, and one of the agents asked if this was Dmitri's house.

The GIA agents noticed Sara and Mark leaving their car, and one of the agents asked if this was Dmitri's house.
"It could be..." Sara said suspiciously. Despite her attitude, she was highly protective of her uncle.

"It could be..." Sara said suspiciously. Despite her attitude, she was highly protective of her uncle.

The agent smiled, understanding her protective issue. He explained that they were looking for general Stylus and their inquires led them here.

"Well, I guess they could be inside..." Sara frowned suddenly. She produced a key. "I'll let us in..." She opened the door, knocking on it as she stepped in, "Dmitri...? You here?" she asked.

"Well, I guess they could be inside..." Sara frowned suddenly. She produced a key. "I'll let us in..." She opened the door, knocking on it as she stepped in, "Dmitri...? You here?" she asked.

The agents went in also, hearing small noises upstairs.

---------------------------------------------

Sasha heard the door downstairs closed, so she stopped kissing, "Do you hear that?"

The agents went in also, hearing small noises upstairs.

---------------------------------------------

Sasha heard the door downstairs closed, so she stopped kissing, "Do you hear that?"
"Dmitri...?" Sara asked, leading them in, she heard the movement, cocking her head, "Dmitri, you up there?"

------------------------

"It's my niece..." he told Sasha. He looked down, noticing their half-dressed manner. "Uh-oh..." He sat up, buttoning his shirt and fixing his belt.

"Dmitri...?" Sara asked, leading them in, she heard the movement, cocking her head, "Dmitri, you up there?"

------------------------

"It's my niece..." he told Sasha. He looked down, noticing their half-dressed manner. "Uh-oh..." He sat up, buttoning his shirt and fixing his belt.

The GIA agents were closely behind, but then one of them went downstairs to find Sasha.

---------------------------------

Sasha sprinted over and locked the door and whispered "Is there any other way for me to get back downstairs?"

The GIA agents were closely behind, but then one of them went downstairs to find Sasha.

---------------------------------

Sasha sprinted over and locked the door and whispered "Is there any other way for me to get back downstairs?"
"Dmitri...?" Sara chided, taking one step on the stairs.

------------

"No...look, go across the hallway, into the guest room," he instructed, "I'll distract them."

ooc: the room isn't visible from the stairs. no one can see the rooms yet.

"Dmitri...?" Sara chided, taking one step on the stairs.

------------

"No...look, go across the hallway, into the guest room," he instructed, "I'll distract them."

ooc: the room isn't visible from the stairs. no one can see the rooms yet.

"Alright." answered Sasha, dressing up quickly. She waited for the moment to run when Dmitri distracted them.

"Alright." answered Sasha, dressing up quickly. She waited for the moment to run when Dmitri distracted them.
"Go," he whispered, chancing a glance at her posterior as he stepped into view.

"Oh, Sara..." he said, feigning grogginess. "What's going on?"

"Ugh, did you forget our meeting...?" she asked, stamping her foot. "You know...the war crimes..."

"Oh," Dmitri said, truthfully remembering at that moment. "Oh, I...forgot. There was an incident with General Dubrilobov...and I brought Sa-General Stylus here to calm down..."

"Go," he whispered, chancing a glance at her posterior as he stepped into view.

"Oh, Sara..." he said, feigning grogginess. "What's going on?"

"Ugh, did you forget our meeting...?" she asked, stamping her foot. "You know...the war crimes..."

"Oh," Dmitri said, truthfully remembering at that moment. "Oh, I...forgot. There was an incident with General Dubrilobov...and I brought Sa-General Stylus here to calm down..."

Sasha meanwhile took advantage of the distraction and stealthily moved off before anyone saw her. She was in the guest room before anyone turned to look.

Sasha meanwhile took advantage of the distraction and stealthily moved off before anyone saw her. She was in the guest room before anyone turned to look.
"Well, these guys are looking for her," Sara thumbed at the agents.

"Oh, I let the General use the guest room...I fell asleep," Dmitri said, "Maybe she's getting ready..." He made a show of hesitantly moving towards the door and knocking. "General...it's Colonel Polenin...are you awake?" he asked.

"Well, these guys are looking for her," Sara thumbed at the agents.

"Oh, I let the General use the guest room...I fell asleep," Dmitri said, "Maybe she's getting ready..." He made a show of hesitantly moving towards the door and knocking. "General...it's Colonel Polenin...are you awake?" he asked.

After a moment of silence, "Yes I am awake," She sounded annoyed on purpose.

After a moment of silence, "Yes I am awake," She sounded annoyed on purpose.
"Well, um," Dmitri himself acted a bit chagrined, "There's some agent-looking fellows here for you," he said.

"Well, um," Dmitri himself acted a bit chagrined, "There's some agent-looking fellows here for you," he said.

"Alright." answered Sasha, she opened the door, she was fully dressed. "Yes Agent Walker?"

"We were supposed to be informed where you would stay."

"I apologize, it won't happen again."

"Alright." answered Sasha, she opened the door, she was fully dressed. "Yes Agent Walker?"

"We were supposed to be informed where you would stay."

"I apologize, it won't happen again."
"Well?" Sara prodded Dmitri. She held up a manila folder, "You gonna get started or what?"

"Oh, yeah. Sure," Dmitri said, turning to Sasha, "Sa-General, would you care to join us? It's business, but, I could make dinner afterwards," he offered.

"Well?" Sara prodded Dmitri. She held up a manila folder, "You gonna get started or what?"

"Oh, yeah. Sure," Dmitri said, turning to Sasha, "Sa-General, would you care to join us? It's business, but, I could make dinner afterwards," he offered.

"Alright Colonel." answered Sasha stiffly. The GIA agents moved off to join Edward back at base.

"Alright Colonel." answered Sasha stiffly. The GIA agents moved off to join Edward back at base.
"We'll be in the study, past the living room," Dmitri answered, smiling coyly at their little deception. "Join us when you're ready," he finished, heading downstairs.

"What was that all about?" Sara asked as Dmitri led her and Mark into the study.

"What was what...?"

"I saw that..." Sara 'whispered' "You're after her, aren't you?"

"That's not polite to our guest," he said, closing the door to the room behind them.

"We'll be in the study, past the living room," Dmitri answered, smiling coyly at their little deception. "Join us when you're ready," he finished, heading downstairs.

"What was that all about?" Sara asked as Dmitri led her and Mark into the study.

"What was what...?"

"I saw that..." Sara 'whispered' "You're after her, aren't you?"

"That's not polite to our guest," he said, closing the door to the room behind them.

The GIA agents chuckled because they suspected what was happening. They drove off back to base with dust being kicked into the air by the vehicle.

-------------------------------------------------------

Sasha meanwhile came downstairs afterwards, and looked for where they were.

The GIA agents chuckled because they suspected what was happening. They drove off back to base with dust being kicked into the air by the vehicle.

-------------------------------------------------------

Sasha meanwhile came downstairs afterwards, and looked for where they were.
"This was Operation Sword Dance," Dmitri said, his voice coming from the study. "It was a series of large airstrikes against key Katangaran targets within the Basarah desert. These included oil refineries, oil wells and AA installations."

"Okay," Sara replied, "Between the months that Sword Dance occurred, the people of the Hashuk Valley reported low-flying aircraft that would routinely harass them, including several instances of opening fire on villages."

"Strafing villages isn't something we really do," Dmitri's voice answered, "But I'll go over the operational data if you want...give me specific dates to narrow it down."

"This was Operation Sword Dance," Dmitri said, his voice coming from the study. "It was a series of large airstrikes against key Katangaran targets within the Basarah desert. These included oil refineries, oil wells and AA installations."

"Okay," Sara replied, "Between the months that Sword Dance occurred, the people of the Hashuk Valley reported low-flying aircraft that would routinely harass them, including several instances of opening fire on villages."

"Strafing villages isn't something we really do," Dmitri's voice answered, "But I'll go over the operational data if you want...give me specific dates to narrow it down."

Sasha at that moment opened the door. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

Sasha at that moment opened the door. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Of course not S-General," Dmitri stood up, gesturing to an empty seat. The trio was seated around a coffee table, stacks of folders and briefs on the surface. "We're going over some touchy subjects, but you're free to join us."

"Of course not S-General," Dmitri stood up, gesturing to an empty seat. The trio was seated around a coffee table, stacks of folders and briefs on the surface. "We're going over some touchy subjects, but you're free to join us."

"Alright." she walked toward the empty seat and sat, listening to this conversation.

"Alright." she walked toward the empty seat and sat, listening to this conversation.
"Okay, next one is the Tangeer Pass, slightly southeast of Katangara City," Sara passed around a manila folder. "Civilians claim that bombs were dropped on civic centers; namely, several schools and universities."

"I remember this," Dmitri said, frowning. "They placed AA batteries on the rooftops, several on hospitals too. It took a lot of shot down aircraft to get permission to take them out. We didn't attack the ones located on hospitals, though."

"Just as I thought," Mark sighed. "Every war atrocity we try to claim against you brings up one of ours." He looked down, "I'm glad we're a republic again..."

"Okay, next one is the Tangeer Pass, slightly southeast of Katangara City," Sara passed around a manila folder. "Civilians claim that bombs were dropped on civic centers; namely, several schools and universities."

"I remember this," Dmitri said, frowning. "They placed AA batteries on the rooftops, several on hospitals too. It took a lot of shot down aircraft to get permission to take them out. We didn't attack the ones located on hospitals, though."

"Just as I thought," Mark sighed. "Every war atrocity we try to claim against you brings up one of ours." He looked down, "I'm glad we're a republic again..."

War atrocities? There were always plenty in Greali wars. Shooting at a hospital was nothing compared to dropping napalm bombs on a refugee camp.

War atrocities? There were always plenty in Greali wars. Shooting at a hospital was nothing compared to dropping napalm bombs on a refugee camp.
"All right, well..." Dmitri sighed, stretching in his chair, "Is that all?"

"There's...one more," Sara brought up a folder. Katag Air 311; reportedly shot down by Commonwealth Air Forces," she explained.

Inside the file, archival photos of wreckage in a field, along with grainy photos of the same airliner on fire as it plummeted down to earth. The last photograph was of a pair of fighters flying overhead.

"Well...the pics are kinda grainy...the fighters could be anyones," Dmitri said. "But...this report shows them flying awfully close to the DMZ, so if they snuck through, it's possible that they were mistaken. Like I said, I'll have to look up the AAR's on these dates."

"All right, well..." Dmitri sighed, stretching in his chair, "Is that all?"

"There's...one more," Sara brought up a folder. Katag Air 311; reportedly shot down by Commonwealth Air Forces," she explained.

Inside the file, archival photos of wreckage in a field, along with grainy photos of the same airliner on fire as it plummeted down to earth. The last photograph was of a pair of fighters flying overhead.

"Well...the pics are kinda grainy...the fighters could be anyones," Dmitri said. "But...this report shows them flying awfully close to the DMZ, so if they snuck through, it's possible that they were mistaken. Like I said, I'll have to look up the AAR's on these dates."

An airliner shot down? "Just curious, when did this happen?"

An airliner shot down? "Just curious, when did this happen?"
"Last...month," Sara said, reading the dated material. "The DMZ followed the western border from Basarah to the Inland Sea...it looks like it was shot down near Ritger's Gap."

Dmitri's brow raised.

"Name struck a bell?" Mark asked.

"Ritger's...it was as close to Hell that a pilot can get..." Dmitri said. "You know what the survival rate for a pilot was in Ritger's Gap?"

"No..." Sara prompted.

"15 minutes," he sighed.

"Last...month," Sara said, reading the dated material. "The DMZ followed the western border from Basarah to the Inland Sea...it looks like it was shot down near Ritger's Gap."

Dmitri's brow raised.

"Name struck a bell?" Mark asked.

"Ritger's...it was as close to Hell that a pilot can get..." Dmitri said. "You know what the survival rate for a pilot was in Ritger's Gap?"

"No..." Sara prompted.

"15 minutes," he sighed.

"Why? Did the enemy put tons of AA there?"

"Why? Did the enemy put tons of AA there?"
"Both air forces fought for dominance," Dmitri clarified, "It was the only path through the mountains, and was necessary for both aerial transport and ground replenishment," he explained. "Fighters and fighter-attackers clashed for air supremacy...in the end, our own forces were close to achieving it."

"Both air forces fought for dominance," Dmitri clarified, "It was the only path through the mountains, and was necessary for both aerial transport and ground replenishment," he explained. "Fighters and fighter-attackers clashed for air supremacy...in the end, our own forces were close to achieving it."

"Then the war ended before that could happen."

"Then the war ended before that could happen."
"Yeah...thankfully," Dmitri said. "If you go there now, the ground's littered with downed aircraft..." he reflected. He stood up, "I'm gonna get a beer or somethin', anyone want something?"

"Yeah...thankfully," Dmitri said. "If you go there now, the ground's littered with downed aircraft..." he reflected. He stood up, "I'm gonna get a beer or somethin', anyone want something?"

"Nothing for me thank you." answered Sasha.

"Nothing for me thank you." answered Sasha.
Dmitri nodded and left.

Once in the kitchen, the memories of those he'd led into that firestorm came back. He remembered how his squadrons had been torn to shreds out there in the merciless blue sky.

Dmitri nodded and left.

Once in the kitchen, the memories of those he'd led into that firestorm came back. He remembered how his squadrons had been torn to shreds out there in the merciless blue sky.

Meanwhile Sasha just sat there facing Mark and Sarah. "Are you a diplomat?" her question was addressed to Sarah.

Meanwhile Sasha just sat there facing Mark and Sarah. "Are you a diplomat?" her question was addressed to Sarah.
"Well, sorta," she smiled, "While Uncle Dmitri and Yvgenni were fighting in the war, I just knew I had to find a way to end it." she explained. "So, with the help of like-minded allies, we started the World without Borders campaign, to bring the war to an end." She leaned in close, "Now, my question is...are you going out with my uncle?"

ooc: gtg, goodnight

"Well, sorta," she smiled, "While Uncle Dmitri and Yvgenni were fighting in the war, I just knew I had to find a way to end it." she explained. "So, with the help of like-minded allies, we started the World without Borders campaign, to bring the war to an end." She leaned in close, "Now, my question is...are you going out with my uncle?"

ooc: gtg, goodnight

"I'm sorry, what?" asked Jessica, very surprised.

"I'm sorry, what?" asked Jessica, very surprised.
ooc: you mean Sasha, right...?

ic:

"Ugh, you two are acting the way me and Mark should..." Sara blurted, quickly blushing and turning to Mark. "Ergh, that came out wrong...I didn't mean it...what I mean is, you're both acting like a buncha teenagers," she smiled slightly. "I mean...I may be in my teens, but I know what it is I heard upstairs," Sara explained.

ooc: you mean Sasha, right...?

ic:

"Ugh, you two are acting the way me and Mark should..." Sara blurted, quickly blushing and turning to Mark. "Ergh, that came out wrong...I didn't mean it...what I mean is, you're both acting like a buncha teenagers," she smiled slightly. "I mean...I may be in my teens, but I know what it is I heard upstairs," Sara explained.

OOC: Yeah, sorry
IC:

"What are you saying exactly?" asked Sasha, still surprised and stunned.

OOC: Yeah, sorry
IC:

"What are you saying exactly?" asked Sasha, still surprised and stunned.
"I mean, those weren't no creaking floorboards," Sara sighed. "It's not like I mind that much..." she explained, "Just...it's just been me and Dmitri, y'know?"

"I mean, those weren't no creaking floorboards," Sara sighed. "It's not like I mind that much..." she explained, "Just...it's just been me and Dmitri, y'know?"

Sasha had no idea whether she wanted to tell anyone about this yet, so she decided to "delay". "What are you saying exactly? Get to the point please." She was hoping Dmitri would return soon.

Sasha had no idea whether she wanted to tell anyone about this yet, so she decided to "delay". "What are you saying exactly? Get to the point please." She was hoping Dmitri would return soon.
"I'm saying you like my uncle," Sara said bluntly. "Geez..."

At that moment, Dmitri opened the door.

"Sorry it took me so long..." he looked around the room. "What?"

"I'm saying you like my uncle," Sara said bluntly. "Geez..."

At that moment, Dmitri opened the door.

"Sorry it took me so long..." he looked around the room. "What?"

"Nothing." replied Sasha, looking strangely confused.

"Nothing." replied Sasha, looking strangely confused.
"O...kay," Dmitri said, taking his seat.

"Dmitri," Sara said, leaning forward in her chair. "Fess up, are you and the General...y'know...together?"

Dmitri turned to look at Sasha, "Um...that is..."

"O...kay," Dmitri said, taking his seat.

"Dmitri," Sara said, leaning forward in her chair. "Fess up, are you and the General...y'know...together?"

Dmitri turned to look at Sasha, "Um...that is..."

"Affirmative." She said.