Vetaka
11-09-2008, 00:47
17:30, Laboratory Zero One, Pearce Weapons Incorporated Bio-Technology Division, Rose Petal Secure Facility, 32 Miles West of Piper Lake, Central Vetaka, Nova:
It had always been the policy of successive Vetakan democratic governments and now the Tribal Council not to possess quantities of Biological Weapons that could be used for offensive and destructive action. Such a policy went on to make clear that Vetaka via Pearce Weapons Incorporated and the Vetakan Defence Forces would actively seek to develop effective cures and counter measures to any and all biological weapons. As a result such development required Vetaka to maintain a limited number of samples to experiment with and test upon.
The hermetically sealed door that led from the laboratories office into the lab it self was not only locked with an alpha numeric code lock it also required a swift swipe of an ID Card. Only those whom possessed “Level 5 Security Clearance” could access the lab and its subsequent viral cold storage. Dr Nicolai Matsui was one such person whom had the required authorization. Dr Matsui was a freshly graduated student of 23 fresh out of New Helgan University with a PHD in molecular biology he had been headhunted by Pearce Weapons Incorporated as a potential candidate for the Bio-Technology Division. After being put through considerable amounts of testing and undergoing considerable amounts of security verification Dr Matsui was offered an appointment to which he graciously accepted. That was two years ago and was around the same time that Dr Matsui he came into contact with Victoria Beckett a beautiful young “Information Officer” of the Information Directorate of Vetakan Security Intelligence Service (VSIS). Eventually they fell in love and whilst on a long weekend within the city of Harcombe looking out across the beautiful mountains Victoria confided to her lover a number of dark truths.
“I am Rebecca Swan, Daughter of James Swan, I approached you not for a relationship but for your help in freeing Vetaka from its dark path”
The words spoken from Victoria’s lips had initially angered and shocked Nicolai but after much thought he realised that his love for Victoria was so strong that he would betray all bounds of fellowship and loyalty to his country in the name of love. That night in front of the beauty of the Harcombe Mountains Victoria confided everything to her love, From plans to destroying the “pathetic, weak, shallow minded tribal loving bourgeoisie of Vetaka” to springing her father from his prison cell. After indulging her love within the bedroom Victoria confided his part of her plan to him:
“Nikki, I want you to steal the Lansing Virus”
“How do you know about Lansing? What do you want to do with it?” stammered Nicolai still slightly out of breath from the sex.
After a further heated discussion Vicky unveiled her master plan, her plan to “Free Vetaka” as she called it she would use the Lansing Virus to cleanse the nation of the impure and usher in a new era of Capitalism whereby she, Nicolai and her Father would reign supreme over a cleansed Vetaka, with promises of money, love and power it wasn’t long before Nicolai fell to her seductive brainwashing.
As Nicolai sat looking at the hermetically sealed door he played with his ID Card in his hands it was approaching Zero Hour in his plan to steal the vials of the Lansing Virus. With all of his staff and superiors now gone from the laboratory the only people whom remained were the authorised cleaning teams and the Guardsman of Vetakan Defence Force Military Police. After a few minutes his Casio watch began to alarm silencing it his mind reminisced in the visions of his love for a few seconds before he sprang into action approaching the door he swiped his ID Card and inputted the security code. After a few seconds the door chimed in acceptance as the hermetically seal depressurised and the door swung open Nicolai took a deep breath and stepped into the decontamination mist. As the first door closed and sealed the second one opened and Nicolai stepped into the silent, sound proofed and controlled environment lab as he moved through the darkness it wasn’t long before the automatic light flickered into life. He came to a halt outside of the “Secure Viral Cold Store” again he swiped his ID Card and inputted the Alpha Numeric Access Code after a few seconds the door again depressurised and swung open stepping into the room he moved his way down the room. The room was small in comparison to the rest of the lab it contained a number of wall mounted refrigerators that had small see through unbreakable glass windows. Just below the windows where small white removable laser etched signs similar to ones found on office doors in affluent offices around the world. These signs however as opposed to having “Chief Executive” had “Ebola” and “Japanese B Encephalitis” etched upon them. Moving past them he came a halt before one that had the words “Lansing 7X-901" he took a deep breath as he swiped his ID Card, Inputted the Access Code, and entered his Finger Print, after a few seconds a small red light that was above the small cabinet flashed green. Simultaneously the door depressurised and clicked open, Nicolai again took a deep breath opened the door as he did so he took out a Titanium Silver Parker Pen from his jacket pocket and unscrewed it taking it apart he placed it atop of the small cabinet and reached into the cabinet taking out a small vial of liquid he looked it over for a few seconds before placing it within the pen and replacing it in his jacket. He repeated the procedure three times before promptly leaving the Storage Room and eventually the lab. He was quite surprised and relieved as he past through “decontamination and security” with ease and without a hitch. After some 30 minutes or so of signing out of the lab and its subsequent complex he was speeding down the motorway within his black 1.6 Sport Mazda 2 his destination Piper Lake “Transport Central”.
19:23, “24-7 Tea & Cake” Coffee Shop, Transport Central Station, Piper Lake, Central Vetaka, Nova:
Transport Central Station was situated in the centre of Piper Lake directly opposite the cities Civil Directorate Office and the grand Bank of Victoria building. The station was really a massive central transport terminus that was the largest of its kind outside of New Theeb in the south and New Helgan in the north. The station connected the central lands of Vetaka with the furthest and farthest courses of the nation via train, coach, boat and most recently air blimp. Transport Central as it was locally known never slept even in the early hours their was a boat, train or coach that was leaving for a far off city or town, as such it wasn’t particular hard for Nicolai to attain that he and his love where about to release one of the worlds deadliest biological weapons in a place which would see it carried to Vetaka and potentially beyond. After parking his car he descended into the depths of the sub surface station via its glass elevators and made his way along the “promenade” towards the 24-7 T&C Coffee Shop which overlooked the Blimp Aerodrome as he did so he gazed longingly at the various people he passed the men, women, children and animals. He wondered how many people would survive and how many would perish in the coming apocalypse and cleansing that he was about to begin. He came to a halt as he overlooked the aerodromes arrivals lounge he leaned over the rail and gazed down at the emotional scenes below him, families returning from a holiday, students returning home from far off universities, boyfriends and girlfriends meeting after long breaks at home, old friends, brothers and sisters again Nicolai could not help but wonder how many would survive and how many would die from at his hands. He moved on and eventually arrived at his destination seeing Victoria he smiled as he approached her as he met her they embraced and kissed before sitting down as he did so the PA System could be distantly heard:
“Ladies and Gentleman this is a general announcement due to a security alert at Charles Lind Central Station, New Theeb all subsequent Trains, Coaches, Boats and Blimps are cancelled and all in transit journeys have been diverted to the Stoke-On-Trent Terminus. We apologise for any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep you updated as the situation develops and information becomes available”
Seeming unaware the two continued their passionate kiss before Victoria pulled away and whispered:
“Did you bring them?”
Nicolai nodded his face stricken with apprehension and guilt, he wiped his brow and replied his voice a shadow of himself:
“Yes, but vicky we cannot do this, millions will die innocently”
She smiled warmly and retrieved the pens from his pockets holding them in her hands for a few seconds she looked up at him. Her eyes bold and solid, stroking his hair she replied warningly:
“We must, For Vetaka, For the Empire”
She placed the pens into her bag and rose from her chair, Nicolai rose and moved after her, whilst his brain and conscience screamed for him to stop this. His heart over shadowed them and thundered to continue. Linking her as they had planned they made their way through the promenade down the stairs flashed their tickets and identity cards at the operators and entered into “General Departures” moving through the massive hall they linked each other like a honeymoon couple. With one of the pens that doubled up as a needle that Nicolai had provided in her hand Victoria moved skilfully up to a random person man, women and children it didn’t matter. Listening intently she attempted to discover the persons destination happy she had found a worthy target she innocently bumped into them and pricked them with the needle delivering a shot of the deadly Lansing Virus apologising politely and promptly. She moved swiftly on and repeated the procedure until she had utilised her entire stock of the virus, once finished she and Nicolai whom was now stern and silent quickly made their way out of departures and towards the car parks with the intent to take his car out of the city to the safe house. When suddenly and out of no where their was scream from behind them and then a second from in front of them looking around for the source Vicky and Nicolai’s heart sank when heavily armed SWAT Police Officers of Piper Lake Police Department appeared their boots squeaked upon the floor as they moved down the now rapidly dispersing halls. One of them seemed to spot Nicolai he shouted something and the rest seemed to take up defensive positions around them their P90 Assault Rifles trained upon them, after a few seconds laser target sights clicked on and lit up the various sensitive areas of the Vicky’s and Nicolai’s bodies. After a few more seconds a man appeared whom was different from the SWAT Team he didn’t have a rifle or a helmet he wore a black suit with a bullet proof vest over it written on it in yellow where the letters “VSIS”. The man rose a SP-45 Semi Automatic Pistol and shouted his voice one of command and authority echoed around a now silent hall:
“VSIS, Raise your hands into the Air, Taking two steps away from each other, descend to your knees and replace your hands behind your head. Once Complete lay on your front keeping your hands behind your head and cross your knees, Do it Now”
Frozen to the spot Nicolai’s life replayed back in front of him he was quite simply frozen in fear and anger he was only brought back to his senses when Vicky screamed:
“Never”
The VSIS Operative nodded and from somewhere behind them two of the SWAT operatives whiom had obviously drawn M-26 Tasers fired upon them. Vicky and Nicolai crumpled to the floor as thousands of volts pulsated through their bodies they both convulsed violently almost simultaneously the SWAT Team surged forward and arrested them by forcing their hands into flexi sytle riot cuffs. Amongst the confusion Nicolai became soft and peaceful he turned to look at a struggling Vicky whom looked over at him she seemed to scream something but he couldn’t quite make it out. He smiled at her warmly and lovingly and closed his eyes as he blacked out, It seemed VSIS had apprehended its criminal but it was to late the apocalypse had begun.
15 Hours After Z-Hour….
The day would go down in Vetakan history as “The Day of Darkness” the day Vetaka suffered her greatest defeat and it suffered its worst terrorist attack. Whilst Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service had plugged a security breach and apprehended a criminal they had failed to protect the Vetakan people, they had failed to stop the disease from being released. The Lansing Virus swept across the nation like a wave sweeps across a cliff it crashes into, it reached the farthest corners of Vetaka within 12 hours and infected thousands of people in the process. The first to display the symptoms where those in Piper Lake initially the authorities believed they had contained it under quarantine but then city after city, town after town, village after village reported outbreaks of the virus. As a result after just 15 hours the Tribal Council initiated a “Level 1 Total Quarantine” as detailed within its “Civil Defence Protocols” in affect the entire Vetakan Nation was under quarantine. The Vetakan Naval Defence Forces, The Vetakan Air Defence Forces and Allied Nations where ordered and requested to fire and destroy any ship or plane that attempted to enter or leave the Vetakan Nation without prior authorization of the Chieftain or the High Command of the Vetakan Defence Forces.
24 Hours after Z-Hour…..
After just 24 hours those worst affected by the virus, the weak and frail began to perish thousands of people dying from a virus that should never of come into place. In some of the most isolated towns and villages in violation of Council orders the bodies where thrown into mass graves covered in petrol and burnt without taking count or detail of those whom died. After just 24 hours the Tribal Council and subsequently the Chieftain was forced to bring the nation to Defensive Condition 1, declare martial law, dissolve civilian law and civil rights replacing it with Military Law and Limited Rights as dictated within the “Civil Defence Protocols”
Operations Room, OBSAT Space Command, Emergency Operational Command Headquarters of the Vetakan Defence Forces & Tribal Council, Classified Location, Somewhere within the Rogers Mountain Range, Rogers Mountain Range, Southern Vetaka, Nova:
OBSAT Space Command was located in the harshest and most formidable place in Vetaka located within the depths of “Rogers Mountain” in the centre of the Rogers Mountains the highest point above sea level in Vetaka.. It was totally inaccessible to the outside world by foot or road and for 4 months of the year it was inaccessible by Air during such time the only way to and from the base was by the underground rail connection that was heavily guarded by the military and fitted with remote C-4 that could be detonated and would totally isolate the base. On a day to day basis OBSAT Space Command served as the Command and Control Point for the maintenance and operation of the OBSAT Network and the Vetakan nations offensive space based weapons however a second more darker role of the base was to serve as the place where the Vetakan race would be continued the face of total destruction. As a result as the Lansing Virus advanced without mercy the Leadership of Vetaka or what remained of it retreated to the impregnable fortress where they would co-ordinate the response to the virus and hopefully save the nation, or more they would have to exact something far more destructive in order to maintain the quarantine and containment.
Deep below the rock in the depths of the facility was the Operations Room, it a hive of activity as men and women moved about processing, collating and organising information that was streaming into the room as well as relaying and giving orders to various forces, agencies and people across the Vetaka it was quite simply the Command Centre for the co-ordinated response to the situation. Adjoined to the room was a small office with meeting table that was usually used by the “Watch Commander” looking out on the Operations Room it now served as the meeting room for what remained of the Tribal Council and the High Command. So far only 3 members had been able to make it to OBSAT Space Command these being Chieftain Quicksilver, Parceltongue Rising Tiger and Supreme Operational Commander Jack O’Neil. The remaining members where either infected, trapped in secured facilities around the nation, out of the nation or currently Missing In Action. With most TV and Radio Stations off the air along with the Internet being shut down and subsequent bandwith dedicated to military and government usage the nation was in the dark as to what was going, such darkness worked both ways and many regions of Vetaka descended into a cataclysm of looting, rioting, and general unrest. Within their newly acquired meeting room the three men that formed the Tribal Council sat around the table in silence, less than a day ago this situation was unimaginable after a few seconds the Chieftain cleared his throat and began:
“Give me a report as the situation stands?”
Rising Tiger was the first to speak he cleared his throat and began his voice wasn’t its usual one of friendliness and warmth. It was cold and emotionless:
“We have now lost complete contact with Ground Zero, Spy Satellite shows limited activity whilst we cannot be sure we believe Piper Lake military base has been stormed by an angry mob what has happened to the garrison and the confirmed uninfected we cannot say but the orders we gave General Hawley was to retreat into the forest and make for Freedom City. Nationally we have confirmed uncontained outbreaks in every major city bar the Capital which has been sealed and placed under martial law, the garrison has orders to fire upon any person attempting to gain entrance. Internationally we delivered “A Letter of Notice” to every nation with a Vetakan Embassy and every major Alliance regarding the situation. We have also appointed Crouching Tiger to act as the Council should we be destroyed or worse. Currently as for a working chain of Command there are the three of us whom have active command. Stone is in Delos but is preparing to transfer to Tailville to join Crouching Tiger. Hornblower is in the Capital co-ordinating the air and naval operations, Sharpe, Chick and Blower are in New Helgan, Harold and La Roca co-ordinating ground operations in their various sectors. Campbell and Hammond are at Helmsdeep co-ordinating the R&D program into finding a cure and vaccine to Lansing.”
As he fell silent O’Neil patted him on the shoulder and continued:
“Whilst we are still investigating and confirming we are down to 80% strength across the board we are hoping with general mobilization we can claw that back to 90%. The naval containment is holding and all outgoing shipping is being returned to port, all incoming shipping is being diverted to neighbouring nations and we have begun co-ordinating with our allies and neighbours in attaining their support in upholding quarantine, we are mounting and identical operation within the air. On the ground we have issued a 6pm to 6am curfew and restricted movement of civilians on the ground. We have seized all materials and assets and begun to distribute it but its moving extremely slowly, I am afraid to say I have a preliminary fatality figure of 50,000 people nationwide and I expect that to sky rocket. Whilst we are prepared for this sort of situation the are simply overwhelmed I am told this Lansing Shit is extremely tough”
The Commander fell silent and took a breath seemingly tortured about what we was about to say, he gazed at the Chieftain and spoke his voice almost a whisper:
“Sir, by the oath I am bound to and the responsibilities I am invested with it is my duty to protect Vetaka and mankind in general from universal threats. As such as my duty I am forced to inform you that in order to uphold our obligations we must consider going to Phase 1 of the Sunset Protocol”
Rising Tiger sighed in disagreement but nodded, The Chieftain nodded and shifted in his seat uneasily before nodding. With that the three men rose in silence and trooped out of the room into the busy operations room, crossing it slowly the three came to a halt before the “Command Console” saluting the heavily armed VDF Troops that guarded they moved to the side and allowed the three men to pass. As they did so the Operations Room seemed to fall silent as the various aides stopped what they were doing and looked over towards the command console. It was a small square structure towards the back of the room that was slightly raised on a platform. Within it was a the OBSAT “Rifle”, a Telephone, Keyboard, Retinal & DNA Scanners and numerous monitors displaying various pictures and programs. O’Neil went to the keyboard and began to rap slowly over its keys after a few moments he placed his fingerprint on the main screen the PC seemed to whiz for a few seconds before it chimed in an accepting like way. With this complete he turned and nodded at the other two, the Chieftain strode forward cleared his throat and began:
“Computer Access and Execute Sunset Protocol, Stage 1, Verbal Authorization Quicksilver 0-8-4-9-A”
The Chieftain then moved to the keyboard and rapped at the PC, eventually he placed his fingerprint on the screen and scanned his Iris in the retinal scanner. Once he had finished a female and somewhat emotionless tone spoke from wall mounted speakers:
“Sunset Protocol Stage 1, Accessed. Verification Requested?”
Rising Tiger and O’Neil in turn repeated the same process that the Chieftain had done when they had completed again the same emotionless female voice spoke:
“Sunset Protocol Stage 1, Immediate Verification Confirmed, Securing Total Verification, Dialling, Stand by”
The room fell silent as they all seemingly waited for something to happen after 4 minutes of total unforgiving silence the wall mounted speakers broke into life and the room was filled in turn with the various other members of the Tribal Council and VDF High Command whom where in secured locations across the nation. After the last person who was Special Operations Supreme General George Hammond provided his authorization the same female emotionless voice spoke, as she spoke the occupants of the operations room within OBSAT Space Command and the occupants of every operations room which housed a member of the Council across the nation cringed slightly in fear and concern:
“Sunset Protocol Stage 1 Accessed. Authorization Confirmed. Standby”
The Command Console broke into life as it accessed various satellites and systems across Vetaka as it did so the computers voice spoke:
“Acquiring Data. Accessing Systems”
The silence was now destructive the various men and women seemed to be horror stricken, suddenly the computer spoke its words rippled across the room:
“Targets Acquired, Wildfire Protocol is now in affect, Sunset Protocol Stage 1, Engaged”
As the computer fell silent, the Chieftain stepped forward and rose his voice so all could hear:
“We are Vetakan, We do what is best for Humanity, We will beat this, Lets do it. I bow to no man but I bow to you. Advance Respect and Honour”
As the rooms occupants nodded they all went back to work and the hustle and bustle of the room returned to a sense of normality. As they did so the Chieftain turned to his Parceltongue and whispered:
“Address the nation, there are a lot of scared people out their, use the EBS Systems”
The Parceltongue nodded, turned and trooped out of the room shortly followed by two VDF Diplomatic Guardsman.
1 Hour Later……
Lecture Room, OBSAT Space Command, Emergency Operational Command Headquarters of the Vetakan Defence Forces & Tribal Council, Classified Location, Somewhere within the Rogers Mountain Range, Rogers Mountain Range, Southern Vetaka, Nova:
The lecture room of OBSAT Space Command was the most disused room within the base besides the odd cleaner it was rarely entered today however it was a hive of activity. Today it would host the most important and emotional public address ever made by a political leader of the Vetakan Nation. It would be broadcast live not just to Vetaka but to the world by Radio, TV and Internet. The room itself was no different to any lecture hall in any educational institution across the world, except at the head of the room a simple Vetakan Flag had been pinned up against the wall and a simple glass podium with the words “The Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka” etched across them in a bold red font. Behind it but in front of the Flag stood Supreme Honoured Parceltongue Rising Tiger aka Daniel Pearce of the Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka. His usual perfect robes replaced with black combat fatigues, his sword which usually protruded from behind his back was this time sheathed at his side, he resembled the iconic picture “Palace Ruins” taken by a journalist in the aftermath of the Vetakan Civil War in the ruined and bombed out remains of the Palace of Peace.
Rising Tiger shuffled nervously before the hard and hot spot lights that lit the dark lecture room, before him various men and women ensured camera’s, microphones and various other bits of equipment were connected and working. As he waited Rising Tigers mind wondered through his and subsequently Vetaka’s life he blinked as visions of wars, love and laughter flowed through him, it was only when a young female Lieutenant nudged him and warmly informed that they where ready. Rising Tiger nodded to her the young Officer smiled and began to count down from five with her fingers at zero she put her thumb up and they went live to Vetaka and to the World. Rising Tiger gazed at the cameras before him, a short silence fell across them only broken by Rising Tiger was a truly amazing political leader and public speaker. Yet for the first time in his life he had nothing to say, “How do you tell a nation its children and women are dying from something you cannot stop or defend against”. Just as the Lieutenant was about to cut the signal Rising Tiger spoke:
“It’s been a long road, getting from there to here. It’s been a long time, but my time is finally near”
Gathering a little momentum, he continued:
“Good Morning, For years since this nation’s founding in the ruins of New Theeb successive Vetakan Governments and now the Tribal Council have fought for and done all they could to defend the Vetakan People from any threat, enemy or evil. For years we have stood for the ideals of peace, honour, respect, courage and loyalty. For years we have stood in peaceful protest of Doomani Slavery, Questarian Racism and more recently Gothic Aggression. For years Vetaka has sought to render aid and assistance to those whom uphold our ideals, for years we have done everything we can to promote harmony within humanity. Today we failed to uphold such ideals and today we failed to protect the Vetakan People, today we suffered the worst defeat in our history. The nation of Vetaka today quite simply descended into its darknest hour, today we descended into darkness”
Rising Tiger again fell silent only to rally himself by reciting a second lyric of the National Anthem:
“I've got strength of the soul. And no ones gonna bend or break me. I can reach any star. I've got faith, faith of the heart.”
Rising Tiger shifted slightly before continuing:
“Ladies and Gentleman it is my unfortunate duty to announce just how we came to this dark day, Approximately 28 hours ago a virus known as “Lansing 7X-901" was stolen from a maximum security bio-tech facility at Piper Lake. The virus was transported to Transport Central Station in Piper Lake where it was released to the public from their due to its infectious capability the virus spread across the nation, our efforts to contain it subsequently failed and as a result we have been forced to quarantine the nation to protect world from this grave threat. But even in the darkest of hours morning will always come, Even in the darkest times Vetakans rally together to win the day, we do declare in one voice that we will not go quietly into the night, and we most certainly will not vanish without a fight. We will defend ourselves from this enemy, from annihilation. We will live on and we will survive. The Vetakan Defence Forces, Pearce Weapons Incorporated and just about every possible resource the Tribal Council has and is being utilised in not only developing a cure but also in helping this nations honoured population.”
“ I urge our Allies, Neighbours and the International Community in general not to attempt to reach their citizens at this time as the current state of quarantine contains this virus within Vetaka’s borders. However should you wish to deploy military forces to support this quarantine then such deployments will be accepted and will be arranged, any such donators should contact Supreme Admiral Charles Hornblower. I would like to take this opportunity to inform all nations that all persons currently under the protection of Diplomatic Immunity are safe and well have been secured within in a classified location, details of which will be passed to various governments in time. Any nation that wishes to further support Vetaka in this time of need should contact the Vetakan Embassy within their nation or the Foreign Directorate within New Theeb”
Rising Tiger shifted nervously under the glare of the light before continuing:
“Advance Respect and Honour, I bow to no man but I bow to you”
Official Statement issued to all Foreign Governments from every Vetakan Embassy, Statement issued to all Major Media Outlets, Statement issued on very Vetakan Government Website……..
Official Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:
To: <Open Communication>
From: Supreme Honoured Chieftain “Quicksilver” Chieftain of the White Phoenix Tribe of Vetaka, Chieftain of the Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka, Supreme Commanding Admiral in Chief of the Vetakan Defence Forces.
Subject: The Current Situation within Vetaka
In order to further the Tribal Councils intent to protect not only Vetaka from further destruction but also the world from an outbreak of the “Lansing Virus” the following communication has been issued to all Foreign Governments via Vetakan Embassies, to all Major Media Outputs and via every Vetakan Civil Directorate Website. The purpose of this communication is to provide the most accurate and effective information regarding the situation within Vetaka.
Approximately 72 hours ago or 19:32 Piper Lake Local Time or Vetakan East Time two individuals since identified to be part of the Swanist Freedom Group a Vetakan domestic terrorist group whose aim is to release ex political leader James Swan whom was forcibly removed from power during the Vetakan Civil War. The individuals released a considerable but yet as unknown quantity of Lansing 7X-901 to the public within Piper Lake’s Transport Central Station. The station is the largest of its kind outside of New Theeb and New Helgan with transport connections stretching across the nation, coupled with the release of Lansing the virus swept across the nation within a few short hours the nation had been totally infected, as such the Tribal Council authorised the engagement of the Vetakan Civil Defence Protocols “Level 3 Wildfire Protocol” which facilitates the complete quarantine of the nation from the world.
Lansing 7X-901 was until 72 hours ago a classified secret under the Official Secrets Act of 2000, the virus was recovered by the Vetakan Naval Defence Forces (VNDF) during the routine search of a suspected pirate cargo ship operating off the coast of Somali in the year of 2002. The Virus was discovered in a hermetically sealed chamber within the ships engine room. As the crew could not explain the chambers presence or the vials within it the vials where seized under the Vetakan Maritime Safety Act of 2000. Subsequent testing by Pearce Weapons Incorporated Bio-Technology Division found the virus to be a previously undiscovered virus that had been engineered for a offensive use thus given seemingly super powerful genetically modified proprieties the virus was found to be extremely contagious and infectious with death an certain outcome after considerable amounts of deadly symptoms. The virus was deemed a threat to Vetaka and Mankind as such it was classified and secured within a PWI Facility whereby a cure and effective counters where to be developed. The Facility was the highly secured and heavily guarded Piper Lake Bio-Tech Facility 32 Miles from the City of Piper Lake, however security was breached and the virus was stolen by a Pearce Weapons Inc employee and subsequently released. The Tribal Council, The Vetakan Defence Forces, Pearce Weapons Inc and the Allied Research Council is doing everything it can to develop a cure to the virus. I personally give my word that everything that can be done, is being done to save lives, defend the peaceful and honoured and finally to defeat this merciless enemy. To achieve this aim and to prevent the spread of this virus from reaching other nations and infecting more nations the following steps have been taken to uphold the Wildfire Quarantine and to support the national response to this disaster. Some of these steps whilst aggressive and oppressive in nature are not only required but temporary for a period of 8 weeks:
Temporary suspension of Human Rights and Civil Law and the imposing of Martial Law in its place
The total seizure of all assets in Vetaka for Federal Use
The total mobilization of the Vetakan Defence Forces and Civil Defence Units
The release and authorization of all General Emergency & Civil Emergency Funds
The authorization and implementation of Stage 1 within the “Sunset Protocol”
I urge our International Partners, Allies and Friends around the world not to sail to our aid at this time as to protect this world from further infection, heartache and misery. I urge our International Partners, Allies and Friends to respect this wish and whilst there are those friends whom will class this as “Typical Vetakan Stubbornness and Passion” this really is for the protection of mankind. Those nations whom wish to support us regardless should contact the Vetakan Civil Foreign Directorate, the Emergency Civil Command at the Vetakan Embassy in Tailville Wagdog or the Delian League Civil Support Command at Delos. As the support of Naval Assets in enforcing the containment lines around Vetaka is required and could be a provided by our Allies, however such deployments would be under the executive command of the Emergency Operational Command Headquarters of the Vetakan Defence Forces.
To International Partners, Allies and Friends whom have diplomatic staff within Vetaka it is my sad duty to inform that at this time whilst all Ambassadors and Diplomatic Officials have been secured in a classified location and have escaped infection. Some family members of ambassadors and diplomatic staff are infected, as of yet missing and potentially dead. The Tribal Council, the Civil Directorate of Foreign Affairs and Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service (VSIS) is doing everything it can to locate such individuals at this time information regarding diplomatic staff is classified and will be released to various nations as and when it becomes available at this time I urge all nations to be confident and faithful in Vetaka’s endeavours we made an oath to these people just as they made an oath to us, we shall do everything we can to protect them.
We shall do what is required to protect the people of Vetaka and Mankind from this threat, You have our word as diplomats, You have our blood as Warriors, You have our Oath as Vetakans.
Advancing Respect and Honour in Defence of the peaceful and righteous
Quicksilver
Supreme Honoured Chieftain of the White Phoenix Tribe of Vetaka,
Supreme Honoured Chieftain of the Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka,
Supreme Commanding Admiral in Chief of the Vetakan Defence Forces.
It had always been the policy of successive Vetakan democratic governments and now the Tribal Council not to possess quantities of Biological Weapons that could be used for offensive and destructive action. Such a policy went on to make clear that Vetaka via Pearce Weapons Incorporated and the Vetakan Defence Forces would actively seek to develop effective cures and counter measures to any and all biological weapons. As a result such development required Vetaka to maintain a limited number of samples to experiment with and test upon.
The hermetically sealed door that led from the laboratories office into the lab it self was not only locked with an alpha numeric code lock it also required a swift swipe of an ID Card. Only those whom possessed “Level 5 Security Clearance” could access the lab and its subsequent viral cold storage. Dr Nicolai Matsui was one such person whom had the required authorization. Dr Matsui was a freshly graduated student of 23 fresh out of New Helgan University with a PHD in molecular biology he had been headhunted by Pearce Weapons Incorporated as a potential candidate for the Bio-Technology Division. After being put through considerable amounts of testing and undergoing considerable amounts of security verification Dr Matsui was offered an appointment to which he graciously accepted. That was two years ago and was around the same time that Dr Matsui he came into contact with Victoria Beckett a beautiful young “Information Officer” of the Information Directorate of Vetakan Security Intelligence Service (VSIS). Eventually they fell in love and whilst on a long weekend within the city of Harcombe looking out across the beautiful mountains Victoria confided to her lover a number of dark truths.
“I am Rebecca Swan, Daughter of James Swan, I approached you not for a relationship but for your help in freeing Vetaka from its dark path”
The words spoken from Victoria’s lips had initially angered and shocked Nicolai but after much thought he realised that his love for Victoria was so strong that he would betray all bounds of fellowship and loyalty to his country in the name of love. That night in front of the beauty of the Harcombe Mountains Victoria confided everything to her love, From plans to destroying the “pathetic, weak, shallow minded tribal loving bourgeoisie of Vetaka” to springing her father from his prison cell. After indulging her love within the bedroom Victoria confided his part of her plan to him:
“Nikki, I want you to steal the Lansing Virus”
“How do you know about Lansing? What do you want to do with it?” stammered Nicolai still slightly out of breath from the sex.
After a further heated discussion Vicky unveiled her master plan, her plan to “Free Vetaka” as she called it she would use the Lansing Virus to cleanse the nation of the impure and usher in a new era of Capitalism whereby she, Nicolai and her Father would reign supreme over a cleansed Vetaka, with promises of money, love and power it wasn’t long before Nicolai fell to her seductive brainwashing.
As Nicolai sat looking at the hermetically sealed door he played with his ID Card in his hands it was approaching Zero Hour in his plan to steal the vials of the Lansing Virus. With all of his staff and superiors now gone from the laboratory the only people whom remained were the authorised cleaning teams and the Guardsman of Vetakan Defence Force Military Police. After a few minutes his Casio watch began to alarm silencing it his mind reminisced in the visions of his love for a few seconds before he sprang into action approaching the door he swiped his ID Card and inputted the security code. After a few seconds the door chimed in acceptance as the hermetically seal depressurised and the door swung open Nicolai took a deep breath and stepped into the decontamination mist. As the first door closed and sealed the second one opened and Nicolai stepped into the silent, sound proofed and controlled environment lab as he moved through the darkness it wasn’t long before the automatic light flickered into life. He came to a halt outside of the “Secure Viral Cold Store” again he swiped his ID Card and inputted the Alpha Numeric Access Code after a few seconds the door again depressurised and swung open stepping into the room he moved his way down the room. The room was small in comparison to the rest of the lab it contained a number of wall mounted refrigerators that had small see through unbreakable glass windows. Just below the windows where small white removable laser etched signs similar to ones found on office doors in affluent offices around the world. These signs however as opposed to having “Chief Executive” had “Ebola” and “Japanese B Encephalitis” etched upon them. Moving past them he came a halt before one that had the words “Lansing 7X-901" he took a deep breath as he swiped his ID Card, Inputted the Access Code, and entered his Finger Print, after a few seconds a small red light that was above the small cabinet flashed green. Simultaneously the door depressurised and clicked open, Nicolai again took a deep breath opened the door as he did so he took out a Titanium Silver Parker Pen from his jacket pocket and unscrewed it taking it apart he placed it atop of the small cabinet and reached into the cabinet taking out a small vial of liquid he looked it over for a few seconds before placing it within the pen and replacing it in his jacket. He repeated the procedure three times before promptly leaving the Storage Room and eventually the lab. He was quite surprised and relieved as he past through “decontamination and security” with ease and without a hitch. After some 30 minutes or so of signing out of the lab and its subsequent complex he was speeding down the motorway within his black 1.6 Sport Mazda 2 his destination Piper Lake “Transport Central”.
19:23, “24-7 Tea & Cake” Coffee Shop, Transport Central Station, Piper Lake, Central Vetaka, Nova:
Transport Central Station was situated in the centre of Piper Lake directly opposite the cities Civil Directorate Office and the grand Bank of Victoria building. The station was really a massive central transport terminus that was the largest of its kind outside of New Theeb in the south and New Helgan in the north. The station connected the central lands of Vetaka with the furthest and farthest courses of the nation via train, coach, boat and most recently air blimp. Transport Central as it was locally known never slept even in the early hours their was a boat, train or coach that was leaving for a far off city or town, as such it wasn’t particular hard for Nicolai to attain that he and his love where about to release one of the worlds deadliest biological weapons in a place which would see it carried to Vetaka and potentially beyond. After parking his car he descended into the depths of the sub surface station via its glass elevators and made his way along the “promenade” towards the 24-7 T&C Coffee Shop which overlooked the Blimp Aerodrome as he did so he gazed longingly at the various people he passed the men, women, children and animals. He wondered how many people would survive and how many would perish in the coming apocalypse and cleansing that he was about to begin. He came to a halt as he overlooked the aerodromes arrivals lounge he leaned over the rail and gazed down at the emotional scenes below him, families returning from a holiday, students returning home from far off universities, boyfriends and girlfriends meeting after long breaks at home, old friends, brothers and sisters again Nicolai could not help but wonder how many would survive and how many would die from at his hands. He moved on and eventually arrived at his destination seeing Victoria he smiled as he approached her as he met her they embraced and kissed before sitting down as he did so the PA System could be distantly heard:
“Ladies and Gentleman this is a general announcement due to a security alert at Charles Lind Central Station, New Theeb all subsequent Trains, Coaches, Boats and Blimps are cancelled and all in transit journeys have been diverted to the Stoke-On-Trent Terminus. We apologise for any inconvenience and will endeavour to keep you updated as the situation develops and information becomes available”
Seeming unaware the two continued their passionate kiss before Victoria pulled away and whispered:
“Did you bring them?”
Nicolai nodded his face stricken with apprehension and guilt, he wiped his brow and replied his voice a shadow of himself:
“Yes, but vicky we cannot do this, millions will die innocently”
She smiled warmly and retrieved the pens from his pockets holding them in her hands for a few seconds she looked up at him. Her eyes bold and solid, stroking his hair she replied warningly:
“We must, For Vetaka, For the Empire”
She placed the pens into her bag and rose from her chair, Nicolai rose and moved after her, whilst his brain and conscience screamed for him to stop this. His heart over shadowed them and thundered to continue. Linking her as they had planned they made their way through the promenade down the stairs flashed their tickets and identity cards at the operators and entered into “General Departures” moving through the massive hall they linked each other like a honeymoon couple. With one of the pens that doubled up as a needle that Nicolai had provided in her hand Victoria moved skilfully up to a random person man, women and children it didn’t matter. Listening intently she attempted to discover the persons destination happy she had found a worthy target she innocently bumped into them and pricked them with the needle delivering a shot of the deadly Lansing Virus apologising politely and promptly. She moved swiftly on and repeated the procedure until she had utilised her entire stock of the virus, once finished she and Nicolai whom was now stern and silent quickly made their way out of departures and towards the car parks with the intent to take his car out of the city to the safe house. When suddenly and out of no where their was scream from behind them and then a second from in front of them looking around for the source Vicky and Nicolai’s heart sank when heavily armed SWAT Police Officers of Piper Lake Police Department appeared their boots squeaked upon the floor as they moved down the now rapidly dispersing halls. One of them seemed to spot Nicolai he shouted something and the rest seemed to take up defensive positions around them their P90 Assault Rifles trained upon them, after a few seconds laser target sights clicked on and lit up the various sensitive areas of the Vicky’s and Nicolai’s bodies. After a few more seconds a man appeared whom was different from the SWAT Team he didn’t have a rifle or a helmet he wore a black suit with a bullet proof vest over it written on it in yellow where the letters “VSIS”. The man rose a SP-45 Semi Automatic Pistol and shouted his voice one of command and authority echoed around a now silent hall:
“VSIS, Raise your hands into the Air, Taking two steps away from each other, descend to your knees and replace your hands behind your head. Once Complete lay on your front keeping your hands behind your head and cross your knees, Do it Now”
Frozen to the spot Nicolai’s life replayed back in front of him he was quite simply frozen in fear and anger he was only brought back to his senses when Vicky screamed:
“Never”
The VSIS Operative nodded and from somewhere behind them two of the SWAT operatives whiom had obviously drawn M-26 Tasers fired upon them. Vicky and Nicolai crumpled to the floor as thousands of volts pulsated through their bodies they both convulsed violently almost simultaneously the SWAT Team surged forward and arrested them by forcing their hands into flexi sytle riot cuffs. Amongst the confusion Nicolai became soft and peaceful he turned to look at a struggling Vicky whom looked over at him she seemed to scream something but he couldn’t quite make it out. He smiled at her warmly and lovingly and closed his eyes as he blacked out, It seemed VSIS had apprehended its criminal but it was to late the apocalypse had begun.
15 Hours After Z-Hour….
The day would go down in Vetakan history as “The Day of Darkness” the day Vetaka suffered her greatest defeat and it suffered its worst terrorist attack. Whilst Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service had plugged a security breach and apprehended a criminal they had failed to protect the Vetakan people, they had failed to stop the disease from being released. The Lansing Virus swept across the nation like a wave sweeps across a cliff it crashes into, it reached the farthest corners of Vetaka within 12 hours and infected thousands of people in the process. The first to display the symptoms where those in Piper Lake initially the authorities believed they had contained it under quarantine but then city after city, town after town, village after village reported outbreaks of the virus. As a result after just 15 hours the Tribal Council initiated a “Level 1 Total Quarantine” as detailed within its “Civil Defence Protocols” in affect the entire Vetakan Nation was under quarantine. The Vetakan Naval Defence Forces, The Vetakan Air Defence Forces and Allied Nations where ordered and requested to fire and destroy any ship or plane that attempted to enter or leave the Vetakan Nation without prior authorization of the Chieftain or the High Command of the Vetakan Defence Forces.
24 Hours after Z-Hour…..
After just 24 hours those worst affected by the virus, the weak and frail began to perish thousands of people dying from a virus that should never of come into place. In some of the most isolated towns and villages in violation of Council orders the bodies where thrown into mass graves covered in petrol and burnt without taking count or detail of those whom died. After just 24 hours the Tribal Council and subsequently the Chieftain was forced to bring the nation to Defensive Condition 1, declare martial law, dissolve civilian law and civil rights replacing it with Military Law and Limited Rights as dictated within the “Civil Defence Protocols”
Operations Room, OBSAT Space Command, Emergency Operational Command Headquarters of the Vetakan Defence Forces & Tribal Council, Classified Location, Somewhere within the Rogers Mountain Range, Rogers Mountain Range, Southern Vetaka, Nova:
OBSAT Space Command was located in the harshest and most formidable place in Vetaka located within the depths of “Rogers Mountain” in the centre of the Rogers Mountains the highest point above sea level in Vetaka.. It was totally inaccessible to the outside world by foot or road and for 4 months of the year it was inaccessible by Air during such time the only way to and from the base was by the underground rail connection that was heavily guarded by the military and fitted with remote C-4 that could be detonated and would totally isolate the base. On a day to day basis OBSAT Space Command served as the Command and Control Point for the maintenance and operation of the OBSAT Network and the Vetakan nations offensive space based weapons however a second more darker role of the base was to serve as the place where the Vetakan race would be continued the face of total destruction. As a result as the Lansing Virus advanced without mercy the Leadership of Vetaka or what remained of it retreated to the impregnable fortress where they would co-ordinate the response to the virus and hopefully save the nation, or more they would have to exact something far more destructive in order to maintain the quarantine and containment.
Deep below the rock in the depths of the facility was the Operations Room, it a hive of activity as men and women moved about processing, collating and organising information that was streaming into the room as well as relaying and giving orders to various forces, agencies and people across the Vetaka it was quite simply the Command Centre for the co-ordinated response to the situation. Adjoined to the room was a small office with meeting table that was usually used by the “Watch Commander” looking out on the Operations Room it now served as the meeting room for what remained of the Tribal Council and the High Command. So far only 3 members had been able to make it to OBSAT Space Command these being Chieftain Quicksilver, Parceltongue Rising Tiger and Supreme Operational Commander Jack O’Neil. The remaining members where either infected, trapped in secured facilities around the nation, out of the nation or currently Missing In Action. With most TV and Radio Stations off the air along with the Internet being shut down and subsequent bandwith dedicated to military and government usage the nation was in the dark as to what was going, such darkness worked both ways and many regions of Vetaka descended into a cataclysm of looting, rioting, and general unrest. Within their newly acquired meeting room the three men that formed the Tribal Council sat around the table in silence, less than a day ago this situation was unimaginable after a few seconds the Chieftain cleared his throat and began:
“Give me a report as the situation stands?”
Rising Tiger was the first to speak he cleared his throat and began his voice wasn’t its usual one of friendliness and warmth. It was cold and emotionless:
“We have now lost complete contact with Ground Zero, Spy Satellite shows limited activity whilst we cannot be sure we believe Piper Lake military base has been stormed by an angry mob what has happened to the garrison and the confirmed uninfected we cannot say but the orders we gave General Hawley was to retreat into the forest and make for Freedom City. Nationally we have confirmed uncontained outbreaks in every major city bar the Capital which has been sealed and placed under martial law, the garrison has orders to fire upon any person attempting to gain entrance. Internationally we delivered “A Letter of Notice” to every nation with a Vetakan Embassy and every major Alliance regarding the situation. We have also appointed Crouching Tiger to act as the Council should we be destroyed or worse. Currently as for a working chain of Command there are the three of us whom have active command. Stone is in Delos but is preparing to transfer to Tailville to join Crouching Tiger. Hornblower is in the Capital co-ordinating the air and naval operations, Sharpe, Chick and Blower are in New Helgan, Harold and La Roca co-ordinating ground operations in their various sectors. Campbell and Hammond are at Helmsdeep co-ordinating the R&D program into finding a cure and vaccine to Lansing.”
As he fell silent O’Neil patted him on the shoulder and continued:
“Whilst we are still investigating and confirming we are down to 80% strength across the board we are hoping with general mobilization we can claw that back to 90%. The naval containment is holding and all outgoing shipping is being returned to port, all incoming shipping is being diverted to neighbouring nations and we have begun co-ordinating with our allies and neighbours in attaining their support in upholding quarantine, we are mounting and identical operation within the air. On the ground we have issued a 6pm to 6am curfew and restricted movement of civilians on the ground. We have seized all materials and assets and begun to distribute it but its moving extremely slowly, I am afraid to say I have a preliminary fatality figure of 50,000 people nationwide and I expect that to sky rocket. Whilst we are prepared for this sort of situation the are simply overwhelmed I am told this Lansing Shit is extremely tough”
The Commander fell silent and took a breath seemingly tortured about what we was about to say, he gazed at the Chieftain and spoke his voice almost a whisper:
“Sir, by the oath I am bound to and the responsibilities I am invested with it is my duty to protect Vetaka and mankind in general from universal threats. As such as my duty I am forced to inform you that in order to uphold our obligations we must consider going to Phase 1 of the Sunset Protocol”
Rising Tiger sighed in disagreement but nodded, The Chieftain nodded and shifted in his seat uneasily before nodding. With that the three men rose in silence and trooped out of the room into the busy operations room, crossing it slowly the three came to a halt before the “Command Console” saluting the heavily armed VDF Troops that guarded they moved to the side and allowed the three men to pass. As they did so the Operations Room seemed to fall silent as the various aides stopped what they were doing and looked over towards the command console. It was a small square structure towards the back of the room that was slightly raised on a platform. Within it was a the OBSAT “Rifle”, a Telephone, Keyboard, Retinal & DNA Scanners and numerous monitors displaying various pictures and programs. O’Neil went to the keyboard and began to rap slowly over its keys after a few moments he placed his fingerprint on the main screen the PC seemed to whiz for a few seconds before it chimed in an accepting like way. With this complete he turned and nodded at the other two, the Chieftain strode forward cleared his throat and began:
“Computer Access and Execute Sunset Protocol, Stage 1, Verbal Authorization Quicksilver 0-8-4-9-A”
The Chieftain then moved to the keyboard and rapped at the PC, eventually he placed his fingerprint on the screen and scanned his Iris in the retinal scanner. Once he had finished a female and somewhat emotionless tone spoke from wall mounted speakers:
“Sunset Protocol Stage 1, Accessed. Verification Requested?”
Rising Tiger and O’Neil in turn repeated the same process that the Chieftain had done when they had completed again the same emotionless female voice spoke:
“Sunset Protocol Stage 1, Immediate Verification Confirmed, Securing Total Verification, Dialling, Stand by”
The room fell silent as they all seemingly waited for something to happen after 4 minutes of total unforgiving silence the wall mounted speakers broke into life and the room was filled in turn with the various other members of the Tribal Council and VDF High Command whom where in secured locations across the nation. After the last person who was Special Operations Supreme General George Hammond provided his authorization the same female emotionless voice spoke, as she spoke the occupants of the operations room within OBSAT Space Command and the occupants of every operations room which housed a member of the Council across the nation cringed slightly in fear and concern:
“Sunset Protocol Stage 1 Accessed. Authorization Confirmed. Standby”
The Command Console broke into life as it accessed various satellites and systems across Vetaka as it did so the computers voice spoke:
“Acquiring Data. Accessing Systems”
The silence was now destructive the various men and women seemed to be horror stricken, suddenly the computer spoke its words rippled across the room:
“Targets Acquired, Wildfire Protocol is now in affect, Sunset Protocol Stage 1, Engaged”
As the computer fell silent, the Chieftain stepped forward and rose his voice so all could hear:
“We are Vetakan, We do what is best for Humanity, We will beat this, Lets do it. I bow to no man but I bow to you. Advance Respect and Honour”
As the rooms occupants nodded they all went back to work and the hustle and bustle of the room returned to a sense of normality. As they did so the Chieftain turned to his Parceltongue and whispered:
“Address the nation, there are a lot of scared people out their, use the EBS Systems”
The Parceltongue nodded, turned and trooped out of the room shortly followed by two VDF Diplomatic Guardsman.
1 Hour Later……
Lecture Room, OBSAT Space Command, Emergency Operational Command Headquarters of the Vetakan Defence Forces & Tribal Council, Classified Location, Somewhere within the Rogers Mountain Range, Rogers Mountain Range, Southern Vetaka, Nova:
The lecture room of OBSAT Space Command was the most disused room within the base besides the odd cleaner it was rarely entered today however it was a hive of activity. Today it would host the most important and emotional public address ever made by a political leader of the Vetakan Nation. It would be broadcast live not just to Vetaka but to the world by Radio, TV and Internet. The room itself was no different to any lecture hall in any educational institution across the world, except at the head of the room a simple Vetakan Flag had been pinned up against the wall and a simple glass podium with the words “The Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka” etched across them in a bold red font. Behind it but in front of the Flag stood Supreme Honoured Parceltongue Rising Tiger aka Daniel Pearce of the Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka. His usual perfect robes replaced with black combat fatigues, his sword which usually protruded from behind his back was this time sheathed at his side, he resembled the iconic picture “Palace Ruins” taken by a journalist in the aftermath of the Vetakan Civil War in the ruined and bombed out remains of the Palace of Peace.
Rising Tiger shuffled nervously before the hard and hot spot lights that lit the dark lecture room, before him various men and women ensured camera’s, microphones and various other bits of equipment were connected and working. As he waited Rising Tigers mind wondered through his and subsequently Vetaka’s life he blinked as visions of wars, love and laughter flowed through him, it was only when a young female Lieutenant nudged him and warmly informed that they where ready. Rising Tiger nodded to her the young Officer smiled and began to count down from five with her fingers at zero she put her thumb up and they went live to Vetaka and to the World. Rising Tiger gazed at the cameras before him, a short silence fell across them only broken by Rising Tiger was a truly amazing political leader and public speaker. Yet for the first time in his life he had nothing to say, “How do you tell a nation its children and women are dying from something you cannot stop or defend against”. Just as the Lieutenant was about to cut the signal Rising Tiger spoke:
“It’s been a long road, getting from there to here. It’s been a long time, but my time is finally near”
Gathering a little momentum, he continued:
“Good Morning, For years since this nation’s founding in the ruins of New Theeb successive Vetakan Governments and now the Tribal Council have fought for and done all they could to defend the Vetakan People from any threat, enemy or evil. For years we have stood for the ideals of peace, honour, respect, courage and loyalty. For years we have stood in peaceful protest of Doomani Slavery, Questarian Racism and more recently Gothic Aggression. For years Vetaka has sought to render aid and assistance to those whom uphold our ideals, for years we have done everything we can to promote harmony within humanity. Today we failed to uphold such ideals and today we failed to protect the Vetakan People, today we suffered the worst defeat in our history. The nation of Vetaka today quite simply descended into its darknest hour, today we descended into darkness”
Rising Tiger again fell silent only to rally himself by reciting a second lyric of the National Anthem:
“I've got strength of the soul. And no ones gonna bend or break me. I can reach any star. I've got faith, faith of the heart.”
Rising Tiger shifted slightly before continuing:
“Ladies and Gentleman it is my unfortunate duty to announce just how we came to this dark day, Approximately 28 hours ago a virus known as “Lansing 7X-901" was stolen from a maximum security bio-tech facility at Piper Lake. The virus was transported to Transport Central Station in Piper Lake where it was released to the public from their due to its infectious capability the virus spread across the nation, our efforts to contain it subsequently failed and as a result we have been forced to quarantine the nation to protect world from this grave threat. But even in the darkest of hours morning will always come, Even in the darkest times Vetakans rally together to win the day, we do declare in one voice that we will not go quietly into the night, and we most certainly will not vanish without a fight. We will defend ourselves from this enemy, from annihilation. We will live on and we will survive. The Vetakan Defence Forces, Pearce Weapons Incorporated and just about every possible resource the Tribal Council has and is being utilised in not only developing a cure but also in helping this nations honoured population.”
“ I urge our Allies, Neighbours and the International Community in general not to attempt to reach their citizens at this time as the current state of quarantine contains this virus within Vetaka’s borders. However should you wish to deploy military forces to support this quarantine then such deployments will be accepted and will be arranged, any such donators should contact Supreme Admiral Charles Hornblower. I would like to take this opportunity to inform all nations that all persons currently under the protection of Diplomatic Immunity are safe and well have been secured within in a classified location, details of which will be passed to various governments in time. Any nation that wishes to further support Vetaka in this time of need should contact the Vetakan Embassy within their nation or the Foreign Directorate within New Theeb”
Rising Tiger shifted nervously under the glare of the light before continuing:
“Advance Respect and Honour, I bow to no man but I bow to you”
Official Statement issued to all Foreign Governments from every Vetakan Embassy, Statement issued to all Major Media Outlets, Statement issued on very Vetakan Government Website……..
Official Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka Diplomatic Message:
To: <Open Communication>
From: Supreme Honoured Chieftain “Quicksilver” Chieftain of the White Phoenix Tribe of Vetaka, Chieftain of the Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka, Supreme Commanding Admiral in Chief of the Vetakan Defence Forces.
Subject: The Current Situation within Vetaka
In order to further the Tribal Councils intent to protect not only Vetaka from further destruction but also the world from an outbreak of the “Lansing Virus” the following communication has been issued to all Foreign Governments via Vetakan Embassies, to all Major Media Outputs and via every Vetakan Civil Directorate Website. The purpose of this communication is to provide the most accurate and effective information regarding the situation within Vetaka.
Approximately 72 hours ago or 19:32 Piper Lake Local Time or Vetakan East Time two individuals since identified to be part of the Swanist Freedom Group a Vetakan domestic terrorist group whose aim is to release ex political leader James Swan whom was forcibly removed from power during the Vetakan Civil War. The individuals released a considerable but yet as unknown quantity of Lansing 7X-901 to the public within Piper Lake’s Transport Central Station. The station is the largest of its kind outside of New Theeb and New Helgan with transport connections stretching across the nation, coupled with the release of Lansing the virus swept across the nation within a few short hours the nation had been totally infected, as such the Tribal Council authorised the engagement of the Vetakan Civil Defence Protocols “Level 3 Wildfire Protocol” which facilitates the complete quarantine of the nation from the world.
Lansing 7X-901 was until 72 hours ago a classified secret under the Official Secrets Act of 2000, the virus was recovered by the Vetakan Naval Defence Forces (VNDF) during the routine search of a suspected pirate cargo ship operating off the coast of Somali in the year of 2002. The Virus was discovered in a hermetically sealed chamber within the ships engine room. As the crew could not explain the chambers presence or the vials within it the vials where seized under the Vetakan Maritime Safety Act of 2000. Subsequent testing by Pearce Weapons Incorporated Bio-Technology Division found the virus to be a previously undiscovered virus that had been engineered for a offensive use thus given seemingly super powerful genetically modified proprieties the virus was found to be extremely contagious and infectious with death an certain outcome after considerable amounts of deadly symptoms. The virus was deemed a threat to Vetaka and Mankind as such it was classified and secured within a PWI Facility whereby a cure and effective counters where to be developed. The Facility was the highly secured and heavily guarded Piper Lake Bio-Tech Facility 32 Miles from the City of Piper Lake, however security was breached and the virus was stolen by a Pearce Weapons Inc employee and subsequently released. The Tribal Council, The Vetakan Defence Forces, Pearce Weapons Inc and the Allied Research Council is doing everything it can to develop a cure to the virus. I personally give my word that everything that can be done, is being done to save lives, defend the peaceful and honoured and finally to defeat this merciless enemy. To achieve this aim and to prevent the spread of this virus from reaching other nations and infecting more nations the following steps have been taken to uphold the Wildfire Quarantine and to support the national response to this disaster. Some of these steps whilst aggressive and oppressive in nature are not only required but temporary for a period of 8 weeks:
Temporary suspension of Human Rights and Civil Law and the imposing of Martial Law in its place
The total seizure of all assets in Vetaka for Federal Use
The total mobilization of the Vetakan Defence Forces and Civil Defence Units
The release and authorization of all General Emergency & Civil Emergency Funds
The authorization and implementation of Stage 1 within the “Sunset Protocol”
I urge our International Partners, Allies and Friends around the world not to sail to our aid at this time as to protect this world from further infection, heartache and misery. I urge our International Partners, Allies and Friends to respect this wish and whilst there are those friends whom will class this as “Typical Vetakan Stubbornness and Passion” this really is for the protection of mankind. Those nations whom wish to support us regardless should contact the Vetakan Civil Foreign Directorate, the Emergency Civil Command at the Vetakan Embassy in Tailville Wagdog or the Delian League Civil Support Command at Delos. As the support of Naval Assets in enforcing the containment lines around Vetaka is required and could be a provided by our Allies, however such deployments would be under the executive command of the Emergency Operational Command Headquarters of the Vetakan Defence Forces.
To International Partners, Allies and Friends whom have diplomatic staff within Vetaka it is my sad duty to inform that at this time whilst all Ambassadors and Diplomatic Officials have been secured in a classified location and have escaped infection. Some family members of ambassadors and diplomatic staff are infected, as of yet missing and potentially dead. The Tribal Council, the Civil Directorate of Foreign Affairs and Vetakan Security and Intelligence Service (VSIS) is doing everything it can to locate such individuals at this time information regarding diplomatic staff is classified and will be released to various nations as and when it becomes available at this time I urge all nations to be confident and faithful in Vetaka’s endeavours we made an oath to these people just as they made an oath to us, we shall do everything we can to protect them.
We shall do what is required to protect the people of Vetaka and Mankind from this threat, You have our word as diplomats, You have our blood as Warriors, You have our Oath as Vetakans.
Advancing Respect and Honour in Defence of the peaceful and righteous
Quicksilver
Supreme Honoured Chieftain of the White Phoenix Tribe of Vetaka,
Supreme Honoured Chieftain of the Tribal Chiefdom of Vetaka,
Supreme Commanding Admiral in Chief of the Vetakan Defence Forces.