NationStates Jolt Archive

Socialist Party Nominee Shot

Dashing young politician Evgeny Yilitz was rushed to a hospital last night following a benefit fundraiser following the announcement that he would act as his party's nominee in the coming Presidential elections. Yilitz was shot four times as he paused for a photo shoot with his friend and mentor, socialist party demagogue Feder Kaplin. Mr. Kaplin was also fired upon, but managed to escape uninjured.

The shooter was quickly captured and identified as Mirza Abdic, a 24 year old Muslim man from the southern city of Steograd. His religious affiliation prompted immediate speculation that the crime was personal, as it was recently discovered that for a period of his time spent in the army during the civil war a decade ago, Yilitz was posted with a counter-insurgency detachment in the heavily Muslim south. This speculation ended this morning, however, when the extremist political organization "Popular Front for a Free Lubezia" (PFFL) claimed responsibility.

The outlawed party in their declaration echoed previous allegations that the Socialist Party of Lubezia that has held power since the civil war is becoming a national institution that has manipulated elections to prevent opposition parties from gaining representation. While it is true that international watchdog organizations have raised concerns about the nature of "free and fair" elections in Lubezia, the destabilizing violence committed by members of the PFFL and other like-minded organizations has turned most sympathy towards the incumbent socialist government.

Evgeny Yilitz's condition is currently stable, though it is unknown whether he will recover fully enough to resume his presidential campaign. The current President, and former chairman of the Socialist Party of Lubezia, Aleksander Dejan has expressed his deep concern over the incident, and has pledged to launch a far-reaching investigation and police crackdown on the activities of extremist political organizations within the country.

[AP, April 6]

NICE first post.
--------------
Logistical Command
The day was sunnt, and Jimmy was overviewing international reports along with several other officials when he stumbled upon the news about the assassination attempt in Lubezia. Procedure demanded he make a record of this and send it to his superiors so they may plan a response. Which he did. The turnout was this:
---
Official Telegram from North Defese
To Lubezia Police Depertment
We pray you bring swift justice to this terrorist, and we express wishes to open an embassy inside your nations capital to further increase relations and perhaps initiate a joint investigation?

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LUBEZIA
Department of Foreign Affairs

Having received your Communique, the Lubezian National Police Force has forwarded it to my office. I share your desire to see justice served following this unspeakable crime against a public servant, and assure you that the state will prosecute this criminal with all of its energy and means. I receive with enthusiasm your government's desire to open a diplomatic mission in Lubezia, and have personally taken measures to expedite the bureaucratic process for such an endeavor. As such, a suitable structure has been reserved in our capital city of Kheronska, in the quarter reserved for foreign diplomatic missions. We invite your government to dispatch a diplomatic mission as soon as it sees fit.

The Lubezian National Police Force has already reviewed your government's request to aid in the investigation of the attempted assassination, and has stated to me that foreign aid would be appreciated. Any personnel assigned to this task will be received at the Kheronska international airport and will be escorted to 9 Kpecha Avenue, Headquarters of the National Police.

Yours in Sincerity,
Ivan Kalita, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION
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From: Prime Minister Jeff Carson, Republic of Ustia
To: Government of Lubezia

The attempted assassination on Evgeny Yilitz's life has deeply saddened and troubled me. This terrorist group that call themselves the PFFL are nothing more then a bunch of murderous thugs. I hope your investigation proves to be a successful one that leads to answers. As Prime Minister of the Republic of Ustia I would also like to offer my assistance in any matter that is required. I only hope that justice is served and things are set right in your nation.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Jeff Carson

Minister House, PM's office:

"You really mean all that?"
"Every word Richard."
"Well, lets not get ourselves dragged into a war, alright?" Foreign Affairs Minister Richard Saben had watched the Prime Minister type up and send the communique to Lubezia. His statement was more of a joke, but the Prime Minister knew Richards undertones quiet well and got the picture. Even so, the only thing Jeff could do was smile and laugh at Richards statement, "No guarantees Richard."

Official Telegram from Foreign Relations Department
To: Lubezia Department of Foreign Affairs

These are the personoll I wish to send:

10 diplomats
3 diplomatic vehicles
4 military humvees
15 security personel
20 interns/secertaries, various officials.

Imperial Chancellory, Rilloria City
High-Chancellor Barclay read over the days reports from the senior staff meeting held that morning. He sipped his black coffee, sluching into the crushed velvet of the High-Chancellor's office chair. He paused as he read of the news from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding Lubezia. The doors of his office swung open and a senior Army Officer entered clad in a crisp, black dress uniform adorned with medals. He came to attention and saluted sharply. High-Chancellor Barclay reutrn the salute and leant forward.
"Yes, Veritasiat Dinsmor?" he rasped.
"My lord, as ordered, here is the plan for action in Lubezia." replied Dinsmor quickly.
The High-Chancellor review the papers and looked up.
"Execute as written Veritasiat."

20 minutes later....

Tarmac at Fort Donelly AFB
The small Kamov KA-62 helicoptor sat with its rotors spinning. It was black and held none of the nation markings of the Imperial Air Force. Eight soldiers jogged out and entered the helicoptor, ready for their mission behind enemy lines. They were part of the elite Unit 671, a special forces division of the Imperial Guard specializing in clandestine sabotage, assasination and covert operations. The helicoptor lifted off and flew low-level, racing toward Lubezian air space. As the sun set and darkness crept across the countryside they crossed the border. Captain Thomas ripped open the letter marked 'CLASSIFIED' and read the contents.

CLASSIFIED: BY ORDER OF THE HIGH-CHANCELLOR'S IMPERIAL OFFICE:
Situation: Lubezian unrest in recent days has led to an assasination attempt on the tyrant of the Socialist Politician, Evgeny Yilitz
Mission: You will establish contact with insurgents known as PFFL and provide training as well as participate in actions to remove power from Socialist parties in Lubezia. Secondary objective is to secure the freedom of Mirza Abdic.
Execution: Your team will be inserted into Southern Lubezia in order to link up with insurgent elements in the area.
Service & Support: You will have no official support from Imperial Forces. You do not exist.
Command & Signals: One encrypted satphone will be used.

DESTROY AFTER READING

With that, Captain Thomas took out his lighter and burned the documents.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LUBEZIA
Department of Foreign Affairs

To Prime Minister Jeff Carson, Republic of Ustia,

The Government of Lubezia shares your outrage and sadness over the act perpetrated against a political candidate in a tense time. Furthermore, we echo your sentiments regarding the PFFL, an organization we have long classified as a band of terrorists rather than a legitimate political party, and one which we now realize will not be swayed by condemnation or legislation. Police investigations into this organization are ongoing, and we expect results very soon from the very competent and dedicated officers of the National Police Force. For our part, we of the Lubezian government will not rest until the members of this organization are brought to justice.

We thank you for your offer of aid. The Secretary of the National Police has asked me to inform you that an international component to our investigation is being formed, following requests by the government of North Defense. International cooperation in the investigation in any form will be received from this point forward with gratitude.

Yours in Sincerity,
Ivan Kalita, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

---------

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LUBEZIA
Department of Foreign Affairs

To the Government of North Defense,

Your diplomatic mission has been cleared for arrival in Lubezia, and will be welcomed with open arms. We have prepared your embassy suites, and will make accommodations for your vehicles. Anything further that you require will be provided.

COMMUNIQUE TO LUBEZIAN GOVERNMENT
Imperial Ministry of External Affairs, Rilloras
The Imperial Chancellorship wishes to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Lubezia. A diplomatic attache will be transported provided your approval of an Imperial Embassy in your lands.


Viceroy Kern
Imperial Minister, External Affairs

Josip Radic straightened his tie and tried to relax as the government limousine pulled through the gates of 9 Kpecha Avenue, the site of the extensive complex housing the Palace of Justice and the Headquarters of the Ludezian National Police Force. The head of the National Police was a corpulent man with stark white hair; a die-hard socialist who had attained his position seven years ago as a political favor from one of the President’s favorite ministers. Educated in the west, cultured, and cosmopolitan, at his heart he was still an old school henchman who knew that his neck was on the chopping block. The assassination had ruffled feathers at every level of government, and he had been up since the early hours of that morning promising that his agency’s new investigation into the PFFL would be successful.

As the car drew up in front of the main building, he stepped out and was met by his adjutant, Captain Milan Drevic of the National Police.

“Have you heard, sir? Kalita just authorized foreign collaboration in the investigation.”

Radic’s expression grew dark instantly.

“That idiot still doesn’t trust me to do my own job, does he?”

When the Captain didn’t respond, he barreled forward, through the main doors.

“Where are you keeping the criminal?”

“He’s in the interrogation room on sublevel 4. He’s been there since last night. No food and a single glass of water. No sleep either. Standard procedure.”

“Well, you got that right at least.”

The two men stepped into an elevator which took them down to the whitewashed corridors of the detention level. Captain Drevic opened a reinforced door that led into a room with a 2 way mirror. Inside, the would-be assassin sat in a brightly lit room. He was staring straight at them.

“He can’t see us,” said the Captain.

“I know that, you idiot,” muttered Radic. “Has he said anything?”

“Nothing. We’re preparing for a second round of interrogation. It’s still early.”

“We need to move faster. The hawk’s eyes are on us.”

“The President?” asked the Captain, surprised.

“He spoke to me this morning. He wants results. He wants us to lock up the whole PFFL by next week.”

“Most of them have been in hiding since the incident last October, sir.”

“That’s why we have to be doubly vigilant this time. Drive them out of their ratholes.”

He was quiet, watching the man in the cell as the man in the cell watched him.

“He’s too skinny. He’ll crack soon,” he said, quietly.

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LUBEZIA
Department of Foreign Affairs

Viceroy Kern, Minister of External Affairs, Rilloras:

The Government of Lubezia has approved your request to establish a diplomatic mission, and has prepared a suite for your embassy in Kheronska.

Yours in Sincerity,
Ivan Kalita, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

“Good evening and welcome to the Lubezian news network. Tonight, breaking news as Evgeny Yilitz returned from his second surgery. Doctors at Kheronska Hospital have reported that his condition has improved dramatically in the past 48 hours, and he is expected to pull through. More astonishing however, were his first words after he awoke. The Socialist Candidate expressed clearly that he intends to continue his campaign for the Presidency. This revelation was met with cheers and applause from reporters present at his bedside. The Socialist party, for its part, has been reserved about this, and has stated that while they approve of Yilitz’s dedication, concern for his health is paramount, and should it be necessary to find another candidate in the interest of Yilitz’s personal wellbeing, they will do so…”

Chairman of the Lubezia Socialist Party, Feder Kaplin switched off the television set and turned towards President Dejan. The two sat alone in the President’s study, in his Kheronska palace.

“Well?” asked Kaplin. President Dejan shook his head and sipped a glass of bourbon.

“Shot four times and still fighting,” he said, smiling slightly. “He’s mad, though, if he thinks he’ll be able to resume his candidature.”

“So much for evil plans,” muttered Kaplin, seeking a seat beside the president. The President shot him a cold look.

“Yilitz is a martyr for the cause, shot by enemies of the party, Chairman Kaplin.”

Kaplin looked at him, surprised, but the expression vanished quickly.

“Certainly. Enemies of the party,” he said, sipping at his own glass. “Maybe he’s not all that crazy,” he continued. “Maybe this isn’t as bad as it looks. If he ran-“

“He couldn’t. The doctors aren’t even sure if he’ll make it the three months to the election.”

“But if he did? The public sympathize with him. Your own approval has gone up radically in just two days since he was shot. It reflects well on all of us. They see him as an icon of strength.”

Dejan was silent.

“Don’t you think, though?” asked Kaplin. “It’s not all bad.”

--------

“He finally cracked.”

Josip Radic straightened in his seat as Captain Drevic struck him with this revelation.

“Well?” asked Radic.

“He named names. A dozen others, operating in a cell in the capital itself. Right under our noses.”

“What are you waiting for then?”

“We’ve already dispatched teams to bring them in.”

“I want them alive,” growled a smiling Radic. Things were looking up.

Across town, an unmarked armored van pulled up in front of the apartment building that was home to the artist Gregor Macek. From his penthouse, the artist watched through the window as two men in raincoats made their way towards the front door below. In the shadows across the street he could see the silhouettes of special police agents moving. He dropped the glass he was holding and stared.

A few moments later there was a banging at the door. A few guests in his apartment got to their feet, and shot the artists a nervous look. He remained quiet, watching the door. A second later, it burst inward, and officers moved in, walking briskly towards him.

“Gregor Macek?”

He nodded. They forced him to his knees and placed handcuffs on his wrists, before carrying him out towards the elevator, and the van below.

Early this morning, Minister Grada Batri of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received the news about the violence happened at Lubezia. Batri quickly grabs a pen and a paper and wrote a message to Lubezia


==========

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

TO: Department of Foreign Affairs in Lubezia
FROM: Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Martilia

We have received a news regarding the violence that happened at Lubezia. We hope that you will be able to track down and able to arrest these people who pose a threat to your country.

We also like to have diplomatic relations between Martilia and Lubezia, as we think that our relations is look promising in the future.

Regards,
Minister Garda Batri,
Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Union Socialist State of Martilia

==========

The Minister Batri sent a courier to deliver the message to Lubezia.


Meanwhile, at the Spesla Secret Base. The news about the violence happened in Lubezia reached to Field Marshall Mark Victorino, Commissar of the Spetzla, the Special Forces Unit of Martilia. Field Marshall Victorino meet up with the 7th Spetzla "Paniki" Unit off the coast the city of Nagtan. Captain Chiz Sikatuna is the leader of the unit consisting of 12 men.

Field Marshall Victorino: Alright, I assembled you here because I will reassign you in the first Special Mission of Spetzla. Your FIRST MISSION IS HIGHLY CLASSIFIED, it's HIGHLY CLASSIFIED that only High Ranking Officials in the Red House and in the Red Armed Forces know this. You will all be sent to Lubezia, your mission it to take one of the leaders who lead the assassination attempt to one of the political candidates in Lubezia, named Evgeny Yilitz.

Captain Sikatuna: Do you know the name of the leader??

Field Marshall Victorino: [going through the pages of a classified document]...well according here to the document that the KEP have given to me, he's known as "The Geliş", a Turkish word meaning "Arrival". He do not pose a threat at Global Security, but USSM Security, he is.

Captain Sikatuna: What do you mean??

Field Marshall Victorino: Well according to KEP, he was seen with some of rogue terrorist group operating in the mountains of Martilia, particularly in the Bagiopotskinev Mountains. The Premier want him alive....[Sikatuna interfere]

Captain Sikatuna: What if he pose a threat to my men??

Field Marshall Victorino: NO!! We want him alive!! You will be flown by OS-228 Special Mission Plane. It's armor cant be detected by enemy radar, and it's engine is modified to be low temperature to avoid Heat Seeking Missile to lock in the plane. You will be dropped off in a forest in Lubezia. From there you will head north to an abandoned village. You need to be in the village before sunrise because we will drop radio equipments and supplies that you need in the operation. Got it?!!

7th Spetzla "Paniki" Unit Soldiers: Yes, sir!!


The 7th Spetzla "Paniki" Unit head to one of the Spetzla Airfields, several miles from Hatzia. They flew for 4 hours and then parachuted off a forest in Northern Lubezia.

Damned socialists. If only the gunman had shot them all! The Emperor was mad, as usual. An advisor had brought him the news of the attack on a socialist candidate. Ordinarily, the news would have been minor; the nation was far smaller and of no threat or concern to the Third Empire, save for the potential for terrorism. However, the Emperor was in a sour mood, angered that any person could possess the gall to believe in any economic system other than capitalism. Mixed economy, perhaps; but full blown governmental control? Ha! "Porter, send for the Duke. I seek his opinion on this matter." The porter bowed, giving a silent confirmation of the order.

The Duke was Emperor Alexander's brother, Traven, and current heir to the throne unless Alexander could produce an heir of his own. As such, he was not only the Emperor's most trusted advisor, he was his most hated one. The Duke entered the room quickly and quietly, preserving an heir of dignity his mad brother could only hope to possess, let alone preserve. "My Emperor, brother, what is it you would ask of me?"

The Emperor turned to him, offering his brother a seat across from his chair. "I ask your opinion on the Lubezian matter." With that the Duke was puzzled, for the Third Empire had no interest in the nation, either as friend or foe. It simply was. "What, my dearest brother, is the matter in Lubezia?" The Emperor snarled, "What is the matter!? By God, they have a socialist party! Serious contenders for the leadership! I want you to do something, anything!"

Traven Ramius, Heir to the Imperial Throne, Duke of Licentiapolis, was, for the first time in his life, lost. He had to think of a quick way to defuse his brother's anger, but yet act against Lubezia. A ha! "Well, my brother, we can send aid money to pro-market forces in Lubezia. With money flowing into their hands, they can't help but win elections!"

With that, the Emperor was only partially satisfied. He was thinker bunker-busters on the party headquarters, but he guessed money would work, too. "Alright. Send the money now."

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

To the Parties in Lubezia that Support the Market

The Third Empire itself is committed to the cause of economic freedom the globe over. Our stellar record in the area of economics can be seen from afar, for we are a beacon of hope in a sea of Red. Therefore, we authorize the release of $2,000,000 US to the parties in the nation of Lubezia that support the cause of the market, the cause of the greatest freedom.

Duke Traven Ramius
Foreign Minister

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION
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From: Prime Minister Jeff Carson, Republic of Ustia
To: Ivan Kalita, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

In order to facilitate cooperation with are two governments I would like to set up an embassy within you country. I believe it would considerably increase are capabilities within Lubezia, which would in turn result in a quicker resolution of this situation. Along with a diplomatic mission I would also like to send a few members of MCI (Military Command and Intelligence) to directly assist with the investigation. This type of situation is right up there alley; They will be very useful, I assure you of that. If you approve of the embassy then this will be the Diplomatic Mission Team and there equipment.

Diplomatic Mission:

Ambassador Christoph Abendroth
5 Diplomats
40 various staff members (interns, secretaries, and so on)
30 Marines
4 Diplomatic vehicles
4 M1272 "Rhino" Infantry Mobility Vehicle's (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12774829&postcount=20)
1 UH-96L "Bagheera" Multi-Mission Tactical Helicopter (If possible) (http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13792677&postcount=523)

I would also like to get in touch with the team being sent by North Defense. If you could inform his group about my request or give me the capacity to meet his team, I would appreciate it greatly.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Jeff Carson

Excerpt from the essay “Political Capital: Socialism in Theory and Practice in Lubezia” by Robert Craw

…Following the collapse of the Constitutional Monarchy of Lubezia, a three year period of violence ensued, referred to in that nation today as “the Troubles” or more simply the “Civil War.” During this period, it is estimated close to 1 million Lubezians were killed in inter-ethnic fighting. As The Lubezian Socialist Party (an amalgamation of the several pre-bellum Lubezian workers’ parties) emerged in the wake of the violence, it presented itself as a strong remedy to the chaos that had racked the country. Led by the demagogic Pavel Zivota, a former university professor and traditional Marxist theorist, the Lubezian Socialist Party was able to cement itself in the scarred Lubezian psyche as the picture of hope and the sole chance for returning the nation to its pre-war prosperity.

With the party’s promises of a “truth and reconciliation” style program designed to mend the wounds between the numerous ethnic groups and two major religions, Lubezians of all races and creeds embraced the Socialists with a fervor previously unseen in any nation. For ten years, the Socialists would have an iron grip over two houses of the nation’s parliament, the Duma, and the executive branch, in the person of first Pavel Zivota, and after his death, in that of Aleksander Dejan. Dejan’s rhetoric, rife with socialist imagery and secular urgings, would lead him to two electoral victories.

The Lubezian Socialist Party’s post-war promises of an end to ethnic tension and a return to secular government had appealed to both the larger Christian section of the Lubezian population and the sizeable Muslim minority, who each held the belief that a strongly secular political ideology would protect their respective groups from inter-religious violence while at the same time respecting their rights to practice their faiths. In truth, for the first five years following the civil war this was the case. However, with the Duma’s passing of the first Religious Tolerance Act in the early 21st century, it was revealed that the Socialist government would remain true to Pavel Zivota’s stern Marxist-Leninist views. The act closed dozens of Cathedrals to religious ceremony as well as several Mosques in the south. Despite protests, the Government held true to its aim to return Lubezia to a truly secular state, and passed the second Religious Tolerance Act which closed an additional number of smaller Churches, Synagogues, and Mosques, claiming that the open practice of religion in large structures was antithetical to the aim of promoting tolerance between religious groups.

Following this, the Lubezian people demonstrated their dissatisfaction through the formation of a number of opposition parties, many religious in nature. At the same time, citizens who had become tired of the government’s iron control over the economy banded together to form the Popular Front for a Free Lubezia (PFFL in common vernacular), a secular party that espoused conservative, free-market ideals and endorsed closer ties with western nations as well as capitalist eastern neighbors. The Socialists, who had already begun tightening their grip over the state by prohibiting certain forms of political opposition, reacted strongly. The party was accused of a number of high profile acts of violence in the Spring of March 2006, and several of its leaders were arrested, tried, and imprisoned. Finally, at the end of that year, the party was banned entirely, and its remaining members fled underground, or overseas.

This obvious heavy-handed approach sparked a wave of protests, that were in turn quelled by the National Police Force, an agency that had grown exponentially over the ten years since the end of the civil war and was quickly becoming an efficient state surveillance apparatus for the control of seditious elements. All the while, the popularity of Socialist President Aleksander Dejan was rapidly falling. At the beginning of 2008, facing a new wave of protests, Dejan announced that he would not seek the nomination of the Socialist Party in the next election, which quelled popular dissatisfaction somewhat…

OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF LUBEZIA
Department of Foreign Affairs

Prime Minister Carson,

Your request for an embassy has been processed, and I have taken the necessary steps to expedite the bureaucracy. Your diplomatic mission will be welcomed in Lubezia the moment your government sees fit to dispatch them. The MCI detachment you are preparing to dispatch may report to the headquarters of the National Police Force at 9 Kpecha Avenue in the capital of Kheronska.

As of this moment, we are unsure of the details concerning the pending deployment of a North Defense investigative team, as we have had no word from their government concerning this. You may of course inquire directly of their government or at their embassy in Lubezia regarding such matters.

Yours in Sincerity,
Ivan Kalita, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT PROCLAMATION
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From: Prime Minister Jeff Carson, Republic of Ustia
To: Ivan Kalita, Secretary of Foreign Affairs

I'm very pleased, the team will be deployed immediately by two C-5 galaxy's. They will arrive in Kheronska within a few hours. I will also pass on the directions to the MCI detachment and I thank you for that. Let us hope there help leads to the end of this situation.

Sincerely,
Prime Minister Jeff Carson

Avalon Air Force Base, Central Province:

The two massive C-5's sat outside there hangers as everything and everyone was loaded up inside. After several minutes, the aircraft were ready for take off. The front and rear doors clanked shut and the engines fired up. Slowly, the two transports taxied toward the runaway. One by one they were cleared for take off and a few short seconds later they were up in the sky and souring off towards Lubezia.

Explosion in Downtown Kheronska; Martial Law Declared

Kheronska, Lubezia-

Yesterday, a week after a dozen high profile arrests in Kheronska of alleged members of a terrorist cell with ties to the outlawed Popular Front for a Free Lubezia, an explosion rocked the capital. The device was likely concealed in a car parked across the street from the national parliament building, where President Dejan was scheduled to give an address regarding the police crackdown on extremist organizations such as the PFFL. The device’s crude construction prevented serious damage to the sturdy government structure, but the fireball disfigured several adjacent office buildings and blew out windows. No deaths were reported, but dozens were injured, checked into hospitals with shrapnel wounds and mild to severe burns. Among the injured were four members of parliament, two of them members of the ruling Socialist Party. President Dejan was not in the building at the time of the explosion, having been delayed earlier in the day, and so was not immediately in danger any time during the ordeal.

Speaking from his office in the Presidential Palace, where he was taken immediately following the explosion, the President called the incident a “cowardly terrorist attack and yet another attempted assassination of public servants.” Dejan stressed that the attack was the immediate result of the government’s crackdown and asked “what more proof was needed that these organizations are dedicated to the destruction of stable government and terrorizing the masses.” A candlelight vigil was held that evening in the city center, with a turnout of thousands of citizens. Red banners were prevalent, evidence of the rising support for the Socialist government even while it is under apparent attack.

Parliament reconvened early this morning, and was addressed by the President in person, where he announced his request for an Emergency Powers Act to grant the executive the capacity to deal with the terrorist threat “firmly and immediately.” The act passed with mild opposition a few hours later. As of this afternoon, the 3rd and 5th mobile rifle divisions, based in the Kheronska oblast, have been called up for active duty. Elements of the National Guard are visible in the streets, and a curfew has been imposed.

[AP]

Kheronska, Lubezia
The diplomatic corps of the Imperial Chancellorship had occupied their new residence in the city. The red and white flag of Rilloras fluttered in a light breeze. Uniformed members of the Imperial Marines stood ready to protect the new guests of Lubezia. Diplomatic Officer 2nd Grade (DO2) Finch saluted the flag sharply as we walked by and entered through the white stone archway past two Marines. He continued through the halls which were busy with orderlies and other personnel readying the office for operations. He approached a door which read 'DO2 Finch, Chief Imperial Diplomat to the Republic of Lubezia.' He entered and sat in the leather chair behind the desk. He clicked on the intercom and spoke into it.
"Vanessa, contact the authorities at the Government offices and arrange a meeting."
A woman's voice reponded cordially "Yes sir."


Somewhere in rural Lubezia...
Captain Thomas hunched over his notpad as the morning rain dripped off his cammed face. He glanced at his watch as a figure approached him from behind and hunched next to him.
"The contact is late sir, 6 minutes so far."
Captain Thomas looked at his watch again and sighed lightly.
"You are correct Sergeant York, but you and I both know how these civilian groups can be, they don't appreciate punctuality as we do."
Sergeant York chuckled quietly in agreement. At that moment there was movement in the treeline ahead of them. The two men fixed their rifles on the two figures moving slowly toward them. Thomas flashed his flashlight two times. The two figures froze as one seemed to be rifling though his pockets. It was followed quickly by three quick flashes back. The soldiers relaxed their posture and stood. The two men hustled toward them, as they got closer their blackend faces became visible.
"Good afternoon gentlemen, you may call me Mister Black. believe we have a mutual friend across the border." Captain Thomas said as he slung his rifle.
One of the men who appeared to be the leader of the two spoke...

((OOC: Nice post Rilloras. Interested to see where this goes.))

A splash of water to the face woke Gregor Macik from his delirium. He lifted his head, which felt like it was full of lead weights, and stared up at the uniformed police interrogator standing in front of him. How long had it been since they dragged him into this concrete prison with its cold walls and fluorescent lamps? Hours? Days? Months? He had lost all conception of time.

“I already told you,” he muttered, his tongue thick and clumsy in his mouth. “I don’t know anything about the PFFL.”

The interrogator did not respond, but sat down at the desk on the far side of the room, flipping through a file.

“How long have you been in contact with Isaa Nadir, called ‘Gellis’?” he asked.

“I don’t know him,” stammered the artist.

“We have recorded telephone conversations that prove the contrary.”

“I don’t know anyone by any of those names,” replied Macik, groggily.

“If you continue to lie to us, we will be forced to keep you here. Your cooperation, however, could yield more appealing results,” said the interrogator, as he stood up from his desk. He walked over to the chair that Macik was bound to. He showed him a document.

“This is a statement indicating that you confess to previous contact with the known terrorist Isaa Nadir. It indicates that you have renounced your previous affiliation with the PFFL, and agree to cooperate with the National Police Force as an informant. Sign it, and things can change for you.”

Macik couldn’t make out the words. He was slipping out of consciousness again.

“Mr. Macik,” said the interrogator, shaking the prisoner’s shoulder forcefully. Macik snapped up, and sat back against the chair. Handcuffs were chafing his wrist to the bone.

The interrogator walked behind the chair, and removed the restraints. He handed the man a pen.

“Sign it, Gregor. We don’t want to lock you up any more than you want to be locked up. Be smart.”

Macik snatched the pen and the document, and scribbled a signature on the line. The interrogator smiled.

“Very good. Guard!” he called. A uniformed police officer stepped forward and helped Macik gently to his feet.

“The officer will escort you off the premisis. Go home. You will receive a phone call within the hour.”

As he was led out of the room, Macik looked back. The realization of what he had gotten himself into dawned on him. A tear streamed down his cheek.

------

Somewhere in the southern countryside, Isaa Nadir lit a cigarette as the first rays of the sun illuminated the valley before him. The leader of the Popular Front for a Free Lubezia was called by various names: Gellis, Turk, Asad, General, Lew; none of them genuine. To look at him, the small, slim, middle-aged man, one would never guess that he was the leader of the largest threat to Socialist stability in this small country. He had come here fifteen years ago, to fight in the civil war, and afterwards, had stayed. In the old country, he had been a teacher and a writer, but his previous trades meant nothing here. He had learned a new one in the years of guerilla fighting in the southern countryside.

Behind him, through the door of the shack, a few others sat idly around a breakfast table, waiting. He crushed out his cigarette and went back inside. One of the men had been talking quietly on a cell phone. He hung up as Isaa entered.

“Sir, one of the cells south of here picked up a pair of military types. Foreigners.”

“Whose?” asked Nadir.

“Andro’s. He’s been in contact with Rilloras. They just opened an embassy in the capital. They’re interested in our movement.”

Nadir frowned, and sat down at the table.

“Are they honest?”

“There’s no way to tell. Andro figures he’ll take what help we can get. Especially with what’s happening in the capital.”

Nadir scratched his beard and sat back.

“The bomb was clever. The Socialists know their history.”

“Sir?” asked one of the men.

“The Reichstag fire, 1933. Never mind,” he said, as a breakfast plate was put before him. “Keep in touch with Andro. Let the foreigners sit for a while. We’ll watch them. If they’re honest, then we’ll make contact.”

Christoph tried to get some sleep, but the constant engine noises defeated that. Instead, he opened up his laptop and went over all the information he'd been given from the Foreign Affairs Ministry and MCI. He was nervous, more so then he should. He'd never been stationed in a potential war zone before; it would be a whole new experience for him. In front of him sat the MCI team, there was seven of them but Christoph had no idea from what Section they were from. He speculated Section 1 or 3 or even both but in truth he didn't really care. Around him sat the various staff members and Marines, he knew a few of them but not many. After what seemed like hours, the pilot finally came over the PA, "Were approaching Kheronska everyone, will be making are decent in a minute or two." In the cockpit, the pilot tried to hail the control tower, "Kheronska Control, this is the Ustian Diplomatic team requesting permission to land over."

The voice of the Ustian pilot crackled in the headphones of the Lubezian air traffic controller.

"We need new equipment," he said to the man sitting next to him. "I can barely hear anything."

Switching on the transmitter, he spoke:

"Permission granted. Runway 4 is clear for your landing."

"Runway 4?" asked the controller beside him. "That's strictly official."

"The Ustian diplomatic mission," he replied.

"They picked a hell of a time to visit..."

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/10/12/world/12military.600.jpg

The plane took off, carrying the diplomatic vehicles and equipment. The personell where given a private plane to ride, and would take off a few hours later.
"This is Flight 186 Heavy, we are en-route to Lubezia."

"Roger that control, landing at Runway 4 now." The pilot switched his frequency to the other Galaxy behind him, "Did you hear that Ray? You deaf bastard!"
"Fuck you Claudia!" She laughed, "You'd like that wouldn't you?"
"Just make your approach already."
"You got it deaf boy." The two massive transports landed nice and softly on Runway 4, a perfect landing. Christoph's aircraft slowly came to a stop in front of one of the empty hangers. Everyone in the passenger deck including Christoph started to grab his or her things. The lower stairs that connected to the cargo bay below suddenly popped open, revealing one of the Loadmaster's coming up. He starred at the crowd and said, "Everyone out, were going to unload everything soon." The Loadmaster motioned everyone down the stairs and out the rear door onto the tarmac. The Marine Platoon stood guard outside each Galaxy; they were completely geared up for battle in their IWS 2 (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/eggcimpprr456/scott_mitechell_leader.gif) equipment. Christoph thought that was odd, until the platoon leader came over and explained everything. The Marine saluted Christoph, "Second Lieutenant Melanie Blood sir." Christoph returned the salute, "Second Lieutenant, is there something you want to tell me?" The Marine paused for a moment, "Yes sir. As you might notice my men are in their combat gear, and for good reasons."
"And why might that be?"
"Because shortly before we arrived there was a car bomb incident at the national parliament building."
"I see, so you’re just being careful."
"Exactly sir."
"Very well, carry on Lieutenant."
"Yes sir." As the Diplomatic team exited the Galaxy's, the Loadmaster's began pulling everything out of the massive aircraft. With all of this going on, the MCI team deliberated on what to do now, "After are vehicles are unpacked, were heading over to the National Police Force HQ right?" The Leader of the group (Agent Markus), quickly responded, "That's the plan."
"Then what?"
"We have the NPF fill us in on how far the investigation has gone and go from there."
"Right." After about 30 minutes, everything was unloaded and ready to go. The Marine aviators quickly manned the Bagheera while everyone else mounted up in the Diplomatic Vehicles and Rhinos. Christoph was directed towards the chopper with six other marine passengers. He took a seat and looked out towards the rest of the group, "You ever been on a helicopter before sir?" asked one of the Marines, "Oh yes, plenty of times my good friend." The pilot started the choppers engines. Slowly, the blades came to life, and a few seconds later Christoph and everyone else on board was high in the sky, heading towards the new Ustian embassy. Down below, a convoy started to take shape as the eight vehicles pulled out of the airport and headed off in the same direction as the chopper. Meanwhile The MCI team mounted up in two SUV's (http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g291/eggcimpprr456/UMI-MSPS/2009_cadillac_escalade_esv_suv_fron.jpg) not mentioned in the list. There had been no point in mentioning them considering the group was not technically apart of the Diplomatic team. The two vehicles pulled out of the airport and onto the main roads, Agent Markus drove the lead vehicle. As the group continued down a road he grabbed his radio and said, "Alright everybody, off to the HQ."