NationStates Jolt Archive

Chris leaned back in his seat. "Hmm ... You know what, Jaime? We could stand to stop being so secretive to all our friends and allies. I mean, why do we keep secrets from them anyway? I know it's what we've always done, but our friends are close enough, we really don't need to."

Jaime shrugged. "Well, then why not remedy the situation?"

Chris nodded. "Good idea. Hmm ..."

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TO: All friendly Nations
FROM: Chris Derek, PM of Haraki
SUBJECT: First step towards opening our secrets to you
MESSAGE: We realize in the past we may have been less than friendly, less than open. We were secretive, and anyone trying to break into our secrets was dealt with in a not very friendly way.

But we would like to remedy this situation. We are starting a long-term program which will be to open many of our lesser secrets to you, our friends. Not much about the internal workings of our country are known to you, and we would like to change that fact, with this, our first step:

We are holding an open tour, open to all nations we consider friends. This tour will last a long time, anywhere from one week to six weeks, depending on how fast we move. It will tour Haraki, opening many of our secrets to you, and to no-one else. It will also show off some of the fine features of Haraki, such as the beautiful scenery.

Please bring your leader, and only a very small security detail, if any. Security will be more than adequately covered by the Lord Guardian of Haraki, Jaime Walf.

We invite all friends not to miss this opportunity.

Chris

SEND
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i guess im not invited then :cry:

Sorry, we don't consider you enough of a friend to open these secrets to you ... yet.

Because of the major importance of the things we will be revealing, no cameras or recording devices of any kind are allowed on the tour.

Sorry, we don't consider you enough of a friend to open these secrets to you ... yet.

Because of the major importance of the things we will be revealing, no cameras or recording devices of any kind are allowed on the tour.Sorry then.

ooc: 2 things. Can't remember if I was friend.
And Jaime, that name reminds me of Jaime Reyms (or was it Reims?) from Deus Ex. 8)

Never heard of the person.

But I took the name from a very old CCG and slightly altered it. The name was cool. The game wasn't.

Do you class me as a friend?

Do you class me as a friend?

I can't say, I've never had much interaction with you.

That can change with this rp lol.

Right, you are allowed to send someone, Busby. Diablo, you can send someone as well.

Come on, people!

Witz looked at the message, clueless. :shock:

What the hell is this 'Haraki'?

He picked up the phone.

"Jenny?
- Yes?
- Witz speaking. :?
- Oh, hello Mr.Witz. How are you? :D
- err... fine, fine. Is Mr.Vaughn around?
- Of course not. But I guess he is for you. :wink:
- ... :roll:
- Hang on..."

Now, let me guess, he'll say something like 'yes, my old stupid friend, how come you don't know about Haraki?'

"Vaughn here. What is it Witz?
- You have received an invitation on the telex.
- And...?
- Well, I didn't even know about the country that sent it before I read it.
- Go on.
- You know someone at Haraki?"

Coro? Vaughn thought.

"Yes, of course. Didn't I tell you?" he replied

It wasn't that far. Witz thought.

Genral Jouno pondered over the message. "Send our leader? Is El Presidente ready for that, do you think?"

His adjudant scratched his head, thinking "He's have to go in a wheelchair. He's still not recovered from the plane crash."

"Who's second after El Presidente?"

"That'd be Butah, sir, but we believe that several members of the H.I.A still hold a grudge against Butah after he tried to kill that squad."

"Who's after Butah?"

"Ummm... Walters sir, Butah's secretary."

"God, not Walters. We're keeping him in his cell. Who's after Walters?"

"Several hundred beurocrats, generals, politicians, nobles and other dross sir."

"So we're stuck with El Presidente, Butah or Walters?"

"Yes sir."

"Bugger."

Oh yes, and one more thing we forgot to add in our message. If your leader/person only knows one person, that person can be requested to take part in the tour, at least for a short amount of time. Several people will be running the tour, and always with it.

[ooc: Can we come? Pretty please?]

[ooc: Can we come? Pretty please?]

Sure. You're a friend.

OOC: Thanks.

Presidental palace:

A man rushes into a room where the President is discussing matters with his presidental advisers.

"Excuse sir." Said the man.

"Yes?" Replied the President.

"We have had a message from Haraki. They wish you to attend a tour of their country."

"They do, do they. What do we know about them?" The President asked one of his advisers.

"Not much sir. We haven't really been in any contact with them."

"Perhaps they want to start now?" Said an other adviser.

The President raised an eyebrow.

"What are the conditions of going?"

"You are allowed to bring a small security party, but they say they will take care of the rest."

"Ummm, i will not take a security party." said the President

"What?" everyone shouted.

"I have fully confident with their ability in security."

"But sir, we hardly now them."

"That is why i don't want security. I want to show them that we trust them, and this could start as a long peaceful friendship. Order my plane to be prepeared."

"Yes sir."

"Oh and contact them to say we will be arriving shortly and thank you for the invation."

The man nodded and walked out of the room.

OOC: Fill in adequate stuff

TO: (OOC Note: He'll need a name for the tour) President of Busby
FROM: Chris Derek
MESSAGE: Thank you for deciding to join us. You won't regret it.

Chris

OOC: Name = John Watson.

OOC: Thanks. Feel free to RP an arrival.

[ooc: Cool.]

An aide approaches along a hallway, striding confidently, bearing a small clipboard. At the other end of the hall stands Myrios, wreathed in the cold light of winter streaming in from the windows.

"Speaker, a transmission. It seems to pertain to you." The aide passes him the clipboard, businesslike and respectful.

"Indeed?" Swiftly, he digests the information.

"Haraki... hmm. Ereki spoke glowingly of a certain representative of that nation when he returned from Slutbum Wallah after that unfortunate incident." He looks thoughtful for a moment. "Continue in your duties. We shall compose a reply - personally."

The aide nods. "Certainly, Speaker."

TO: Chris Derek, PM of Haraki
FROM: Myrios, Speaker of Anhierarch
SUBJECT: RE: First step towards opening our secrets to you
MESSAGE: Greetings to you, Prime Minister Chris Derek of Haraki. We have recently recieved a transmission regarding a tour of your esteemed nation, and We are most interested in attending. Is this possible?

Speaker Myrios

First Among Equals

TO: Myrios
FROM: Chris
MESSAGE: Yes indeed, it is possible. Please, if you wish to come, come. We consider you a friend of ours and would like to show you the thigns we are revealing.

Chris

Busby Airport:

A huge crowd gathered around the Presidents plane, people cheering and wiving the Busby flag. The President however, was still in his car on his way to the airport.

"Sir, i still believe that you should take security."

"For the last time Tim, i don't need any. Anyway i will have Thomas and Sheila with me." Replied the President.

The car drove into the airport and upto the Presidents plane. The crowd roared as they saw the President. Not many people have seen the President in person, he doesn't normaly come out, because of the assassination of the President before him. The car came to a stop, and he stepped out waving at the crowd. Then the 42 year old man climbed the steps up into the plane and took a seat. Beside him, was Sheila Cambell, a Presidental Adviser and Mark Thompson, a diplomat.

Then the plane slowly turned and took off. Their estimated time of arrival was two hours.

"But why don't you want me to come?!?" Witz shouted
"I told you to shut up!" Vaughn replied at the same volume. "And the Council mustn't know. Understood?"

Witz staid silent.

"UNDERSTOOD?
- Yeah, right, NO I DON'T UNDERSTAND! But I'll do as you ask, as always." Witz replied, tired.
"Good, tell Haraki I'm coming on my own and that I would need a precise location to target. Also let them know this visit is unofficial because... Oh well, invent something."

Jouno stood, explaining the problem to Ambassador-General Butah, "So, as you can see, we're a bit stuck as to who we can send."

Butah was busy fishing through the piles of reports on his desk, "I don't have time for this nonsese. You go."

"But... I don't know anyone in Haraki."

"Well here's you chance to learn. Now get out of my office."

Darkeye sighted on the radar, and then spoke into his headset. "Jake, Watson's in the air."

Jake Phiera, MEEF Commander and head of Haraki military forces, nodded and replied, "Good work, Darkeye. Make sure the neccessary security preautions are taken at his landing."

Darkeye nodded. "Aye, sir. That I'll do."

He turned, beckoned the men behind him, and stepped out into the airport.

Phiera relayed the information to Jaime.

---

TO: Whoever in Underaloz sent us this
FROM: Chris
MESSAGE: Good to hear that. For secrecy's sake, make your way towards the Alpha Omega Military Runway, thirty miles south of Atherlon, the capitol.

TO: Myrios
FROM: Chris
MESSAGE: Yes indeed, it is possible. Please, if you wish to come, come. We consider you a friend of ours and would like to show you the thigns we are revealing.

Chris

TO: Chris
FROM: Myrios
MESSAGE: Excellent, We are most honored, and eagerly anticipate this tour of your nation.

~Myrios

[ooc: Shall I do an arrival?]

[ooc: Shall I do an arrival?]

Yes.

IC:

Darkeye relayed another message to Phiera. "Myrios is on his way."

"Again, make the right secuirty measures."

"Yes sir."

Vaughn parked his car just before the border.

All right, now let's find this Alpha Omega Military Runway.

He stepped into the shadows and soon found his way to the capital.

Nice. Now how will I know who to contact? Vaughn realized. That's the last time I let Witz organize one of my trip.

A hand on his shoulder gently turned Vaughn around. Coro chuckled at him. "Looking for Alpha Omega, eh? Most people seem to be these days. Come on, I'll show it to you."

He beckons to a Ferrari sitting beside him.

Vaughn sat in the car and stared at Coro.

"Did you set this up? What's the problem?"

Coro climbs in and roars off south. "I didn't set this up, no. Chris Derek did. Nope, I'm just here because I can be, but I can't stick around for long. We're only about three minutes away from Alpha Omega."

"Could you tell me more about this Derek?" Vaughn asked. "And what's with this limited time. You are all right?"

On the Plane:

The President lays back in his chair, as Sheila closes her eyes and takes deep breaths, while Mark just sits their reading a newspaper.

"Are you ok Sheila?" The President asks.

"FINE." Sheila spoke in a high pitch, then she coughs.

"I mean fine."

"You seem a little, how should a put it, airsick."

"Well, i just have this thing about heights, i have never liked going high of the ground."

"Don't worry."

"Thank you sir."

Then Mark shouted "Hey John."

"Yea?" Replied the President

"It reads here that the Genesis project is going well. Oh my god, its says something about you in here and it is not good."

"What does it say?"

"It says you owe me ten busbys because Arrow Head lost in the Football." Mark said joking.

"Oh you almost gave me a heart attack. I will pay you later."

Mark smiled.

Sheila looked shocked on how Mark could talk to the president like that. The President turned to Sheila,

"He has been a friend of mine for a long time."

Sheila then laughed.

Shuttle Bay, Council Compound, Andulos City, Anhierarch:

"Myrios... This is a rather light security detail..."

"Do not trouble yourself, Adana. We have faith in the ability of Harakian security. Even if We do die, there is the... contingency. Updated it just yesterday." He grins cryptically. "Besides, it's been getting a little boring being cooped up in the compound. We need to get out and about."

Adana, effectively military head of Anhierarch, sighs. "If you say so, old friend."

Myrios nods, serious again. "Aye. Till we next meet. May the light preserve us all."

That said, he steps into the diplomatic shuttle, accompanied by two guardsmen of the Black Robe, decked out in semi-ceremonial dress.

Shortly afterwards, the shuttle was in the air, humming smoothly en route to Haraki.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine. Derek's ... well, an interesting character, to say the least. Nice man, really nice man, but his pride can get a little big sometimes. Incredibly smart, sneaky and cunning. Don;'t underestimate him."

He finishes talking as they pull up outside Alpha Omega. Coro opens the door, ushers Vaughn out, then closes it and roars off.

A man is crouched outside the gates, his hat pulled over his face. As Vaughn approaches, he lifts it up. "Good day, Mr. Vaughn. I'm James Clark, I'll be one of your tour guides."

http://www.rpgdivinity.com/phpBB2/images/avatars/gallery/FFX%20&%20FFX-2/unknown03.jpg
James Clark

---

Transmission to all planes and shuttles:

Touch down at Alpha Omega Military Runway. It's a short ways South of Atherlon, the capitol, and very easy to find.

"It's pleasure to meet you Mr.Clark." Vaughn replied with a gentle smile.

http://underaloz.free-host.com/vaughn.jpg
Michael Vaughn

Clark looks around for security reasons, then slides open one of the chin-lnk fence doors at the front and beckons Vaughn in.

Transmission to all planes and shuttles:

Touch down at Alpha Omega Military Runway. It's a short ways South of Atherlon, the capitol, and very easy to find.

Hearing the transmission, the pilot prods a button, speaking.

"Copy that. En route now, ETA 3 hours."

The pilot listened to the message.

"Roger, that proceeding to Alpha Omega Military Runway."

Darkeye sits back. "So, what're the detals of this tour again?"

Beside him, Erik shrugs. "I dunno. All I know is that this place is like a hotspot for anyone wanting to take out a whole bunch of leaders in one go.Chris and James are leading the tour, and Jaime's tagging along for security."

"Mr Clark. Would you mind if I prefer to use a fake identity during this tour? As I told your government, this is not an official visit. Internal political matters... you know what it is I guess."

"Alpha Omega Military Control Tower, this is Anhierarch Diplomatic Shuttle ANH-64Z, requesting permission to land."

James looks at Vaughn. "Sure. And by the way, call me James." He leads Vaughn towards where the others will be taken.

---

Darkeye swung around in his chair. "All security, go to yellow alert. Guests arriving."

"ANH-64Z, permission granted. Land on landing strip 4."

"All right, James." Vaughn replied jokily. "Call me Peter." ;)

"Peter it is, then," James replied, sliding open a door into a grey concrete building. He leads Vaughn down a hallway, and then opens a door, leading him into a room, like a very small, flat lecture hall. The twenty chairs in the room, all angled to look at the front, are very comfortable. James makes his way towards the front, and sits down there.

"May I?" Vaughn asked pointing at one of the seats.

"Roger wilco. Proceeding now."

Visored, helmeted and jumpsuited in the cockpit of the shuttle, the pilot flicks a switch as he gently guides the shuttle toward landing strip 4.

"This is your pilot speaking. We'll be landing shortly, please fasten your seatbelts. Thank you."

The shuttle begins to descend, angling towards landing strip 4. Shortly afterwards, Myrios steps out from the shuttlecraft, looking curiously about him.

James looks up and nods. "Yeah, sure. They're there for the guests, after all."

---

Chris steps out of a building, moving towards Myrios' shuttle, flanked by Darkeye and another MEEF man. "Myrios, good to see you!" he calls out.

Vaughn sat down. From then, he didn't say a word, waiting for the others to show up.

"This is your captain, we will land soon can you please put your seat belts on. Thank you."

James looks up and nods. "Yeah, sure. They're there for the guests, after all."

---

Chris steps out of a building, moving towards Myrios' shuttle, flanked by Darkeye and another MEEF man. "Myrios, good to see you!" he calls out.

Myrios bows slightly, smiling. His black robes of office stir with his movement, undulating gently.

"Ah. An honor to meet you, good sir." Behind him, the two guardsment perform a brief, formalized greeting gesture.

Chris nods to them and bows to Myrios. "Please, follow Alex here," he says, beckoning to the man to his right. Alex nods, turns and begins to lead Myrios away.

ooc: Um ... I take it this is after the unpleasantness has cleared up?

ooc: Um ... I take it this is after the unpleasantness has cleared up?

OOC: Kind of. It's right in the aftermath, plus the remains of the unpleasentness. This happens a short ways after something I'm planning, yet before something else I'm planning. Confusing, I know. Plus Chris is trying to show a good front by showing leaders the good side of the torn-apart Haraki.

ooc: Oh hell, so much for continuity, and timing, and all that. *chuckles* I'll assume, from prior arrangements, that Jacobian is there. Nath will show up shortly.

ooc: Um ... I take it this is after the unpleasantness has cleared up?

[ooc: Unpleasantness? Sorry, been at school, hard to keep track of these things. Last post for the night, assume Myrios is keeping kinda quiet or something like that.]

OOC: Yerp, I know. Continuity has always screwed me over ... Sorry.

And the unpleasantness was ... well, to say the least, Anhierarch, unpleasant. Lots and lots of terrorists...

General Jouno will be arriving in Haraki by comercial flight within the hour.

Lord Timothy Walters
Secretary to Ambassador-General Butah
Honorary Member of the Madrigan Nobility

Right. He will be welcomed.

OOC: I have to go soon, to see Bad Boys II. I loved the first one, so I must see the second one. But I'll be back later.

OOC: I have to go soon, to see Bad Boys II. I loved the first one, so I must see the second one. But I'll be back later.
(OOC: huh :shock: Oh well, question of taste I guess)

Yeah, it's all a matter of taste. For some reason the first one I always loved ...

Anyway, let's get back IC.

(OOC: I don't think many people involved are still around tho)

Vaughn was still waiting, looking at Clark from time to time.

Jame sighed and checked his watch. "What's taking him so long?" he murmured, then picked up his phone.

"Chris, where are you?"

Nathi lands her shuttle at the appropriate landing strip, and disembarks, looking quite businesslike. Seeng Jas waiting as they'd discussed, she nods curtly and walks briskly over to meet him.

"I take it the effort has been going well? And no problems getting along with Chris or the like?" she asks, foregoing the usual pleasantries.

He cocks his head to the side, then lets out a long stream of clove-scented smoke, directing it away from her.

"Nice to see you too, Nath. Yes and no, respectively. He's had his hands full, but he's a solid leader." he replied.

Haraki,

The NATO-Korean war will be starting shortly, I hope this thread does not take time away from your battle-participating. You are head of the Air wings.

-Ruhr-

Jaime leans back in his seat, then catches a glimpse of a quite familiar shape. He sits straight up, slipping his fingers between the blinds of the control room he was in to look out the window. He smiled as he saw Nathi, then turned and steped outside, walking down towards her.

OOC: Ruhr, of course not!

Haraki,


You realise if you miss this, you will indeed loose your position. The first battle is going to take place tommorow night. I will be launching a full scale attack on North Korean forces. I decided: Eh, take down the revolutionaries, or destroy. So I decided: Destroy.

-Ruhr-

Chris leaned back in his seat. "Hmm ... You know what, Jaime? We could stand to stop being so secretive to all our friends and allies. I mean, why do we keep secrets from them anyway? I know it's what we've always done, but our friends are close enough, we really don't need to."

Jaime shrugged. "Well, then why not remedy the situation?"

Chris nodded. "Good idea. Hmm ..."

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TO: All friendly Nations
FROM: Chris Derek, PM of Haraki
SUBJECT: First step towards opening our secrets to you
MESSAGE: We realize in the past we may have been less than friendly, less than open. We were secretive, and anyone trying to break into our secrets was dealt with in a not very friendly way.

But we would like to remedy this situation. We are starting a long-term program which will be to open many of our lesser secrets to you, our friends. Not much about the internal workings of our country are known to you, and we would like to change that fact, with this, our first step:

We are holding an open tour, open to all nations we consider friends. This tour will last a long time, anywhere from one week to six weeks, depending on how fast we move. It will tour Haraki, opening many of our secrets to you, and to no-one else. It will also show off some of the fine features of Haraki, such as the beautiful scenery.

Please bring your leader, and only a very small security detail, if any. Security will be more than adequately covered by the Lord Guardian of Haraki, Jaime Walf.

We invite all friends not to miss this opportunity.

Chris

SEND
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EXIT
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I am friendly? :)

"Yes, well," she begins, then catches sight of Jaime walking towards her. She grins in spite of herself, and looks him over carefully before embracing him.

Behind her, Jas rolls his eyes a bit, muttering something about 'gone soft' under his breath, and takes another drag on his cigarette, keeping an eye out for anything that could pose a threat to his employer.

He embraces her warmly, kissing her on the cheek. He acknowledges Jas with a nod and a "Jas."

Turning back to Nathi, he asks her, "So, how'd the Iraqstan trip go?"

ooc: If Nathi is here then so can I be. :)

ic:
The Mist decends and lands. Raui exits and the Mist ascends. Raui, now dressed in a comfortable deep blue tunic with customary sash and deep blue slacks, walks with a new confidence bestowed by leadership and an additional course in combat.

Chris greets Raui. "Good to see you."

Looking at the group of assembled people on the airport field, he says loudly, "Please follow me, all of you."

He turns and begins to make his way to the room Vaughn and James are in.

The Disputed Territories of Misplaced Contraband would be pleased to send someone to your tour, unfortunately we are new to the international community and have lacked any opportunity to prove ourselves as "friendly". Alos, since we have recently survived several crippling civil wars, we don't have any form of national leader.

Speaker Ignatio Maledictus

The Disputed Territories of Misplaced Contraband would be pleased to send someone to your tour, unfortunately we are new to the international community and have lacked any opportunity to prove ourselves as "friendly". Alos, since we have recently survived several crippling civil wars, we don't have any form of national leader.

Speaker Ignatio Maledictus

I'm sorry, but since we have had no dealings with you, and you are neither a friend nor an ally yet, we can not reveal these secrets to you. They are for a select group of people.

Nathi measures her response carefully.

"All in all, I'd say it went well. Barring a few unforseen difficulties of course. That's a delicate situation there, with Carlos." she admitted.

ooc: I guess we didn't really have time to cover that before. *chuckles*

Seeing Chris, she nods, and smiles at Raui as well.

"I guess it's time?" she says, gesturing to the men that they should follow.

Jaime puts his arm around Nathi and starts to follow Chris with her, seeing all the others walking after him. "I bet it is," he mused.

From seeing what he was doing on TV ... And hearing about it from my contacts ...

OOC: Yep.
And in case you couldn't guess, I have been reading the thread.

Raui looks around and seeing Nathicana and Jaime, waves. He then turns and follows Chris.

It's like I'm the only one that doesn't know the others. Marvellous.

ooc: Oh, I rather expected it. *chuckles* I admit, have been bad ... but hopefully not too bad.
ic:

She measures his tone of voice, not for the last time wishing she could read minds, though she puts her arm around his waist as well, taking comfort in his closeness.

"He could have timed things better, I'll admit." she says, thinking of both Carlos and Devon. Damn his hide ...

Jas follows closely after, alert as always, though one wouldn't know it to judge from his casual demeanor.

OOC: Not as bad as you could've been, I'll say that.
IC:

Jaime nodded, and then they had reached the room. Chris walked in, stepping up to the front. James nodded to him, as everyone else took their seats. James kept his. After everyone had taken their seats in the audience, the lights darkened, lights came on shining on Chris standing at the front of the room, and he began to talk.

"Everyone here is a friend of Haraki's, and of mine. You're here because we've decided to be more open in our decisionmaking, and this is the first step towards succeeding in that."

He points to a map tacked onto the wall behind him, which has their position, Alpha Omega Military Airbase, marked as a large red dot, from which a thin red line is snaking up to a location just outside the capitol. "Our first destination is the small town of Retis, and its twin town of Resit. They're eighty-thousand people in total. Nothing to be proud of. But the first secret will be revealed once we get there."

"The method of transportation is another secret which we will be revealing. Are there any questions?"

Raui finds his level of excitment growing since he has never been able to explore the surface before and this is a great opportunity for gathering ideas and looking for potential transplants. He sits quietly wanting to get underway as soon as possible.

Chris starts. "Oh, and I almost forgot! Your tour guides will be myself and James Clark," a spotlight shines on James, who nods and raises a finger.

"And the head of secuirty, who will be accompanying us on this voyage, is Jaime Walf, also the Lord Guardian of Haraki." Another light shines on Jaime, who nods. Them the two lights on them cut.

Nathi looked around the room, making mental note of those in attendance. She sat down next to Jaime, putting her hand over to rest on his leg, and wondering slightly at his sudden quietness.

All business, Chris? This truly has taken a toll on you.

Her interest was piqued, no doubt about it. Having recently returned from a similar tour, albeit with one for whom she had little trust unlike Chris, she was excited to see what secrets were in store for her here. And, unlike the last, she had no intention of doing any 'extracurricular' research.

She simply shook her head in response to Chris' last question, eager to get the tour underway.

Theatrical people. Vaughn thought.

Chris nods and the lights come back on. "No questions, eh? Good, that's how I like it."

"Please follow me." He turns and strides out the door they entered again. James waits to make sure no-one lags behind. Jaime rose, helping Nathi to her feet (unneccessarily) and chuckling. "I think you'll rather enjoy this first method of transportation."

She smiles at him, a bit relieved at his assistance and seemingly good mood.

You're being paranoid. she told herself.

"I like the title, by the way ... " she said as they walked. "It suits you. As for the transport - I've no doubt I will. But if it's anything like your flying, boy ... I think I'll walk." she teased him, grinning slyly.

She managed to whisper a quick "Raui - good to see you." as they continued on, not wishing to break up the more serious nature of the tour so far.

"Oh no no, I don't get to drive this baby ... Wish I did, though..." he said longingly. "And Lord Guardian of Haraki is just the technical title of Lord of the Wolves. Basically, I protect the country. It also has one minor technicality ... If both the PM and VPM are incapable of running the country, or die, I take command, and become Acting PM. Something I hope I never have to do."

She managed to whisper a quick "Raui - good to see you." as they continued on, not wishing to break up the more serious nature of the tour so far.

Raui just smiles at her, his eyes a sparkling grey conveying a mutual "Glad to see you". He goes with the group out the door.

Vaughn was looking around, apparently seeking company.

Her brow shot up at that admission, wiping the rest of what he said from her mind for the moment.

My, that would complicate things even further.

"I ... had no idea." she murmured.

Noting the gentleman hanging off by himself, she nodded and smiled in greeting.

"I don't believe we've met. Nathicana D'Aquisto dal Lupo of the Dominion." she said, extending her hand.

Vaughn was looking around, apparently seeking company.

Raui realizes he has not met this other man and steps to Vaughn's side as they walk. "I'm President Raui of the Nation of Caterpillars and Protectors of the Castle in the Clouds." He extends his hand.

"Well, I didn't know that either, until Chris sprung it on me ... Two days ago."

At this point the group of people steps outside, onto the same airport they had been in before. However, this time it was different. Their planes and vehicles were all still there, but the nearest landing strip was filled by a large spaceship (OOC: Got no picture, but it looks a lot like the hovercrafts from The Matrix). A large, personnel ramp was lowered from the side of it close to them, and a tall, handsome man was sitting on it.

Seeing them, he rose, and saluted sharply as Chris led them up. "I'm Captain Shrike, and this is my ship, the Icarius. I'll be your captain this afternoon."

Chris nods to him. "Good to see you, Captain." Turning to the rest, he continues. "This is the first secret. The Icarius is part of our fully-functional, known to but a few, space fleet. It's small, but it does its job. This is the fastest ship in the fleet. You'd be surprised how fast it can go."

Her brow furrows on hearing that.

"Remind me to have a little chat with Chris about 'need to know' information and the like, yes?" she says, giving Jaime a sidelong glance.

No wonder he seems a bit distracted. Of course, that would mean he's most likely been looking more closely into international affairs. she thought, considering. She wondered just how informed he was on certain issues.

Upon the admission of a fleet, and the unveiling of the ship, she smiles. Now this, I know, if only in part. Very sly, Chris.

Haraki,


If you don't mind, I might drag the North Korea war into this, but if you do...I won't mind at all. But don't you think it is a bad thing to have an international meeting with several world-powers in your nation during a time which you are at war?

-Curious Ruhr-

Chris nods to Shrike. "Please continue, Captain."

Shrike nods and steps forward. "The beauty of the ships in this fleet is that, although they're small, they're incredibly good. Look at this ship. Tiny, compared to many out there, and yet it manages to be really fast, have very nice weaponry and armour, and survive off only a crew of ten, with room for forty more people to live in comfortable conditions. It has rations for fifty people for a year, or for ten people for five years. Beauteous ship. Not to mention the fine living quarters inside."

OOC: Ruhr, if you think it could be a problem, read the name.

OOC: Ruhr, if you think it could be a problem, read the name.



You wouldn't know what peace is if it weren't for war. LOL, ok. I just wanted to incorporate ALL threads relating to NATO with this. Sorry for the Interurption. Just assume that our Minister of International Studies(Different from Foreign Affairs) is there to tag along.

http://www.jpaftermath.com/images/page_data/grant_jp3.gif

ooc: Not to mention the fact that lately we've been messing with time lines a lot.

ic:
Raui is slightly surprised at the pressence of a spaceship but having no experience with space travel, for a nation like Haraki, he kinda assumed they had one. This will indeed be a journey of new things.

Shrike looks around at them. "Right, well if you'll please follow me inside."

He turns and steps inside, closely followed by Chris, who beckons to the rest, and says, "The Icarius will be the transportation for the first portion of the journey."

Then he turns and strides inside.

She nods to Chris as she passes, boarding the ship.

"I'm impressed, boy." she says with a smile.

Nathi checks out as many details as she can as they board, and go to find their seats. She lets Jaime take the lead, sitting down with him when he chooses a spot.

A few faces I'm not familiar with ... will have to remedy that.

Jaime sits down gratefully, but rises again as Shrike passes. "Come on, you're all riding on the bridge for this trip."

Jaime rises again, taking Nathi's hand and leading her towards the bridge. He feels the ramp close, and the ship begin to rumble. On the bridge are ten people, all in their positions. Shrike takes his seat. "Ready for lliftoff?" he asks the crew. They nod.

OOC: I hate to say it, but I have to sign off ... For the week-end ... It sucks, I know. I should be back in about 48 hours. Sunday, about 6:00 EST.

Gah. I wish I didn't have to go, but my mom is dragging me along...

Raui braces himself still slightly twitchy with excitement.

ooc: Have a good weekend I need to head out myself.

Ah, that's right ... military. she reminds herself, at Jaime's reaction to Shrike. She thinks back to her time spent in the military, and wrinkles her nose slightly. She had never much cared for taking orders from others, though she had served with distinction.

She gladly takes his hand and walks with him, enjoying the takeoff as usual, though this is a good deal different than her own shuttle.

ooc: see you when you get back. *waves*

OOC: Heh. Missed the damn tour... hang on. That gives me an idea.

IC:

Jouno wandered aimlessly through the streets of the town, unsure of where to go. He looked at his watch, "Damn. We've missed the tour."

His bodyguard stopped, wiped his brow and collapsed on a bench. "Did you think we'd catch it?"

Jouno sat down beside him, "Oh, shut up. We wouldn't be in this position if you hadn't pissed of the cab driver."

"How was I supposed to know that he would kick us out of the cab just because I happened to point out that that Harakian pop music he listens to is absolute shit."

"I think it has more to do with the fact that you repeated it ten times, ignoring his many requests for you to shut the hell up." Jouno sighed, "Where the hell are we now anyway?"

"Somewhere in Haraki?"

"Gee. Thanks. If it wasn't for your astute observation then I would never have realised that we were, in fact, in Haraki."

"Calm down. Its not like you wanted to go on the damn tour anyway." The bodyguard stood up, "Come on, lets go find a Starbucks."

Jaime chuckled, watching out the viewscreen, the smooth liftoff that the Icarius's pilots managed. Within moments, they were zipping along the grounds of Haraki. "We'll be there in three minutes," Shrike told the group.

"Damn fast ride you have here, boy." she whispers to Jaime, looking over the controls, personnel, etc with a look of memorization.

(OOC: sorry, I got lost in that thread... I have too many RPs going on I guess :oops: )

"Yeah, I know," Jaime murmurs back. Then they're there. The ship touches down several hundred meters outside the towns. Chris steps out. "Shrike, stay here. The rest of you, follow me."

Jaime reaches into his shirt, pulling out a rather large pistol and holding it at the ready, looking aound. So does James.

"Perfect spot for a sniper attack..." Jaime murmurs. "Just taking precautions."

Nathicana's brows go up in alarm, her lips compressing tightly. She assures herself that her weapon is within easy reach, concealed effectively under her jacket. Trusting that her reflexes will be enough, should they be called for, she nods curtly, doing as instructed while keeping a sharp eye out.

Jaime looked over and nodded. "Don't worry. It's all fine. This is just my job."

Truly enough, there was no danger as they made their way across the land. Chris stopped, tapped the ground with his foot and smiled, before crouching down and opening a small steel trapdoor, by typing in a hidden 8-digit number. He took several steps down.

The two guards holstered their weapons, as Chris kept descending, calling over his shoulder, "Come on."

Inwardly, she sighed. Always the protector, boy ... She couldn't fault him really. Traditionally, that was the way of things. Unfortunately, she'd never been the traditional type.

She chose to say nothing, and simply smiled in what she hoped was a convincing manner.

As they descended, she her thoughts wandered again to recent dilemas, watching Jaime carefully out of the corner of her eye.

As James stepped down, Jaime followed him, shutting the door behind them and whispering to James, "Was that really neccessary? When you drew your gun I had to. You've always been overprotective and a show-off. James, there was no danger there and you knew it. I'm in charge of security, let me deal with it."

James shrugged, said nothing, and descended.

She chuckled softly at the exchange. You're not fooling anyone, boy, she thought, unable to keep a fond grin from her face.

"D*mn Shadow Team..." Jaime murmured to himself. "I know I worked for them for five years, but still, the whole lot of 'em's arrogant ... Ah well, I'll get my chance ..."

But then they stepped out, into what looked like a massive underground militaryu base. Chris turned, and explained that was exactly what it was. "This base houses over 800,000 people. 300,000 military personnell and their families. There are bases like this all over the country."

"You've got no money?" The bodyguard searched his jacket for gloves, the day was cooling off quickly.

"I didn't think we'd need any!" Jouno trudged along the emptying street.

"And you can't speak Harakian?"

"I didn't think we'd need to!"

"This sucks."

"Damn right!"

Sorry Haraki,


I cannot RP this one, I have another archeology thread to play with.

-Ruhr-

Sorry Haraki,


I cannot RP this one, I have another archeology thread to play with.

-Ruhr-

*salute*

See you around, my friend.

ooc: so where are we going, and who's left? know Raui prolly won't be available til tomorrow at any rate. and I'm idle til a little bit here.

OOC: Right now we're all looking at the massive military base underground, and I believe almost no-one's on.

Nathicana looked around, impressed. Underground ... yes, they did have some facilities, for obvious reasons, but she didn't think complexes like this would ever go over well. Dominion folk too much enjoyed the sun, the sky, their orchards and vineyards, and of course, the miles of coastline. She shivered involuntarily being down so low herself.

"I suppose just how many is classified?" she half teased Chris, though truly, quite interested in the answer.

Chris turns to look at Nathi. "You mean how many of the bases? Quite a few. Although there's one or two special ones you'll be seeing. Any more questions?"

He let the silence sink in before saying, "Okay, let's head back to the surface then."

"So how do you handle supplies? And long periods of time underground? Are they connected?"

She couldn't lust let it slide, and queried Chris as they walked.

"Supplies are delivered from above, and some are grown down there, on farms on the outsides. The people were those used to living underground. The military who don't mind living down here get moved down here for security reasons."

She nods, still looking over everything closely. "I take it you can control all of your defenses from down in one of these areas should the need arise? I'll warrant that's come in handy, especially of late."

He nodded. "One of the safest places in Haraki is down these bases."

Then they were outside. As they climbed out the trapdoor, James reached for his gun, but was stopped by a touch and a look from Jaime as they began to walk back to the Icarius.

She watched the interplay between the two men without comment.

For my benefit, or to put James in his place? she couldn't help but wonder.

She nodded at Chris's explanation, and politely awaited the next stage, reaching over to quietly take Jaime's hand in hers.

As they return to the ship, Myrios muses to himself, thinking on the fairly impressive technology displayed thus far. Around him, his personal guard scan the area with mechanical efficiency.

Raui emerges from the base impressed at the ingenuity. Keeping these hidden underground, the enemy could roll right over the top of them and then have Haraki military suddenly in front and in back. Something we've never thought of but... he chuckles to himself, how many times have we floated over countries in war and none of them knew it. Raui is very impressed with the speed of the spaceship however.

ooc: Good morning.

Nathi takes the opportunity to visit quietly with Raui, having not seen him since his election celebration.

"Things going smoothly up at the Castle?" she asks softly.

He smiles at Nathicana. "Once I got the delegation thing figured out, things got better. The only thing I insisted on doing myself was these out of country visits. I'd suffocate otherwise."

She nods, and smiles, understanding all too well that sentiment.

"Either you're very trusting, or much more dangerous than you appear, my friend. I don't believe I've ever seen you with a security detail."

Raui laughs slightly. "Well, since 2 years of military training is mandatory, and since before I just simply 2nd in command by title but more acting as an advisor. I didn't feel it necessary to make myself seem more important than I was. Since the election I've undergone some more special operations training, I carry our most advanced weapon with me at all times. And since only a few know about the change in status--all of whom I trust--continuing without security mentally reinforces a seeming unimportance on my part." He smiles slyly. "Besides, much easier to hide one person than a whole group."

Much more than meets the eye. Not to mention, all the recent events have certainly changed him. He seems ... at ease now. More confident. Can't help but wonder at what weapon he means - after seeing his baubles ...

She eyed him with new respect.

"It's good to see another nation who respects the importance of military service," she said, nodding in approval. "As for the rest, well ... I understand completely."

Raui grins at Nathicana. "I would think you did. Although I would say that you travel without a security detail yourself. However, your reputation proceeds you and lately," he shoots a look at Jaime, "you have had a security detail with you at times, whether you wanted it or not." He winks at her.

Observant little ... She couldn't help but give Raui a wry grin, however ...

"Reputation? Why, I've no idea what you're referring to, Raui." she said lightly. "As for my husband, I take no issue with him doing as he sees fit. It is his profession after all. I wouldn't think to question his judgement in such matters," she finished with a look that clearly said it would be a mistake to suggest otherwise, though she still was smiling pleasantly.

Raui's eyes sparkle a little bluer. "My dear, Nathicana, I'm sorry if I have offended. I understand what Jaime's job is. I was merely pointing out that he is quite protective of you--which is only right as your husband--despite your capabilities to handle yourself." He pauses briefly. "And not to say that your reputation is bad but just that you are a capable and effective leader."

Perhaps I've not lost all my edge, if a simple look can make another leader backpedal so. Any topic but Jaime ... I've a weakness there. So far, none have taken advantage, thank the powers. I need to be more careful.

"Think nothing of it," she assures him. "No appologies neccessary, truly. I'm sorry if I so implied."

"And I thank you for the compliment. I do try." she says, having the decency to drop her eyes briefly in a show of modestly entirely for his benefit.

"If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. My resources are not small. I mean, I know you are not into selling military vehicles like Treznor. But we were able to help him out with some of our technology. We do have some weapons of unique style." He lightly touches the knot on his sash, almost unnoticeable.

"We may not be into selling, but we are most definitely into developing. I think we're in a position to benefit each other nicely, Raui." she says, her eyes narrowing only slightly at the mention of Treznor.

Aye, and just what all sort of things have you given him, boy?

She notes the move, but chooses to let it go for now, not wishing to draw undue attention.

Raui watches her reaction at the mention of Treznor. Both powerful allies but definitely still some tension there.
"I'm sure that our ability to harvest, store and control electricity would most definitely be a boon to developing weapons. Although, most of our development has been in non-lethal forums. Technically, they can be used to kill but we've tried to design them for disabling purposes. The newer technologies coming out now that rely more on computers have been quite exciting for our scientists since that only increases the effectiveness of our weapons." He smiles, quite proud of what they have been able to accomplish but still fully aware that there are something even the scientist don't understand. The stuff from the Castle.

As they walk back towards the ship, Chris speaks loudly from the back of the group. Observant members of the group could see four members of the Icarius' crew, including Shrike, walking towards them.

"The next secret will be revealed right now. During our walk."

Jaime suddenly notices he's been singled out, that no-one is walking near him. Looking around, he suddenly sees all four Icarius crew members, CHris and James pull out pistols and aim them at him. "What the h*ll?" he says, bewildered.

Chris shrugs. "Sorry about this, Jaime."

SIx fingers squeezed on the triggers as Jaime dove out of the way. One bullet, in a cross-fire, hit a crew member, who collapsed, but not bleeding. Jaime rose up behind James, knocking him to the ground with a kick before he could react, diving down to avoid more shots and catching James' gun, aiming it up and putting one well-placed shot into Chris, who collapsed.

"They're using stun bullets ... What's going on?" Jaime said as he rolled sideways to avoid more fire, coming up and dropping the remaining two Icarius crew members, leaving him and Shrike facing each other.

"What's going on, SHrike?" Jaime asked.

Nathicana nods, pondering an answer to Raui when the commotion goes up. She'd allowed herself to get entirely too distracted by her conversation, and even with her boosted reflexes, that she uses to full advantage, she has her gun out, pointed, and paused after Jaime speaks. Moving more quickly than a human ought to be able to, she's at his side immediately, eyes narrowed and staring at the others with a dangerous light.

"I would advise you to stand down. My rounds are most defintely not stun."

Shrike laughs and puts up his gun. "Just a moment."

Suddenly Jaime dives backwards, a robotic body landing in front of him, that would have crushed him had he not moved. He starts firing into it, but the bullets are shredded by its armor. It spins, opening fire with machine guns. He rolls and dives, dodging most of the shots, until three of them catch him across his chest.

He looks down and feels the tingling sensation of stun bullets before the robot shuts itself down.

Chris gets up laughing. "Jaime Walf is our next secret, ladies and gentlemen."

Jaime looked at him indignantly. "What the hell?"

Nathi reacts to Jaime's movement, her boosted reflexes being the only things keeping her out of this mess.

Swearing loudly, she throws herself back in the opposite direction, rolling smoothly out of the way.

Not daring to shoot for fear of hitting him, she nevertheless holds her gun at the ready from her defensive crouch position. She watches the spectacle with a cold knot in her stomach ... which slowly turns to a mix of anger and confusion as the 'demonstration' is finished up.

Her lips compress in a tight line, jaw locked and eyes blazing. Not trusting herself to say anything for the moment, she rises, dusts herself off, and awaits explanation.

Jaime looked angrily to CHris, who was going on at length as to why Jaime was counted as a secret.

"This is the smallest extent of his power. He can punch through walls, can't feel pain-"

"-can't feel pain is a downside, Chris ... And it means I can't feel other things as well-"

"-As you've seen, stun bullets don't effect him, even when he takes three to the chest, and-"

Jaime stormed forward, shoving Chris out of the way and making his way far too quickly over to SHrike. "Why did you go along with this?"

"Orders, mate."

Chris continued. "He just defeated three of Haraki's best space marines, me, and possibly the best warrior in the entire Harakian military."

Jaime sighed, shoved past Shrike, and walked towards the Icarius.

Raui jumps back and rolls to a crouched position, his hand resting on the knot of his sash. Seeing Nathicana take up the defensive he does not draw, but watches, and wonders even more at the incredible relfexes and speed with which Nathicana moves. He is impressed by Jaime's skills and thinks that together those two are indeed dangerous to those who oppose them.

"Chris." she says in a very cold tone.

"We are going to have words. Later."

Stalking past the rest of the group, she rushes to catch up with Jaime, tentatively putting a hand on his shoulder as she walks along with him.

She goes to ask him something, then thinks better of it, and waits for him to talk.

Other things? What other things?

Jaime stopped, feeling her touch, and took a deep breath. "I just restrained myself from smashing in his face..." he growled. "How dare he..."

"And I just refrained from shooting your employer." she says in a soft growl. "Need to talk, or ..."

This time she'd managed to control her anger, unlike the unfortunate incident on Titan. She still was upset at herself for that.

"I wouldn't have blamed you if you had. After all, I did..."

"Yes, well ... can't be blamed when acting on your own defense, boy. If that is what you were referring to?"

Damn fine shot it was, too. Chris is lucky they were stun rounds.

"He had no right to do that to you. Especially considering your friendship. I don't care how smug he feels at having you at his disposal ..." She paused for a moment, then went on, making her decision.

"Come work for me. We'd have more time together, and you know damn well I wouln't parade you about like my latest toy." she said firmly.

"Hmm ... I'm tempted, seriously I am ... But I don't know if I could, what with everything that's happened lately. Besides, something is due to happen lately. Chris's latest term as Prime Minister is due to run out. There's three new candidates, as well as the good old classic, re-election. Equal odds are that one of them will get elected."

"And I'm not just talking about the stun round I put into his heart today."

"Yes, well ... can't be blamed when acting on your own defense, boy. If that is what you were referring to?"

Damn fine shot it was, too. Chris is lucky they were stun rounds.

"He had no right to do that to you. Especially considering your friendship. I don't care how smug he feels at having you at his disposal ..." She paused for a moment, then went on, making her decision.

"Come work for me. We'd have more time together, and you know damn well I wouln't parade you about like my latest toy." she said firmly.

OOC: Oooh! Controversy!

*Realises they are staring at him*

Okay! I admit it. I read other peoples RPs. I'm sad, I know.

Oddly, her first reaction is almost a pout of sorts at not immediately getting her way ... which she quickly changes to one of interest, which she doesn't need to fake.

"What do you mean, boy - and I mean all of it. Elections, candidates, and 'that's not all' included. It shouldn't make a damn bit of difference who's in office. You can use working for me as a legitimate excuse to step away from it all. No need to do a damn thing that you don't want to - you know you'll have everything you need ..."

She was rambling now, and sounding desperate. And she knew it.

He leaned over, putting his arm around her and kissing the top of her head. "I'm seriously tempted by your offer. Candidates are Chris for re-election, Dace for stepping up to PM, and Chris's daughter Anna. And possibly ... Me, if I so choose."

He leaned over, putting his arm around her and kissing the top of her head. "I'm seriously tempted by your offer. Candidates are Chris for re-election, Dace for stepping up to PM, and Chris's daughter Anna. And possibly ... Me, if I so choose."
HARAKI! You are neglecting your NATO duties. See the other thread!

She stopped in her tracks.

"And just why would you want to do that?" she asked flatly.

And why did you never talk to me about it before?

He leaned over, putting his arm around her and kissing the top of her head. "I'm seriously tempted by your offer. Candidates are Chris for re-election, Dace for stepping up to PM, and Chris's daughter Anna. And possibly ... Me, if I so choose."
HARAKI! You are neglecting your NATO duties. See the other thread!
ooc: all I can say is "Wah."

ic:
Raui stands and follows Nathicana and Jaime towards the ship. That was obviously not planned with Jaime's input. It makes me really wonder about what else is planned.

"I don't know. Because the people of Haraki love me, I suppose. It's just something that's been running through my head. I haven't told anyone except you."

She is oblivious to whomever might be in listening range, a number of responses flicking through her mind rapidly. She grabs onto one at random.

"The people love you? Of all the assinine, idiotic reasons to make a grab for power. What have you cared about running a country? Do you have any idea the complications that go with it? And the implications! I've had a hard enough time convincing certain factions that Haraki has no undue hold over Dominion politics, even considering your close ties to Chris ... but if you were Prime Minister?" she says increduously. "I've already got the dogs nipping at my heels about foreign entanglements. Boy, what are you thinking?"

All this quickly pushes back the questions she'd had about 'feeling' and 'not' for the moment. It's obvious she's in quite a taking over it.

"I don't know what I was thinking, which is why I didn't tell anyone else. It was a random thought that popped into my head."

He looks back to see the group approaching. "Guess we're off to see the next secret. Do you mind if we go inside the Icarius? I don't think I could stand being around Chris right now."

She stops what she was about to say, sharply glancing at the group.

"After you." she says curtly, motioning him to continue. As he does so, she hangs back, watching him board with a furrowed brow.

As Raui catches up, she puts on a pleasant smile.

"I appologize, Raui. That all took me rather ... by suprise. Please, I believe we were discussing trade?"

She continued to walk with him, and boarded the waiting craft.

Trudging along a highway, somewhere in Haraki...

"I'm not saying that it was a bad idea in principle, I just think that the actual carrying out of the plan may have had a few faults. Yes finding a police station was a good idea but perhaps our entrance could have been a little more... subdued."

"Bursting in the door was a bad idea, you think?"

"Among other things, yes."

"Shouting at the first man we saw?"

"Could be, yes.... but I think that perhaps we may still have gotten off with it if you hadn't... um..."

"Yelled in his face?"

"No..."

"Pushed him?"

"No, what I'm getting at here is that when your in a foreign country and you don't have any money or speak the language, you don't want to pull a gun on the first police officer you see."

"Aaah."

"And then shoot him."

"I only shot him in the leg, he'll survive."

"Even so, we did have to fight our way out of the station. And out of the town. It's lucky the engine of that police car held out as long as it did, after having shot so may times."

"Do you hear sirens?"

"Quick! Into the bushes!"

Jaime wanders into the Icarius, sitting down in the Lounge area on one of the small couches. "Ah well, at least I got to shoot Chris..." he murmurs with a chuckle.

She takes a random seat, eyes darting only once to Jaime with an unreadable expression.

As if I didn't already have enough questions and worries ...

Jaime looked up at her.

Don't worry, I'm not running.

As Chris boarded however, her eyes grew very cold, and she fixed him with a look that promised an unpleasant meeting later.

Stop glaring or his guard is going to be all over you, woman. she told herself, moderating her reaction somewhat. How dare he use him like that? How dare he embarrass the both of us? He could have at least notified me that something like that was planned. If not for his friendship with Jaime, I'd ... She felt the intense glare returning, and forced herself to calm down.

Making light conversation with those around her, she waitied for the next stop.

And there had better not be any more suprises of that sort, for Chris' sake. she thought darkly, unsure of the limit of her patience.

Chris looked at the group assembled in the lounge. "Our next destination is to reveal something that only three people in this room know about."

He nodded to Jaime and James, and then said, "Jaime, James and myself are the only people that know of the existence of this group. We will arrive in ten minutes."

Nathicana arched her brow at that, intrigue temporarily overcoming her irritation.

Yes, but why ... why show us all this? Unless ... a warning?

Used to dealing with Dominion politics, her mind went over various scenarios, pondering once again just where she stood with Chris, and Haraki. She hadn't thought to keep close tabs on them, as she had so many others. What was public opinion here? Did Jaime's relationship to a known dictator have any relevance? The governments were both so different, it was impossible to guess at. For all she knew, they neither knew, nor cared.

Chris continued as the ship moved along. "The people you are about to meet are the best of the best of the best. They can kill a man from three-thousand yards without a sound. There are less than three hundred of them, and any one of them could accomplish any mission. Any person on the planet could turn up dead in their beds, killed untraceably, by these men."

Jaime muttered something that sounded an awful lot like, "Working with them for five years didn't imporve my view on them..."

Chris nodded to James. "Meeting any one of them on the street, you would think they were a perfectly normal person. Case in point."

"James is the leader of Shadow Team."

The two men crouch down outside a highway gas station, their suits are covered in dust from the road and General Jouono has a cut above his left eyebrow from diving too vigourously into a bush.

"It shouldn't be that hard. We need supplies after all." his bodyguard argued.

Jouno gave in, "Alright, but you stay out here. Your too damn trigger happy, with any luck I'll be in and out without having to fire a single shot."

The bodyguard stood up and walked over to a parked car, where he leaned and lit a cigarette. Jouno walked into the gas station. On his way to the counter, he passed an eldery man in a wheelchair, slowly and carefully labeling shelves. He reached the counter and leaned over it, a friendly smile on his face.

"Do you speak Madrigan?" The womans quizzical frown was all the answer he was going to get, Jouno sighed. "I need a telephone. Telephone." Jouno mimed picking up a telephone and holding it to his ear.

"Maka dar nyot pokoth nyth pal?"

Jouno sighed again and buried his face in his hands, "I really didn't want to have to do this." he looked up at the woman, reached inside his jacket, drew a shining Desert Eagle and held it to the woman's face. "Go stand in the corner." he said, motioning for her to move away from the counter.

CHIK-CHAK, Jouno swiveled slowly around. From the dark and filthy recesses of the wheelchair, the wizened old man had produced a pump-action shotgun, and had it trained on Jouno. "Shit."

Jouno dived out of the way just as the OAP pulled the trigger, exploding a row of liquor bottles behind the counter. He came up cowering behind a stack of shelves, but the woman came into view holding what looked like an ancient Thomson sub-machine gun, spraying bullets wildly. Jouno retreated hastily through the shop, firing blindly in the woman's general direction as the shotgun-toting old man desperately tried to turn his wheelchair to face Jouno again.

The giant window at the front of the shop, facing onto the highway exploded as Jouno's bodyguard fired inward, hitting a shelf support strut and collapsing a row of toilet tissue on the old man. The woman dived out from behind the counter, changing her target from Jouno to his bodyguard and emptying lead once again. Jouno heaved against the shelf he was hiding behind and it slowly toppled over, creating a domino effect as it hit the shelf behind it and so on, taking out every shelf in the store and building and inpromtu wall between the woman and his bodyguard.

Jouno took the opportunity to flee the store as his bodyguard broke into the parked car and hurriedly attempted to hotwire...

At that, she schooled her face to perfect calmness, betraying no emotion but interest.

A warning, then, she decided. A damn good thing I've got my own little group then ... but still ...

Her eyes flickered to James, appraising him again. She avoided looking at Jaime, though noting his comment that came to her all too clearly through her hearing augs.

A member ... and most likely still the best. He handled James and the others without a problem. I doubt he'd ever turn on me, but ...

She barely repressed a shiver, waiting for Chris to continue.

As Chris went to continue, he heard and felt the ship land and the ramp open.

Chris led the small group out, into the darkening night. In front of them was a shooting range. They were standing beside a human-shaped moving (metal) target marked '1000 yards'.

A small hole, marked only by a slight 'pock' sound appeared in the center of the head, and the target stopped moving. Looking down the range, no matter how (James handed out binoculars) nothing could be seen of the man who had delivered the shot.

Chris continued as the ship moved along. "The people you are about to meet are the best of the best of the best. They can kill a man from three-thousand yards without a sound. There are less than three hundred of them, and any one of them could accomplish any mission. Any person on the planet could turn up dead in their beds, killed untraceably, by these men."

Jaime muttered something that sounded an awful lot like, "Working with them for five years didn't imporve my view on them..."

Chris nodded to James. "Meeting any one of them on the street, you would think they were a perfectly normal person. Case in point."

"James is the leader of Shadow Team."

Myrios cocks an eyebrow, his interest piqued - as head of the Keepers, he takes special interest in other black ops units around the world.

Why, oh why did I not agree to the eye augments? she fretted, keeping close to Jaime once more, eyes darting around nervously.

"Chris, as impressive as this all is, I'm certain you're aware how ... uncomfortable this situation might be for some of us more accustomed to maintaining a modicum of ... control over our surroundings?"

Her fingers twitched at little night sounds as she strained to spot the operatives, watching for any possible attack.

Of course, now, the assurances of our safety, and so on ... damn, damn, damn, this is worse than poking through Carlos' systems and words was.

Chris turned to Nathi. Behind him, another identical hole appeared in the head of the target marked '1500 yards'.

"I would trust any of these men with my life, Nathi. There's no need to worry, although I admit it may be uncomfortable for those unfamiliar with them. You can come out now, boys."

Five men stepped out of the shadow of the Icarius, where they had been all-but invisible and unnoticed, having made their way to it silently after landing. "Sorry, boss, but we had to check the visitors."

They nod to James. "Commander."

Trust with your life? Of course you would, man - they're your people.

She maintained control of her emotions at his other response. Uncomfortable? As if I've never been in the presence of such folk? Good gods, man - I was a member of the Black Company myself for a few years. she fumed silently.

Why didn't I take Jas with me? she asked herself, thinking of her former commander whom she'd left back at the offices.

They were good. Very good. Only the slightest hint of their movement had reached her augmented hearing. If not for that, she'd have never seen them til they stepped forward.

And just what exactly had they been checking? The back of her shoulders itched as if there were a red dot pointed there.

"And, Captain? What did you find?" James said.

"Well, Commander, I found they're the people you said woudl be here. Just had to check, of course."

He unclenched his fist. The snipers that had been covering the entire group put up their weapons.

OOC: I gotta go. Possibly for up to an hour, possibly for more.

They had crossed over into the Southlands now, the land was dusty red earth as far as the eye could see, pockmarked by occasional patches of sickly-looking scrub. The motorway was the only sign of civilizatoin for miles around

Except for the town...

If it could be described as a town. The pathetic huddle of wooden houses displayed no outward signs of technology, the place was indistiguishable from how it would have looked 200 years ago, but primitive or not there were still people and people meant food and water.

The General and his single follower slouched their way into the town, the car had run out of gas the night before and the midday sun was taking it's toll on them. Just as they passed under the swinging sing marked "El Paso" a voice rang out in the still, dead air.

"We don' like outta-towners roun' dese parts." he didn't speak Madrigan, but he did speak Outland, a language common to all of the most debased and criminal scum in the world. Slutbum Wallah officials learned it from birth. "You jus' turn right around an' head back to wha'ever shitburg you crawled outta."

The speaker strolled into their vision, his swaggering, arrogant step betraying his manner. He was a tall man and thin. His limbs were disproportionately longer that they should have been, a feature showed off all the more by the tight, black leather that he wore. His boots clinked as he walked, puncutating the silence and his face was shaded by the wide-brimmed hat he wore. Judging by the cruel, ugly edge to the man's voice, Jouno didn't mind in the slightest that his face was covered from view.

"We don' like outta towners here in peaceful El Paso."

Jouno walked up to the man, slowly, confidently. "Well maybe we outsiders don't like you El Paso scum either."

The man was fast, but Jouno was faster, he had his pistol at the man's face before his gun was out of it's holster. "Take his gun." his voice had taken on a harsh, gravelly quality in the heat and the dust. His bodyguard obeyed, walking slowly around the fuming Outlander and sliding the revolver out of the man's holster.

Jouno lazily raised the barrel of the pistol and pushed the brim of the man's hat up, exposing his gnarled features and yellow teeth. The Outlander responded by spitting in Jouno's eye. Jouno stepped backwards, wiping the spittle out of his eye and seeming to examine it before cracking the man across the jaw with the barrel of the gun. He went down spitting blood and teeth. Jouno stood facing his bodyguard.

The bodyguard grinned, released the hammer of the stolen pistol and tossed it into the shadow of the nearby building. "Welcome to El Paso."

Chris started to talk. "To enter Shadow Team, you have to have first become a marine, involving a two-month training program. Then you have to have gone through the MEEF and its six-month training program. Then you still have to be approved into Shadow Team, and then make it through the rigorous two-year physical training program. It makes these men some of the toughest alive."

"We'll be staying the night here," James continued. "And continuing our tour in the morning."

The Shadow Team Captain spoke up. "You get the guest rooms. Nice cushy beds, mirrors, nice fancy bathrooms ... The whole nine yards."

Chris's cellphone rang, he looked at the Motorola's display and it said: Victor Firestorm. Hmm, I wonder what Vic wants...thought Derek. "Derek speaking."

"Chris, its Victor. Is it too late to show up? I have a week off and I am looking to spend it in some familiar territory!"

"Not at all, vic. When will you be showing up?"

"Actually, I am already in your country heading from the Landing Strip we made in the Harakin Terrorist War to your capitol. It is an offroad trip, and obviously--Fu**--these damned Gelaendewagens don't take bumps well."

http://www.velocityphotos.com/images/stk/2002/mb2002gclass01.jpg

"Hmm ... Well, I'll have someone meet you and escort you to our location, Vic," Chris replied.

"It's not like this thing does not have any GPS. I brought my daughter Michelle with me also. Is that ok?"

"Yes of course, that's fine. Vic, this place is all-but unreachable by ground. Just let me send a chopper. It can carry your car."

"Yes of course, that's fine. Vic, this place is all-but unreachable by ground. Just let me send a chopper. It can carry your car."


"Ok, just to let you know...this thing is heavy."

"Don't worry, these choppers can handle it."

By the time Victor reached Atherlon, a transport chopper, designed for carrying tanks, would be waiting.

Nathicana nodded curtly, unworried about whether the beds would be soft enough or not - she'd served her time, and had to sleep in places she wouldn't keep a dog ...

She noted Chris and his call, and wondered offhand who this Vic was, and what all his arrival meant to the already unsettling tour. Another suprise?

All the same, she stayed close to Jaime, both for the feeling of safety, and to protect him as best she could if needed. Patiently, she waited to be shown her room, taking note of everything and anything she could.

Hehehe...you all are going to like Victor Firestorm.

Here is a file photo:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38338000/jpg/_38338739_blairpresser300pa.jpg

ooc: woohoo! *grin* It's just been a little hard having folks online at the same time. look forward to some rp - should be fun.

Raui is somewhat impressed with the Shadow Team. However, with mandatory military service for 2 years, he could think of a couple dozen guys he went through with that with a little refresher course could match them. Although their real world experience was probably a lot less than these guys since there has only been one war in the history of his nation as opposed to seemingly war torn Haraki.

Wary about staying Raui mentally runs down his plans for how to setup his room for the night.

Jouno and his bodyguard walked up the saloon, attracted by the sound of music and laughter coming from within. Jouno stopped at the entrance and turned to his partner, "You know, I still don't know your name."

"Castor." said Castor, checking his pistol. Jouno nodded and pushed open the swing doors of the saloon.

The jaunty music and racous laughter stopped abruptly, the patrons glareing fiercely at the newcomers. Jouno ignored them, swaggereing up to the bar and leaning an elbow on it casually, Castor followed a few feet behind and did the same. "Whisky." grunted Jouno, and was rewarded with a glass slid across the bar. The patrons turned back to their games, he piano started up again.

"Nice place." muttered Castor, Jouno nodded a reply.

Victor got out of the helicopter first. "Where the hell are we?"

"34 miles from the conference. We cannot fly too much farther, you need to drive 20 minutes North from here, there is a road leading you to their position after that. Sorry, but we are on our reserve fuel."

"Oh, ok. Well, not a problem."

"Daaaaad!" Victor turned around, his teenage daughter got off the helicopter and started walking around. "I hate helicopters!"

"I know, Michelle, but we need to do what we need to do."

"Why DO we need to go?"

"Well, Chris is a good friend of mine and I haven't seen him in a while...actually, since I made that public address making fun of him."

"Oh..ok. How long will this trip last?" Michelle had originally aranged to go to Martha's Vineyard to visit with a long-lost friend...why can't I go there?

"Well, not long. I need to be back in Nuremburg by Saturday so I can make a national speech before Parlaiment. The war is taking up some of my time, but I am sure that Jack is taking care of it."

"Or the keg in the Ministry Break Room."

"Yes, or the keg in the MBR."

Victor got in the drivers seat and started up the car. The first cylinder of the 5.5L V-8 engine in his Black Mercedes Benz G55 /////AMG started, then the second in the code, then the next, after 20 seconds, the high-power fanbelt started to run as Michelle put in the coordinates to the computer. It was getting dark out, so Victor flipped on the quad PIAA 55 watt extreme white bulbs he added to a silver brushguard. The only thing I am missing is a Machinegun and I will be ready for a weekend of right-wing style hunting.

Seeing Jaime for the furst time apparently, the leader of the team of Shadow Team members that had met them grinned. "Major! You're back! They said you'd be here."

Jaime smiled. "Yeh, I came."

The man nodded to Nathi. "Lady Nathicana. Hey Jaime, you still got your sniper touch?"

"Erm ... You mean the records I set? Anybody beaten them yet?"

The man, Captain Eriksen, chuckled. "Nope, nobody's beaten your record." Turning to Nathi, he countinued. "This here man's the only man in the history of Shadow Team to ever be able to get a clean kill to the forehead at 3500 yards, even with a custom rifle."

Jaime scratched his head, embarrassed. "Er ... Yeah. That was in my younger years."

"Oh come on, Jaime, you've still got your shooting edge!" Eriksen chuckled. "We even kept your rifle for you."

Jaime's mouth opened. "Really?"

Eriksen nodded.

Nathicana returned the greeting with a nod, still not at ease with the situation at all. She'd spent too many years with the cut-throat politics of the Dominion to feel otherwise.

"Go ahead, Jaime." she said softly, the same unreadable expression on her face she usually had when she didn't want to reveal what she was thinking.

Still, there was a touch of pride at the mention of his record.

"Here," Eriksen says, handing Jaime a long black, unshining, simple sniper rifle. "Custon-fitted and made for you."

Jaime chuckles, making his way to the end of the range and calmly crouching at the 3500 mark, aiming down through the scope at the moving target. After less than five seconds of aiming, he fired. A two-meter long blast of muzzle flare and massive roar of gunfire came from the end of his rifle, and the target stopped moving with a .50 caliber bullet in its forehead.

Without saying a word, Jaime swung the rifle barrel to the right, and fired again. The same flash and roar came again, and the 4000 yard target stopped with a bullet in its forehead.

Jaime made his way back towards them, amidst cheers from the Shadow Team members.

She was feeling cold, distant, and on edge. Although very impressive, she wasn't comforted by the additional show of force. Her shoulderblades still had that itchy feeling, and it only increased as Jaime stepped away to shoot. Her eyes darted about, watching for any possible danger to him.

Too out in the open ... too many opportunities.

"Impressive." she said, applauding with the rest as he finished and walked back.

Are the markers off? That was an awfully long shot there ... you had a tech job done on you too, boy? And didn't tell me? Or is this another of those odd abilities you've shown?

She smiled in a congratulatory manner, though it didn't reach her eyes. Must keep up appearances at least - this is not a group I wish to offend. Especially out here like this.

Jaime made his way back to the group, handing his rifle back to Eriksen. "Take care of it for me, eh?"

Eriksen nodded. "Most accurate gun to ever come out of Shadow Team."

"Yeah," Jaime interrupted. "That's because I spent a month fine-tuning it." He chuckled.

Eriksen shrugged. "Well, it's still the m,ost accurate."

"So, Eriksen, what kinds rooms are you putting us up in? Comfy beds, eh? Does that mean hammocks or straw cots?" he asked with a laugh.

"Ah, no, you're on the floor today," Eriksen joked back. "No, seriously, you've got really nice beds. Really! The kind you'd expect to find in some king's palace."

"Stole them from one, eh?" Jaime said with a raised eyebrow.

"Shut up!" Eriksen replied with a grin.

"Ah, that'd be a yes, eh?"

"Well then, I'm certain they'll be more than enough." she said as pleasantly as possible.

"The itinerary for tomorrow? Or do we have one? I'd hate to delay anyone with oversleeping."

"Naw, no set time for leaving, unless-" he gave Chris a pointed glare, but friendly and playful, "-someone throws something new in."

Then Jaime laughed. "Nope, we leave whenever."

Her eyes glittered darkly at the reference.

"Good - we should have plenty of time to visit ... catch up ... discuss." she said, giving both Jaime and Chris meaningful looks.

"To our rooms, then?" she asked. "Or is there something more planned?"

Just around a bend, a dust trail was stirred up. Chris, being able to see it said to himself, "Oh good! Vic is here!"

"Actually, we wanted to show you one of our excercises," Eriksen said.

"It helps us train our stealth skills. You see that big maze-like structure over there?" he said, pointing to a large unroofed buildiung built like a maze. "It comes in handy, especially for this excercise."

Five snipers make their way up, their rifles slung on their backs. "Quite simple, really," the lead said. "A crew of us go in, with unsilenced weaponry. If you get tapped on the shoulder, you're out. If you fire a shot, you're out. Last man standing wins."

"The idea," Jaime took over, "is to sneak up behind your fellow team members, which is quite hard, considering their highly-honed senses, and tap one on the shoulder. This is like simulating a silent knife attack. If you fire a shot from your weapon, you're out. If you get tapped, you're out. Once you're out, you leave the maze by regularly-placed exits. Last person in the maze wins."

Nathi was intrigued with this - it was similar to exercises she'd gone through all those years ago with the Black Company. Jacobian had always expected the best. When she pleased him with her performance, life was good ... and when her best hadn't been shown, it wasn't pleasant.

She nodded, listening to the explanation, then turned as she heard the vehicle approaching, tensing immediately.

"Expecting company, I hope?"

Chris nodded. "Victor Firestorm, leader of Ruhr."

Eriksen grinned. "Don't worry, if he was an enemy, he'd be dead by now. They don't get this close to our facilities. Anyway, I believe ten of us are participating, unless...?"

Jaime shook his head. "No, thanks. I'll watch."

Eriksen nodded, gesturing to the four behind him and the five snipers. "Ten of us. Let's go."

Raui was indeed impressed but quite unsettled at the sniper shooting. It was the one thing that he hated about being important. He still felt sniper shooting was the wusses way out. If you can't kill 'em hand-to-hand what good are you? But he understood the reason. Much better to risk one man to kill one man and stop a war than lose thousands to kill the same man. Maybe it was just the added responsibility that made him nervous. Either way, he would not sleep well tonight until everything was in place.

"Chris, are our rooms going to be bugged and cameraed?"

Eriksen spun at this. "Nope, your rooms aren't bugged at all. We like to give our guests privacy."

Raui smiled. "Much appreciated." He watched but his mind was already detailing where each little orb would be placed and visualizing how the web would look.

Victor and Michelle got out of the G55 after parking in the Handicap zone. A guard came up to him and said: "Hey, what the hell are you doing?"

"I am parking in a place where no one will touch my car, soldier."

"Sorry, Sir!"

"No problem, can you get someone to help us with out bags?"

"Yes, sir." He called up two more guardsmen, they each took a bag out of the trunk. Victor brought his favorite twin silver-handle Lugers and Michelle brought her favorite comb. The guards brought their bags to a room, and the sargeant in charge lead the two Ruhrian Delegates to the chamber which the other guests were located.

"Chris!!!"

"Victor!!! Long time no see!"

"I know, last time I think I saw you was when Nick Triton pissed of your Foreign Affairs minister."

"Yeah! Let me introduce you to everybody!"

She wasn't entirely relieved at the mention of the Ruhr representative. One more wild card in an already odd mix of events - in her mind, at least. She didn't have enough intel on him, and that made her uncomfortable.

She arched a brow at Raui's blunt question, eyes going wide. Even moreso at the answer.

Gods, man - one always expects the rooms to be monitored - are you truly so naieve, or were you trying to imply something?

Of course she would assume as always that her movements were being closely watched. There would be no change in her normal behaviour that way.

She was equally suprised that Jaime didn't take part in the excercise. Perhaps the feeling of having moved on ... perhaps not feeling it fair, given the advantages his new abilies seemed to have given him. Regardless, she felt better having him near, and stepped closer once again to stand in front of him, though a bit to the side, watching events closely.

Chris and James ushered the rest up onto the observation platform to watch as the ten Shadow Team operators loped into the maze, quickly spreading out.

A small speaker beside them spoke in a tiny voice. "Excercise will start in 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1..."

The scrambled Shadow Team operators began to move.

Nathi took her seat, keeping a low profile next to Jaime, watching the scene with interest, though keeping a close eye out for trouble around the area.

Victor sat down two seats from Chris. Michelle had a peculiar interest in this exercise being performed. Victor looked around the room, he saw there was a little discomfort with his presence. Maybe I shouldn't be here, I know Michelle would like to go to Martha's Vineyard instead, but this is a Diplomatic Relations Trip. Victor was stuck...he had a decision to make.

Chris began talking, Victor just stared in the distance with a blank look.

Um... why do you insist on having this RP during the 3 weeks I'm away?

[quote="Tiburon"]Um... why do you insist on having this RP during the 3 weeks I'm away?[/quote

Heh, hello friend. NATO vs. North Korea is doing well...do not fear...your forces will be used wisely.

Uh... yeah, but I was hoping that I would use them.

Uh... yeah, but I was hoping that I would use them.

Then USE them.

For the 10 billionth time:
I can't. I'm away at camp.

Raui sat down and watched the exercise begin. His mind began to wander to the personal shield his scientists were developing and then he wondered if Treznor's tank stealth could be compacted for individual use....it isn't until the first Shadow Team member is touched that he refocus' on those around him.

For the 10 billionth time:
I can't. I'm away at camp.

Haha! You are at camp! Oh well, tell you what...we will save an operation for you.

Well... OK, but... yeah. I'd really enjoy being in multiple RPs, though.

Well... OK, but... yeah. I'd really enjoy being in multiple RPs, though.

Leaving (again.... camp. @#$%^&* !)

ooc: stop hijacking - take the war talk to the other thread. oi. you're away at camp? well, you can't have everything - life doesn't always just go on hold for your personal convenience.
ic:

Nathi watched the exercise closely, continuing to scan the other guests, and the surrounding area as was her habit.

They're good ... they're damn good. she had to admit.

Haraki...

OOC: Yes, Ruhr?

IC:

What little could be seen of the men and women inside the maze was amazing, showing ust how sneaky they could be, and it was obvious that they could be much more so if need be. Only one man had been tapped so far, a sniper that looked like a new addition to the team.

Where did you go??? :cry:


IC: Victor leaned over to Chris and said, "You guys built a maze for this? Wouldn't it be more effective just to try it on an old-bombed town like you have from the Haraki Terrorist War? It is also more cost-efficient just to use normal roads.

"The maze serves much more purposes than just this excercise."

OOC: I was at dinner.

"The maze serves much more purposes than just this excercise."

OOC: I was at dinner.


OOC: Cool, what did you have? I had Baby-Back Ribs, I apologize ahead of time to any vegetarians, but what can I say...I love meat.

IC: "How so?"

OOC: Whatever my dad felt like cooking tonight.

IC:
Chris smiled. "I don't really know. This team isn't directly under my command. James would be the one to ask."

ooc: stop hijacking - take the war talk to the other thread. oi. you're away at camp? well, you can't have everything - life doesn't always just go on hold for your personal convenience.

They're good ... they're damn good. she had to admit.

Damn. I was hoping it did.

"James, what is this maze used for?"

"Giant rats and drunk soldiers."

"Together?"

"Yes, no seriously...it is used for...(HARAKI YOU FILL IN HERE)"

James broke out laughing. "No, but in all seriousness, we use it for whatever we need to. Close-in combat training, occasionally we'll even use it for sniper practice by putting the snipers in this landing, and having them fire down at people in the maze. Whatever we need it for we use it for."

"Oh, Ok."

Victor leaned over to Chris again, "Hey, what's up with the rest of your guests...namely Lady Nathicana. I have the strangest sensation that she doesn't like me too much."

"Maybe you should do something about it."

"Maybe I should, there is that whole NATO vs. EODS thing coming up, and those things I said about ToY didn't go over too well."

James smiles. "Well, I can't help you there. That's stuff you've gotta deal with yourself."

James smiles. "Well, I can't help you there. That's stuff you've gotta deal with yourself."


Victor looked at James' left hand..."No ring." James leaned back and streched his arms back, giving James a look at his daughter. I hope he takes this as a joke, thought Vic.

Hello, bit of an embarrasing message here. We sent General Jouno and his bodyguard to attend your tour but we haven't heard back from him in days. We just wanted to check that he got there safely and is on the tour.

Lord Timothy Walters
Secretary to Ambassador-General Butah
Honorary Member of the Madrigan Nobility

James laughed quietly at this. "Nah me, never got married."

James laughed quietly at this. "Nah me, never got married."

"I got married, then I had a child. Things didn't work out too well, and she divorced." Victor gave a wierd smile, "War is a terrible thing."

"I know."

James almost smiled. "I know, I've seen a lot of it. From the inside, or as an observer. Victor, do you have any idea how hard it is to watch soldiers killing innocents and knowing you can;t step in to stop them? Watching and knowing you can do nothing?"

Victor leaned over to Chris again, "Hey, what's up with the rest of your guests...namely Lady Nathicana. I have the strangest sensation that she doesn't like me too much."

"Maybe you should do something about it."

"Maybe I should, there is that whole NATO vs. EODS thing coming up, and those things I said about ToY didn't go over too well."

Her hearing augs caught that bit of conversation, and she carefully schooled her features to not reflect it.

Didn't think I was being that obvious. Dammit, need to get control of myself here. This whole thing has me entirely too jumpy. Do something about it? Gods, do I have to keep on my toes everywhere I go?

She reached over and put her hand on Jaime's leg, and tried to enjoy watching the rest of the exercise.

James almost smiled. "I know, I've seen a lot of it. From the inside, or as an observer. Victor, do you have any idea how hard it is to watch soldiers killing innocents and knowing you can;t step in to stop them? Watching and knowing you can do nothing?"


"I served in the Elthaam Greenwhich War as a Medical Helicopter Pilot, I flew Blackhawk helicopters too and from the battle to pick up and drop of soldiers. Sometimes, I saw men who I just dropped off and pick them up on the next round, seriously wounded."

Jaime leaned his head over, resting it very softly on her shoulder as he watched Eriksen take down two of his team members in rapid succesion, and one of the snipers get another one.

---

James nods, and says "Yes, but that's different. I had to watch them doing this, with my sniper scope trained on the soldier, knowing I could shoot them then and there, and knowing I couldn't."

Your silence raises suspicion. We have managed to access records that tell us that the General landed in Haraki. Unless you explain what is going on over there we will have to move to a more... persuasive footing.

Lord Timothy Walters
Secretary to Ambassador-General Butah
Honorary Member of the Madrigan Nobility

She tilted her head against his, and whispered, "How do you take the pressure? True, I'm used to threats and such ... but in the Dominion, they're much more subtle."

He raises an eyebrow at that. "Hmm? Which threats are you referring to?"

Heheh, I think this has a subtle connection with the planned NATO vs. EODS Sim-War.

She glances around, and whispers again very softly, deciding she has to trust him.

"In the Dominion, one would not show so much of their forces in such a manner, and intentionally intimidate and unsettle their guests unless they were attempting to send a clear message. Have I done something to offend Chris? Be honest with me."

"Chris is scared," Jaime replies, whispering. "He's scared of dying. This whole business with the terrorists unnerved him more than he'll admit. He's trying to send a message: 'Don't mess with me. I'll have you killed,' and frankly, I think it's stupid of him. But Shadow Team's not all he's showing."

"The next few things you'll see will most likely scare most people here more than they'll like to admit. Frankly, it scares me."

"Jaime, why? I've kept out of your politics, and helped where I could ... I'm no threat to Haraki, or Chris. Is it my connection to you?"

Please let this not be a breaking point. she worried to herself.