The alchemy of war (SIC, Closed, Attn:Omnishadow)

[British Arzelentaxmacone]

Early Morning, Freud Munitions and Missile Test Facility, BA

The Freud Munitions and Missile Test Facility was a rather dreary building, a six story complex of concrete and steel, surrounded by a sun-bleached grass field which itself was sealed off by barbed wire and electric fences. It was quiet, the only sounds being that of the workers and specialists moving around in the early morning, carrying clipboards and briefcases through the grey corridors of the structure, illuminated by a number of fluorescent lights suspended from the ceilings.

Geoffrey Brabën walked briskly through this same corridor, carrying a case himself as he squeezed past the workers, eventually arriving at a heavy steel door with the words ‘office’ stamped onto its surface. Pushing it open, he was greeted by the sight of the waiting Omnishadownian delegate, sitting across the table from him.

He took a seat, laying out a number of plans and large papers which practically covered the entire table, notes scrawled onto each one and pictures of missiles, testing sites and destroyed towns in Frijheid haphazardly scattered across the desk. Geoffrey murmured something under his breath as he finally removed a small, finely crafted plastic model of a rocket from his briefcase, carefully placing it onto the surface.

Finally, the rep settled, closing his briefcase with a soft ‘click’ sound, and straightening his suit jacket, shifting his attention to the Omnishadownian delegate sat across the circular table. “Greetings. It is about time that we have a discussion on this pressing matter, what with our membership in the GSC and ISD. I am sure we both know why we are here.”

He paused, glancing out of the single, barred window in the corner of the room, his grey eyes scanning it momentarily before turning back to the delegate. “A new generation of chemical and biological warfare technology has emerged, and has become quite the trend among our ISD colleagues. BA has, as I am sure you have heard, previously tested these warheads in the past, unfortunately resulting in some.. problematic results. Yet Omnishadow has something we do not. A power we lack. Our government has coordinated with your government in the past on such a matter, and today, we make the shift from the past to the future.”

[British Arzelentaxmacone]

“In front of you are a number of documents and items detailing our work so far.” Geoffrey gesticulated to the rocket model on the table.

“Our finest model so far, I dare say - the ARZ-1 ‘kemiallinen’ Rocket, built not long ago. Contains a newly developed chemical agent, which is designed to neutralise enemies with its chemical properties and simultaneously destroy any possible targets. Similar to our other ICBMs, it is designed to possess the ability to travel across continents in mere minutes, however upon testing.. well...”

He picked up a small remote, stepping back as a ceiling-mounted projector flashed an image onto the concrete wall, a grainy video of the same rocket - in life size scale - sat atop a towering white platform, surrounded by a bustling scene of specialists and scientists. It was clear that the video had been filmed from a distance, with the footage seeming relatively poor quality and lacking much detail, although it’s main events were still clear nevertheless. In seconds, the rocket launched, fire and smoke rising from the platform as the missile lifted gracefully into the sky. However, it seemed to fall apart as it flew, pieces of debris hurtling to the ground as the rocket began to fall back downwards, the cameraman hurrying backwards as the footage became increasing shaky and distorted. As the camera panned back upwards, all that could be seen was a towering cloud of dust and smoke where the base once stood, now replaced by an inferno of crimson flames.

Geoffrey sniffed, switching the video off. “As you can see, our capabilities are limited rather severely by our outdated technology. Hence, we ask for Omnishadow’s help, considering your nation’s comparatively far more successful and advanced history with such weapons. Yet my superiors have informed me that your nation desires uranium for its expanding nuclear arsenal, so perhaps we can make some sort of trade here. We get chemical weapons, you get uranium. Does that sound like something that would be agreeable to Omnishadow?”

[Omnishadow]

“In front of you are a number of documents and items detailing our work so far.” Geoffrey gesticulated to the rocket model on the table.

“Our finest model so far, I dare say - the ARZ-1 ‘kemiallinen’ Rocket, built not long ago. Contains a newly developed chemical agent, which is designed to neutralise enemies with its chemical properties and simultaneously destroy any possible targets. Similar to our other ICBMs, it is designed to possess the ability to travel across continents in mere minutes, however upon testing.. well...”

He picked up a small remote, stepping back as a ceiling-mounted projector flashed an image onto the concrete wall, a grainy video of the same rocket - in life size scale - sat atop a towering white platform, surrounded by a bustling scene of specialists and scientists. It was clear that the video had been filmed from a distance, with the footage seeming relatively poor quality and lacking much detail, although it’s main events were still clear nevertheless. In seconds, the rocket launched, fire and smoke rising from the platform as the missile lifted gracefully into the sky. However, it seemed to fall apart as it flew, pieces of debris hurtling to the ground as the rocket began to fall back downwards, the cameraman hurrying backwards as the footage became increasing shaky and distorted. As the camera panned back upwards, all that could be seen was a towering cloud of dust and smoke where the base once stood, now replaced by an inferno of crimson flames.

Geoffrey sniffed, switching the video off. “As you can see, our capabilities are limited rather severely by our outdated technology. Hence, we ask for Omnishadow’s help, considering your nation’s comparatively far more successful and advanced history with such weapons. Yet my superiors have informed me that your nation desires uranium for its expanding nuclear arsenal, so perhaps we can make some sort of trade here. We get chemical weapons, you get uranium. Does that sound like something that would be agreeable to Omnishadow?”

Vladmir- general in the omnishadownian armed forces and head of project hellfire, the omnishadownian nuclear weapons program- smiles at Geoffrey. Standing on his holding a suitcase is lieutenant James -convicted terrorist and war criminal. On his left is Edward Johnson- leading weapons engineer and specialist in chemical and bio weapons.
“It sounds like an excellent idea. We have developed similar technologies with considerable success. As for bio weapons we do not invest so heavily in these as the government regards them as dangerous and uncontrollable.”

[British Arzelentaxmacone]

snip

Vladmir- general in the omnishadownian armed forces and head of project hellfire, the omnishadownian nuclear weapons program- smiles at Geoffrey. Standing on his holding a suitcase is lieutenant James -convicted terrorist and war criminal. On his left is Edward Johnson- leading weapons engineer and specialist in chemical and bio weapons.
“It sounds like an excellent idea. We have developed similar technologies with considerable success. As for bio weapons we do not invest so heavily in these as the government regards them as dangerous and uncontrollable.”

“Understood. However, the weapons carry invaluable power, power we seek to harness ourselves, and if it is of concern to you, we will readily offer a far greater sum in return. Chemical weapons are our main interest here, after all, whilst biological weapons are merely a secondary matter that is of somewhat less importance to my government. Now, tell me: what chemical agents does Omnishadow possess, and if we were to purchase some, what would their individual price be?”

[Omnishadow]

Vladmir- general in the omnishadownian armed forces and head of project hellfire, the omnishadownian nuclear weapons program- smiles at Geoffrey. Standing on his holding a suitcase is lieutenant James -convicted terrorist and war criminal. On his left is Edward Johnson- leading weapons engineer and specialist in chemical and bio weapons.
“It sounds like an excellent idea. We have developed similar technologies with considerable success. As for bio weapons we do not invest so heavily in these as the government regards them as dangerous and uncontrollable.”

“Understood. However, the weapons carry invaluable power, power we seek to harness ourselves, and if it is of concern to you, we will readily offer a far greater sum in return. Chemical weapons are our main interest here, after all, whilst biological weapons are merely a secondary matter that is of somewhat less importance to my government. Now, tell me: what chemical agents does Omnishadow possess, and if we were to purchase some, what would their individual price be?”

James hands Vladmir the laptop. He opens it up.
“Well, we have the RDS1,2 and 3. These release a toxins into the vicinity and have an effect radius of 30, 200 and 300 miles respectively. These cost £2,000,000-£4,000,000. If you’re looking for a more long term effect the LDS series releases a variety of toxins poisoning animals, humans and plants. In addition to this, the final toxin infiltrates the soil rendering it unsuitable for agricultural use for 5-7 years. These weapons have price ranges of £3,000,000-£5,000,000. If you want smaller arms, we have developed nerve gas shells often used in policing. These have an effect radius of 100 metres. They contain a nerve agent designed to incapacitate civilians or lightly armed soldiers. These cost £5,000 per set 0f 10 shells. We are willing to give you a 50% discount on all purchases so take your pick.”

[British Arzelentaxmacone]

Geoffrey scribbled some notes down into a page of paper, ripping it from the notepad and placing it alongside the other documents, before speaking quietly. “Nerve toxin shells will be a particular area of interest for my government, and since we are unfamiliar with the chemical’s usage and how we can effectively control its capabilities, we are wondering if Omnishadow would be willing to send in some sort of additional.. support team.”

He lowered his voice even more. “Namely.. policing forces to aid our operations against protestors, that being in the realms of these shells.. We’d ideally see it as an exchange opportunity, that we would receive a few thousand nerve toxin shells and a policing force who specialise in their use, and in return you would receive a regular supply of uranium and, if the resource stock allows it, perhaps even weapons grade plutonium. Of course, the choice is yours, but I will remind you that additional policing teams, however small, would be rewarded with an even greater sum of money and resources.”

[Omnishadow]

Geoffrey scribbled some notes down into a page of paper, ripping it from the notepad and placing it alongside the other documents, before speaking quietly. “Nerve toxin shells will be a particular area of interest for my government, and since we are unfamiliar with the chemical’s usage and how we can effectively control its capabilities, we are wondering if Omnishadow would be willing to send in some sort of additional.. support team.”

He lowered his voice even more. “Namely.. policing forces to aid our operations against protestors, that being in the realms of these shells.. We’d ideally see it as an exchange opportunity, that we would receive a few thousand nerve toxin shells and a policing force who specialise in their use, and in return you would receive a regular supply of uranium and, if the resource stock allows it, perhaps even weapons grade plutonium. Of course, the choice is yours, but I will remind you that additional policing teams, however small, would be rewarded with an even greater sum of money and resources.”

Vladmir looks interested.
“This seems like an excellent idea. We already have expert anti-protestor units and many of them are experienced users of all forms of these technologies. I would like to ask how many officers would you like-each unit is comprised of 70 officers. Our police officers usually carry additional arms in addition to these nerve gas shells. Is this fine with your nation?”

[British Arzelentaxmacone]

Geoffrey scribbled some notes down into a page of paper, ripping it from the notepad and placing it alongside the other documents, before speaking quietly. “Nerve toxin shells will be a particular area of interest for my government, and since we are unfamiliar with the chemical’s usage and how we can effectively control its capabilities, we are wondering if Omnishadow would be willing to send in some sort of additional.. support team.”

He lowered his voice even more. “Namely.. policing forces to aid our operations against protestors, that being in the realms of these shells.. We’d ideally see it as an exchange opportunity, that we would receive a few thousand nerve toxin shells and a policing force who specialise in their use, and in return you would receive a regular supply of uranium and, if the resource stock allows it, perhaps even weapons grade plutonium. Of course, the choice is yours, but I will remind you that additional policing teams, however small, would be rewarded with an even greater sum of money and resources.”

Vladmir looks interested.
“This seems like an excellent idea. We already have expert anti-protestor units and many of them are experienced users of all forms of these technologies. I would like to ask how many officers would you like-each unit is comprised of 70 officers. Our police officers usually carry additional arms in addition to these nerve gas shells. Is this fine with your nation?”

“It is fine with our nation as long as yours signs an agreement stating that the unit will not be used for any purposes other than policing alongside the state authorities, and that if any injuries or deaths in action do befall the unit, it is not legally our fault.” He added, as he rose to his feet. “If that is agreeable with your nation, then we can begin the next phase of our meeting here, that being… an exclusive opportunity to survey our current chemical weapon testing. We have a test launch lined up for later on.”

[Omnishadow]

Vladmir looks interested.
“This seems like an excellent idea. We already have expert anti-protestor units and many of them are experienced users of all forms of these technologies. I would like to ask how many officers would you like-each unit is comprised of 70 officers. Our police officers usually carry additional arms in addition to these nerve gas shells. Is this fine with your nation?”

“It is fine with our nation as long as yours signs an agreement stating that the unit will not be used for any purposes other than policing alongside the state authorities, and that if any injuries or deaths in action do befall the unit, it is not legally our fault.” He added, as he rose to his feet. “If that is agreeable with your nation, then we can begin the next phase of our meeting here, that being… an exclusive opportunity to survey our current chemical weapon testing. We have a test launch lined up for later on.”

Vladmir looks worried about the last statement but hides it quickly.
“We would be fine with the agreement. As for the test launch, I won’t be able to make it but we will send along some scientists to observe.”
He turns to James and whispers quickly.
“Bring rebels…easy way…kill…anonymous.”

[British Arzelentaxmacone]

“It is fine with our nation as long as yours signs an agreement stating that the unit will not be used for any purposes other than policing alongside the state authorities, and that if any injuries or deaths in action do befall the unit, it is not legally our fault.” He added, as he rose to his feet. “If that is agreeable with your nation, then we can begin the next phase of our meeting here, that being… an exclusive opportunity to survey our current chemical weapon testing. We have a test launch lined up for later on.”

Vladmir looks worried about the last statement but hides it quickly.
“We would be fine with the agreement. As for the test launch, I won’t be able to make it but we will send along some scientists to observe.”
He turns to James and whispers quickly.
“Bring rebels…easy way…kill…anonymous.”

He arches an eyebrow. “The launch is within a few hours, tops. Until then it will be a simple matter of showing you some official documentation of past progress, exploring the development facility, etc.”