Diana Melo publishes new book

[Iglesian Archipelago]

IC:

Letter to Diana Melo, delivered by the Felician State Department via the Iglesian Government

Ms. Melo,

You do not know me, but I have heard of you. My name is Edward Francis Winslow, and I am Chairman and CEO of Book Ends, Inc. We are a company which deals in a large variety of books, games, and movies in the Republic.

I am writing to you through the good offices of your nation's government, first to congratulate you on escaping what passes for justice in Hippostania, and secondly to inquire as to the possibility of marketing your book, the recently published Revelation, in our book stores.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Signed by,
E. Francis Winslow

Yes, you can.

[Jorall]

Meanwhile, the Jorall Government has hatched its plan to eliminate Diana Melo and continue the fight against communism. An assassin by the name of Xarl Yumunumun has been sent to Iglesian Archipelago with a fake ID, low quality assault rifle and a mission. He has gone through the hardest and most difficult endurance training the world, including having his eyes and tongue removed to test his resistance against interrogation as well as having his hands cut off to see if he can still fire a gun with at least 50% accuracy.

You sent a blind assassin with no tongue or hands to kill a journalist who is likely under maximum police protection to guard against Hippostania pulling an assassination attempt, in a foreign country he's probably never been to?

What he lacks in body parts he makes up for in heart. And outdated weaponry. With a little bit of luck and maybe some divine intervention, Mr. Yumunumun might at least be able to scare or maybe badly maim Mrs. Melo before being taken down by guards.

Mr. Yumunumun successfully got through the border, his fake ID having done the trick. After driving down a crowded road (he relies on traffic sounds to navigate) he reaches Mrs. Melo's house, despite a series of fender benders. He parks in a handicapped spot and steps out of his car, AK-47 in hand.

"It's go time."

[West Feliciana]

IC:

Thank you kindly. The book is already generating considerable excitement, if the reactions to commercials advertising it are anything to go by.

Signed by,
E. Francis Winslow

[Iglesian Archipelago]

IC:

Thank you kindly. The book is already generating considerable excitement, if the reactions to commercials advertising it are anything to go by.

Signed by,
E. Francis Winslow

You're welcome.

[Purzkistan]

The book will be banned in Purzkistan due to the communist propaganda seen there. We hope that all the other civilised countries in the world do the same.

[Jorall]

Holding the weapon in one (artificial) hand and a cane in the other, Xarl slowly navigates his way to Diana's house. People scream and flee in all directions, unused to the sight of an automatic weapon in a country as civil as Iglesian Archipelago. As Xarl walks, he takes his time to breath in the salty, coastal air and listen to the sounds of the city. Its a peculiar tradition of his to take in the sights of an area before closing in on his target.

He reaches her house. After pausing to take a deep breath, he rings her doorbell. "Who is this?" responds a masculine voice. "Mrs. Melo would prefer to remain undisturbed-"

Xarl squeezes the trigger. His AK-47, switched to full auto, opens fire. Dozens of rounds come crashing through the door. People inside the house are screaming. A thick, warm liquid splashes on Xarl's suit. Based off of the smell he recognizes it as blood.

The assassin kicks in the already weakened door and continues firing. More people are screaming.

"It sure would be a lot easier if I could see who I was shooting," the assassin mutters.

[West Feliciana]

OOC:

This post was composed and placed here with the express permission of the OP.

IC:

Los Vientos, Democratic Republic of the Iglesian Archipelago
Near the Home of Diana Melo

It was a nice day as Jessica Peebles and Heather Jorgensen went jogging down the sidewalk in the quiet suburbs of the community. A gentle breeze was blowing, but neither of them seemed too bothered by that. From their toned and well-muscled figures, and the steady pace at which they moved, it was obvious that both women kept themselves in exceptional condition. They wore running shoes, women's jogging shorts and shirts. Reflective sunglasses blocked the sun from their eyes, and also kept their eyes blocked from the world around them.

This was important, as their eyes were considered one of the few things which could well give them away, for in the eyes of these two young tourists out for a jog, an intelligent policeman or detective might well see two predators.

Two sets of predator's eyes, one set green and the other brown, swept the surroundings constantly as they moved. They were approaching the home of Diana Melo, a local journalist, television personality and author, whose life they had orders to protect.

******************************

From his rented car, Abial Pierce could see the vehicle as it approached the parking area. It was moving very oddly, as though the person at the wheel couldn't see his route, or something. He pulled to a halt a ways up the street and waited to see what happened. He didn't have to wait for very long. The poorly kept Kalashnikov held in the man's...arms was readily visible. That he was outside Diana Melo's home made his intentions fairly obvious.

Pierce didn't even move the car, leaving it parked up the street and quietly exiting as though nothing were wrong. He was dressed in slacks, a white button-down shirt and a casual business jacket...in which he concealed a suppressed FN Five-SeveN 5.7mm pistol.

Walking quietly and casually up the sidewalk, Pierce took care to make no loud noises. He had spotted the man's lack of eyes quickly, and knew the man's hearing was likely slightly enhanced by the body's natural reaction to blindness.

Unfortunately, the man moved more quickly than Pierce had anticipated. He heard the sound of the busting door, and then the loud rattle of AK-47 fire. Pulling out his pistol, he ran up on the man's path, relying on the man's own racket to shield the sound of his rushed approach.

He came through the doorway, stepping across the doorman's body. He looked around.

There!

The gunman's back was to him as he sprayed bullets seemingly at random. Pierce raised his pistol almost without thinking about it, and from a distance of less than ten feet away, he fired no less than twelve of the twenty 5.7x28mm rounds in the weapon directly at the man's upper back and head.

[Llyddfyd]

Dear Leader Rhain Ap Rhys, after hearing the threats against him and the Glorious Vanguard Party of the Llyddfyd Proletarians, stood in front of a large crowd in the middle of Victory Square of National Liberation and Proletarian Democracy, shivering in awe at the Greatness of Dear Leader Rhain ap Rhys, Friend of the international working class. "Brothers, Sisters, Fellow Revolutionary Comrades, the Imperialist Dogs want to conquer our nation for banning this sick and vile book, Revelation." He spat out the last bit, causing everyone to spit as well, their spittle quickly freezing in the subzero temperatures. "This evil, counter-revolutionary book, Revelation, by this Capitalist bitch, Diana Melon. I say, let them come, we are ready for war. Let me read a bit from the book- well, not really a first edition copy, but a bootlegged Llyddfyd version sold in the black market- don't worry, we have had all those counter revolutionary capitalist executed-
--==<<MODEDIT for CONTENT>>==--
You get the picture. It is a dirty, evil, disgusting book, and it is a counterrevolutionary book filled with pro-Capitalist, anti-revolutionary messages- the outstanding Comrades from Hippostanian Communist Party doing various, disgusting, perverse things, sleeping with this 'Diana' and each other. Well, we shall let the world know, we won't allow this Gay Smut in our country. If they want war, let 'em come at us. We are prepared!"

Dear Leader turn his head north, "You Capitalists of The Beastling States of Crystal Spires, you shall bow down to the will of the Working Class, and we shall parade your heads on pikes in your capital, Diana Melon, I shall personally castrate you ere I set you ablaze on a pyre of your own 'Revelations', and all enemies of ME, Dear Leader Rhain ap Rhys, and the International Working Class, we shall hunt you down!"

[Jorall]

Xarl cried out in pain as the first of Abial Pierce's shots hit flesh. It punctured his back and ripped through his lung. The assassin coughed up blood and stumbled back, still firing his weapon. Another shot hit his shoulder. Xarl's AK47 dropped to the floor with a loud thud. Blood jetted from the gaping wound.

Roaring, Xarl leapt at Abial like some sort of feral animal. The mission had to be accomplished, regardless of any wounds. Failure meant certain death.

[Iglesian Archipelago]

You can.

Thank you, when will they be shipped?

We'll send to you one copy of Diana Melo's book by Saturday, 10th December, 2011.

[West Feliciana]

IC:

From the road approaching Diana Melo's home, Jessica Peebles and Heather Jorgenson heard the gunfire. They knew something had gone wrong. Immediately they both came to a halt, Heather keeping an eye out as Jessica pulled out a pre-paid cell phone to dial 888.

******************************

Momentarily stunned at how many of his bullets seemed to have missed the intended mark, Abial was brought back to the moment by the sound of his target roaring in outrage and leaping at him. To the human in Abial Pierce, this was frightening, but to the trained killer, it said he had the advantage now. His opponent was losing his composure, and coming at him wounded and uncontrolled.

He stepped back quickly and sidestepped his opponent's lunge, grabbing him by one extended arm and yanking him forward to attempt to put him off-balance. As he moved thus, he also lashed out with a vicious kick aimed at the back of Xarl's knee.

[Bionui]

The book has been brought to The Federated States, and it is a pretty good read, we are looking into Hippostantia and ar eplanning to do something, probaly going to take Lyra and her advisor out of power and take them to custody for unfair trials, and because we can.

- Tahu, Toa of Fire.

[Iglesian Archipelago]

IC:

From the road approaching Diana Melo's home, Jessica Peebles and Heather Jorgenson heard the gunfire. They knew something had gone wrong. Immediately they both came to a halt, Heather keeping an eye out as Jessica pulled out a pre-paid cell phone to dial 888.

******************************

Momentarily stunned at how many of his bullets seemed to have missed the intended mark, Abial was brought back to the moment by the sound of his target roaring in outrage and leaping at him. To the human in Abial Pierce, this was frightening, but to the trained killer, it said he had the advantage now. His opponent was losing his composure, and coming at him wounded and uncontrolled.

He stepped back quickly and sidestepped his opponent's lunge, grabbing him by one extended arm and yanking him forward to attempt to put him off-balance. As he moved thus, he also lashed out with a vicious kick aimed at the back of Xarl's knee.

"Good evening.", says the 888 emergency number dispatch operator.

[Rotovia-]

Constitutional Republic of Rotovia
Ministry for Tertiary Education

To: Diana Melo
From: Department of Education, Rotovia
CC: media-elist@education.gov.ro
Subject: "Revelations"
Security: None applied

Dear Ms. Melo,

It is with great pleasure that I announce your book "Revelations" has been the Athenian Times Top Bestseller now for three weeks, quite an achievement amoung the highly critical Rotovian literary public. I am also pleased to announce two awarding of two honours from the Rotovian people.

Firstly, you have been granted an Honourary Doctorate of Philosophy for Journalism by the University of Athens, and may receive the official proclamation at any university in your home nation, of your choosing.

Secondly, on advice of the Privy Council, Her Imperial Eminency would like to invite you to assume the title of Dame-Commander of the Imperial Order of the Broken Reed. This honour is reserved for those who have acted to preserve liberty and justice, which showing great personal sacrifice, honour and courage.

With the best of wishes,

[signed]
Hon. Dr. Henry Wintering-Felle (MP)
Associate Minister for Tertiary Education

[West Feliciana]

"Good evening.", says the 888 emergency number dispatch operator.

Nodding to Heather to let her know the call had gone through, Jessica began to speak in a voice intended to sound strained by excitement and uncertainty.

"Hello?" she asked, ignoring Heather's amused half-grin. "I think there's been some kind of a disturbance at-" she gave the correct address. "There's all kinds of noises, I'm pretty sure I've heard some people screaming, but I'm not sure what's happening now. I think you need to send somebody down there."

Not waiting for a reply, she clicked the phone closed, set it down on a nearby park bench, and both women began jogging, more quickly this time, in the direction of Diana Melo's home.

[Llyddfyd]

To: The Government of Iglesian Archipelago
From: The Democratic Emancipated Worker's Socialist Republic of Llyddfyd

We ask that you deport the Counterrevolutionary bitch Miss Diana Malo to Llyddfyd for interrogation, but, if you refuse, we will have no choice but to drag her to DInas Rhys by force. We sincerely hope it does not come to the latter.

Sincerely,

Rhain ap Rhys
General Secretary of the Llyddfyd Worker's Party

[Jorall]

Xarl is sent reeling from a sudden pain in his knee. He face plants onto the sidewalk, breaking his nose. Cartilage buckles in and blood vessels burst, soaking his face in blood. He gasps from the pain and makes a pitiful wheezing sound, his left lung having collapsed.

"Must..." mutters Xarl, forcing himself to his feet. "...keep fighting."

He swings his cane in Abial's direction, only able to keep moving through sheer determination and rage.

[Iglesian Archipelago]

Nodding to Heather to let her know the call had gone through, Jessica began to speak in a voice intended to sound strained by excitement and uncertainty.

"Hello?" she asked, ignoring Heather's amused half-grin. "I think there's been some kind of a disturbance at-" she gave the correct address. "There's all kinds of noises, I'm pretty sure I've heard some people screaming, but I'm not sure what's happening now. I think you need to send somebody down there."

Not waiting for a reply, she clicked the phone closed, set it down on a nearby park bench, and both women began jogging, more quickly this time, in the direction of Diana Melo's home.

The ambulance arrives at 204 Varyvela Anteva Street (or 204 Strava Varyvela Anteva), 21056 Los Vientos.

[West Feliciana]

IC:

Abial cursed as he heard the ambulance sirens outside, even as he was backstepping to dodge a potentially harmful strike from the assassin's cane. As he dodged, he raised his pistol up into a rough firing position, this time with just one hand, and fired two suppressed shots directly at the man's chest.

He was already looking for a quick way out. The last thing he wanted was to get caught by the local police.

Meanwhile, both Jessica and Heather, watching as the ambulance approached, kept their distance a ways away from the household.

[Iglesian Archipelago]

IC:

Abial cursed as he heard the ambulance sirens outside, even as he was backstepping to dodge a potentially harmful strike from the assassin's cane. As he dodged, he raised his pistol up into a rough firing position, this time with just one hand, and fired two suppressed shots directly at the man's chest.

He was already looking for a quick way out. The last thing he wanted was to get caught by the local police.

Meanwhile, both Jessica and Heather, watching as the ambulance approached, kept their distance a ways away from the household.

The ambulance has just arrived. One of the doctors who were in the ambulance said: "Good evening. What happened?"

[Jorall]

Both shots hit. The sheer force sent Xarl tumbling backwards. He slamed the back of his head against a guard rail, rattling his brain within his skull, before finally hitting the ground.

"Can't... surrender..." he hissed, standing back up. "Never... surrender!"

He swung his cane at Abial again.

[West Feliciana]

IC:

Heather looked at the paramedic as he approached. Both she and Jessica were trying to play the role of confused bystanders as the situation unfolded.

"I don't know," she said. "We heard what sounded like gunshots and people screaming, and then more gunshots, and a bunch of random noises. We think somebody's really shooting the heck out of that place down there."

Meanwhile, a second team of Felician operatives, this one less open, was moving into position. A team of six men and women, all dressed in woodlands camouflage to keep out of sight, were gathering in a hide site in a distant stand of trees. Most had only light weapons, but one carried an M200 sniper's rifle, from Cheyenne Tactical.

******************************

By now Abial was growing annoyed by his opponent's increasingly weak efforts to attack him. Even so, a part of him was impressed. The man was down on the ground in obviously bad shape, but he was still trying to fight.

Impressed or not, Abial knew this fight had to be ended. Wincing in pain as the attack grazed his shin (just a bit too slow on the dodge), he stepped forward with one last high-powered kick to the man's jaw, a blow obviously meant to kill. Even if he lived somehow, the man would likely be out of it, and he'd be in no shape to fight, leaving Abial free to run.

[Iglesian Archipelago]

IC:

Heather looked at the paramedic as he approached. Both she and Jessica were trying to play the role of confused bystanders as the situation unfolded.

"I don't know," she said. "We heard what sounded like gunshots and people screaming, and then more gunshots, and a bunch of random noises. We think somebody's really shooting the heck out of that place down there."

Meanwhile, a second team of Felician operatives, this one less open, was moving into position. A team of six men and women, all dressed in woodlands camouflage to keep out of sight, were gathering in a hide site in a distant stand of trees. Most had only light weapons, but one carried an M200 sniper's rifle, from Cheyenne Tactical.

******************************

By now Abial was growing annoyed by his opponent's increasingly weak efforts to attack him. Even so, a part of him was impressed. The man was down on the ground in obviously bad shape, but he was still trying to fight.

Impressed or not, Abial knew this fight had to be ended. Wincing in pain as the attack grazed his shin (just a bit too slow on the dodge), he stepped forward with one last high-powered kick to the man's jaw, a blow obviously meant to kill. Even if he lived somehow, the man would likely be out of it, and he'd be in no shape to fight, leaving Abial free to run.

"So, who is in need for help?", said a paramedic.

[Aethrys]

To: The Democratic Republic of Iglesian Archipelago, cc the publishers of Revelation, cc representatives of Diana Melo
From: Nikolev Suvorov, Aetherian Minister of Foreign Affairs
Encryption: None
Translated from: Aetherian, Formal

On behalf of the Proletarian council of Aetherian ministers, and by extension the Aetherian people, I formally congratulate miss Melo on her recent publication. The Aetherian people have long been outraged by the numerous abuses of basic human rights rampant within Hippostania. Their nation's rampant anti-socialist policies have been of great concern to our socialist republic. Therefore, the council has unanimously voted in favor of securing an agreement to translate this literary work into our native language, as well as a print run of these Aetherian language editions. Premier Bolanov has demanded that this book reach the shelves of every party bookstore, and there are plans to incorporate it into foreign studies classes. PNN is currently preparing a segment to promote this book, and would be pleased if miss Melo could sit for an interview. (Interpreters would be provided should this proposal be accepted.)

In order to make this a reality, The Aetherian Academy of Higher Thought has put forward several linguists to aid in the book's translation, and the Council has approved up to $25 million Aethers from the discretionary spending budget to cover the costs of the initial print run.

Eagerly awaiting your reply,

(Image)
Aetherian Minister of Foreign Affairs

I assume the response to the request to have a translated edition made and published in the PRA is "Yes you may", but I suppose it's best not to assume anything. There's also the question of that invitation, but looking at the number of contract killers trying to off Melo since this, I can guess that's not likely to happen.

[Luziyca]

Meanwhile, the distributor of "Revelations by a Communist Spy," labelled, "The Real Truth of Diana Melo," Jesus Books sends a letter to the largest bookstores in Iglesian Archipelago.

EMAIL

To: The Largest Bookstore chain in Iglesian Archipelago's email address
From: jesusbooks@travayei.luz

We are selling the "cleansed" edition of Revelation, which is the real truth of Diana Melo, as told by the authorities of Hippostania and Luziyca. Are you interested in getting 150,000 copies of the cleansed book? It is by that communist spy. In exchange, you must allow this corporation to open offices in Los Vientos.

Signed,
Abraham Linkroni
CEO of Jesus Books Inc.