Coming to Terms, Dealing Justice(ATTN Neu Engollon)

[Nu Sparta]

Lake Speculativo Autem Meditatio, Nu Sparta, Imperial Spartanian Empire

The lake's surface rippled as the rain continued to beat down on its clear surface reflecting the sight of the grey clouds directly back up at the sky. Soon the silence was broken by the engines of an over head airship as it lowered and hovered over the small island in the middle of the lake. The airship dropped its ladder and two men dismounted wearing the military dress uniform of the ISE, one significantly older then the other though sharing similar facial features. The airship slowly rose back up into the air as the two men entered a hidden door way in a massive boulder.

The two men took the lift down into the bunker-capital complex of Omnes Unus.

Yit'ley: "So father what is so important that we couldn't do this over video chat back in Pangus? I was attending a princess."

O'vesta gave didn't even give his son the look. "We're here to discuss a few things boy. Most importantly for us is how to bring to justice those criminals from Churdistan."

The boy rolled his eyes, "Really? We are really going to punish them? It's not like they broke any Spartanian laws. They were..."

O'vesta shot a glare before the boy could finish speaking, stopping him dead in his sentence. "What they were was dishonorable! We don't resort to such horrible tactics ever! As warriors we are better then that!" After taking a heavy breath, and regaining his composure they stepped out of the elevator together and made their way down the barren hallways. "It was a mercenary regiment that they were defending themselves against when they resorted to such things."

"The Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation, wasn't it?"

"Yes which means we should be able to contact them and have them meet us so they could shed some light on the situation."

"So if we already know what we are going to do then again why are we here?"

"Because everything must be discussed, voted on, and approved. Its how things works boy." The men stopped in front of two a large door, flanked on each side by the statues of the gods Ret'li and T'ahli. "Just stand behind me and be quiet, that's all you have to do."

Yit'ley sighed and followed his father in.

To: The Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation Command
From: The High Council of the Imperial Spartanian Empire
Subject: Churdistand Events

Through private and secure sources of investigation we have come to the conclusion that your mercenary force took part in the conflict in Churdistan. We believe that during the conflict part of your force came in contact with the ISGF which ensued in the battle over an airfield. During this battle members of the ISGF broke our code of honor and preformed the disgraceful tactical move of taking hostages. We are now investigating this matter and believe that those men of yours that were there could help shed light on this matter. We, the High Council, ask that you attend a conference with our Handler of Judicial Reform and Policies, Sien'ra Ziet'i, and our Heads of the ISGF to include High General Lord O'vesta Ut'ley Pal'land, Raven Eye of the Active Elite Corps Is'jilia Avitia, Raven Eye of the Forest Patrol Guard Yoji'to V'ninia, and Hawk Yit'ley Pal'land. If agreed to this meeting would take place in Corvus est scriptor Sedes, Pangus at the Tower Palace.

We await your reply.
The Gods Watch Over You.
High Council of the Imperial Spartanian Empire

[Neu Engollon]

---

To: The High Council of the Imperial Spartanian Empire
From: General Nelson Tell, CEO & Commander of the Uli-Schwyz Security Corp.
Subject: Churdistan Operations & Events
Encryption: High

---

To The High Council,

We are familiar with the operations that occurred in Churdistan. We understand your need to bring members of your military to justice and bring them into line by punishing unjust actions and we applaud you for upholding such standards.

Hypothetically, were we the mercenary outfit that you believe to be operating in Churdistan, we might consider sending certain members that witnessed and were present during attrocities committed against unarmed soldiers of the Zeinbradian military by members of your military. However, were such to be the case, and we were the PMC involved, what guarantee would we have that animosity and hostility would not still be retained by your soldiers towards men who would have most recently been their bitter adversaries. How do we know that we aren't sending our valued, veteran soldiers into the Lion's Den, so to speak, for retribution? Perhaps, we could send a delegation, including such hypothetical witnesses, along with officials from the Neu Engollonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who would be their chaperones and diplomatic protection. I would suggest this arrangement as we are a business registered in Neu Engollon, after all. I apologize for the cryptic nature of my reply, but in the nature of our business, we sometimes take discreet contracts and it wouldn't do to be known for revealing such specific clients and details.
So, I state again, it is possible that we had members of the Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation in the theater of operations in Churdistan, but I cannot commit to much more than that. I await your reply, sir.


Sincerely,

General Nelson Tell, CEO & Commander, Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation

[Neu Engollon]

CO OFFICE, HQ COMPLEX
CAMPOBELLO
SECRET ISLAND BASE

*knock* *knock*

"Sir, you wanted to see us?" Captain Thomas Williams and Lieutenant Daniel Friese stood outside General Tell's office.

"Gentlemen, come in."

The two Schwyz Regiment officers stepped in front of the General's desk and saluted. Instead of a mere dismissal and 'at-ease', Tell came around the desk and shook their hands.

"I never got a chance to properly welcome you both back from Churdistan. Sit down, ver sigzer, sit. We will have to have a pint over in the mess or OC soon. I've just been so tied up with packing up for our return to Hutanjia, with all the training contracts. Settling death benefits..." Nelson Tell got a little wistful. He sat on the edge of the desk as the two junior officers settled into padded leather armrest chairs with a Gothic style.

"Anyway, that's not why you're here, right now. Well, sort of. We need to talk about Churdistan. Specifically, Libertiong and the Spartanians."

"Um...yes, sir. I thought we went over this in our debriefs."

"You did, Captain. But you are being asked to testify against the Spartanian officer in charge during the assault."

"So, the Zeins are going to finally try him. Good."

"Not exactly. Zeinbrad turned over all their prisoners. The Spartanian High Court is going to try him, and maybe some other of their war criminals."

Lt. Friese shot bolt upright in his chair. "You can't be serious, sir. You're sending us to Nu Sparta? They'll have us for breakfast."

General Tell waved down the former Emmerian SEAL, "No, no. They seem to be trying to put it all behind them. I think they genuinely want to right these wrongs. I'm not going to send you men in without guarantees, rest assured. My first thought too, was this was a trick to get you there to detain you for 'war crimes' against Nu Sparta. After re-reading the communique and a phone call or two, I really believe it's genuine. Plus, you would be traveling under the diplomatic protection of our friends in the Neu Engollon F.A. Ministry, who are flying here this afternoon."

"Is Colonel Moller going? Sorry, dumb question..."

"A little bit, Lieutenant. No, of course not. I can't spare the Colonel with all the ops coming down. Besides, I know he was the ultimate officer in charge, but he wasn't at Liberiong...Libertiong? Libertung?"

"The natives never pronounced it the same way twice, either, sir."

"Right, well, he wasn't there...at least, not at the time in question."

"What about the discreet contract?"

"Captain Williams, no one's asking you to give away our client. Besides, we don't even know what faction exactly hired us. The assumption would be the Zeinbrad government, but we don't really know to this day. Kingpin could have represented a rogue Zein intel or military faction...he could have been a mole, who knows? That doesn't leave this room, I shouldn't need to tell you.
Anyway, they don't need to ask, and you don't need to tell. Our client signed off on this, because their people want to see these guys fry too.
You just need to report on what happened. That's it. I trust you not to reveal operational secrets. Anything more?"

"No, sir." The Panzermmian replied.

"Good. Pack up and get ready for your flight tonight to..." He looked back on his desk at a paper, "Pangus, actually. It's a Nu Spartan colony. You will get the rest of the details when you read the file on the plane. Now...get the merd outta here."

"Yes, sir." They said as one.

[Nu Sparta]

To: General Nelson Tell,
CEO & Commander, Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation
From: The High Council of the Imperial Spartanian Empire
Subject: Diplomatic Assurance

Understanding your hesitation, we would not try to deceive you. In Churdistan we believe you posed as Zeinbradian Auxiliary forces during your contact with our troops. This information has been keep on a need-to-know base in order to prevent such possible vengeful actions from being taken. Even lower generals have been no access to this information.

Corvus est scriptor Sedes is city heavily reliant on trade and tourism making it a heavily visited sight by foreign civilians. In order to assure you of the safety of your men we will make arrangements for initial meetings to take place in public areas often populated by tourist. If you wish you may bring Neu Engollonian Ministry officials to escort you as well as your own security units if you wish.

We await your response
May the Gods Bless You
High Council of the Imperial Spartanian Empire

[Neu Engollon]

CO OFFICE, HQ COMPLEX
CAMPOBELLO
SECRET ISLAND BASE

They walked down the hall of headquarters together, neither saying much. They weren't so much nervous as a little anxious. It had taken neither much time to pack up and get things squared away. Both were roommates at the Campobello Officer's barracks and worked well as a team to get things squared away.
Captain Thomas Williams, the Panzermmian, was single, and Lieutenant Daniel Friese, the former Emmerian Navy SEAL, had family back home, but was ineligible to move them to the island until he made Captain's rank.

"Tom, do you think we're walking into a hornet's nest?"

"I think I trust the General, Danny. If he says it's legit. It is."

They arrived at the General's office and knocked and were bid permission to enter.
They saluted and were greeted by both General Tell and Colonel Johann Moller.
Two strangers in civilian professional garb rose from two chairs and two other familiar faces stood in the corner: SSgt. Connors and Sgt. Razupendi. General Tell spoke, and as always, commanded immediate attention,

"Captain, Lieutenant...this is Ms. Juliette Vuchain, of the Neu Engollon Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Legal Department and this is her assistant, Mr. Fritz Heigen. She will be accompanying you to Pangus, and if necessary, acting as your councilor."

The Neu Engollonian woman nodded. She was attractive, with a brown bobbed haircut to the shoulders. She wore a pinstriped suit and skirt.
"Gentlemen." Was all she said. Her blonde, Teutonic assistant said nothing at all.

"Of course, you know Sgt. Razupendi and SSgt Connors. They'll be going with as well. I felt it might be good to stack the deck. Plus, with their help I want to get you back quicker for the Hutanjia contract or a possible training contract deployment. For what it's worth, I got confirmation from the Spartanians." He held up a paper that he grabbed off his desk.
"The mission is a go. I've made the initial arrangements by email and phone.
We haven't quite worked out payment, but Neu Engollon has agreed to pick up the tab, should the Spartanians default."

Colonel Moller frowned. "Sir, what is Neu Engollon's interest in this that they would offer to pay?"

Tell paused, but Ms. Vuchain answered for him.
"The continuation of friendly diplomatic relations with Nu Sparta and favors called upon, Colonel. That's all that needs to be known." She used a very clipped tone.

"Ah...I see." Tell's eyebrows furrowed at Moller's guarded response.

"Accorzu. Enough. Let's get you to the plane."

OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN

They sat in a specially outfitted C-17 that wasn't as utilitarian as their usual transport to contracts. It had actual cushioned seats and was set up almost like a civilian airliner. It also had some soundproofing in place to muffle the immense engines keeping them aloft. Were they to go through the door, they would pass through a communications and control center before reaching the pilot's cabin.

Captain Williams stood up from his seat and looked back. Towards the back, Connors was knocked out and snoring and Razupendi, the Sri Lankan, was proceeding to devour the meal in front of the Staff Sergeant. He was working methodically and quickly, to finish before the Australian NCO could wake up and protest the loss of his meal. They all shared camraderie and familiarity after being in refresher training at Bugeber together roughly around the same time, plus their time in Churdistan during the contract. War was a bond soldiers could never shake.
Lt. Friese had his head in an e-book. Williams walked up to where the two NE Foreign Affairs officials sat. Heigen sat one row up, tapping away at a tablet. Ms. Vuchain was looking out the window, chin in her demure hand. There was an empty seat next to her.

"Ms. Vuchain, may I take a seat?" She looked up at him coolly.

"I'd rather you sit across the aisle, Captain."

"Uh huh. So..." He sat perched across the aisle, "I noticed that you seem rather cold to us, or is it just me?"

She sighed. "Do you realize how much time we spend at the Ministry refuting any connection between the Confederacy and the Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation? Now, here we are...officially supporting and escorting you to Nu Sparta, Pangus...whatever. It's aggravating. If word were to leak out, we, me and my department, will be working many more months to get our political distance from your PMC."

"Mmhmm. So we're an embarrassment to you?"

"I wouldn't say that the Uli-Schwyz are an embarrassment. I can tell from your accent that you're not native Neu Engolleen."

"No, I'm from Panzermmee."

"I see. Well, maybe they explained to you when you joined...It's complicated...there are historical and cultural links there, but...you all make our lives...difficult, I guess would be a simple word. Some nations still believe that the PMC is still an arm of the Neu Engollon Defense Forces, even though that hasn't been the case for two hundred years. That was the last time the Uli-Schwyz worked hand in hand with the Militia and the government of the Confederacy, was to ward off Napoleon's invasion. Still...still, we field requests through the Ministry to hire you out, having to direct them elsewhere. It's damn frustrating. Now Nelson Tell makes a call to his daddy and here we are, and...sorry I'm venting and probably telling you too much, Captain."

"Tom."

"Captain."

He heard a chortle from Heigen in the seat in front and kitty corner. Williams leaned back, sniffing off the rebuff. "I think I'm going to get some shut eye in the flight time we have left. I hope we can find a way to work together and not...aggravate each other."

"I do as well, Captain Williams. I do as well."

[Nu Sparta]

Tower Palace
Corvus est scriptor Sedes
Pangus, Imperial Spartanian Empire

O'vesta walked into his office as he finished talking to one of his advisers. Upon entering he was greeted by the sight of his son standing at attention awaiting. Unknown to him Yit'ley had just replaced his phone in pocket, he had been exchanging messages with someone. Motioning for him to sit the High General took his beat behind the desk.

"I'm sending you to the airport to pick up the Neu Engollon delegates and our PMC friends."

Yit'ley almost gave a sigh but thought better of it. "Of course father as you wish. And where is it I am bringing them?"

"I've reserved the river side of the Lunae Lumen for our first meeting. That way we have privacy, but it still assures them of their safety as we will be within view of the public. We'll already be there when you arrive."

Bowing Yit'ley turned and made his way out the office as his phone vibrated in his pocket.

"And stay off your damn phone. That woman can wait."

Corvus International

Yit'ley was wearing his duty uniform, a digital camouflage patterned uniform using the darker shades of blue and black boats, leaning up against the flat black Humvee limo. He pulled out his phone checking to see if he had gotten a message as the C-17 landed on the airstrip. Replacing the phone back in his pocket he watched the plane as it came around and stopped. He approached as the guest dismounted, bowing and introducing himself. "Welcome to Courvus est scriptor Sedes the colonial capital of Pangus and my father, Lord O'vesta Ut'ley Pal'land's, fair city. I am Hawk Yit'ley Pal'land, the acting Raven Eye of the Standing Foreign Guard forces stationed here. The meeting will be taking place river side at the Lunae Lumen hotel and I shall be escorting you there." Yit'ley bowed again and motioned towards limo. "After you my new friends."

[Neu Engollon]

CORVUS INTERNATIONAL
CORVUS EST SCRIPTOR SEDES
PANGUS, IMPERIAL SPARTANIAN EMPIRE

The four members of the USG (Uli-Schwyz-Galien) Regiments walked off the plane, followed by the two delegates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Neu Engollon. They wore business casual civilian clothes, but their military mannerisms were unmistakable. They naturally formed a cordon around the two diplomatic personnel, more out of habit, than official duty. But it didn't hurt to be careful. They all had travel duffels strapped over one shoulder. The two NCOs both carried extra cases, which they handed off to waiting Spartanian porters. The limo was big enough to accommodate all seven of them.

They nodded as Raven Eye Hawk Yit'ley Pal'land introduced himself and they got into the limo, wasting no time.

"Raven Eye Pal'land, did I address you right?...I'm Juliette Vuchain, of the Neu Engollon Ministry of Foreign Affairs legal department. This is Captain Thomas Williams of the Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation." She went around and introduced the rest of the Uli-Schwyz men and her assistant, Heigen.

"We are happy to be here. I think we will be able to strengthen diplomatic ties with your Empire and start on the road to making our ties official and formal, as well as aiding you in your quest for justice, here."

Captain Williams wasn't sure if he should have been taking lead, but decided to let Ms. Vuchain do all the talking, as she seemed to have it covered. He'd learned patience and a quiet listening ear went a lot further in situations such as this. He pretended to study the view outside the limo window, while actually studying the Spartanian young man that sat in the seat opposite them out of the corner of his eye. What rank equivalent was a Raven Eye? He wondered.

[Nu Sparta]

Yit'ley gave somewhat of a laugh as he removed his patrol cap and somewhat slouched back in his seat. He was giving away his age as began to talk in such a relaxed demeanor.

"I'll make this easy for you... Ms Vuchain was it? Just call me Yit'ley, so as not to confuse me and my father later on. If you must truly be formal then my true title is Hawk." Looking around at the rest of the men sitting in Limo, he could easily tell they were military of some sort.

" I understand our military ranking system is strange to you so I won't attempt explain it. All you need to know is every military official that will be at this meeting is a high ranking general. My father is the top general, but his proper title is Lord. The others are Raven Eye, simple refer to them as Raven whoever."

Yit'ley pulled out his phone and smiled before quickly sending a message back before returning his attention back to the foreign guest. "As you can see I really don't care to much for this whole matter. I'm only attending because I must. My father on the other hand finds this to be a very serious matter, as well as the Handler of Judicial Reform and Polices."

Pointing towards the four military men, "This meeting will basically be all about asking you four what your account of the situation was and if you'd be willing to testify in court against the men." Turning back to Julietter. "Ms. Vuchain you and your assistant are basically babysitters though if you plan on staying long enough you'd be able to attend the diplomatic convention that is being held in a few days."

Looking up at the ceiling of the roof Yit'ley mumbled, "What else is there... uh thats pretty much it. If you plan on staying you'll be put up in the Lunae Lumen, all expenses paid for. Any questions?"

[Neu Engollon]

LIMO HEADING TO CORVUS

Juliette Vuchain recoiled a bit, this was not the type of welcome she'd been expecting for diplomatic staff. Having been relegated to babysitter status was a little shocker, too.
"Oh, um,...I see, well..."

Captain Williams cut through her stuttering like a knife.
"Yeah, okay, Yit'ley, I have a question." He said casually, then he leaned forward towards the Spartanian and said very coldly: "Is Arctic Fox Ni'mel here in Corvus est scriptor Sedes? Like right now?"

Lt. Friese looked from Hawk Yit'ley to Tom to the put out Neu Engollonian diplomat, no scratch that, lawyer, as she shut her mouth like a trap and jutted out her jaw. What was she expecting? A flippin' grand stand band and parade from the airport all the way to the hotel?

[Nu Sparta]

Limo

Yit'ley nodded and waved his hand, "Yes, yes he and some of the others in charge that survived the standoff are being kept in a secure location here in the city. If you plan on staying to testify you will be taken to identify them before trail."

Looking over towards Juliette, "Oh don't look so put out. We're expecting diplomatic guest to arrive today. Matter of fact they will be in the same hotel. You'll be able to preform your diplomatic duties soon enough."

The Limo pulled up to the hotel after traversing through the vast city streets lined with stores, hotels, condos, and restaurants all packed with tourist. Even through the darkly tinted windows the reflecting light off the river was still quite bright illuminating areas in watery light where the taller buildings overshadowed. Though none of the buildings compared in prowess to the Tower Palace that sat in the middle of the city. It could bee seen hovering over every building from almost every angle looking towards center.

"Well here we are. Your things will be taken to your rooms, if you all would just follow me riverside."

Yit'ley exited the limo with his guest in tow.

Lunae Lumen Hotel
Corvus est scriptor Sedes
Pangus, Imperial Spartanian Empire

The riverside dinning area of the Lunae Lumen was uncommonly deserted. There were only four figures, three which were sitting at a table, the fourth was lounging on the couch. They were speaking ever so causally about the situation at hand.

Is'jilia Avitia: "Forgive me Lord Pal'land, I just can't understand why we are really going through with this."

Yoji'to V'ninia looked over at Is'jilia. She had taken down her dark red hair from its bun and now strands were sitting in her face. "Look Is'jilia you might find this to pointless, but its happening. What he did went against our honor codes and now he and the others that allowed it to happen shall be punished."

Staring at Yoji'to she wiped her hair from in front of her face. "Oh come now you talk as if honor codes even matter. Look at me!" Is'jilia rose up now standing in her hills and fixing her dress skirt. "You know what I did during the Invasion, when I was still just enlisted and in the field. Yet here I am now in charge of the entire AEC. Where was my trail? Why am I not being punished..."

"Is'jilia shut up!" O'vesta had had it. He was tired of all this arguing. Giving a sigh he continued his voice lowered again, "There are differences between you and this Ni'mel. You were higher ranking, a wolf, and were showing great leadership ability. That and we were victorious in the invasion which had no international interference."

"So then this is all looks then." The red head arched her eyebrow

"Yes this is all about looks. The international community was involved, Neu Engollon mercs know about the whole thing. It would hurt us politically in the region if we didn't make this look right. Why do you think we are doing this so...." Sien'ra Ziet'i cut her sentence short. The guards had just opened the door letting Yit'ley and the others join them.

Is'jilia shifted her hair over her right shoulder and stood up straight, as the others got up from their seats. O'vesta gave the greeting, but they all bowed. "Welcome my guest to Corvus est scriptor Sedes, my fair city. I do hope your trip was not tiring. I am O'vesta Ut'ley Pal'land, High General of the Imperial Spartanian Ground Force, and Colonial Ruler of Pangus, Lord of Corvus est scriptor Sedes."

[Neu Engollon]

LUNAE LUMEN HOTEL
CORVUS EST SCRIPTOR SEDES
PANGUS, IMPERIAL SPARTANIAN EMPIRE

As they entered the lobby, they were struck by both the opulence and austerity that seemed to balance each other out.
Ms. Vuchain had regained her composure since faltering in the limo and snapped into her diplomatic mode.

"Hello, it is a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Juliette Vuchain and I represent the Neu Engollon Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This is Captain Thomas Williams of the Uli-Schwyz Security Corporation and these men are the soldiers under his command, Lieutenant Friese, Staff Sergeant Connors and Sergeant Razupendi. This is Fritz Heigen, my assistant."
They all bowed and the four Uli-Schwyz soldiers fought the urge to salute, remembering that they were in civilian clothes. They opted for shaking hands instead. Williams went ahead and let her prattle on, more comfortable to wait to interject when he didn't feel the information he needed would be forthcoming.

Vuchain went on:
"Your city is beautiful. We look forward to enjoying more of it over the next few days. I hope to meet all the other delegates that will be arriving from the region, but I think my government may be sending in a heavier hitter than myself for that. I'm just here to pave the way, so to speak."

[Nu Sparta]

"So these are the men that witnessed the whole affair?" Lord Pal'land gave the Uli-Schwyz mercs a quick look over. "Allow me to introduce everyone else then and we can move straight onto business then."

Sien'ra Ziet'i took a step forward and shook the hands of the four military men. "This is Miss. Ziet'i our Handler of Judicial Reforms and Polices. She acts as the head judge in cases such as these."

Sien'ra dark brown hair was pulled back tight and in a librarians bun. It stretched the skin on her face back, making it seem somewhat tight though the few wrinkles that could be seen gave away her older age. She was the only there not in military dress, instead wearing dark blue suit, white undershirt, and she even had on a tie on.

"The pleasure is mine," she spoke with a grim smile on her face. "Ni'mel is to be executed, and with your testimonies I'm sure we will be able to justify to the public and the rest of the ISGF why."

Still standing in front of his chair Yoji'to placed his right fist over his heart, the Spartanian salute, as O'vesta motioned towards him. "Raven Eye V'ninia of the Forest Patrol Guard. He was up until recently the Raven Eye of the Active Elite Corps, serving for a total of fifteen years."

Yoji'to was saluting more out of false necessity then actual respect though his voice reflected truth, though it was cold, "This man has disgraced and stained the ISGF. We do appreciate your assistance in this matter." Yoji'to was partialy bald, the rest of his head shaven. He stood straight up and unmoving keeping military discipline.

"And last we have Raven Eye Avitia, the new Raven Eye of the AEC." Is'jilia bowed again, but she didn't speak. It was obvious through her eyes that she didn't like this whole situation, and neither did she like the men now standing before her.

"All of us here will be sitting on the judges council. So lets just get straight to it." They all took their seats, O'vesta motioning for the new guest to take seats on the couches. "If you men wouldn't mind telling us your experiences and what you know we would appreciate it."

[Neu Engollon]

LUNAE LUMEN HOTEL LOBBY
CORVUS

The Uli-Schwyz soldiers nodded all around and shook hands when offered. They all noticed the coldness of some of the higher Spartanian brass and officials. Williams mused to himself. I don't blame them really. Not only are we foreigners, but we were up until just a few short weeks ago, their enemies. We killed many of their young Spartanian warriors. How would I feel?

He looked over at Juliette Vuchain, who was doing her jaw jutting thing again. He couldn't help finding her maddeningly cute in her frustrated moment. Get it together, Tommy. She was put out at being once again ignored, even though this had little to do with her or her Ministry.

He turned to her:
"Ms. Vuchain, I think we have this handled here. Don't you have to make way for some of your countrymen colleagues coming in for the Regional conference or something?"

"Alright." She snapped it out very clipped. "Yes, in fact, I do. If you will all excuse me, I must attend to...that. What I...have to do." She was controlling it rather well.
"I will leave Mr. Heigen here, just in case he's needed. I can do my tasks on my own." As she walked away, her heels clicked loudly on the marble floor. Captain Williams controlled himself to not look at her backside as she moved away.

The mercenaries and Fritz Heigen all sat down, but maintained some discipline and didn't quite relax. The temptation was certainly there with the luxurious couches in the hotel lobby.

Williams started out first,
"Well, Sir, Lord Pal'land...I'm not sure where to begin. Understand that I have to skirt around some operational details, here. First of all, these are my men, they serve in my Company...Aw hell, I don't think the General will have my head if you find out our company. It was Kappa Company, of...a Regiment. We'd been moved north from Chernogorsk after routing the Awesomites. They were rather less than 'awesome'. It was ridiculous how many of their number we wiped out. Anyway, so...We assaulted Libertiong for our next objective. It was a surprise to your men, as we all know. Tasked to take it back by our clients. We hit in a combined small mobile artillery, air assault and mechanized rush. I believe we were hitting them right as they were mopping up the Zeinbradian defenders...Shock and awe, what have you..." Williams started to get a distant dazed look, not focusing on the group around him,
"We had breached the fence line in multiple places. We had them on the run, they holed up in a couple of the admin and support buildings on one side of the base. We were clearing out the trenches and hitting them with mortars. We got some of their, your...the Spartanians, the wounded, unconscious, brought them to our the aid station we had set up under cover of vehicles, in the middle of the airstrip tarmac. That's when things started to go wrong..."

[Nu Sparta]

Is'jilia Avitia couldn't believe what she was hearing. She did her best to keep a straight face, but one might see the anger boiling in her eyes. Is he really bragging about his victory over us, to US! What kinda of shit is this, I was pretty sure we asked him about the hostage situation not the whole damn story!

Yoji'to V'ninia was more then sure what the man was about to talk about next. Ever since the restructuring of the of the military into a volunteer force the ISGF's ranks had been filled with some of the most patriotic citizens of the Empire, as well as some of the most fanatical.

V'ninia cleared his throat and spoke up, interrupting the Captain. "I'm sure you are about to speak on a subject we all know well. Our soldiers continued to fight you even after you began providing them medical aid yes? This radicalism amongst our younger infantry soldiers has long been noted. Allow me to apologize for it, it isn't something we train them for directly though it is most likely our fault. They were taking a queue from our more extremist past."

Sien'ra Ziet'i nodded, "Yes and this radicalism is mostly likely what lead to the situation that took place." She turned her eyes towards Lord Pal'land. "Its why we need to take a stronger stance at stomping it out otherwise we maybe going through this process more often then we like."

O'vesta waved her off, not bothering to return her gaze. "Please continue Captain Williams."

Yit'ley had been standing near the door the whole time at a position resembling parade rest. He had been quiet and mostly unmoving the entire time. One of the guards that had let them in originally now approached him and spoke into his ear. Seeing this O'vesta dismissed him with a gesture and Yit'ley followed the soldier out. "Forgive my son's absence, he must still see to the many security duties in preparing the city."

[Neu Engollon]

LUNAE LUMEN HOTEL, CORVUS

The mercenaries nodded, they'd almost forgotten Yit'ley was even there, as they had traveled emotionally back in time.

Sgt Razupendi cut in, "Yes, sir, if you'll let me?...the attacks on the medics. I was supposed to be on security for the aid station. It was my fault that my men didn't search them thoroughly enough. We were under heavy fire still, from your troops in the trenches and three bunkers in front. It was still a shock..."

Capt. Williams broke back in, "We have all encountered fanatical devotion to duty in our line of work, but, to this extreme...it was a bit of a shocker. We lost two medics and one is still in critical condition today. Regimental protocols for dealing with enemy wounded, or even allied wounded, for that matter, have been adapted since that battle." He paused a moment, "The reason I brought that up and started from that point, is I think from there on, it set the tone. I don't expect your wounded men who were in our custody to be punished, by any means. Not like Ni'mel.
Like you mentioned, they were doing their duty as they understood it, plus, they didn't have full grasp of their faculties. They were waking up with an enemy in their face. But anyway...it set the tone. From there on out, I think it put a dark cloud on how the battle was being conducted on both our sides. To be fair, war is war. The USG Regiments know about practicality, efficiency and winning, battlefield courtesy and fair play be damned. Still, this was a whole 'nother level for us. From there, the trenches were cleared and prisoners taken, with more precautions, of course.

On the back end of the air field, our mechanized units, with raiding teams on foot, were hunting down your troops among the support buildings. Lt. Friese and Ssgt. Connors were a part of the battle on that side."

Lieutenant Daniel Friese picked up that thread of the conversation:
"The only holdout Spartanians left were eventually the group under Ni'mel in the main airfield building. They barricaded in. They actuallly were holding us off on the bottom floors while still trying to secure the top floor from the holdout Zeinbradian Marines. They were determined and tough. We attempted an assault up the stair, which failed, of course. Then Ni'mel contacted us on an open channel..."

[Nu Sparta]

"You wouldn't of happened to of recorded any of the conversation that occurred did you?" Sien'ra Ziet'i asked quizzically, "The more evidence we have against Ni'mel the better this all will look."

Is'jilia Avitia broke out in an minor outburst, "Really Sien'ra?! We already sentencing the man death by firing squad no matter what, you want MORE evidence?!"

Sien'ra simpled gave Is'jilia a cool glare, but she didn't respond instead she turned her attention back Lieutenant Friese for the answer to her question.

Yoji'to V'ninia spoke in a low-tone to Is'jilia, "Calm down, keep your discipline..." Before he could finish speaking she cut him off, now standing.

"No I will not calm down Yoji'to! This is defamation case! This is something we do to rapist and pedophiles, not our own soldiers!"

Lord Pal'land slammed his hand down on the table, it was loud enough echo through the lobby and even draw the attention of the staff and guards moving about for a slight moment. "Is'jilia if you can't control yourself leave and we will discuss later your demotion in rank."

Is'jilia pale face was now flushed red, almost matching her hair, but she didn't speak again. She sat back down, crossed her legs, and bit her tongue. The group turned their attention back tot he mercenaries for the story to continue.

[Neu Engollon]

Lt. Friese halted, looking out the window of the room into the large hotel lobby. "I...I don't-"

Captain Williams cut in,
"I think we can send back for those recordings, yes. They exist somewhere. Our radios have backup digital recorders for obvious reasons..."

The outburst from the Raven took them all a little bit by surprise, but not really, as they could see she was bubbling with some anger.

Heigen, from the Neu Engollon Foreign Affairs Ministry sat back, mouth gaping and eyes locking on the outraged woman.
The four Uli-Schwyz men, meanwhile, were on the edge of their seats, looking around the room, not only at Raven Avitia, but all the others. Waiting for other reactions. They didn't have guns, of course, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine them in their hands. They reacted the same as if someone cocked an assault rifle in front of them.

After the responses from Lord Pal'land and Raven V'ninia, they lightened a bit.
Williams spoke again,
"So, yes. We have recordings. I will have to call and get clearance and maybe our IT folks can send digital copies? Will that work?
Where were we? The radio chatter. I will tell you right now, I may not hit it word for word, but I remember what he said pretty clearly.
It was when we realized the Zeinbradian Marine resistance was over and Ni'mel's men had taken the upper floors. We had tried to breach to the second floor, but to no avail. Spartanian resistance was heavy and they had the stairwell and middle floors well fortified.
He said,
'This is Arctic Fox Ni'mel of the Imperial Spartanian Ground Force. We have captured Zeinbradian Marines here at Libertiong and unless all hostile forces cease their actions we terminate them with extreme prejudice. I repeat we are holding Zeinbradian Marines hostage and demand all hostile forces cease their action at Libertiong otherwise we will terminate these POWs. We would negotiate the release of these prisoners only after all all hostiles have ceased action.'

"I think that was it exactly. Pretty sure. So, it could have been a bluff, like maybe they hadn't even taken the top floor yet, but we didn't hold much hope for the Marines, as the ISGF were in far superior number to the holdout Zeins on the top floor. Now, I think I don't have to remark that while this wasn't the most shocking thing ever heard in wartime, it definitely changed the game. We felt we were no longer dealing with enemy soldiers, but pirates, bandits, terrorists...I think I said as much over the connection to Ni'mel. He laughed it off. Statements like that though...he pulled the rest of his ISGF troops out of the realm of conventions and rules when two units of civilized soldiers face each other in battle. Again, it's war, and you do what you have to to win, but...I don't know..."

Lt. Friese chimed in,
"Yeah, say what you will and if someones' military forces don't buy into WA resolutions and Geneva conventions, OK, whatever, but...pulling a move like that, you've made the war criminal decision for both you and your men, whether they're in with that or not. That meant we didn't have to worry about capturing any more Spartanians alive, like the Captain said, this hostage thing, with the killing of the medics, too, well there was no turning back. That was just...it, you know?"

Williams added on,
"Yes, I think that was the consensus we'd come to. Even with subsequent radio talks with Colonel Moller, he agreed. We started to hit a time crunch as we expected a counterattack from the ISGF reinforcements at your FOB and near the Takistani border. We were sure the Zein Marine hostages would be good as dead and we couldn't afford to wait it out much longer and negotiate. We were getting Zein regular reinforcements in at that point, from the South and Belozersk, but still, we weren't sure it would be enough to hold off what might be coming.
At one point, I'm ashamed to say, I think we were going to tor-...Nevermind. Not going to and probably shouldn't share that. We were ready to match extremes to extremes, if you know what I mean...Whatever it took to not have a pocket of enemy resistance in among us while we held off a larger counterattack. You understand."

Williams started to feel the weariness and emotional exhaustion that he'd felt back then. The powerlessness with the clock ticking away too fast.
"So, he shot hostages, put it on the radio so we could hear. Killed us inside. I think we tried one more assault, then the Zein commander arrived on scene and took over. I was relieved to have such an agonizing decision out of my hands. We supported their frontal assault, then the general surrender happened right in the middle of that. So, I kind of sped it up there, but...that's...that's about it, I guess. Was there any other details you want us to focus on?"

[Nu Sparta]

Sien'ra Ziet'i stood up after she finished taking her notes. "No I think all that would be good. Now we would just ask you to think a few things over: The recordings would be very influential. We understand that your hesitant due to operational security, but they would be very helpful. Censor and edit what you have to. Your attendance at the trial to tell the story as just did with us, and if you have time later today we would have you identify Ni'mel in person and anyone else you might recognize."

Sien'ra extended her hand out to shake and gave a smile. Is'jilia Avitia stood up from her seat on a couch and put her hair in a bun and readjusted her unifrom, one could still see the anger and outrage in her eyes. She gathered her things and walked behind Ziet'i and past the mercenaries out of the room and into the lobby. Giving Captain Williams a glaring-glance she mumbled under her breath, "Exteras futuo..."

Lord Pal'land stood up and stood up and addressed the men in front of him. "Forgive my colleague on my behalf. She is young, to young for this position if you ask me. Allows her emotions to still get the better of her. You are not our enemies I assure you of this. We have even had discussions of contacting your group for training tacticians and special operations. We hope to put the past behind us, war is war, revenge should never be motivation. We appreciate your help in the matter." Lord Pal'land bowed, "My son will come to fetch you later in the day from your rooms to see if you will be coming to identify Ni'mel and others." The others bowed before following O'vesta's lead and leaving the office.

[Neu Engollon]

Captain Williams and his men stood up to formally see off the Spartanian officials, followed by Heigen at a more casual pace. Williams glanced over at the NE Foreign Affairs official with a quick look of annoyance.

"Yes, well, I do need to make a call in to our IT/Communications Department to get the ball rolling on the radio recordings. I'm sure they will make the necessary edits. They seem to handle those things pretty well. Whatever else you need, we will be there. To identify Ni'mel, although to be honest, I don't know if any of us got a very good long look, but we'll do our best...So, I guess we will go scrounge ourselves up a meal in the meantime...And I don't begrudge Raven Avitia her emotions. It's a difficult road we're traveling here. There's a lot of emotion, pride and other things at stake. As long as the feelings and vocal barbs don't turn into actions, I think we'll deal just fine. Depending on how things go, I'm sure that we might be able to work together quite well in the future."

The USG men bowed as well to the Spartanian officials and then also made their way out into the lobby and towards their rooms.

Later, the four men sat in Captain Williams room. Heigen had wandered off to his own room or to help Ms. Vuchain. None of them really cared where he'd gone off to.

"Let's be guarded in our talk, shall we?" The Captain nodded and waved around the room. The rest of the men nodded as well. It was a given that their rooms would be bugged. Even if they weren't, it was just good operational protocol to follow.

"So, that went...well."

"Ha. Well flippin' enough, I guess." The antics of Raven Avitia went unspoken due to the earlier concerns.

"Sir, are you really going to have ITCOM send the recordings?"

"There's not really any reason not to, Sarge. This day and age, there's not many secrets that they wouldn't have already garnered from elsewhere and ITCOM will filter out any other opsec that might still jeopardize the Regiments. So, yeah...it's all good."

"We have to go through this all over again? In a courtroom?"

"So they said. If that's what the General wants us to do, then we will continue to do our duty. Future contracts are on the line, after all. Besides, it's not like you yobs had to really say much. You're really just here for support. You sho-"

TUP. TUP.

A light knocking at the door. The men looked at each other. They still were unarmed, but they quickly scanned the room to get the layout and scope out possible objects that could be weapons. Nothing was really going to come to pass, but they did it out of habit ingrained.

Captain Williams waved a hand down. Calm down. He walked up to the door and answered it, semi-surprised to see Ms. Vuchain standing there. She sighed and looked him up and down, then glanced around the hotel hallway, then peaked in the room.
"Oh...uh, I didn't...um, my business can wait. I didn't know that you were having a meeting."

"Well, it's nothing formal, Ms. Vuchain, I can..." She was already hurrying back to her room at a brisk walk.

Danny Friese looked at Tom, "What the hell was that about?"

"I don't know. I could use a catnap. Let's take a few before Yit'ley comes to get us, shall we?"

"I bet they don't have Burgunden ales here."

"Stay in your room, Yash. We'll have time for that later."

[Nu Sparta]

LUNAE LUMEN HOTEL
CORVUS, PANGUS
IMPERIAL SPARTANIAN EMPIRE
1440

Yit'ley walked down the hallway of the hotel looking for the rooms the men were staying in. He was out of uniform, now wearing more traditional clothing. Pal'lands being descendants of the Lupus Sanguinis he was wearing a mixture of modern clothes (white running shoes, faded grey jeans, and a simple black t-shirt) and wolf furs (a fur cloak with a wolf's head hood/headdress hanging around his neck). Pulling out his phone he frowned. He hadn't gotten a text message from Princess Hannah since this morning, he gave sigh and placed the phone back in his pocket.

What am I doing... He thought to himself, thinking back to how he has acted for the past few days. I'm like a little child right now. I've let trying to whoo Hannah get the best of me. And now this whole thing with her little sister... I've got to focus, get my shit straight. Yit'ley stopped at room 423 and knocked, this was supposed to be the Captain Williams room and if they weren't all together he was sure he could gather up the rest of his men. "Captain Williams! Discedere tempus! Wouldn't want to keep Ni'mel waiting now would we?" He said the last part sarcastically and waited for an answer from inside.

[Neu Engollon]

Williams opened up the door. Lt. Friese stood behind him. They were both dressed in blazers, slacks and sport striped ties.
"Ok, we're here, Yit'ley. No worries. Let me just get the Sergeants in the next room...and I suppose I should scrape up Heigen from wherever he's off to. If he's not in his room, we're not waiting for him."

[Nu Sparta]

Williams opened up the door. Lt. Friese stood behind him. They were both dressed in blazers, slacks and sport striped ties.
"Ok, we're here, Yit'ley. No worries. Let me just get the Sergeants in the next room...and I suppose I should scrape up Heigen from wherever he's off to. If he's not in his room, we're not waiting for him."

Yitley nodded and bowed. "I will await you outside, amicis meis. Yit'ley headed back down using the elevator and out of the hotel. He stood against the grey SUV, though it probably wasn't noticeable from the outside it was armored. The weight of the vehicle causing it to sit somewhat lower then what would be normal. Waiting with him were two men in the same security uniforms Yit'ley had been wearing when he picked up the Uli-Schwyz men. Both had a SM 3 UT Carbine slug across their chest and a Talon Magnum II pistol in leg holsters.

The walkway just outside the hotel was filled, as usual, with tourist and business men hailing transportation or walking along the boulevard. Foot traffic was especially heavy coming out of the subway system. Most tourist had just finished their time in the shopping district and were coming back to their respective hotels to put up their new survivors and gifts before heading off again to eat or maybe attend some tour. There were actually a lot of tourist stopping to take pictures of the outside of the hotel which was now decorated with the flags of the many regional states that were to attend the upcoming conference.

The lobby had become extremely busy since this morning. Employs were moving about at an almost frantic pace. Furniture was being rearranged and added. The conference rooms and office spaces were being spruced up. Everything was being prepared for arrival of the diplomatic guest. With all the movement of bodies the lobby had become somewhat hot and stuffy. The larger windows and doors leading outside had been opened and one could feel the start of a breeze moving through. The smell of the fresh water off the river and the flowers growing outside on the riverside area had begun filling the first floor.

[Neu Engollon]

Captain Williams knocked on the door and roused the two Sergeants while they stood in the hall. Yit'ley had disappeared back down to their ride.
Lt. Friese went down to Heigen's room to roust him, but he was not there.

"Cap'n, Spartanian TV is pretty boring, maybe it will be better tonight once all the kiddies are supposed to be in bed."

"Razupendi, I thought you wanted to knock a couple back and hang out with us after our duty here this afternoon. We can watch TV and movies at home."

The Sri Lankan smiled, "Yes, yes, I do, sir...And Sir?"

"Hmmn?"

"You said doody."

Staff Sergeant Connors guffawed at that one. Razupendi was good with the goofy, irreverent humor. Lt. Friese joined them at the elevator, noticeably sans Heigen, the Neu Engollon FA Ministry goon. Connors wore a tie as well, but Razupendi wore an opened collar cream oxford shirt under his blazer. Captain Williams smiled as they boarded the elevator to go down to the lobby and hop in the official Spartanian transport.

"Funny. Listen jackass, let's remember we're going into a courtroom in a short while here and check the potty humor at the door. Shall we, Sergeant?"

"Yes, Sir. Absolutely, Sir."

They walked through the lobby - four well toned men in blazers, slacks and comfortable leather loafers. Arriving at the doors, they walked out into the sunshine to see Yit'ley with his entourage. They paused for a second seeing the two well-armed guards, but only for a moment before proceeding to hop into the SUV. While Williams and Razupendi focused on the men around the vehicle, Connors and Friese swiveled their heads around,scoping out the front area of the hotel. They buckled in and got set to go. Williams nodded to Yit'ley. We're ready.

[Nu Sparta]

Yit'ley nodded and got into the drivers seat and started the SUV, the guards closed the doors behind the mercenary men. After watching traffic Yit'ley pulled off, it was just the five of them in the vehicle. "So being that there was a big deal on you thinking you might be, ambushed was it? We are breaking protocol here. No security, just us. We aren't expecting any trouble obviously, but just in case there is a compartment in the center arm rest with four pistols and I'm armed." Giving the man next to him a glance he winked.

"Of course the disadvantage of being in my own PoV is dealing with traffic, no lights to just buzz on about and this district is always full of..." Yit'ley cut off his own sentence as he slammed the brake somewhat, a cab cutting him off as it pulled out from a hotel. After blaring on the horn and then continuing on he finished his sentence. "Fuckin cabs. Damn Pangegians still drive like there's no damn traffic laws." Taking a sigh the annoyance left his voice. "Anyways we're head for the government district to the Tower Palace, home sweet home. Its going to be awhile though."

Turning on the radio an announcers voice was speaking in a mixture of English and Latin. Cre'lia transit ad Si'pia. But the Quercus have him cornered and Da'thal tackles him into the barricade! Pila solveris!But Hep'lit recovers and cum procursu! He dodges a tackle and passed the first goal and throws for the second! Obstruxerat, obstruxerat! Yit'ley hit the steering wheel as they sat at a light. "Stupri bastardus! Does no one know how to play the fucking fake!"

[Neu Engollon]

The men sat in the back of the SUV and listened to Yit'ley go on about Pangus with some interest. They were relieved that there were pistols for their use, should anything happen. They were all reasonably sure that the sidearms would actually work when needed. Other than Raven Avitia, all the rest of the Spartanians had not given them much reason to not trust them. It all seemed pretty clear cut and above board as far as the 'mission' described to them in General Tell's office.

Lt. Friese tried to follow along on the radio with the sports broadcast. Apparently he had a better grasp of Latin than the rest of them as it sounded like complete gibberish to the other three. Connors leaned back and looked out the window. He wasn't even sure what sport they were trying to broadcast.
I hope we get through this day pretty quick and painless. I want to stretch out with a beer and try to find some rugby or gridiron on one of the satellite channels. Maybe I'll take in some of the sites first. Probably have to have Yash tag along for travel safety reasons. He'll dig whatever.

Capt. Williams spoke up,
"Yit'ley, not that I'm super worried or anything, but...how armored is this vehicle?"