The Shadow Pupils and the Intelligentsia (Private)

[Astares Amauricanum]

"We'll let you choose who you need to, " replies Daniel, "but if you include someone as high ranked as ViceRoy Shinya Li, please be aware that although he'll be trained like everyone else, we expect him to not be exposed much to direct action. But just to make sure I understand you correctly, if you choose him, it will be for the position of Commander of the black op unit, or the Shadow Knights as a whole?"

[AHSCA]

"Mmm what are you thinking, Kurago?"

"I think he might have what it takes to lead the entire agency as a whole but I wouldn't mind seeing a few other candidates as well before settling on something. Honestly Noir I think you too could make a good candidate."

"You as well but for now, we are still in service as Her Majesty's Officers so we'll put that on the back burner, let's get the first steps down."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Indeed, better wait a bit for now to choose for a director of the Shadow Knights." replies Patricia while her husband nods in approval.

"So, without further ado, let's get on to the contracts." says Daniel before leaving the room, coming back a minute later with a black folder in hand, which he opens and takes out numerous sheets of papers he hands to Noir, Kurago, and even Akira.

For the two Officers of Foreign Relations and Defense, the contracts they are presented with stipulate the conditions previously told by the Ambassadors, which are:

• the training of case officers for the to-be established Shadow Knights by the ACI.
• the training of agents to be sent to infiltrate other organizations to gather intel.
• the training of a special action division to be used to conduct covert, deniable paramilitary operations in the UIS interests.
• the fact that the Astares Centralis Intelligentsia will provide signal intelligence and satellite imagery for the Shadow Knights, first for a period of five years, which will be renewed if agreed by the UIS authorities.
• the fact that the collaboration between the ACI and the UIS in creating the Shadow Knights will only be revealed to the other AHSCA's allies after the first batch of agents have completed training.
• the training will happen first in the Imperium, and will be finished back in the UIS.
• the providing of any necesary help, whether it be financial, logistical, etc.
• the fact that the network of spies established by the two Vincaos will remain untouched.

For the good Captain Akira Tomae, his contract stipulates that:

• he becomes a Liaison Officer between the Astares Centralis Intelligentsia and the Shadow Knights.
• he is not to collaborate with any other party except the ACI and the SK, and should he do so, his contract would be terminated immediatly with extreme measures.
• his salary will be paid by the ACI, and will amount to two times his pay as a UISDF Officer.
  

The two Vincaos let their three guests read the contracts and take in all the details, waiting to see if they have any questions.

[AHSCA]

"Everything looks adequate" Noir said reading it over. "With your permission though, we'd like to also present this to Her Majesty to have her say in it. I suspect she'll agree to the terms but it is important she must know."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"No." replies Daniel and Patricia as one, with a serious face. However, after a few seconds, a small smirk appear at the corner of their lips, and the Ambassador Couple starts to laugh.

"We're kidding of course, don't worry." says Daniel. "Of course you can show them to the Duchess, it's still up to her to validate the entire process in the end. If you can please do it quickly and discreetly, this would be nice." he adds with a smile.

"So, Captain, are you satisfied with the conditions layed out in your contract?" asks Patricia on her side to Akira.

[AHSCA]

Good grief, these two are a handful. Noir thought to herself but at least things were on the move now. "Be assured it's not difficult for us to get an audience with Her Highness as her two highest ranked Officers in government. And you, Captain? Are you satisfied?"

"Oh uuuh yeah." Akira still felt daggers shooting from Kurago and Noir's eyes but it seemed he was safe enough.

"Good. Just to be safe, I'll ask Her Highness to issue a quiet pardon for his actions.

"Then I'm satisfied as well" Kurago said "You'll have our answer soon enough but I'm certain it will be the affirmative."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Then we're all set." replies Daniel with a large smile. "Officer VinoCacao, Officer Kurago, thank you very much for accepting our help in this, and for not shooting Captain Tomae." says the Ambassador, the last part with a small chuckle.
"We will let you talk about it with Her Highness the Duchess, and we hope that everything will work out with her. When she has signed the papers, please send us a message through Akira, and we'll come gather them to your office. We won't deceive you, you have our word."

"Indeed, you have our word." continues Patricia. "So, do you want to know anything else before we separate for the evening?"

[AHSCA]

"How will we get in touch with you again? Will we rely on Akira here or will you contact us?" Noir questioned.

"Or will the usual diplomatic channels be suitable?" Kurago added in question.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"If we want to keep the secrecy for now, forget about the official diplomatic channels." says Patricia.

"Akira could be an option," continues Daniel, " but if someone sees a UIDSF Officer coming back and forth a lot of time to the Astarian Embassy, some people may get suspiscious. However, since he just got a new phone that is more secure and advanced than the previous one, please use that to send us a message. We will then contact you directly and request a meeting behind closed doors, either here or at one of your two offices. Does this suits you?"

[AHSCA]

"Sounds reasonable, we shall await your call then."

"Meantime, thank you kindly."

The two said their good nights and went along their way. But for Kurago and Noir their discussion continued a little longer into the night but they too concluded early, to present it to Marcella come morning.

Marcella read over every detail and scrutinized every word. "I'm overall liking it," She said to her two officers "But a cynic inside me can't help but wonder what their angle is? All this trouble for us."

"It's reasonable to be weary and skeptical, Milady" Kurago answered, "But with the talk we had last night with them, we are thoroughly convinced their motives are genuine. Admittedly, our backs were a bit to the wall with this one, given the young solider was working as mole they've been onto us from the start, I'd say it's a matter of they want to know what we know when we know it."

"What do we know that anyone cares about? When it came to bolstering our defense forces, it was in the interest of keeping Stevid's powerful navy at bay in the region."

"Given the proximity of the Matildas Islands to us, it certainly is their interest to understand what we're also doing and to make sure that we do it right."

"Yes, I suppose you're correct. Well Officers if you are fine with it, I'm satisfied. So consider my endorsement. Get things going."

"Of course, Milady, thank you." Noir thanked. And that the deal was sealed, now all they had to do was wait for the call.

[Astares Amauricanum]

"It's all done, they agreed to our terms. Everything is working as planned." says Daniel in front of his computer. On his side, Patricia. And on the screen, the face of David Wellig, their superior back at the Astares Centralis Intelligentsia Headquarters in the Imperium, located at Langley.

"Good job you two." simply says David with a nod and a smile. "Everyone here will be pleased. Expect an ACI Star on your chests soon." he adds with a small chuckle.

"Wait before the first Shadow Knights are trained to give it to us, will you?" asks Patricia with a chuckle as well.

"We will." replies David. "Anyway, proceed as planned. Get the first batch of trainee ready and send them to the Malditas. I'll handle the rest from there. Once again, an outstanding bravo for you two. Keep up the good work."

"Thanks. From Many One, in Strength and Brotherhood." replies Daniel, before ending the call.

With that done, the Ambassador/Spy couple goes to bed, awaiting the next phase...

---

The next day...

As everyone is doing their job in the Astarian Embassy, Daniel and Patricia's phones beep with a special tone. Recognizing who is sending them a message, the two Astarians open the message, to see a simple line from Akira:

Everything has been ratified and signed by Her Royal Highness, Duchess Marcella Villa. They await your call.

With a nod to his wife, Daniel then types an encrypted message on his computer:

From:
Daniel Vincao, Ambassador of the Federalis Imperium of Astares Amauricanum to the United Island States of AHSCA.
To:
Noir Vinocacao, Officer of Foreign Affairs.
Kurago, Officer of Defense.

Madame, Sir,

After our talk at our residence regarding the museum, we would like to visit you tonight at Miss VinoCacao Office tonight to talk about the next steps in our collaboration. My wife and myself will be there at 7PM if that's okay with you.

Best regards,
Daniel Vincao.

And so, at 7 PM sharp, Daniel and Patricia, wearing light shirts, cargo pants and hiking boots, arrive at the Foreign Office building.

"Good evening." they say to the person manning the entry desk. "Daniel and Patricia Vincao, we are here to see Officer VinoCacao and Kurago please."

[AHSCA]

Tonight, given everything that was to happen, most staff were cleared early for the day a sort of enjoy the evening early, excuse. Only one other person remained, that was Noir's deputy, Roshin. Roshin had since been filled in on a few details (after all she could have this job one day) but beyond that it was strictly need to know. Roshin was also the one to greet them as she studiously worked at her desk. "Why, yes, of course, if you'll please follow me." She lead them along to the office of her superior. Knocking at the door and turning back to the group, "She'll be out as soon as I'm out so hang tight." She gave a small bow and excused herself. Roughly two minutes later, the door opened and Noir invited them in. "Please, come in." Noir said having them take a seat and closing the door behind them.

"Just want you to know, everything is set. Her Majesty is fine with all terms and conditions of our agreement so we can get this going quickly."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"We are glad to hear that from Her Majesty, Officer." replies Patricia as she takes a seat alongside her husband.

"So, when will your candidates be ready?" asks Daniel. "When they are, we will send an unmarked plane to pick them up at night, then we will transfer them to the Malditas and then to the Imperium. Is that okay for you?"

[AHSCA]

"Yes, that'll be fine. Kurago here along with his deputy are looking through candidates from all military branches to chose worthwile candidates. He's already gotten ooh what?"

"I've figured six good names already."

"Six. And I'll grab another six at least from civilian side of things, foreign office and the like. We can get you who we're considering, as soon as you wish, if you want them one by one or all at once, either way should be okay with us."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Twelve candidates is a good start, but remember we'll need more if we want the Shadow Knights to be worthy of their status as a real intelligence agency." replies Patricia to the two officers. "But still, it's a good start.
As for how we will take charge of them, just send them all once you've gotten them to the Embassy Isle airport, and we will grab them there and bring them by planes to the Malditas." continues the Ambassador's wife.

"Thank you both for your quick work." follows Daniel with a smile. "Now, regarding the paramilitary unit, how many soldiers have you been able to select so far Officer Kurago?" asks the Ambassador to the Defense Officer.

[AHSCA]

"Yes, well, if I may sir" Noir said, "Your help has been truly appreciated, but we also feel a bit guilty for placing so much work on you. Of course if you insist, we're thrilled to continue, but Kurago and I have thought, we may let you train our small pool and they in turn would train others. But that's only because we aren't wishing to place so much work upon you, we want you to have a say."

"Indeed, we're grateful, this is just a suggestion, if you want us to expand, we'll keep up our efforts on recruitment. And to answer your question, I've picked up another 15 able men and women for the paramilitary unit. If you feel it's much, than I'd suggest we allow the cream to rise to the top in course of training, if you think we need more than don't worry I can scout more within our ranks."

"We're likely also to pluck from Her Majesty's Knights that guard her life."

[Holy Marsh]

OOC- Sorry for delays. Jumping ahead of our personal timeframe to make up for it, AHSCA.

A few weeks after the last meeting with Kurago and things had been set in motion, and set in motion fast. The relationship between the UIS and the Theocracy was close enough that it opened up doors and methods that would otherwise have been shut. Strengthening AHSCA was something that the Holy Marsh considered important, and since strengthening a close ally was little different from making oneself strong, there were few things they would not do to give them a jumpstart. That led to today. Sukhleen and Charanpal were driving Kurago to a site deep in UIS, or as deep as it goes, past thickening treelines towards a suburb. It was a good place to put an intelligence headquarters.

It wasn't long before they drew in close.
"This facility has been authorized to be turned over to you. It has seven floors and three sub-floors as well as two adjacent compounds," Sukhleen began. As they rounded the corner past the treeline they would see it. A large structure to be sure but rather nondescript looking, flanked by two smaller structures. As a whole they looked like a tech campus, or perhaps an office park.

"Also authorized has been the transfer of six additional facilities outside of this nation, including operations centers and safehouses," Charanpal added, handing over a tablet to Kurago. It had the locations of the various facilities across Greater Dienstad, with a focus on those nearer to the UIS than not. Each one consisted of an Operations Center as well as at least two hidden safehouses, constituting the Espionage Directorate in those areas. ISEG and FIID had lobbied hard to maintain their facilities, so these were ACIS and MID aligned- a victory in the small internal battle between the services for the previously forlorn ISEG and FIID.

"I also have prepared the final total of equipment to be given to you, as well as the Rite of Re-authorization," Sukhleen nodded as she pulled up into the parking lot and parked, turning the car off. "You'll find the equipment to your liking. As for the Rite- the Arch-Bishop has authorized you to take any Marshite intelligence personnel operating in the UIS. In doing so, they will become UIS citizens and have their ties to the Theocracy cut. You will find a list of all current personnel. No digital copies- this is the only copy in existence. Well, that we'll give out," she said with a laugh, nodding to the suitcase. "When you are finished perusing it and the related documents, shred and burn."

The Rite was extensive. Kurago would be able to pull any Marshite from any branch, no matter the rank, for the next year. This would give her extensively trained and experienced members of an intelligence agency, a good way to jump-start the program. However, it went further than that. By becoming UIS citizens and foregoing ties, she was essentially re-imagining their person-hood. And since the Rite included no prescription on the limits of such a move, it gave her extensive latitude in the ways and means of producing this result, up to and including memory modification.

"To finish off, the Theocracy is willing to bankroll your intelligence agency for the next five years. Salaries, operations, maintenance, research and development, etcetra- you name it, we pay for it," Charanpal finished as she opened the door for Kurago. "Spend our money wisely, please!"

[Astares Amauricanum]

Yes, well, if I may sir" Noir said, "Your help has been truly appreciated, but we also feel a bit guilty for placing so much work on you. Of course if you insist, we're thrilled to continue, but Kurago and I have thought, we may let you train our small pool and they in turn would train others. But that's only because we aren't wishing to place so much work upon you, we want you to have a say."

"Indeed, we're grateful, this is just a suggestion, if you want us to expand, we'll keep up our efforts on recruitment. And to answer your question, I've picked up another 15 able men and women for the paramilitary unit. If you feel it's much, than I'd suggest we allow the cream to rise to the top in course of training, if you think we need more than don't worry I can scout more within our ranks."

"We're likely also to pluck from Her Majesty's Knights that guard her life."

"With all due respect Officers," starts Daniel, "while your idea seems good in theory, in this case, it would be rookies that would train other rookies in turn. Not the best way to establish an efficient intelligence agency.
For this, you need people with experience, who've seen enough things in their career. So do not worry, we will train your people with pleasure."

"And besides," continues Patricia, " know that we train dozens and dozens of people in our intelligence schools in the Imperium, and not only for the ACI. For the FIB, the Customs, etc.
So having a few more trainees from AHSCA won't be a big deal for us. In any case, it will be a welcome sight for the teachers and the other trainees as well." adds the Ambassador's wife with a smile.

"Anyway, regarding the paramilitary wing Officer Kurago," continues Daniel," fifteen is a good start. Please send them to us as soon as you can, while trying to search for more candidates. We will handle the selection on our side, if that's okay for you." says the Ambassador with the same smile and polite tone as his wife.

[AHSCA]

The two officers nodded in agreement, "Very well," Kurago said, "if you think that is the best way to go about it, we'll go about it that way. I have no issue with the extra side regarding the paramilitary wing. I'll continue to hunt within our ranks, I'm searching for strong candidates that show a high aptitude as you can imagine, it's taking time but progress is being made. Now, We also should let you know of what Holy Marsh has provided for us. "

Kurago referenced back to his meeting with the Marshites

A few weeks after the last meeting with Kurago and things had been set in motion, and set in motion fast. The relationship between the UIS and the Theocracy was close enough that it opened up doors and methods that would otherwise have been shut. Strengthening AHSCA was something that the Holy Marsh considered important, and since strengthening a close ally was little different from making oneself strong, there were few things they would not do to give them a jumpstart. That led to today. Sukhleen and Charanpal were driving Kurago to a site deep in UIS, or as deep as it goes, past thickening treelines towards a suburb. It was a good place to put an intelligence headquarters.

It wasn't long before they drew in close.
"This facility has been authorized to be turned over to you. It has seven floors and three sub-floors as well as two adjacent compounds," Sukhleen began. As they rounded the corner past the treeline they would see it. A large structure to be sure but rather nondescript looking, flanked by two smaller structures. As a whole they looked like a tech campus, or perhaps an office park.

"Also authorized has been the transfer of six additional facilities outside of this nation, including operations centers and safehouses," Charanpal added, handing over a tablet to Kurago. It had the locations of the various facilities across Greater Dienstad, with a focus on those nearer to the UIS than not. Each one consisted of an Operations Center as well as at least two hidden safehouses, constituting the Espionage Directorate in those areas. ISEG and FIID had lobbied hard to maintain their facilities, so these were ACIS and MID aligned- a victory in the small internal battle between the services for the previously forlorn ISEG and FIID.

"I also have prepared the final total of equipment to be given to you, as well as the Rite of Re-authorization," Sukhleen nodded as she pulled up into the parking lot and parked, turning the car off. "You'll find the equipment to your liking. As for the Rite- the Arch-Bishop has authorized you to take any Marshite intelligence personnel operating in the UIS. In doing so, they will become UIS citizens and have their ties to the Theocracy cut. You will find a list of all current personnel. No digital copies- this is the only copy in existence. Well, that we'll give out," she said with a laugh, nodding to the suitcase. "When you are finished perusing it and the related documents, shred and burn."

The Rite was extensive. Kurago would be able to pull any Marshite from any branch, no matter the rank, for the next year. This would give her extensively trained and experienced members of an intelligence agency, a good way to jump-start the program. However, it went further than that. By becoming UIS citizens and foregoing ties, she was essentially re-imagining their person-hood. And since the Rite included no prescription on the limits of such a move, it gave her extensive latitude in the ways and means of producing this result, up to and including memory modification.

"To finish off, the Theocracy is willing to bankroll your intelligence agency for the next five years. Salaries, operations, maintenance, research and development, etcetra- you name it, we pay for it," Charanpal finished as she opened the door for Kurago. "Spend our money wisely, please!"

"We will make good on our promise to the Theocracy to make the wisest use of their money to spend and resources of theirs to use. Between the two of you, i'd say we're off to a strong start here."

"We know it will take time but we'd like to keep moving quickly on this." Noir added "Time is valuable as the world geopolitics continues to ever shift around us. Thus we'd like to start with the basic intelligence and the 15 we've gathered for paramilitary ops. We'll continue to feed you more as we get them."

[Astares Amauricanum]

Daniel and Patricia listen intently to Kurago when he talks about his meeting with the Marshites, nodding at times to show their understanding.
Once the Defense Officer is done, the couple look at each other for a few seconds.

"Very well, it's settled then." replies Daniel after a few seconds. "Between the Marshites providing funding and some facilities, and us who will pprovide the training, the Shadow Knights will be a force to be reckoned with." adds the Ambassador with a smile.

"If you want to get things on the move Officer VinoCacao", continues his wife, "then so be it. Thus, please gather every candidate you have selected so far, both intelligence and paramilitary, and have them be at the Embassy Isle Airfield by 7.00 AM tomorrow morning. An unmarked jet will come from the Malditas and fly them away. Is it okay for you?" asks the ACI case officer to the two AHSCAian.

[AHSCA]

"It shall be done, you'll have your first field of candidates there."

"If you'd like we'll mark them with something simple, like colored arm bands to designate whom we've picked for intel ops and for paramilitary. We'll have them in your trust then as you take them to where you feel it's good to get them traind up and ready. Noir and I meanwhile will continue to survey our field of potential candidates."

"Very good."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"Good idea for the armbands, but don't have them wear it in the open until we have them boarded on the plane. They'll just show it to us once they're aboard, and keep it in their pocket until then.
This may seem a bit too paranoid for you, but remember, we do not want to attract unecesary attention, and the last place to wear something flashy is the EMbassy Isle Airfield with every diplomat and all passing here and there." replies the Ambassador's wife with a smile.

"So, I guess everything is settled then." continues Daniel. "Anything else before we go?" he asks to Noir and Kurago.

[AHSCA]

"Understood" Noir nodded "We'll be sure that's how it goes down. From us, nothing more except." Noir handed over an envelope, it was their first grant from the Marshites to conduct the business of espionage. "As promised, we'd spend it well, this is our advance to you for the training and transit expenseses, on top of food and anything else needed to get our men and women started. If more is required, you know to contact us. If you get in touch with any of our staff, simply relay the message you await a diplomatic pouch from the UIS."

[Astares Amauricanum]

"We await a diplomatic pouch from the UIS, got it." reply the Vincaos as they memorize the sentence Noir told them.

"Thank you very much." continues Daniel as he takes the envelope with two hands and a grateful nod. "We will be sure to give you the best intelligence agency one can have in this corner of Greater Dienstad." adds the Ambassador with a smile.

"It is a real pleasure for us, and the Imperium as well, to embark on this journey with you and the UIS." adds Patricia with the same smile as her husband. "We will take our leave now and relay the information to our superiors. Have a nice day, and thank you for having us today." she finishes, before the two ACI Agents stand up from their seats, and go back to the Astarian Embassy...

The next day...
Embassy Isle Airfield, 7.00 AM

As told the day before, an unmarked, white Aquila Aircraft A-737 lands on the airfield's runway, before taxiing to a spot farther away from the main terminal.
There, after the door has opened and the stairs unfolded, a single man gets out, wearing only a white shirt and black pants, seemingly waiting for something, or rather a number of someones...

[AHSCA]

"Very good, we look forward to seeing your results." With that, Noir and Kurago departed, their meeting for the time being, was over and now the next phase of motions could begin.

Embassy Isle Airfield, 7.00 AM


The sun began to rise on the horizon over the ocean breaking through the few thin clouds bathing everything in the orange glow. The airfield was otherwise quiet besides this strange secret rendezvous that was going on. Right now, every length was being taken to keep UIS intelligence quiet and secretive, it was important to build a stable structure lest any of AHSCA's old foes or meddlesome neutrals to undermine it, some might call it paranoid, personally though the two people getting it together felt it was just being cautious, they already had one leak, which thankfully turned to an advantage, they wouldn't stand for another one. Up the airfield came a small white bus which pulled up and out stepped the several recruits, men and women of various ages and islands of origin and here for different missions. Concealed in their pockets were their colored arm bands, red for paramilitary, yellow for intel, all were instructed to leave them hidden until told otherwise. Most of the recruits were plucked out of Army, Navy and Airforce, a handful came out of the Foreign Office, one or two spread from the other Offices as well. The bus came to a stop and opened the door and out filed everyone quietly. Once empty the bus closed its doors and drove on off as quickly as it arrived.