The Red Flags Rise (Revised: Please Sign up OOC )

by **Gehenna Tartarus** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 6:52 pm

Quality Bay Beach House,
Bara Province, New Edom

Tia had just finished arranging a transfer of her things from the hotel to Mara’s place, when the first rumble was heard. Her first thought was that she had just made it inside to miss a storm, but when she looked over at the window, she could see the beautiful day that she had been soaking up. She looked at the email in her hand and reread the first few lines and instantly knew that it was not a storm on the horizon, at least not a natural one. The storm that was coming was man made and full of evil intent. She could not help swearing under her breath at the idea of shit happening while she was in New Edom again. First a riot in Brightwater and now a damn civil war. If she had been a religious person, she might have looked up to heaven and screamed.

Letting out a sigh, more out of frustration than anything, she plopped down in a chair and read the rest of her letter. Damn it, she really had wanted to be looking Perrin in the eye when she told him how she felt. But she had not choice, she had to get her feelings down in a letter and hope that wherever he was he would get it. It felt almost selfish telling him that she loved him while he faced the unknown, but he deserved to know that whatever he endured, she would be there with him in thought, if not in person. She wished that she could hold him and kiss him, not seeing him sucked.

She normally had no problem writing a letter, but she had never written one that was so emotionally charged. She had written longer letters in less time, but it took a while to say it right and she wanted to say it right.

Dearest Perrin

I am saddened that I am unable to see you right now, not just because I miss you, but because of the reason that keeps us apart. I hope that what troubles New Edom is facing is quickly resolved, and that you and your friends return safely to Brightwater.

When I first met you at Mara’s party, I have to admit that…well, I thought it was very unkind of you to throw me in the pool like that. But getting the chance to know you better, I know that you are the most wonderful person that I know. I know that you will think that I am only going to say what I am going to say because you said it first, but that is not the case. Well, it is, but it is not the real reason. I have been planning to tell you but…you know how it is, finding the right moment and stuff.

I love you, Perrin. I had planned to tell you that while we were eating a good dinner or lying in bed, but that was not to be. But I promise that when we get together, I will tell you on both of those occasions and any other that happen to crop up.

Please keep safe.

I love you.

Yours,

Tia
Xxx

Reading back the letter, it did not seem adequate, but she had already used most of the hotel pad that had been resting on the table beside her chair and there were a bunch of crumpled pages of previous attempts. It really was not how she had wanted to tell him, but it was better than him not knowing at all.

Once she was done, she got out of the chair and returned to the beach, not wanting to be on her own.

* * * * *

A Street,
Fineberg, New Edom

Matthew Finchley was no longer walking as fast as he had been, and was almost strolling leisurely back to his hotel. Most of the people he had passed seemed to be behaving as if nothing was going on and he had no intention of looking like a freaking out tourist, even if he really did not feel as relaxed as he looked. But there was nothing happening in the street he was walking down, other than a couple of guys posting some literature up around the place.

When he got close to a copy, he began to read it and then ripped it down from where it had been pinned and read it as he walked. He was beginning to wonder if perhaps the city was going mad with the King pronouncing himself in charge and accusing the Foreign Minister of being part of the madness. He could not help feeling himself witnessing the beginning of another civil war in New Edom. He was no longer walking quite as sedately as he had been, in fact, he was on the verge of running all the way back to his hotel.

by **Riemaia** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:08 pm

Quality Bay Beach
Anneli had never heard the sounds of mortars and machineguns before, not even in the distance back home. She was quite scared now, having been told it was a civil war starting up again, which had been of her worst fears from the reports of the shootings she had read earlier, but was at least happy to be with Mara. When she was with her, nothing seemed all that scary, being with someone who she cared about and who cared about her mad everything seem more tolerable than usual. Anneli then smiled as she sat down on the sand, and motioned for Mara to sit down as well, also making sure her baby wasn't startled by the noises in the distance.

:well my love, this box holds statuettes of my six gods and goddesses... I know you call it pagan and everything, but it's really not!" Anneli then opened up the four leather straps on the box that kept the two parts of it together, revealing six shiny brass statuettes barely over 20cm tall. "Here they are... all six of them... now time to tell you about them!" Anneli picked up one of the statuettes, and started to recite what she knew about them. The first one was an old man with a long beard and many wrinkles on his face, wearing a hooded robe. "Harel, the god of of the stars and knowledge and all things written."

The second statue was of another man, in his what appeared to be late thirties, with a sword in one hand and a shovel in the other, with a breatplate and raggedy trousers. "Leran, the god of war and the earth, he who brings food to the table and defense of all people, good and evil."

The third was the last statue of a man, a man wearing robes once again but with no hood. This statuette also had in its hands a young child, with the man sitting down. "The infant god Kem and his puppet Joen, god of childhood, god of laughter, and god of the imagination."

The fourth and first woman statue was of a young woman in a dress, on her knees with her hands in her lap, with a flower coming out of the ground. "The goddess Seilah, the goddess of nature and the sun, probably one of the more important ones in my opinion."

The fifth statue was of another woman, one in her forties most likely, standing on top of water. "The goddess Ilyndah, the goddess of water and the oceans, the goddess of the afterlife and all things everlasting."

The sixth and final stature was of a woman in her teens, wearing a dress with her fingers linked and held above her breasts. "Now this one is my most favorite, for you share the name she has. The goddess MAra, te goddess of love and friendship, the goddess of commerce, and the goddess of handcrafts."

by **The Shrailleeni Empire** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:12 pm

Near Betharan Palace, Fineberg
The Ostensibly Allied States of New Edom

Sigh had a name and a rank, but when the call for Silence went out she lost not only those, but all things that made her special or unique. Unknown to many even inside of the Empire, a secret order had been given from the Foreign Minister himself. Two of each embassy staff, no matter the country, were to be followers of the Silence. It was a failsafe, a way to ensure that Shrailleeni interests could be achieved in spite of things like diplomacy or national laws. For the Silence were the dark secret of the Empire, a secret service loyal only to the Mother Empress keeping order and stability throughout the Imperial hierarchy. When something needed to be done off the record, the Silence could get it done or die trying. Spies, saboteurs, and assassins, they were conditioned to reveal only one thing if caught. Silence.

But getting caught was the last thing on Sigh's mind as she made her way through the streets. More important for her mission was to remain alive, a task that grew more difficult the closer that she came to the fighting. Making it this far had only been possible due to her Navarettan heritage, her pale skin and long dirty-blond curls might have passed for an Edomite woman. The compulsory nudity laws were a complication, but she had reluctantly shaved herself to better fit the part. The mission was, as always, more important that whatever her opinion was. She had been trained from childhood for her role, and never complained.

Strangely enough, for a time she had not seemed out of place at all. The Edomites were strangely comfortable with the war going on in the midst of their capital, another naked woman in her late twenties with a shopping bag hardly attracted attention (although her finely developed curves occasionally did. The insolence of foreign men...) But this close to the fighting there were fewer people on the street, and a different tactic was needed. After ensuring that she was not being followed, She quietly slipped into an alley, and pulled a length of black wrap from her shopping bag. Deftly she tied it around her waist, and then wrapped another around her breasts. From what she knew of the monarchists some clothing would give her more respect, and she did not want to be inconvenienced while she moved. She knew that he Edomites had cameras set up all over the city, but she made no effort to avoid them. Better that they know of her movements, people were so easy to manipulate when they believed themselves in control.

Leaving the alley she moved herself closer to the fighting, the sound of small arms and cannon growing deafening in her hears. She kept to the shadows near the buildings, alert but walking upright despite her instincts. She did not want to be mistaken for a combatant by revealing her training. Soon enough she spotted soldiers, barracades, and the image of Betharan palace that she had seen in the briefing. Feeling somehow more naked than when she had gone without clothing, she approached in plain site with her hands raised. She knew better than to call out, they wouldn't listen anyway, and instead waited for the inevitable threatening warning.

Riemaian Embassy, Fineberg

by **Riemaia** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:43 pm

Shrai Embassy in New Edom

Ambassador Katara Telta fe Vangarra

Dear Ambassador,

On behalf of Her Grand Arctic Majesty, Empress Anneli Miruelle Nella'tel Saria Riemanse-Aluris-Maiane Gi Noyela-Vipond the Twenty-eighth, allow me to apologize ahead of time in saying that any formal interaction with the Riemaian ambassador in New Edom is not suggested, which is why I, Princess Marjorie Elise Aliasse Riemanse-Aluris-Maiane Gi Noyela, have decided to contact you in his stead. During Empress Anneli's absence from Riemaia for the time being, under her authority, I will be dealing with all matters related to the current happenings in New Edom under her Majesties approval. To make things simpler, I suggest that we have a meeting with teleconference equipment, if that is acceptable to you.

Sincerely,
Princess Marjorie

by **New Edom** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 7:56 pm

Quality Bay

Small sailboats and windsurfers moved over the blue-green waters away from the beach, and from their vantage point could see the green groves of fruit and nut and flower bearing trees that formed a handsome counterpoint to the sugar sand beach and the white, green or blue houses and estates that dotted the hillsides around it.

A bartender put crushed ice, a lime wedge and a mix of curacao and bacardi into a tall glass, and handed it to a woman with fair hair, bare breasts above her striped bikini bottom and a warm biscuit tan who stood smiling to receive it. Nearby a lean hard bodied man with a darker tan and an open dress shirt over his trunks was sipping from his own drink, looking distracted. The woman nodded her thanks and the drink was put on her tab; she sauntered down the beach, and glanced curiously but then politely away from where Annelli and Mara were. She was unsettled by the noises of battle coming from Fineberg, but since she and her husband had arrived 2 years ago from Wielkilas to work for Thinktronic there had been various actions and rumblings; this one was so close. But she had been reassured that it was a purely local trouble and that they'd never trouble Quality Bay. The sight of Princess Mara (whose face many knew) and the Empress of Riemaia (among the many rich and famous around the resort) reassured her; she went to sit with her husband and some of their friends on a wicker padded chair and sipped her drink, secretly enjoying the casual body revelations of this curiously religious but free country, and the discreet stares of her husband's friends.

Mara laughed a little, and put a hand over her mouth, not aware of being scrutinized. "Wow, Anneli, but these are pagan really, just not...well they're nice. I like you showing me your gods. And I'm glad one is named after me," she teased. Her phone buzzed and she took it. "Oh, it's Enoch...yeah I heard..." she listened and then giggled. "You shouldn't tell me that over the phone...be serious!" her face became grave. "yeah, I know, tell me about it. Yes, she is...hang on a sec..." she handed her phone to Annelli. "It's Enoch."

"Hey beautiful," said Enoch's warm masculine voice over the phone, "I just wanted to check on my baby's Mama...how's the little one? Let me know if you are doing alright okay? And if you need another one to keep her company. Damn, I'm stiff just thinking about you..."

Mara meanwhile could see Tia approaching, and waving to her got up to greet her. "Hey, you know what, I'm dying of thirst...did you send a response to him?" she asked as she led Tia to one of the kiosks. "And what do you like? Orangina, Pink Bunny Cola, Frosty, something with some zing in it?" the bartender, a lean hard sun bleached young man teased, "You're doing my job for me, Princess."
"Yeah, like that's hard," teased Mara back. "Two Pink Bunnies. How's your girlfriend?"
He shrugged. "Took up with some Flyboy. What can I do?" he grinned at Tia. "So what's your pleasure?"

There was a fair cascade of BOOMS from the direction of the city, and then, unsettling, a flock of helicopters leaving a distant dot of a ship out at the end of the bay--six of them, heading for Fineberg in formation.

Betharan Palace

Sigh was admitted, after going through some checkpoints and some checking of her ID, to an airy room decorated with woven rugs, painted with light blue walls, overlooking a garden. In spite of the serenity of the room it was busy there. A dark haired young man with heavy lidded melancholy eyes, wearing a tropical suit--no one of the compulsory nudity stuff in the palace now--approached her, saying, "I am Count Evil-Merodach, the Admiral's Principal Private Secretary; this is Mr. Kent, the Deputy Minister." he said, indicating an African looking man with heavy features and large imaginative looking eyes dressed rather similarly. "I'm afraid that Admiral Rand is rather busy right now, but you have come bringing a direct message from your Ambassador?" Through one doorway it could be seen that there were a group of military personnel talking on phones or using computers. Kent closed this door. The other was open to a large office with various trophies on the walls. Admiral Rand stood in the doorway sipping a cup of mint tea she could smell from where she stood.

by **New Edom** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:11 pm

by **Riemaia** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:25 pm

Quality Bay

Anneli grinned at Mara, not minding that she was sort of insulting her religion. "Well hey, it's a three-thousand year old religion that just about everyone else in my country follows... I promise you the name is just coincidental!" Anneli said as she took Mara's phone, not really expecting it to actually be Enoch. "Hey Mara, make sure you bring back Annette!"

"Hey Enoch!" Anneli exclaimed over the phone when she realized it was actually him and not some joke to get her hopes up, "Oh Annette is fine... Mara just walked off with her though... but shes the godmother so I trust her!" Anneli said as she then heard Enoch suggest that they have another child together, just reliving the fun time they had months ago. "Enoch.. im blushing... wow... but, you are married! I'm gonna be at Quality Bay for a few days if you do want to come over...." Anneli playfully suggested, actually thinking about having a little round two with Enoch.

by **The Shrailleeni Empire** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:30 pm

New Edom wrote:Betharan Palace

Sigh was admitted, after going through some checkpoints and some checking of her ID, to an airy room decorated with woven rugs, painted with light blue walls, overlooking a garden. In spite of the serenity of the room it was busy there. A dark haired young man with heavy lidded melancholy eyes, wearing a tropical suit--no one of the compulsory nudity stuff in the palace now--approached her, saying, "I am Count Evil-Merodach, the Admiral's Principal Private Secretary; this is Mr. Kent, the Deputy Minister." he said, indicating an African looking man with heavy features and large imaginative looking eyes dressed rather similarly. "I'm afraid that Admiral Rand is rather busy right now, but you have come bringing a direct message from your Ambassador?" Through one doorway it could be seen that there were a group of military personnel talking on phones or using computers. Kent closed this door. The other was open to a large office with various trophies on the walls. Admiral Rand stood in the doorway sipping a cup of mint tea she could smell from where she stood.

Sigh took a little time time before answering, looking carefully around the room. She noted the garden as the best possible exit from the room, and identified all of the objects that could be useful as weapons. She identified the three easiest ways to take out the men in the room, and noted the number of officers in the adjourning room before the door could be closed. Finally, she let her eyes rest on the stationary image of Admiral Rand, noting the scent of mint coming from his cup.

Her eyes still on the admiral, she finally replied. "No," she said slowly before finally turning her gaze upon the Count. "The Shrailleeni government is still preparing an response. I represent an organization known as the Silence. But the Silence has heard..." again she glanced at the Admiral, "that the Shrailleeni might be sympathetic to the cause of the Edomite Royalty."

Sigh knew that she was being cryptic, but that was her directive. The Empire could not risk being openly implicated in what they intended to do. Hopefully these foreigners would understand what she was doing.

"The debate in the Royal Palace is heavy. Many still feel certain loyalties toward Sif Finnhald and the Free Congress. To move against them publically, internationally, could be dangerous. Unless, of course, the Feminists exiled to Shrailleen were allowed to return, and the situation in Dengali moved more toward Shrailleeni favor."

Sigh wasn't an old woman, but she gave off quiet confidence and skill in waves. There was no deceit in her voice, only the facts.

"If these things could be arranged here and now, then Imperial City could be made to hear Silence. Then, perhaps, the international energies of the Empire could be mobilized against those who would fail to recognize friends of Shrailleen."

Riemaia wrote:Shrai Embassy in New Edom
Ambassador Katara Telta fe Vangarra

Dear Ambassador,

On behalf of Her Grand Arctic Majesty, Empress Anneli Miruelle Nella'tel Saria Riemanse-Aluris-Maiane Gi Noyela-Vipond the Twenty-eighth, allow me to apologize ahead of time in saying that any formal interaction with the Riemaian ambassador in New Edom is not suggested, which is why I, Princess Marjorie Elise Aliasse Riemanse-Aluris-Maiane Gi Noyela, have decided to contact you in his stead. During Empress Anneli's absence from Riemaia for the time being, under her authority, I will be dealing with all matters related to the current happenings in New Edom under her Majesties approval. To make things simpler, I suggest that we have a meeting with teleconference equipment, if that is acceptable to you.

Sincerely,
Princess Marjorie

The screen came to life suddenly, further illuminating the room that held only Katara herself. Fully aware of the implications of this meeting, she let none of the emotion that she felt light upon her face. With meticulous Shrailleeni decorum, she spoke in the direction of the microphone nearby.

"Princess Marjorie, it is an honor to meet you. I am Ambassador Katara Telta fe Vangarra, formerly Princess Katara Telta fe Vangarra. I would like to discover, first, the most important question of the day. Where does your Empress stand on the current events in New Edom?"

by **New Edom** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:52 pm

Betharan Palace

Benjamin Kent chuckled at Sigh's words. "And if we don't?"

"Lady," said Count Evil-Merodach with a sigh, "I regret to say that the Monarchy had no hand in the expatriation of the Feminists. However we would certainly be willing to consider their repatriation, and to offer amnesty to Feminists in general. However the matter of Dengali is something else entirely. We have thus far been acting in partnership with the Shrailleeni Empire. Do your...people...feel that this is no longer a profitable relationship?"

As this exchange went on, Admiral Rand lifted his cup to his lips, blew the steam gently over the surface, and took a sip. His eyes were watchful, his face expressionless.

by **Hittanryan** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 8:59 pm

Sterry, Haran Province

The two parties remained in contact via discreet radio transmission, though they had to switch frequencies several times as they neared jamming signal sources near the front. Things were proceeding as planned: the truck would leave its trailer at a distribution center on the outskirts of the city while Kasumi would arrange for Augrim to put the equipment to good use.

The truck contained equipment to establish a satellite communications link with the outside world. The AIS and Adiran military operated a small network of geostationary communications satellites over Ceti. The easternmost satellite would be able to receive transmissions from an uplink in New Edom, which could then be processed and linked to the international press. Unlike other civilian uplinks around the country, this one was built with the expressed purpose of defeating electronic countermeasures. It was capable of spread-spectrum frequency hopping, forcing potential jammers to cover a wide range of frequencies.

Kasumi was fairly confident as she drove into the city. The challenge was thrilling, in a way. This is what she did best. With just a few names, dates, and places, the monarchists' claim of legitimacy would crumble entirely. Rand's house of cards rested on the argument that he wasn't the one carrying out a coup d'etat, and in fact he was fighting them. No conspiracy is completely airtight, and somewhere along the way something wasn't going to line up with Rand's story. She needed a whistleblower, or failing that a few dozen eyewitnesses.

As she drove into Sterry, she forgot her qualms over having to disrobe or the wishful thinking that inevitably came before everything fell apart. Now she had a job to do. The sights of the sometimes-anachronistic city barely registered beyond anything related to the task at hand. She checked into the Maconnais Hotel and had her car parked. Having been cleared by the Haran CP, who had been thus far loyal to Augrim, she was not under surveillance and even had arranged to have both vehicles watched. The first person she would make contact with would be Ethnarch Aurangzeb. She set out on foot.

As she made her way through the streets filled with half-naked bodies, she realized her personal hangup was turning out to be a considerable operational obstacle. Spies frequently hid equipment in their clothes, but you could barely smuggle anything on your person in this environment. She judged that there were enough clothed or semi-clothed individuals that she could go out in public without drawing attention. The local police were probably more concerned with the growing domestic crisis than enforcing compulsory nudity anyway. To test the waters, however, she'd go unarmed and without any damning equipment. See how much attention it drew.

When she approached the governor's palace, she assumed the role of a bubbly, oblivious tourist. She started snapping pictures, a few of which she'd save for later. When the guards inevitably approached, she gave an enthusiastic "Hi! Do you guys give tours?" The phrase was previously-arranged, and was supposed to gain her access to the Ethnarch.

by **New Edom** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:13 pm

Sterry, Haran Province

One of the police guards frowned; a strongly made man wearing a blue mantle and with his body painted blue and white, somehow he didn't seem so much vulnerable as daunting, his body hard as a wall, his submachinegun slung. "Come with me," he said, "You'll have to answer inquiries." He beckoned her into the palace, over tiled stones past a tinkling fountain falling into a pool where orange-yellow fish swam lazily. Then up a flight of stairs after they came through a colonnade of cool shadows and various tables where officials were conducting business, and into a courtyard where a man sat by another fountain, this one resembling a lily whose petals were water falling into the pool. The man had a mantle slung over his shoulder and his body was bronze-olive and lean; he said quietly, "I am Aurangzeb." He had a face seamed early by the harsh sun of the province, and eyes that seemed like brown pebbles in a stream; his hair was greying and his manner was calm. "Blessings and peace of the Christ be upon you."

by **The Shrailleeni Empire** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:18 pm

Betharan Palace

Sigh fixed the Count with a blank stare as she responded, speaking without any added inflection. She was well aware of Rand in the background, she could feel his attention, if not his eyes, fixed on what she was saying.

"We are the Silence, Count Evil-Merodach, and we do not feel that this partnership has yet reached its full potential. The Free Congress has displayed certain characteristics that have made the Shrailleeni-Edomite relationship complex. It could be that your faction, and let us not pretend that it is anything less than what it is, could see things differently. We are well aware that the Monarchy had no hand in the Feminist affair. That is why the Empire is debating this matter at all. Were it otherwise," she turned her gaze on Benjamin Kent with an icy look, "the Silence is certain that Sif Finnhald would receive the overwhelming support of the Empire...both here and in Dengali."

Sigh was no diplomat. She did not like mincing words in the manner of the Shrailleeni nobility. And she was not above speaking exactly what she thought to the man who had laughed at the idea of Shrailleeni power.

"And of course, if you do not need the Empire's help the Silence will certainly understand. Surely you have already received such overwhelming support for your cause internationally that you can afford to lose our voice. And equally certain is that you can afford to let the Empire give the Lady Finnhald its resources and equipment to help create a powerbase. The strength of your position is clear indeed."

by **New Edom** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:32 pm

Betharan Palace

"Lady," said Count Evil-Merodach in his rather slow and calm and pleasant manner, "The Monarchists of the Allied States will...take a dim view of the idea of Shrailleeni influence put directly into another...faction...as you put it. It is not for your Empire to directly intervene in our politics. That has been an understanding between our two countries since the beginning of our relations. And any attempt at doing so either here or in Dengali will be taken by Admiral Rand as a direct threat upon our sovereignty."

"Furthermore," said Admiral suddenly, his deep voice growling out of his chest, his eyes pinning the empty eyed woman before him, "If a tone of moderation is not adopted, and a lack of threat put into such an offer, he will take national possession of all Shrailleeni property including trade missions and property in Dengali, if necessary driving your people into the sea. He does not accept threats from anyone. Advise your people that what is preferred in this case by Admiral Rand is for them to demonstrate good faith, and they and all their property will be protected." He turned and walked back into the room and closed the door.

"Lady, I'm afraid that that is the message that we have for your people so far. I would advise," said Count Evil-Merodach apologetically, "That it is best for foreign nations during upheavals of government to remain as neutral as possible. It sets...a bad precedent. The situation, I do assure you, is well under our control."

by **Judea Libera** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:50 pm

Saul Bar-Ehud tried to forget Rebekah as he showered and dried off in his room at the Majestic Hotel's Fineberg branch. Their divorce was simple enough on the surface, since he issued the bill of divorcement and handed it to her. Even so, he hated having to do it. He wished that she had told him that she was a Mamzer before they wed. He deserved to know that. The worst part was that it broke his heart to do that to her. He still loved her, but Torah was the Law. The TCA got ever stricter these days and he didn't want either of them caught up in that situation.

As much pain as not marrying her would have been, having to issue the divorce was much worse. For however long they were wed, they truly were one flesh, like Adam and Eve. If it weren't for the accident of her illicit birth, they would still be....they would likely stay together for life as they planned.

In any case, his mission here was a nice way to get away from the pain, at least from its source. No Rebekah here. Plenty of lovely women, naked of all things! But thankfully few of them were eligible for wife status....they were Gentiles, and he wasn't supposed to marry heathen, or Christians, for that matter. He was a Benjamite and he wasn't about to let his people breed out.

So far, New Edom wasn't bad...until this nonsense of gunfire and other mindless violence. The reports of anti-Semitism were greatly exaggerated. He had seen, fortunately, very little of that. His pose as a tourist was believable, as he was truly drawn to the sights in Fineberg. He could definitely report that this was a place that had been calming down and prospering....until this happened. Now, if he lived to tell the tale, his article would be a different matter altogether.

Yes, it is relatively free of anti-Semitic bias, as much as any Christian state can be. But, sadly, it is also smack dab in the middle of a civil war. It's not just a coup anymore. New Edomites are turning their guns on each other en masse. Brother against brother, uncle against nephew, father against son.

It was supposed to be one of the things that the God of Israel hated most...an abomination. The one who sows discord among brethren. Truly a sad day for this nation he had come to like in the past month or so of his sojourn here. If he got out of here alive, he would have quite the scoop, but at what price. For the first time since escaping the rule of the Empire, he was faced with fratricide....men killing their countrymen for political gain. Like Absalom, they would learn the hard truth, that such wickedness did not prosper. Like Adonijah, they would learn that sometimes it's best to accept the change. Not that he would side with the Free Congress openly in his article, but....it was hard to deny who had picked the fight.

If, that is, he got out alive. Right now, he prayed hard to the God of his fathers, of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob....

Please get me out of here alive, and You will see me in Your house every Shabbat, with or without the TCA there to enforce it.

Yeah, Saul knew. One didn't bargain with the Almighty. But he was scared and ready to try a lot of things.

As he walked down to the lobby, the sounds of fighting became more pronounced. It was awful. What to do now? Would Adonai listen to his prayer and spare him?

He needed some brandy to steady him. Yes, brandy. He walked up to the bar and faced the barkeep, feeling as ashen as he probably looked....well, for a swarthy Jew from Cyprus.

"A shot of brandy, please."

by **Arbites** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 9:54 pm

Outskirts of Fineberg

Inquisitor Ericsson was surprised to receive a report from his CP informant so soon. Much of it was simply raw data, anything she could get out in coded form. He pieced together the first four major points quickly. All signs were positive thus far, as they pointed to an extended conflict that would preempt any Adiran base deal. He went over each point, attaching a mental note to each.

- Primary players remain at Betharan. Several royal family members have been traced to Quality Bay resort. (Insurance)
- Loyalties amongst provincial governors split. Possible that conflict will escalate and spread. (Possible protracted nation-wide conflict)
- 14th and 30th Armored Cavalry making progress bolstered by irregulars and militia inside Fineberg. (Monarchists not likely to achieve rapid victory)
- ETC is amenable, recommend exploiting possible monarchists sympathies. (Dalgaard's territory, undermine Free Congress support)

It was then that he noticed a fifth bit of information. Far from reassuring, Ericsson made sure he had decoded it correctly.

Confirmed AIS personnel crossing border by automobile in Haran. Identity and objectives unknown. Recommend action.

"Heretics..." he growled in an inaudible whisper. He wished he could report it to Rand directly, but all better judgment urged otherwise. Though it would certainly turn him against Adiron, the admiral would demand to know why, and likely how, the Inquisition had a plant in the CP. In his outrage he might disavow the Imperium entirely, destroying the Inquisition's influence over the war. The Inquisitors would likely be executed as well, but this was of little concern. Martyrdom is its own reward.

The Inquisitors would have to deal with the AIS themselves. If they could expose the agents in such a way that the monarchists thought they had made the discovery on their own, it would be a massive blow to Adiron. Trouble was that Haran was out of Rand's control, and his informant didn't have precise details on how Haran's local CP units were dealing with the agent. Was she under surveillance or their protection?

After mentally negotiating the geography, Ericsson gave the informant new assignments:

- Obtain list of vehicles in Haran with Nalayan license plates, and determine which were under surveillance.

By nature of her tips, Ericsson knew that at some level, the CP was still sharing some information on a national level. If she entered the country by car, they could get a list of possible vehicles.

by **The Shrailleeni Empire** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:28 pm

Betharan Palace

"A pity..." Sigh said quietly, almost to herself, as she watched the Admiral leave the room. With him gone, she wanted the other men to know that she saw little point in speaking with them. The message had been given, and it had been ignored. If that was the way of things...well the Silence did not believe in the Mother Goddess, but they did believe in fate.

She turned back to the Count, her voice suddenly disinterested.

"Of course it is Count, we wouldn't dream of doubting you. But I fear that you do not fully grasp the situation as the Empire sees it. Your advise is not necessary. I am certain that the Empire will do what is best for itself first, and then for the legitimate government of New Edom."

She made subtle body signals, as if she wanted to leave. Let the Edomites bluff for a while, and see where that got them.

"And the Imperial Court is still deciding what that government is. Perhaps there is a coup going on Fineberg. Perhaps the Empire should remain loyal to the New Edomite government of Sif Finnhald on all fronts. Or perhaps there were vicious traitors in the Edomite government, and the Empire fully supports your efforts to bring them under control, all in exchange for a blind eye in a single Dengali province and for helping you to be hailed as heroes by several thousand well-organized Feminists with a grudge against Touchstone's cabinet."

She let that sink in for a moment. There was the deal, in plain English. Would they take it, or would she actually be made to take her leave?

"But either way, the Empire will act. After all, New Edom has always been its greatest ally. The Silence cannot stop them from aiding their dear friend during your time of need. Fineberg is ablaze, and the time for neutrality is over."

by **Hittanryan** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:31 pm

Kasumi kept up her confused tourist facade straight up the stairs, and through the offices. While vacantly looking around, she was also noting the locations of exits and other strategic bits of information she could observe, just in case the whole thing turned out to be a trap. Can't be too careful. As she entered the courtyard and the Ethnarch introduced himself, she scanned the area thoroughly and waited for the guard to leave. When she was convinced no one was eavesdropping she pointedly dropped the act and adopted a cold, professional demeanor.

"Ethnarch Aurangzeb, the Republic of Adiron sends its regards. You may call me Angela, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," she opened. 'Another day another name, I should make a calendar,' she thought.

"We are here to offer assistance in exposing the monarchists for the traitors they are," she started off, straight to the point. "We did not disclose any operational details previously for fear of interception. My colleague has brought into Haran the equipment necessary to establish a reliable satellite uplink with the rest of the world. New Edom's allies will be able to coordinate with the Free Congress directly, while word of the monarchists' treachery from the international press will convince others to think twice about supporting them."

"This marks the first phase in our response to the coup d'etat. We will need some of your trained personnel to retrieve and assemble the satellite ground station in a concealed area."

by **Mikterra** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 10:56 pm

David and Alegzandro arrived in their hotel room just in time to hear the sound of gunfire from their balcony window. Their newspaper The Noemi Journal had sent them on foreign assignment to do a travel piece on New Edom. It seemed however that they had stumbled upon a juicier scoop. From the mumbles they heard in the lobby, they understood that a coup was taking place. They needed to form a plan of action:

"Esis seguri? To still do the piece?" asked Alegzandro. He was a man of average height and average build. He had shoulder length soft wavy hair and a beautiful beard. He looked at his partner, trying to read his expression, to get some glimpse of his opinion.

David sat for a minute. He was normally the more adventurous of the two and the more willing to do dangerous things to get his story. He was a skinny and tall man. He resembled the famous American actor Bradley Cooper in face though David's was a bit slimmer. However even he had to consider the risk he would take by stepping out of the hotel, possibly into live gunfire. He zoned off into his own world so it seemed, as he often did when trying to think. He came back with a solution that would make the decision impersonal for both of them:

"Flip a coin! Tops means yes, Bottoms means no. Fair?" He inquired while producing a 2 Valima coin from his pocket. Alegzandro was used to more calculative decisions. He didn't like to make rash choices but at the same time he didn't like wasting time and potentially missing a brilliant story. He nodded his head in agreement.

The coin was flipped and the decision was made. David opened his suitcase to pull out his video camera he often used to interview people while Alegzandro searched around for his Nikon to take the pictures that had won him numerous accolades for his photo journalism (though his written work had won him even more praise).

As they walked out the door, David said what he said every time he left safety for the sake of the news: "E iș... noz... ias!"

by **Nalaya** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:11 pm

Nalayan Embassy - Fineburg, New Edom

"This is...irregular," Maro said quietly, wheeling herself to the large windows of her office. Her days of service and combat were long over now that she was crippled, but the soft warmth of her demeanor had made her a perfect choice for the position here (along with her rank and experience). But a more checkered past had well prepared her for this level of sudden insurrection. It was almost enough to make her feel at home.

"General Vaneni's orders were to provide sanctuary to as much of Touchstone's cabinet and the Free Congress as possible, Tiruhi," the quiet Torossian said, his hands clasped behind his back as he fell into a comfortable parade rest. "But if Rand causes us trouble, I have no problem taking a more active stance."

"That won't be necessary," the Ambassador said softly, turning her head towards him. "If you could send Lara in?"

He looked somewhat confused by the request for her secretary, but nodded and left before sending the young woman in. Lara was a small, fairer-skinned woman with brown hair and brown eyes, a forgettable and yet mildly friendly face who kept the Embassy running smoothly even though practically no one bothered to learn her name...or really anything about her. She was a good listener, and spoke like a local. In fact, sometimes Torossian completely forgot she was Nalayan too. Maro always appreciated that sort of chameleon like ability.

"Your orders are here," she said without turning around when she heard the soft footsteps of her secretary.

Lara picked up the plain manila envelope on the desk, knowing it was hers. Papers rustled as she read through the details quickly but carefully, committing all this to memory. After a few moments, Maro heard the shredder kick on and knew that it was time to speak.

"I do hope you arranged for a replacement," she said casually.

"Of course, Tiruhi. I also made certain your appointments were all penciled in," Lara said simply. "It does seem that there's something of a technical problem with the personnel files. They're all jumbled and I'm afraid someone may have deleted a few dossiers. It should be simple to re-enter them from the paper forms." Funny, how easy it was to erase a single unimportant person from everywhere.

"Give your mother my best wishes," the ambassador to New Edom said.

Lara Aznavourian vanished out of her office for the last time with a nod, no need for further conversation until she'd made it down the street. The young woman took out a pre-paid phone and dialed as she walked to a more wooded area of the city, pausing to pick up a newspaper as she did so. There was a click from the other end as someone answered just as she reached the shade, but no greeting. As it should be. "Hey. I finally remembered that poem. The woods are lovely, dark and deep. And I have promises to keep," she said softly.

"And miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep." Everything she needed would be in the place like agreed, then.

The young woman smiled as a man passed close enough to hear her conversation and blushed slightly before whispering, "I love you too." It wasn't until after he left that she took a short cut through an alley, wiping the phone down as she went and tossing it away. The only thing tying her to that life, that name, was now gone. Her dead drop was not far, hidden in the locker at a bus terminal. An envelope with every scrap of paper she would ever need and a whole legend. She vanished into the bathroom, and some time later, a different woman walked out.

People weren't supposed to just disappear. But the forgettable young woman was very good at it.

Brightwater, Raith Immel

Hramanatar Siri Kalousdian was swearing a blue streak up and down the halls of the hospital as she stalked, in full field uniform and really considering breaking out the heavy artillery. "He won't have Raith Immel on my watch. The last thing we need is fucking Rand in here with his army. Touchstone's folks were the only ones smart enough to negotiate. If Sif loses this war, that'll be the death of a self-governing Elwe people."

"We're dug in like a toad in stone, Hramanatar. They can throw their weight around all they like, but they won't budge us. The General's orders were very clear. We have our side," Petrosian reported, his serzhant's stripes still uncomfortably new on his shoulder. Someone had needed to replace Arabyan, though St. Xavier's was not the same without her by any stretch of the imagination. "Arzhani Pahath-Moab will know that his flanks are secure. And if Rand's men come up here, I am certain Governor Carmel would be happy to watch us escort them out."

"I need to go see Celtachair," she said quietly. "Looks like the EIO are going to have their chance to prove that they're invested in the government of New Edom. Besides, there's no one I'd rather have on my side than the Red Branch and the White Thorns if shit starts to hit the fan in New Edom. Nennog may be a crazy, dangerous woman, but she's our crazy, dangerous woman."

Nalayan State Address

It was days like this that reminded Anahid why she had long ago ceased believing in an omnipotent, benevolent god. She stepped up towards the podium to a quiet room, the air heavy with expectation...like the strange feel before a lightning storm. In her black uniform with a grave face, she felt like a specter of death that had stepped into a peaceful place. Another war after so many. Perhaps after this one, she would have to start simply killing people who wanted to cause more. The idea of having Rand poisoned or shot through the head was looking more and more appealing.

The dreadful, heartless calculus that was war had already begun, though the people had been blissfully unaware. The burden was left on the shoulders of a few to risk everything and receive nothing just to stop threats before anyone ever knew that they existed. Anahid took a brief moment of silence, lowering her head, to remember them whether they were living or dead. Her hands and her eyes, men and women without faces, without names, without anything of their own. Sacrifices that could only be honored with a nod and a word of thanks never written down. And when they died it was without going to a hero's grave. Instead, their reward was to never have existed.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are once again upon a precipice above the darkness of humanity's greatest evil, war. But we are not the ones who have forced this sin into being. The lawful and legitimate government of New Edom, the Free Congress, has been cast aside by men who answer only to the twin gods power and avarice. What was once a beacon of hope and change under the guidance of Arzhani Wlliam Touchstone is now an imperiled ember kept alive only by Arzhani SIf Finnhald, now acting president of our allied nation. This rebellion that seeks to dismantle all the freedoms so hard won by the people of New Edom cannot be stopped by inaction. We will not stand by and watch our sister nation crumble into anarchy and insurrection."

Anahid paused for only a moment, her speech still measured and emphatic. There was no time here for uncertainty or stammers or apology. She had once again crossed the Rubicon, trusting in the people that had advised her and supplied her with all the intelligence she had needed. There was no going back now. "The Monarchist faction which has arisen in New Edom and its leader, Admiral Rand, are in our eyes now enemy forces seeking the ruin of the Allied States. There will be no safety or succor offered to that faction by any Nalayan entity, government or private alike. There will be no refuge in the strength of our arms, no warmth in our reception until our allies are returned to their rightful place. Our alliance will stand as long as our foundations. "

She could see the anger in her audience, simmering just below the surface. They were outraged, and rightfully so. "We are the sword and the shield of New Edom, bound by fire and honor to safeguard their future as if it were our own. For the sake of our brothers and sisters, we will bear any burden, pay any price, face any foe. We will never hesitate and we will never abandon them. The day New Edom is conquered, from within or without, is the day we as a people no longer draw breath."

The General stepped back before murmuring so softly it was almost not caught by the mike, "Thank you." She had lit a fire in them, and that was everything they needed. They had their direction and she trusted them to follow it. And more importantly, the world knew now where they stood. And history will do the rest.

She rested her hand on Yeva's shoulder, the Admiral standing stone-faced at her right hand throughout the speech. "Whatever it takes, I promise you that you will have peace," the General said quietly. "For me, for Nalaya, be strong."

"I will," Yeva said, her voice rasping. "And I will find him. I have to...to know." Her dark eyes glanced down and away. Every time they closed for sleep, she was haunted by the idea of William without her, dead or alive. He deserved better from her. She felt like she'd abandoned him.

by **Mikterra** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:21 pm

Jenna and Guiyermo

Jenna and Guiyermo emerged from their separate luxury suites and met downstairs, dressed as sharp as they've ever been. Guy greeted Jenna with the customary shake of the hand with simultaneous double kiss on cheek, right then left. They went for breakfast nearby. Jenna had ordered a simple scrambled egg and tomato. Guy ordered nothing, unusual for him.

"Onu problemu?" she asked him. He shook his head, "Na." then sipped his coffee, trying to display an air of confidence.
"Nervous?" she questioned further. Again he shook his head. His terseness and lack of appetite displayed otherwise though he kept insisting he was fine.
"Ok then," she began. "What is our plan?"
"Make contact with the Free Congress. Get a weapons contract. Try to get them to make us their sole supplier though it's not required. Whatever their terms, try to make a good deal. Get out before this country goes to hell," Guy recited.
"Very good," she cooed. They left some money on the table and went on their way.

"Do you think this is wrong? Profiting off the misfortunes of others?" asked Guy.
"Since when did you develop morals? And it's not wrong, it's business. That's just how our world works." Jenna replied.
"I know but I still feel like this could be done a lot better."
"For an arms company representative you sure have a lot of principles. And besides a quick in and out is better than a delayed and dragged out set of meetings. Now stop being a baby and let's make contact."

TO: FREE CONGRESS
FROM: DELTA ARMO KORPORACIO
We understand that there has been a rift and a big question mark over who is truly in control of the government. Our company likes to support democracy much like what is available in Mikterra. We come bearing two propositions. The first is that we offer you a large amount of weapons (further detailed in the contract) in exchange for V1 629 339 (US$1,000,000). The other offer is a 30% discount on the final purchase price of all items with an unlimited line of credit with the condition that you make us your sole weapons supplier for all branches of your armed forces. Should you lose the effort, we will absorb the financial loss. Should you win, the contract shall remain so long as the democratic state you set up exists.

by **New Edom** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:34 pm

Brightwater, Raith Immel

They met at a cafe called the Two Beeches. Of course it had a stylized pair of beech trees entwined as the sign, and near this on a patio gathered a little group of old comrades...or opponents...at what had become the headquarters of the Anarcho-Naturist Party of Raith Immel. Nennog, who was wearing her costume of elaborate leaf paint mingled with thorns, greeted Siri affectionately. "Welcome! We have a bookshop did you know? I'm reading this novel, 1984 and I've thought of changing the name of the place to the Chestnut Cafe."

"Wouldn't that be unpleasantly prophetic?" said Celtachair, his face almost expressionless with its scar tissue, but his mouth managing to quirk in a smile. He was 'dressed' similarly to Nennog. Clasping hands warmly with Siri, he pulled out her chair for her. Nennog grinned at this, winking at her.

"Of course...but it could also be taken as irony," said Nennog cheerfully, "And remind our Edomite friends that we are not just savages. Of course I'm also thinking about the name of the party--it used to indicate that we practiced naturism, though that's not really accurate, and I'm wondering if I should propose changing it. Anyway--coffee, tea?" she gestured, and one of her number came to offer the drinks. "What do you want to see us about, Hramanatar?"

Sterry, Haran Province

Aurangzeb did not show his faint dismay at this typical foreign bustling and busyness. It was after all typical--she did not wait for him to offer refreshments and bread and salt but came right to business. Fair enough then. "What you say is acceptable," he said quietly. Augrim would have circumvented, but he was more old fashioned and traditional than Aurangzeb; it would have been harder for him to trust this woman at all. "Will you not take any refreshment? Mint tea, or fizzy water? We also have good Nalayan coffee, and fresh bread and cheese. As to where to put this uplink, I believe I do know of a place to do this. I will make sure some of our best people, the Risen, are your escorts, and they will help you set up the equipment as needs be. Many of them are trained technicians...in one thing or another."

He glanced at her. "I would have you know that a battle is being joined for Fineberg even now. But with the very words of Finnhald and the King battling as well, it may not be over quickly now."

by **Mikterra** » Mon Jul 09, 2012 11:38 pm

Peș Komperia and Jaemz Gudn

Peș buttoned up her blouse and put on her skirt, fixing her hair, trying to make herself look as presentable as possible. On the other side of the bed Jaemz was buttoning his shirt, putting on his pants and belt, fixing his tie. His usually diligently pressed shirt was a rumffled mess but neither cared particularly. They were still smiles and giggles from their just finished hour long session of love making. What made it more powerful was the fact that they were not supposed to be engaging in that kind of unprofessional behaviour. They could both be fired if anyone were to find out.

They then got to work. They worked in Jaemz suite. Making phone calls back and forth with the Ministry of Foreign and International Affairs. It took them about four hours of research and back and forth calling but they had come up with a battle plan.

Prezidente Raul Kruz didn't like Monarchy and was a proud republican, dedicated to the maintenance of the modern liberal democratic market oriented country he had helped build through out his many years as a public servant. The Ministry of Foreign and International Affairs worked with him, begged and pleaded to try to take a more neutral perspective, it was in their best interest. But he wouldnt hear any of it and now Jaemz and Peș's battle plan was set.

"This is absolutely ridiculous," Jaemz commented. "You basically have to flirt your way into the good graces of his Majesty. You'll eat fine wines, fancy cheeses, and breads with names too hard to pronounce. And what do I get to do? I get to meet with some radicals who probably are living in shit conditions and don't eat fancy cheese."

"Don't be jealous because I will need to gain favor with the King. It takes work, and one slip up could cost me my head. I don't think you have much to worry about, unlike me."

"Perhaps," he relented begrudgingly. Though he was no fan of Monarchy, he was a fan of the way they lived. He also loved fancy cheeses from other nations. It wasn't like he couldn't afford them, (his government salary payed quite nicely), it's that he didn't want to sound like a snob who only ate the finest of every thing.

After the planning and the run through with the President and Head of the MFAI, the two of them went back to rolling around the suite, making each other feel good, putting off the worries that their job will bring them in the 'morrow.

by **New Edom** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:02 am

The Majestic Hotel

Down the street in the Commercial District drove a convoy of trucks, armoured cars and two APCs. They were older vehicles drawn from the Military District’s Armoury, and the soldiers in them wore slightly older gear as well—not the Lyran camouflage BDUs but olive drab uniforms with steel helmets, carrying FN-FAL battle rifles and MP-5s. They were of all ages—from youths barely into shaving to middle aged men with tired eyes. Dust was raised on the streets—the street cleaners had not been out that early morning for some reason. Many of the shops and other places were closed, with employees fearful of going to work. People milled on the streets, many of them now waving Black Griffon flags and waving in a comradely way to the soldiers in the vehicles rumbling past them. Their leader, speaking over radio, ordered one unit towards the back of the hotel; both units were to fan out in a semi-circle and occupy the whole area. In the parking area outside the lobby anyone in the lobby or the parking lot could see the big military vehicles pulling up, and at barked orders soldiers dismounting from their vehicles, moving briskly towards the hotel.

A hard faced young officer with a thin moustache wearing a camouflage beret and BDUs walked forward with cold purpose, waving to some of the soldiers with him who at a quick trot advanced towards the hotel lobby doors. Soldiers began to immediately brandish their weapons at anyone in the lobby, ordering them against the wall, while a group of others moved into the shops, bar and dining room to order them out and into the main lobby. "Out out! To the lobby at once! Get your passports out! Move!"

There were two flights of stairs up; the officer went up to the desk and said to the Manager, "Tell me where the control room for the elevator is." his tone brooked no defiance; the Manager tried to stall, saying, "The control room, sir..."

"Yes. Take Lieutenant Oren here there." said the Lieutenant calmly.

The Manager called for one of his assistants, and then turned to the Lieutenant with a smile he hoped was confident but was in fact sickly. "Lieutenant, is there some kind of problem?"

"We need to have a look at all your guests. It is believed that there are foreign agents attempting to support the traitors in the Free Congress." said the lieutenant briskly. "I want a guest list. I have been informed you are evacuating guests; this must stop. Who knows how may spies leaving through your work have already gone? The guest list." he said, staring with cold inhumanity into the eyes of the Manager. "And then call all guests down here. Then my soldiers will search your hotel."

Some of the militiamen were staring in awe at the place--it was like a palace to them.They were mostly working class boys and men, astonished by the wealth all around them, the furniture, the glittering riches of the bottles in the bar, the fine carpets and polished wood, and they were snapped out of their spell by the snaps of corporals and sergeants at their heels.

by **Menassa** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 2:48 am

Code: Select all: To: Prince James Obed, Regent of the Allied States of New Edom From: Queen Chaiya Huh'Aczuria, Queen of Menassa. We appreciate that you are granting this kindness to our ambassador, it is a show of good faith that even in such destructive times we can still function and give safe passage to the innocent. Let it be known that if any member of the royal family is in any potential danger in your great country they are allowed Asylum, on top of this we shall do whatever we can to assist you in maintaining order and peace against the evil that snares and tries to corrupt. We stand with you, just like Amram stood with the Assyrians in biblical times. -Message Termination-

When Malikai received the news that he would be leaving the country in which he was located in he was ecstatic, with lightning speed he packed all of his clothes and other essentials into once suitcase, he put all the important folders that he needed to give to the queen in another suitcase, and this suitcase had three locks on it. The last thing he did was place a loaded .44 magnum inside his robe, in case there would be any danger along his way to the airport. Now it appeared that Malikai was ready to leave this embassy behind him forever, his only companion would be a large brown dog, a bloodhound.

When he was in the front of the embassy with his two suitcases and dog he stood behind the gate and waited for the escort to arrive, he of course had his own car and airplane in which he would travel, but for some reason he needed an escort to the airport where he would leave from. "After this, it's just the Gullien Hills from here on out, no more meetings and discussions and war prevention and what not. Though it would appear that there is a war here," Malikai said noticing the sounds of gunfire and cannon. "Now just to wait for the Edomite escort, then a little car ride, another ride in the air, and then sweet and glorious retirement."

by **Lamoni** » Tue Jul 10, 2012 4:12 am

Lamonian Embassy, Fineberg

Now that Undersecretary Colleen Fish had met with the Lamonian Ambassador, eating while at the meeting, the Ambassador assumed that she would fall asleep on the cot which had been set-up in her new office in the embassy building. From the look of her, she hadn't been able to find secured lodging from the time that Rand's coup had started, until she had arrived here at the embassy. When she awoke, she would find that one of the embassy staff had left her with four days worth of clothing. The clothing might be a tad large to fit her exactly, but it was the best that the embassy staff could do in order to help the Undersecretary during this time of madness.

With that done, the ambassador took a look through the message which had just come in from the government back home. The message had employed a two-stage encryption, which meant that the message was regarded as highly important. The first stage of the encryption was done via what is known as a book cipher. In this case, the book being used was War and Peace, which was certainly ironic, given what was going on here in New Edom. While normally using a cipher based on a well-known literary work would be seen as foolish at best, that was where the second stage of encryption (also known as superencipherment) helped to make the message much more secure. This second stage of the encryption was a One-Time Pad, which gave the message a very high level of security, as long as the key was never used more than once.

While using a two-stage encryption system made decoding the message take longer, it helped to ensure that the message stayed secure to outside eyes. With the message deciphered, this is what it looked like:

To: Acting President Sif Finnhald, New Edom

Under the present circumstances, we have placed Undersecretary Colleen Fish under our protection in the Lamonian Embassy. Along with her other official duties, we would like for her to act as the Free Congress Liasion to the Lamonian Government during this time of turmoil. Please advise of us any assistance which we may provide you in order to regain that which has been lost to Admiral Rand and the Monarchists.

Signed,

Andrew Stinson
President
Free Republic of Lamoni

******

This message had already been sent to Acting President Finnhald directly from Lamoni itself, but the government was doing what it could to keep the embassy in the loop.

The Red Flags Rise (Revised: Please Sign up OOC )

Majestic Hotel, Fineberg, New Edom:

Who is online