The Panopticon Awakens[IC, Closed, PMT]

[Blizatine]

As the Blizatine Emperor and his entourage were exiting the capital building, they noticed a cellphone lying face up on the ground with a bow tied around. A tag read, "To Emperor Reconlaf". After picking it up he noticed the Augment's insignia on the back...

The Emperor looked at the phone with an amused expression on his face.

Well now, isn't that interesting. Better wait until were in more secure quarters

He checked the contact list to see if there were any numbers and put the phone in his pocket. The posse the proceeded to the airfield where the AI controlled ravens were waiting for them, and took off back home.

[The Cyberiad Council]

Council Chamber, Citadel, Cyberiad

"Were the files real?" Bartimaeus asked looking around the council's table.

"Well !?"

Orwell shifted in his seat. "Yes, they are real."

"Since when have we kept hitlists on National leaders, and why did I not know about it?"

"The files were kept on a server not connected to the Cyberiad's network. The practice was started by my predicessor, he created them under the Innocence Clause of the War Article. The clause states that the war department may create programs to benefit National security and can be created without the authorization of the Prime in order to maintain diplomatic 'innocence'."

Bartimaeus mulled over this for a moment. "Have you began a departmental investigation?"

"Yes."

"Good. Argus."

Yes Commander Prime?

"Contact Magnusson at the Panopticon."

Yes, Sir

Moments later Magnusson appeared in hologram form in the center of the table.

"Magnusson, what is the status of repairs?"

"Worse than we initially estimated. The virus also unaligned the focussing matrix, it will take at least 12 days to get the Panopticon to 92 percent operable."

"That's not good enough, we may be under the threat of imminent war, I need the Panopticon usable."

"Well... If we rushed repairs I can have it 74 operable in 4."

"That will have to be enough. Orwell, take your post on the ODIN. Coordinate our defenses."

"Yes, Commander Prime."

[Blizatine]

The Emperor sat in his castles bunker and looked around at the handfull of people he had invited,

First order of business, who here knew we had a bunker

The room gave of blank stares

Ok, I'll admit, maybe we went a bit to big with the castle. Honestly, I'm not even sure where we are right now. I promise that next time I won't burn the blueprints after we're done until we know the whole layout. On to more important matters

The Emperor pulled out the phone he had received from the meeting

Let's give our new friends a call shall we

[Christoslavia]

The Suite

"So what now?"

"My Lord, can we really risk war? They do have the potential to destroy us, and when the Panopticon becomes operational again, we are no longer safe."

"Send a message to the Cyberiad asking about those files, I want the truth. And contact Blizantine for our next course of action."

SUPREME OVERLORD sat staring at the monitor in front of him, no one else in the room dared move.

"Also, see if you can get in contact with this so called "Augment", I want to know if they can help us. You are all dismissed."

[The Augment]

The Emperor pulled out the phone he had received from the meeting

Let's give our new friends a call shall we

A heavily synthetic voice answered, "Greetings Emperor Lexam Reconlaf. We are pleased to speak to you in person. We ask you to please not attempt to trace this call, that would result in a end to our communication."

[The Augment]

"Also, see if you can get in contact with this so called "Augment", I want to know if they can help us. You are all dismissed."

A package bearing the Augment insignia arrived in Christoslavia. Inside was a phone; exactly like to the one given to Blizatine. The package was simply addressed to SUPREME OVERLORD.

[Christoslavia]

The Suite

As everyone got up to leave, a Lieutenant burst in the door, "SIR!"

"Good God what the hell son? This better be good."

"Sir.." he had to stop to catch his breath, "It-it's for you."

"Give me that." He looked it over, and saw a symbol, this phone looked exactly like the one Emperor Reconlaf had.

"Sir, be careful, it could be some kind of trap."

"We'll have to see.", he opened the phone and put it up to his ear, "Hello?"

[The Augment]

"We'll have to see.", he opened the phone and put it up to his ear, "Hello?"

A heavily synthetic voice answered, "Greetings SUPREME OVERLORD. We are pleased to speak to you in person. We ask you to please not attempt to trace this call, that would result in a end to our communication."

[Christoslavia]

Caught off guard by that statement, but not wanting to risk anything he replied, "Very well, am i allowed to put this call on speaker?"

[The Augment]

"If you wish."

[Christoslavia]

He rereouted the call through the speaker in the center of the room for all to hear. "Alright, who are you? And why did you contact me?"

[The Augment]

"We are The Augmented. We wish your aid in the destruction of the Cyberiad."

[Christoslavia]

"How can we help you? Clearly your technological abilities are beyond ours, truly impressive I must say"

[The Augment]

"We have assimilated some of the most advanced technology possessed by the Cyberiad; however, we are not strong enough to bring it down. We need an army. By yourself you run the risk of defeat. It will take the combined force of you and Blizatine to challenge the Cyberiad directly."

[Christoslavia]

What do you suggest we do? Because we also have the Evan Empire and IOTA Corp to deal with. How can you help us?

[The Augment]

"The Cyberiad is a Naval power and a large Island nation. It would be foolhardy to attempt a direct assault. Their Airforce is weak, although they will be supplemented by the Evan Empire's superior airforce. We will try and provide a diversion, but you must secure port Gilead in the North. It has the largest infrastructure of any Cyberiad port. That will be how the Evan Empire will send its reinforcements; however, it will also be where The ODIN, the Cyberiad flagship, will be stationed. The details are your concern. Coordinate with the other nations wishing to destroy the Panopticon. We will contact you in the future with additional aid."

The phone beeped and the call disconnected.

[Christoslavia]

SUPREME OVERLORD looked dead, gazing off into space as the beep sounded throughout the room.

"Sir, with all due respect, how can we trust The Augment? If they can hack into the Panopticon, odds are they're watching our every move more than that thing can."

"We have no choice. Get a message to Emperor Reconlaf. Now."

Official Message To Emperor Reconlaf
Ministry of War
Maximum Encryption

Emperor, I have no doubt you have also been contacted by The Augment and provided the same details as us. We need to act now. I suggest sending in a small Special Forces team to sabotage the Odin, we then move in with a larger fleet and take port Gilead in a shock and awe maneuver. Our Navy is mighty as is our Air Force, together with you, we can have victory. Details can be hashed out later, please respond ASAP.

[Blizatine]

A heavily synthetic voice answered, "Greetings Emperor Lexam Reconlaf. We are pleased to speak to you in person. We ask you to please not attempt to trace this call, that would result in a end to our communication."

Lexam Reconlaf,

Ah don't worry about it, we wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for your leaks, you've earned a bit of trust from us. So as we are meeting each other it would seem to me that there this is a perfect time to ask questions, of which I have two. The first being that as you've demonstrated multiple times to be capable of inflicting a virus on the panopticon, do you think your forces would be able to do this a third time? Secondly I question what aid you believe we can offer each other?

[The Evan Empire]

Evan Empire Capitol Building, Imperial Council room:

Emperor Evan found himself once again seated around the conference table of the Imperial Council. He took a sip of water before standing up: “Good evening leaders, as you all probably know we are gathered here following the aftermath of the summit we hosted concerning the panopticon. During the summit, a terrorist force calling themselves the “Augment” managed to infiltrate our computer networks and display top secret Cyberiad plans to all nations of the summit. I have already notified the Imperial Senate and the people of the Evan Empire that we are in a state of war against the Augment and the Cyberiad Council is threatened by forces seeking the Panopticon's destruction. Department of Intelligence, what's our status on tracking that signal?”. The Leader of the Department of Empire Intelligence then stood up: “The department has been working hard to locate the origins of the network hack and we've ascertained that they entered through a NatCoDE connection with the Cyberiad. We are currently working to track the origins of attack further.”. The Emperor then continued: “Very good, we also need to defend the Cyberiad Council against the nation's looking to destroy the panopticon. Hopefully, our intervention will not prompt retaliation towards our homeland. Bednar what does the situation look like?”. The leader of the Department of Military James Bednar then spoke:”Sir, we currently have 30 Naval Groups in defensive formations around Cyberiad Council waters. Their forces amount to 30 carriers with 900 Interceptors, 60 missile cruisers, 60 support vessels, and 30 submarines. 500 Aerial Forces Evan Interceptors and 100 Mongoose Bombers are arriving at Cyberit airfields in 1 day amounting to 100 flight groups. We are also coordinating with the Department of Empire Logistics to transport a force of our Special Forces and Battalion Groups to help defend the Panopticon. The force consists of 10 Special Forces Groups along with 300 Battalion Groups. We expect the force to reach the city of Citadel in 1 day. Defensive Evan Militia Cells have also been activated across the Evan Empire along with the cells at our NatCoDE embassy in Citadel.”. Evan then spoke:“Excellent work! I also want The Department of Empire R&D and Empire Economic Management working with the Cyberiad Council and IOTA Corp to share technology related to the panopticon. As for the rest of The Empire's departments, maintain the security of your assets and prepare for any struggle prompted by our actions against hostile nations. Remember that no matter what happens, I know that the strength of the Evan Empire's leadership will prevail. Council meeting dismissed!”. The Emperor then started walking back to his Office to continue managing the Empire's host of new challenges.

Soldiers & Special Forces;


Technically trained soldiers with minimal equipment for mobility.



Armor:


Large and slow tank designed to easily destroy enemy tanks and support infantry from defensive positions.


Agile and moderately armed vehicle used to attack and transport troops when supported by Tanks and Aerial Forces.

Support:


Used to transport lots of troops easily.

Aerial Forces:


Agile and fast multi role fighter with limited range used for air dominance and support.

A Mongoose Bomber escorted by two Evan Interceptors

Naval Forces:
[url=http://www.servimg.com/view/19419643/32]

[The Augment]

Lexam Reconlaf,

Ah don't worry about it, we wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for your leaks, you've earned a bit of trust from us. So as we are meeting each other it would seem to me that there this is a perfect time to ask questions, of which I have two. The first being that as you've demonstrated multiple times to be capable of inflicting a virus on the panopticon, do you think your forces would be able to do this a third time? Secondly I question what aid you believe we can offer each other?

"It is highly unlikely that a second cyber assault against the Panopticon will be possible so soon. The Cyberiad's National A.I. named 'Argus' has already been given access to the core. The Intelligence Department has also been monitoring network activity and tracking all government personel. We must proceed with caution. We are nearing the capability to engage with armed confrontations.
The aid you can offer us is simple: bring the Cyberiad to its knees, and give us control. In return we will vow never to pursue devices such as the Panopticon, nor shall we ever engage in unprovoked hostility against your nation. We have given Christoslavia tactical information that may prove useful already. We will contact you in the future with additional aid."

The phone beeped and the call disconnected.

[The Cyberiad Council]

At 3:23 in the morning, local time, A Cyberiad R&D Military base was attacked by a group of unknown assailants using Cyberiad Technology...

4:00 A.M. Commander Prime's Private residense, Citadel, Cyberiad

Rapid Knocking at the front Door prompted a quick response from the Prime's security detail; Two took up positions on either side of the door while one with his handgun drawn slowly opened the door. On the Doorsteps stood Orwell in a long overcoat trying to ward off the cold night with two soldiers at his sides. "Wake the Prime, we've been attacked." Minutes later The Prime exited the house with Orwell and a squadron of soldiers. They loaded into three MRAPs all armed with .50 cal machine guns.

"What happened Orwell?"

"We believe the Augment have attacked the Arboreal R&D base."

"Did they take anything?"

"They stole a Colossus," Orwell nearly whispered.

"A Colossus! How do you steal a colossus?"

"We don't know, but the Nero is missing and we can't locate its GPS signal."

"Listen to me Orwell, if they have a Colossus they could level a small town in a matter of minutes! Find them."

"We have a lead. They used Cyberiad Weapons, so that means they had isomorphic security fail-safes, and one of the assailants was wounded and dropped his rifle. We are downloading the biometrics now."
The Prime was quiet for a moment. "Send my family to the Evan Empire."

"Yes, Sebastian."

[Union of Lesser Soviet Republics]

Muskovia, ULSR
Premier Alexei Romanovich was reading a report on the recent developments about the Council and the Panopticon. He was not able to attend the summit due to an undeclared border war with the ULSR's neighbors in the Far East. Apparently, nothing was settled and the Council and its ally, the Evan Empire declared war on Christoslavia and Blizatine and probably the ULSR if they noticed the military activity. Eventually, he contacted the Emperor of Blizatine to discuss about the conflict.

[Blizatine]

"You know, this seemed like a really good idea at the time, but this castle is too damn big." thought Duke Columbus Glynn as he ascended the eighth set of stares. Finally making it to the conference room. The Secor brothers stood there guarding the entrance.
"Is the Emperor in there?" Randar Secor looked over to the duke.
"Yes, but he's ordered that no one enters." he said
"What's he doing?"
"He holding a meeting with some countries to secure their alliance against The Evan Empire and The Cyberiad Council. From the sound of it they're just finishing up the signings now. Should be out in a few minuets." Columbus leaned back onto the wall to wait for the meeting to end. He thought to himself about what they had done together over the time they knew each other.
"14 years ago I met him. He was a nobody with some martial arts skills, now he's leading coalition battle strategies, and influencing things on a international stage."
"That's why we followed him isn't it? Somehow he makes the impossible seem easy."
"Ya, but even knowing that I would have never thought we would ever make it here. It makes me wonder how far we'll go."
"Don't get cocky, if we loose we'll be no where."
The door behind them opened the Emperor walked out turned to Randar and said.

Have some faith I haven't steered you wrong yet.

After him ambassadors from Indonesia, China, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia and many others exited the room and headed back to their respective countries.

Randar, Zathe, thank you for your hard work. What can I do for you Columbus?

"Our equipment for Operation W.T. is complete"

Good get Christoslavia their copies, and send a telegram to our allies to begin phase 2

[The Cyberiad Council]

Government Building, Citadel, Cyberiad

Bartimaeus was approving funds required by the Engineering Corps in constructing emergency coastal fortifications when Timothy Bixby, the Intelligence Chancellor, walked into his office.

"Commander Prime, We have located one of the Augment members."

Not to brag, but I belive I had a hand in his location.

Bixby looked in an upward direction, "Of Course Argus. What would national security do without you?"

Bartimaeus looked up from the papers. "Have the police been notified?"

"Yes, Sir, They are closing in now."

"Argus, access on of the policemen's cameras."

Accesing... Connection established with Police Drone 109-253. Streaming feed to nearest monitor.

2:18 PM, Lexhold, Cyberiad
Cyberiad police in tactical gear moved in small groups through rows of warehouses. Armored vehicles stood on standby near the entrance of the warehouse complex. Teams converged on a warehouse owned by a shell company. Four held position to allow the others to circle around to the other side. All teams gave the ready, and three entry ways were breached; two at ground level, and one onto an upper walkway. The teams split up among the maze of shipping containers. Calls of "All Clear" came across comms as more was systematically searched. One team was searching across the northern wall of the warehouse when the man on point triggered a trip wire. There was no immediate effect. Then they heard a metallic droning coming from inside a cargo container. The door was cracked open and a dark cloud raced out sounding like robotic bees. The swarm of nanites quicky began to consume the officers, rending flesh from bone and then evicerating the bone. One of the men who brought up the rear pulled a sun grenade from his best and turned up the voltage as high as he could and tossed it into the growing swarm. The concussion and EM pulse were enough to destroy the nanites, but not before they had killed three and severely scarred another. One of the other teams encountered a group of the terrorists and exchanged gunfire. Drawn by the conflict, another team flanked around and subdued the terrorists with non-lethals. After a full sweep several electronics were confiscated as well as more illegal and stolen tech.

Government Building, Citadel, Cyberiad
"Argus, send Orwell a copy of the video."

Turning to Bixby Bartimaeus asked, "How did they get militarized Nanites?"

"That I do not know Sir, but they may have just revealed themselves a little further."

"Explain."

"Every time the Augment make a move they define themselves a little more. My department has been building profiles and algorithms to try and predict their movements. This confrontation will help. We can also find the men who stole the nanites and begin to discover where they are recruiting their ranks from."

"Was the target captured?"

"Argus?"

The A. I. Was silent for a moment.
Yes, he is among the confirmed captured.
"Good then you can interrogate him and find out where they took the Colossus, and where they plan to use it" the Prime said to the Intelligence Chancellor.

"Right away."

Bixby turned to exit and Bartimaeus returned to his paperwork.

[Christoslavia]

Christoslavian Invasion Force Alpha
Operation:Brawn over Brain

45 Carrier groups of the Christoslavian 1st, 9th, 7th, and 3rd Fleets sailed towards the waters of the Cyberiad Council in pristine and dominating formation. All hands were at their stations, ready for the largest seaborn invasion in Christoslavian history. At the same time, another Carrier group was sailing towards a small prison island off the coast of the Evan Empire with a rather...special mission. If this all went according to plan, the Panopticon would be destroyed within a few weeks, maybe a few months. In and out...

But nothing was ever that simple.