Against a White Background [SC Only]

by **Pirinikov** » Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:01 pm

Welcome to Against a White Background, a political and espionage based roleplay (at least initially, it may devolve further down the line. We'll see) focused around the city of Kebny Vor, largest and Capital city of the Principality of Pirinikov, ruled by the wise and benevolent Prince David IV. Characters should be either members of a diplomatic mission to the country, advisers to the country, members of the espionage community, or other similar reason for being in the country. I guess tourist could work as well, but you as the player need to make it work. Once opening posts have been made, the plot will begin to progress. Participants should feel free to run multiple characters. Ideas for opening posts (these are not mandatory, merely some ideas if you find yourself unable to think of one) include the arrival of a new diplomatic mission in the city, a diplomat (or spy) meeting with a member of the Assembly for lunch to find out about the latest Assembly business, or just about anything reasonable you can think of.
More information about the Principality can be found here: https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=757946

The above is a map of Kebny Vor City Center, marking the locations of a number of significant buildings. More may be added as the story progresses.

by **Myraxia** » Sat Jan 21, 2017 12:48 am

""Mister Ambassador, you know as well as I do that discussing an on-going Assembly debate is strictly prohibited - oh, I'll just have a slice of that superb Coconut cake. And you, Ambassador? "
"The same for me, please, and a shot of coffee. "
The suited waiter read their order back to them, before sketching a half-bow and vanishing back inside the Café Royale, leaving the two men to their conversation. Daran Nyrakael - Myraxian Ambassador to Pirinikov - swept his gaze out across the paved, tree lined avenue beside which he and his companion sat, before returning his attention to his lunch companion, projecting a look of faux worry onto his features. "Come now, Edgar. We understand each other well enough here, I think? And you know as well as I do that these conversations of ours are entirely off the record, as well as... how shall I put it, mutually beneficial? "
Edgar Zakhar, Representative to the Assembly, laughed at the mock concern on his long-time friend's face. "That's true enough, Dar. And, to answer your question, the import agreement is due on the agenda for this afternoon. I'm reasonably sure we have enough support in the house to push it through, unless the Prince decides to use his right of veto. "
The Ambassador sighed. "His Majesty still refuses to acknowledge the need to modernize the Royal Guards? "
"As I'm told every time I contact the office of his Majesty, he 'values the relationship between this country and yours, Dar, but seeks to retain the economical self-dependency of the Principality'. Ah, here's our cake. "

Across the city, a different Myraxian downed a different cup of coffee as he made his way through the crowded streets, thronging with office workers enjoying the lunchtime sun. He took a right to avoid an overturned stand which looked to have been selling small pieces of memorabilia relating to the ancient history of the city to over-eager tourists, and found himself strolling along the bank of the Catsin. Between the high-rise apartment buildings across the suburbs that covered the northern bank, he could see the snow capped mountains of the Camnus range that surrounded the city. The view was rather pleasant, he thought to himself - a clean, white backdrop providing a stark contrast to the mass of humanity that surrounded the river. Nodding respectfully to a group of Nutura devotees, he crossed the street and dumped his empty cardboard cup into a bin before making his way into one of the many office buildings that lined the river bank. A homeless man in the foyer nodded respectfully to him - which he returned in kind - and he took the elevator to the third floor.

As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, he was met by a woman offering another cup of coffee. "Eryn, I'm sure you just watched me finish my last one on the external cameras. I'm good. "
"Sorry, Commander. And no, actually, external feeds are down at the moment. We're fairly sure it's just a wiring glitch. "
"Probably. Make sure it gets fixed by the end of the day. I miss anything whilst I was out? "
One of the other techs took over the conversation. "Not a thing, sir. No chatter from any of our priority threats, or any of the non-priorities either for that matter. Oh, Ambassador Nyrakael is lunching with Representative Zakhar at the Ca- "
"Café Royale, I know, I saw him on my way back. I also saw our man oh-so-inconspicuously tailing him, so make sure he keeps his distance, Ops. If I can make him I'm sure anyone else who happens to be watching the Ambassador can as well. "
"Sir. "
"I'll be in my office."

by **Asgareth** » Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:46 pm

Oscar Larkin was escorted out of Alexander Gorolek International Airport, by his staff. Whilst his flight had been short, it had most certainly not been pleasant. He had experienced heavy turbulence, and worse still he had to endure economy class, due to a mix up with the tickets. But he had made it, and having recently been appointed Asgareth’s new ambassador to Pirinkov, aged just 26, Oscar was rather proud of himself.

Oscar was the nephew of Edgar W. Larkin, the foreign secretary of Asgareth. Many believed Oscar only became ambassador because of his relationship with his uncle. However, Oscar believed that this appointment was actually an attempt to punish him. Whilst it was true he wanted to become an ambassador, he had always assumed it would be to Myraxia, or Drekhi or another significant nation. Pirinkov, was relatively minor, and whilst most with no previous political experience would be grateful at this opportunity, Oscar was far from it. He believed his superior intellect and willingness to learn, should more than make up for his lack of political experience.

As he was walking to his secure vehicle, he began dishing out instructions to his staff, and ordered his secretary, Oliver Nanvor, to find him a coffee shop. If he had to begin his political career here, he might as well find decent coffee, Oscar thought to himself.

“Make sure you set up a meeting between myself and and Mr. Miranev. I have been given an agenda to complete, and I wish to set about on it now.” Oscar said to his assistant, Mira Kennedy. “And make sure you establish a secure connection with Mr. Ross. The Imperial Minister will of course have further tasks for me to complete. And find me a coffee shop!” Oscar demanded as he entered the vehicle.

Unbeknownst to Oscar however, his flight had been shared by a pair of agents from the Asgarthian Investigatory Service (AIS). Den Romanli, was a level 5 agent with over 15 years espionage experience. He, and his junior partner Androli Benti, had been asked to tail Oscar’s entourage. They were not informed why, but clearly saw the strained looks of worries on the faces of their superiors during the briefing. Whatever this was about, it was clearly serious.

Androli watched as Oscar’s vehicle pulled away, before speaking she walked over to Den, who had just ordered pretzels.
“Echo 3 seems to have infiltrated nicely. Report is expected at 1800.” Androli said, as she took a pretzel. “
“Good. If all goes to plan, we should be out of here within a week” Den said, as he tucked into his pretzel.
Androli looked at her boss. “Eager to get out of here?” she asked “Well until we do we’d best find our accommodation. Apparently, we have an apartment 2 miles from the trade center. Come on we need to get a hire car.”
Den smiled at her, and produced a set of car keys from his pocket. He jangled them in front of Androli. “Well, are you coming or not?” he smirked.

They took several wrong turns on the way to their flat but eventually they found it. It was a simple two-bed apartment, with a shared bathroom. The paint was a mustard yellow, and the sight out of the window was that of a busy road. But the internet reception was good, and it wasn’t too far removed from the city centre. It was more than sufficient for the mission at hand.

by **Iryllia** » Sat Jan 21, 2017 5:40 pm

The Iryllian Embassy on the Royal Boulevard, either through an ironic twist of fate or deliberate interference, lay exactly opposite the Myraxian embassy. A favorite pass times of the bored looking guards at the gate is to hold staring contests with the Myraxian guards on the other side of the boulevard. The current unofficial count stands at Iryllia: Twenty Three, Myraxia: Nineteen.

For the Iryllian station here, a fairly quiet posting which involved days on end of nothing with a side note of nothing, nothing ever happened here. For the eight man garrison, the three month rota couldn't come quick enough, though the week leave at the end of a rotation provided an excellent opportunity to hit the down and buy foreign goods to smuggle back into Iryllia for a little money on the side.

The Actual business that occured inside the embassy, ranging from the individuals that ran the place, to it's both stated and unstated function is a maintained "diplomatic" link between the small nation of Pirinikov and Iryllia. Exactly what this link was used for tended to vary wildly, a lot of packages going through Kebny marked for Iryllia are left deliberately unsearched and oft certain individuals end up inside the embassy where they can't be reached by civil service officers of Pirinikov.

Major Sara Madburg, current chief of the Iryllian "Diplomatic Foreign Relations Mission and Taskforce to the Principality of Pirinikov" was, as ever. Bored. She sat, idly flicking the cats cradle on her desk, watching as the end pall taped lightly on the glass of "water" creating an interesting pattern of ripples in the fluid. Her head hurt. She didn't know if it was because of the heat, or the man with the incredibly nasally droning on in the chair in front of her. "Major!" His fist hit the desk, causing more ripples in the fluid, she stared up laconically, screwing up her eyes as the sun caught on the glass of a painting behind the man. That was one thing she didn't really like here. Too much sun. "I know, just, have the shipping ID and forms here by sundown, and I'll have them away to Georgiy." She nodded at the man, and waved lazily, as the guard escorted the man out of the office. Another day, another banned import on its way to Iryllia. Business as usual. A head stuck through the door, meeting her still bored gaze. "Tickets." The man said, throwing the heavy envelop down onto the desk. "The Opera, with Zakhar and Georgiy and the Sergent as your escort." Sara nodded, slipping further down in her chair. She hated the Opera.

Viktor Fukin quietly sipped his coffee, one eye on the bustling street, the other on the small paper note pad resting on the table. Occasionally jotting down a note or too, he looked perfectly nondescript. Unknown, just a nice patron that smiled at the waitress and watched the people go by. He saw the Myraxian ambassador, and the agent tailing him, jotting down a note at his passing. Standing, Victor smiled at the waitress leaving a tip on the table as he walked away. His bag, left unattended and unobserved under the table.

The sun was beginning its decent, Viktor sat on the edge of the wall, looking out across the city. In the apartment below his associates were going about their business, taking the information recorded for the day, plotting actions and moves to be made in the following days. Orders would come in, information would go out. It had been something going on so long for Viktor that it almost felt mechanical. Previous stations had been busier, but for this he was glad of the quiet. A quiet not to last. His mouth twitched as the boom echoed across the city. He got up and went back inside.

by **Drekhi** » Sat Jan 21, 2017 6:17 pm

The Gyrfalcon jet touched down on the runway. Harald Vinter, newly-assigned Ambassador to Pirinikov, stepped out, cutting a striking figure in his crisp charcoal suit. His vivid green eyes surveyed the runway as he rolled his shoulders to ease the stiffness in them. Despite the first-class accommodation on board, an hour or so of inactivity got on his nerves.

His companion, Vivian, stepped out beside him. A redhead with the violet eyes only seen in Drekhi natives, she was also dressed to kill in an inky blue dress. First impressions were extremely important in this line of business.

"How's Tyto doing?" he asked.

"We just had an update. Tyto is currently embedded in the framework, and should be ready for any opportunity that arises."

"Is she aware of her aim?"

"Absolutely, but she hasn't made any moves yet, for fear of arousing suspicion."

"Excellent." Harald smoothed his light beard with one hand. "Now, where can we get coffee? I have some calls to make to my opposite number in the Pirinikov Civil Service."

The pair walked off, arm in arm, accompanied by the usual assortment of underlings and bodyguards.

by **Pirinikov** » Sat Jan 21, 2017 9:39 pm

Special Detective Erast Kokorin waved his badge at the uniformed officer standing at the crowd barrier as he made his way past, ducking under the tape that surrounded the wreckage of the downtown café. His partner was waiting for him just inside, offering a cup of coffee which he gladly accepted. "Alright, what do we know? "
"Eyewitness reports say the explosion started outside the building, and two separate sources remembered seeing a bag under one of the unoccupied tables. "
"We know who left it there? "
"That's a no, boss. Most we were able to get was it had been there for some time, at least a few hours. "
Erast swore under his breath. "CCTV? "
"Another no, I'm afraid. Café had cameras, but they stored the footage on-site. Explosion took out the server. "
Erast swore again, before taking a deep gulp of his coffee. "Alright, let's get forensics in here, but for now you and I are going to go door to door. Find out if anyone around here saw anything at all, and reassure them they're safe. "
The two suited detectives ducked back under the tape and made their way out past the barricade.

[Broadcast]

"Good evening folks, this is Radio Confluence with the 7.PM news. Headline story tonight is an explosion at a coffee shop in downtown Kebny Vor. I'm very sorry to announce that Royal Constabulary sources have informed me that the death toll currently stands at four, with several more wounded. To protect the privacy of those who have lost someone today, the identities of the deceased have not been released. The Constabulary released a statement an hour ago, saying that they are 'not ruling out the possibility of a terrorist attack'. However, the spokesman refused to give any further comment. In the meantime, access to Pythian Avenue and Gorolev Street remains restricted whilst the Constabulary conduct their investigation. The Constabulary also asks anyone with knowledge of the events that occurred this evening to come forward. That's all for now, more at ten. "

To Miss Mira Kennedy, office of Ambassador Larkin;

It would be my pleasure to meet the Ambassador in person, however recent events conspire against us. This is a very busy time for us all, and I only wish the opening of diplomatic relations between our two countries could have occurred on a happier day. Nonetheless, I believe if the Ambassador were to visit the Palace tomorrow at around 11, I might be able to find time to both meet with him and introduce him to some of the other Representatives.
I look forward to further correspondence,

Signed,
Joseph Miranev, Chairman of the Pirinovian Assembly

by **Iryllia** » Wed Jan 25, 2017 1:05 pm

"Zakhar, a pleasure as always." The Major nodded her head as the tuxedo clad man stepped out of his car. "Major." He seemed preoccupied, ignoring the uniformed Sergeant standing at a respectful distance behind Madburg, he simply gestured towards the entrance to the theater. Cordial smiles being passed back and forth. Behind the two leading figures, the Sergeant and Georgiy kept pace. Sergeant Hall passed an envelope discreetly to the director of freight. "Express delivery huh?" Georgiy grinned toothily at the Sergeant who simply shrugged, leaning closer he asked, "How difficult is it to move live animals through the system?"

"I heard about the bombing." The Major said, eliciting no response. "Heard it from the embassy, it does concern me somewhat. I hope you understand that I have to confirm the security of our arrangements during these times. Even if it's just a one off." She smiled, in what she hoped was a kindly manner as Zakhar sighed, "Yeah, no. It should be fine, and it should just be a one off... I hope. I'm not really the guy to know okay?" The Major nodded, patting the man on the arm as her Sergeant opened the door to the box.

In all honesty, the Opera in Sara's mind was a tedious and unnecessary affair. While her mother had certainly instilled in her a respect for all forms of art, knowing and understanding their place and purpose, whether they had a purpose at all or simply existed to serve themselves. She still found it boring. She'd gone over some of the details of the transaction between herself and Georgiy, a few minor details that needed clarification. With these matters sorted, she had been trying to ply Zakhar for information. A task she was finding not entirely easy. The man was certainly preoccupied. Whether it was because of the bombing or no, Sara was not sure. "You're still trying to modernize the royal guard then?" She asked, "I'm afraid that's on hold. The Prince isn't exactly fond of the idea. Why, looking for a place?"
"Merely curious."
"Well curious wont cut it, if I could it wouldn't be an Iryllian I'd ask."
"I'm sure we could work something out."
"No." And that, was that.

The event was finished, people smiled and clapped. The people in the box seats stood. "Major." Zakhar asked, "There must have been a reason to drag me out here. While I understand that this was planned without the bombing taken into account. You're lucky I'm here at all." Sara smiled at the man, "Just making sure my options are open, as should you." The Sergeant opened the door, and the Major turned in the door way. "Things could change at any moment. You never know who your friends might actually be." She turned away again, leaving the two men alone in the box. The door clicked shut and Georgiy chuckled. "Quite a woman eh?"

by **Asgareth** » Thu Jan 26, 2017 4:01 pm

Oscar Larkin watched as the news unfolded. He couldn’t believe his luck. He had been here for a mere matter of hours and there had already been a terrorist attack. It appeared as though there had been fatalities, which concerned Oscar even more. He just hoped that no Asgarthians were affected.

As he sat watching the news, his secretary approached him.
“Sir, Mr Miranev has kindly offered to meet you at 11am tomorrow, where he hopes he can introduce you to other representatives” Mira said.
“I see. Kindly inform Mr Miranev that I shall meet him at 11, and also inform him that Asgareth sends its condolences and offers assistance, should it be needed” Oscar responded.
“Very well sir. The Imperial minister has also been in touch and has stated that a security guard should be at your side at all times.”
The ambassador groaned. This wasn’t what he wanted.

A few miles away, Den Romanli was also anxiously watching the news. He beckoned to his partner, Androli.
“Right, I need to report this incident to Randrall” Den began. “I want you to get in touch with Echo 3 and check everything is alright at their end. If they have any problems, tell them their primary objective is to protect the ambassador at this point.”

Den walked off into the bathroom, where he informed his boss about the attack. When he returned, he smiled at Androli.
“Randrall says to lay low, and keep our ears peeled.” He turned and smirked at her. “But since when did we listen to Randall. Say, how about a coffee? I hear there is a delightful little place downtown.”
Androli smirked. Den had always been rather unconventional, but he also always got the job done.
She sighed. “Alright, but if this turns ugly it’s your name going on report.”

To Mr Miranev,

The ambassador sends his condolences, after this tragedy. He kindly accepts your offer of a meeting at 11am tomorrow, assuming events do not conspire against us. He would also like to offer any assistance that you may require from the Asgarthian government.

Yours sincerely,
Mira Kennedy
Personal assistant to Oscar Larkin, Asgarthian ambassador to Pirinikov.

by **Drekhi** » Fri Jan 27, 2017 8:01 pm

Harald stood in the street outside the ruined coffee shop. He'd been heading to it on the directions of one of his aides when the news had come through about the explosion. Like all Drekhi nationals over the age of twelve, Harald knew a thing or two about explosions. This one definitely wasn't from a gas main. If it was intentional, then something might be afoot in Pirinikov that was either so new or so well-hidden that intelligence officers hadn't had an inkling. As far as Harald was aware, there was little instability in the area. Having such instability was bad for business, and he was sure that anything bad for business was dealt with in a typically Rusinan manner. That could suggest that this attack was an attempt to sow disunity from an external source, someone who could prepare outside the jurisdiction of eagle-eyed law enforcement, and then strike with less fear of their moves being tracked. But why sow disunity? The answer was always the same in politics: more power. A united nation is much harder to push around. When the government is forced to expend effort to retain order, then it is easier to manipulate.

Vivian came up beside him, tucking a small phone into her pocket. "Sources say that there was a bag under one of the tables. No security footage salvageable. I have people on the case as we speak." She paused. "You think this is insurgency, don't you? But who by?"

"That's a very good question. I'm not sure yet, but one thing is certain. If this is an attempt at a power-grab by another nation, then they will already have a voice at the table in this city already. Destabilising a region is no good if you don't capitalise on it straight away. Anyone immediately offering help will be a suspect, which will unfortunately mean almost every nation already represented here will be suspect. Keep an ear on the ground, but unless there's another strike, I doubt any links will be immediately obvious."

Vivian nodded, and stepped away to make the relevant calls. Harald pulled out his own phone, and called his contact in the Assembly, Representative Boris Aevich. "Hello, there. Ambassador Vinter speaking. I was wondering if we could talk in person. This incident with the explosion... we wish to assist in any feasible way, and I would be indebted to you if you could coordinate our efforts." A pause. "Splendid. What say you to Café Royale? This afternoon? Excellent! I'll see you there. Safe journey!"

by **The Teatascakela** » Sun Jan 29, 2017 3:43 pm

"I swear, I need to find a new job soon." Cursing under her breath, Agent Zeralle leaned against a building's brick wall, flipping open her phone and snapping a picture of the destroyed shop across the street. Somehow, her boss had sent her packing off to Rusina of all places on a mission to test out the waters of this young country. Pirinikov was the name, and apparently the Teatascakelian government didn't want another Myraxia. Everybody knew the military superpowers resided on Rusina. So here she was, half a world away from her home country. Just splendid.

Huffing out a breath, the woman toyed with her shoulder length apricot hair. Her phone's screen remained surreptitiously blank, but news must have reached headquarters by now. For good measure, she pressed the enter button and watched the picture pop up and then fade once again. Well, there goes her plan. Political unrest so soon? If she could track down the assembly member inconspicuously somehow, she would get some answers from him. There was a chance that he would agree to meet somewhere else, but from her brief encounters, he struck her as the skittish type. Oh well. Pocketing her phone, she stood and stretched, beginning to hatch out a new plan.

by **Pirinikov** » Wed Feb 08, 2017 12:07 am

Prince's Palace, South Wing, Chairman's Office
"Ambassador Larkin, the Chairman will see you now. " The secretary smiled, holding the door to the office open for the Asgarthian. Inside, Chairman Miranev - a large, bearded man, his frame seemingly barely contained by his expensive foreign suit - rose to meet his visitor from his desk. "Ambassador, I'm so glad you were able to make it on such short notice, despite the terrible events of yesterday. I've asked Representative Zakhar to join us, and he should be along any minute now. Can my secretary get you anything to drink? " He offered a seat to Edgar, moving to sit back down himself as his visitor made himself comfortable. "

Prince's Palace, East Wing, Royal Residence

The sound of a crying child filled the East Wing of the Palace, like a klaxon calling servants and royalty alike to itself. Princess Mira - a sister, as it happened, to the current ruling monarch of Chargren - hurried toward the source of the noise, her son Edward - one day, she reflected, to be the Prince of Pirinikov, ruler of this small yet charming state in the middle of a continent of warlords. Right now, though, he was just another eleven month old child. She entered the room at the same time as her husband - Prince David - did from the other side, and as one they rushed to the side of their son. On seeing his mother, little Edward stopped crying and started smiling - grinning, almost, she thought. He was going to be a terror when he grew up. She caught David's eye as she picked Edward up, smiling at her husband of seven years. Whilst initially a political marriage (on his father's part, at least) she had quickly grown to love the man. Indeed, she thought to herself, how could she not? She smiled at him again, gently bouncing their son as he gurgled contently. That was when the Prince collapsed.

The sound of raised voices outside his office interrupted Joseph Miranev mid-sentence. "My apologies, Ambassador Larkin. Allow me to deal with this. " Before he could get to the door, however, it was slammed open from the other side, revealing an extremely out of breath Representative Edgar Zakhar. "Mister Chairman, you need to - " He started, before noticing Larkin sat in the office. He paused, took a deep breath, and started again. "Ambassador, could I borrow Chairman Miranev for a few moments? He may be some time. " Joseph decided that the panicked look on Zakhar's face meant he should probably go with the man.
"My apologies, Ambassador. I'm sure this won't take long. " As soon as the office doors swung shut behind them, he rounded on the Representative. "What's going on, Zakhar? What's so important that you had to barge in and- "
"The Prince is dead. "
"... what? "
"Heart attack. Ten minutes ago. "
Miranev stopped in his tracks, the implications of that simple statement running through his mind. With the heir not even at his first birthday, a Minister-Regent would have to be appointed. And depending which way the vote went, the foreign policy of Pirinikov could radically change in one of several different directions. "Emergency Assembly Session in two hours. Get everyone here that you can. " He sighed. "I'm going to have to prepare a statement for the press. "

[Broadcast]
"This is Radio Confluence, at twelve o'clock. Tragedy strikes this nation again today, as we learn that Prince David suffered a failure of the heart at 10:59 this morning. Paramedics were... sorry, Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Chairman Miranev has declared an Emergency Meeting of the Assembly in order to begin proceedings for a Minster-Regent to be appointed - which has not been needed for the past five generations of Pirinovian rulers. Our condolences go out to Princess Mira and Prince Edward at this truly dark time, and hope that they are able to continue their lives without their husband and father, respectively. "

by **Asgareth** » Sun Mar 12, 2017 7:58 am

Oscar shook Chairman Miranev’s hand, before abruptly saying “Yes a cup of coffee would do nicely. And once again, please allow me to extend my condolences, on behalf of Asgareth, at the loss of life at that cafe. Terrible business. I assume you are hunting for the perpetrators?” Without waiting for a response, Oscar continued “The Asgarthian government will, of course, offer any assistance you require.” Oscar looked at the chairman and grimaced. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing Asgareth to open an embassy within your nation, and we hope this will go a long way to preserving the peace in Eastern Rusina.”

A few minutes later, as the Ambassador and chairman discussed the future relationship of their nations, a loud noise could be heard from outside. The chairman instantly rose, before Representative Zakhar entered and asked to see the chairman immediately. This left the ambassador in the room, alone. He reached for his phone, and texted his secretary: “Meeting is going well, I will see you at 5.” He smiled to himself as he put his phone down.

An hour later, Den Romanli and Androli Benti, were sat in the apartment. Yesterday, they had barely managed to make it two blocks away from the coffee shop, before being turned away by police. Not wishing to make a public disturbance, and knowing the wrath of their line manager would be down their necks if they screwed up, the pair returned to the apartment. Now, they were sat together listening to the radio, as they discussed the whereabouts of Larkin.
“Echo 3 says that the ambassador is currently in discussions with Mr.Miranev. We won’t know anything further until around 6 she says.” Androli informed Den.
“Excellent. Tell her to follow the ambassador until then and-“ Den abruptly stopped speaking, as he heard the radio.

“…suffered a failure of the heart at 10:59 this morning. Paramedics were... sorry, Paramedics were unable to resuscitate him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Chairman Miranev has declared an Emergency Meeting of the Assembly in order to begin proceedings for a Minster-Regent to be appointed –“the radio said.

The two agents turned to look at each other. Prince David was dead? This changed things, massively.
“I need to inform Randrall.” Den said, as he got up and reached for his phone.

1 hour later:

Special Broadcast: Asgarthian News Agency
“Good afternoon viewers. News has reached us that the Prince of Pirinikov, Prince David, has died of a suspected heart attack. It is unclear at this moment when exactly he died. The Foreign Secretary, Edgar Larkin will speak to the nation now.”

The screen switches over, revealing the older face of Edgar Larkin. He was stood in front of the Imperial House and examined the cameras briefly before speaking:
“My fellow Asgarthians, fellow Rusinans. Today, a tragedy has struck our continent, with the passing of the prince of Pirinikov. Prince David was a young and eager leader, who embodied much that we in Rusina seek. He was a strong, secure leader and a fair man. It is a tragedy that just a day after the official opening of the Asgarthian embassy in Pirinikov, the prince should die. I would like to take this opportunity to stand in solidarity with the citizens of Pirinikov, and to extend my condolences to them. I would also like to further extend my condolences to Princess Mira and Prince-Heir Edward, at the loss of their husband and father. Asgareth would like to take this opportunity to extend any assistance that their neighbour requires and once more offers its sincere condolences.”

The camera switched back to the studio, where the news presenter continued:
“That was the foreign secretary, Edgar Larkin, talking briefly about the passing of the Prince of Pirinikov. An official statement from Emperor Adran is expected shortly, but we at ANA would also like to extend our condolences to the people of Pirinikov.”

by **Valyrien** » Sun Mar 12, 2017 4:27 pm

A trio stood outside the airport entrence. Pearls of sweat escaping down their faces, each of them wishing to be back in the heavily air conditioned Valari flight they'd been so rudly forced out of after their initial panic at Pirinikov's hostile climate. "Where is the transport? It would seem as if it's running an hour late?" One member of the trio asked the other two, fighting to keep a calm and dignified tone. "The message concerning the time and place of our arrival should have arrived at the embassy yesterday, Ser Hôg-Ôfverste." A woman with a scar spreading out from the corners of her mouth into an wide grin answered.
The Hôg-Ôfverste, Aleksandrhina, was her name, gave a barely visible nod... Since she couldn't scream it felt better than doing nothing at all. 24-hours ago she didn't even know Valyrien had an embassy in Pirinikov. Realizing they'd might be forced to wait a while longer, Aleksandrhina reached for her cigarillos and it seemed her escort had the same thought. Though smoke and the heat from the embers made them reconsider... Following another hour of silent suffering, the officer let out a distressed "Call us a.. What is it called.. Tacci?" to her other aide, a man with a similar burn scar as Aleksandrhina had between the space of her eyes, but start above his jawline and continued passed the collar of his uniform. "Tacci?" The burned man asked surprised and seemingly near death. He made a jump between the word and the numerous signs above cars reading "Taxi" and gave himself a few encouraging words before walking over to talk and explain to a foreigner where he wanted to go in stumbling International and without an adress or map.

"Hôg-Ôfverste, the driver has already explained that the air conditioner is at it's lowest setting..." The Grinning Woman reluctantly acknowledged, and the driver was both relieved to see the manic expression in the officer's eyes disppear and frightened to see it replaced with void. Since the front passangerseat was missing, the trio was packed into backseat of the small and cramped car as it made its way through the city, trying to find it's way to "Valyrien's embassy"... The Taxidriver didn't even know they had an embassy in Pirinikov.

The guard's staring contest was interrupted as a small, slow and rusty taxi snailed it's way past the Myraxian and Iryllian embassies, two figures inside it following the movements of a third as it tried to duck down and hide. The car's engine stalled, sensing the damage it could cause to Empire, right in-between the two embassies... The trip towards their destination by the seemingly abandoned building, overgrown with what looked like decades of unkept vegitation, was located at the end of the street of the two other embassies. As soon as the trio had left the car, the taxi vanished as the driver hit the gas, keeping the adress in mind in order to mail them the bill... "Where are we? Where is the embassy?" The officer asked, allowing some mild irritation to sneak it's way into her voice. "It.. It is here. Ser..." The Burned Man answered as he brushed some dirt of a rusty plate on one of the stone pillers connected to the gate. They rung the bell... Once, twice and on the third time a curtain moved in one of the dark windows.

A dusty and elderly man made his away from the front door to the gate, hunched over and taking his time. "Wh-, who are yo-" He began in International until his sight allowed him to see their features, the fair skin, hair and eyes. "T-they have finally come for me.." He whimpered. Eyes watering and tears starting to stream down his cheeks. "Finally..." He whispered and opened the gate. "So." He began with anticipation. "What is this? A cleansing of officials? Has some new faction taken control of the party and you're here to kill the old guard? Hmmh?"

The trio stood dumbstruck for a moment until the man let out an questioning "Hm, hmmm?" and stamped his foot. "A-.. Are you talking about the EMC?" The Grinning Woman asked, knowing the idiocy of the question but asking none the less. "Well of course! Are you three slow or something?" He spat out the words. "Ser." Aleksandrhina began.. "The party is no more... Has no one informed you? Are you telling me that the Valyrien embassy in Pirinikov has been forgotten and isolated for a decade?" The quartet stared astonished and silently into the empty air. "Let's head inside..." The Elderly Man whispered and the Grinning Woman, the Burned Man and the Officer followed.

A letter arrived at the Prince's Palace the following day from the Valarisk embassy in Pirinikov, containing the following letter

and a list of the emissary, as well as her two aids:

- Hôg-Ôfverste Aleksandrhina Vfintersabel
- Lôjtnant Ghunhilda Sfvartgaarde
- Lôjtnant Ghunnar Ringaarde

by **Iryllia** » Sun Mar 12, 2017 6:31 pm

Vallisia stared up at the faintly glowing sky. Not a cloud in sight, not a person in sight either. Things had certainly developed. It had felt like an age had gone by since Viktor set the bomb off. Still the sun had not had the decency to set. The valley was in shadow, but up on the snow-plains the sun still shone. She thought, it was remarkable that the one thing they hadn't considered was the untimely death of the Prince. Long live the new one.

She given the description, and rough name of someone they'd been tailing for a while. A member of what was currently a simple organisation generally opposed to the late princes somewhat arbitrary ruler-ship. Now with his death, and infant son being raised to his position. A regency was in place, significant instability would inevitably follow. In times like this, with no clear and decisive ruler-ship, these sorts of organisations just require a little push to go from a vocal minority to an armed insurrection. There should hopefully be an armed raid later tonight and if it all goes to plan, it will not go according to plan.

The teams mission, here in Pirinikov, was not your standard espionage and meddling affair. With the Iryllian embassies station and the geographical location. It served as effectively the focal point for black-market activity going over land, either from the south or north. It was one of the few primary routes that goods from the ESZ got out, and Iryllian goods got in. This made it extremely profitable for all involved in the proper channels. However, the concern for the Iryllian foreign office was the pro-myraxian leanings of certain individuals inside the government. If this extremely profitable route were to be closed by Pirinikov being drawn into the ESZ's fold... It would cause some issues.

"Okay... Okay, okay, okay, okay."
"Okay?" Captain Arbus ventured.
"I will fucking stab you." The Major spat back. "Just..." She breathed heavily for a moment, composing herself. "Let's go over it again... The Prince is... What now?"
"Dead."
"Care to explain why?"
"Heart attack, apparently."
"And this happened...?"
"Yesterday."
"And you didn't tell me then... Why? Exactly?"
"You were exhausted and stressed after the whole bombing and your meeting with Zakhar."
"And you're making me fucking stressed now! Why the fuck didn't you tell me! It's your god damned mother fucking job you twit!"
"Ma'am, I-"
"Don't fucking call me that!"
"Major. The council is still convening to get the new regent appointed. What time you got the news makes no difference what so ever!"
"Are you arguing with me Captain?"
"No ma-. Major. I am sim-"
"Then why the fuck are you still speaking! Get the fuck out of my office now!" The pair's gaze met, for a fraction of a second in some kind of dramatic stand of that turned the consistency of the air between the two to thick butter, being cut by a knife as a metaphor for tension. The captain barely saluted and left in short order. The Major herself simply collapsed into the chair, rubbing her temples. Political. Exile. That's what this position was, and now it looked like to be the next biggest beat-down. She was going to get fucking shot for the mess this shit was going to be.

by **Myraxia** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 7:24 pm

Commander Kyron Rynoya was not a man you wanted to upset. Some people, when angry or upset, raised their voices, or began to gesticulate wildly. Kyron Rynoya was not one of these people. He spoke slowly, calmly and clearly; indeed, to someone who didn't know him, you wouldn't even know he was angry. Lieutenant Eryn Syrakae, however, knew him very well, and was all too aware of the Commander's state of mind.
"Would someone, " he began, "please explain to me two things. Firstly, how a seemingly perfectly healthy man, in the prime of his life, can simply drop dead? And secondly, and perhaps in the short term more importantly, why I, Commanding Officer of the intelligence operation of a nation with a vested interest in this Principality, found out about this from the midday news? "
The room full of intelligence staff collectively shuffled their feet, embarrassed and abashed. "Anyone? No? Then get back to work, and answer my first question. " The office emptied extremely quickly. "Lieutenant? Get me the Ambassador."

Internal Memorandum, Myraxian Combined Forces
CC: Major Daran Nyrakael, Marshal Narael Fyrev
FROM: Commander Kyron Rynoya/CALLSIGN: PROWLER
RE: Pirinikov Situation

Marshal. The situation in Pirinikov has, in the last three hours, begun to deteriorate. It does, however, present an opportunity. If one of the more pro-Myraxia Assemblymen is appointed regent - take Zakhar, for example - Major Nyrakael may be able to turn the situation to our advantage and bring Pirinikov closer to Myraxia. However, it is my personal opinion - pending further investigation, this is purely conjecture - that the sudden and thus far unexplained death of Prince David along with the recent increase in insurgent activity in the capital indicate a development - either an outside agency or, potentially home grown insurgency (although the simulations my office has run indicate such an organisation would require outside support to remain viable). As such, it is necessary to consider all possible outcomes of the Emergency Assembly Session currently in progress. Should Representative Zakhar or his ilk be appointed regent, and this unknown agency continue their operations in what I can only assume is an attempt to destabilize the region, then the very real possibility exists that the Regent will be forced to formally request military assistance from the Union. On the other hand, if, say Aevich, or another candidate be appointed to the position, then it may be necessary for the Union to protect it's regional interests through military force. As such, it is my whole-hearted recommendation that a force be mobilised in preparation for any action that may be necessary (pending your approval of course, Marshal.)

Rynoya.

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Against a White Background [SC Only]

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