Capitol Disruption (IC) (Sunalaya Only)

[The Dictatorship POD]

National Command Center, Fort Lee
Outer Gate
0730

Standing in the open doorway of the inspection booth, Corporal Theobald Gebahard sipped at his coffee as he awaited the cargo convoy that was scheduled for arrival. The 'booth' was, in reality, a small bunker just outside of the outer gate with little more than a small table and four chairs inside, to be used by the four P.O.D. Honor Guard personnel stationed there to check incoming vehicles before they were allowed to move through the outer gate. After getting through the outer gate, any vehicle would be inspected again before it was allowed through the inner gate. Taking another sip of his coffee, Theobald would look down to his wristwatch to see the time, noting he had been at this post for three hours already and was beginning to wonder whether the convoy would arrive before the shift change. Looking back up from his watch, he would see the convoy coming up to the fifty meter long bridge before their checkpoint. As per protocol, the convoy's escort parked in a separate gated lot before the bridge, breaking off to let the cargo trucks through. Keeping his eyes on the convoy the entire time, the Corporal would lean back into the room a little to call out to his superior. "Sergeant, convoy is here."

As the other three stood from their chairs at the table, they filed out of the building while Theobald stepped back inside, making certain that one of them had the convoy in direct sight the entire time. Setting his coffee on the table, Corporal Gebahard would check his SQ-67MP SMG before standing post next to one of the building's gun slots. Keeping a watchful eye out as the vehicles pulled up and were searched, one at a time, he would feel as though something was off as he watched the inspection. While from his angle, the inspection was being carried out properly, Gebahard to notice that his superior was being rather friendly with the vehicle drivers as he directed them into the second parking lot, where the vehicles would wait until all of them were cleared to enter the second gate. As the last vehicle was being inspected, the first gate closed before the second gate opened when the sergeant gave the all clear. As the vehicles spilled into the second check point, Theobald notice the escort vehicles of the "first half" of the convoy begin to roll out of their lot and begin to roll across the bridge. Out of trained reflex, the young man began to speak into his headset, only to have another of the guards he was on duty with tackle him to the ground and knocked him out before he could get his first word out.

As the cargo trucks drove into the second section of the gate, two of the vehicles parked to block the gate from closing, so that even when the secondary inspection guards or the towers noticed the escort crossing the bridge, they would be unable to close the gates. As dozens of men poured out of the twenty or so trucks, the capitol compound's alarms began to blare over the sounds of gunshots, only the explosion that open the third and final gate being louder. With all three reinforced gates opened for them, and the auxiliary vehicle obstructions taken offline by the advance force, the IFVs that made up the escort had little resistance entering the compound, along with the dozens of men on the ground, the majority of whom were equipped with Rhodeve uniforms and equipment.

With the fighting in the main yard of the compound, the outer doors of the capitol building sealing before any hostiles could make it inside, the guard towers and surface-to-surface missile batteries guarding the compound ended the fighting relatively quickly, an apparent oversight to the attackers.

N.C.C., Fort Lee
General Devicks' Office
0730

Looking up from the pile of paperwork on his desk at the sound of the alarms coming on, General Devicks was quick to get up from his desk and check his sidearm. Stepping outside of his office, he was rushed by several of the compound's guards, pushing him reluctantly back inside of his office for his own protection. After pushing him back into his office, the guards would seal him into his room before taking up positions to defend it if necessary. After only a few minutes, the building's alarms stopped and one of the guards entered the office again to be certain the Commander In Chief was alright.

N.C.C., Fort Lee
General Staff Conference Room
0900

"-we still don't know how they snuck in on us, sir. What we do know is that several intelligence reports are suggesting this to be an attack by Rhodevus itself."

Shaking his head in something of disbelief, General Devicks would take another drink of his as he processed what he was just told. Not only has the General of Intelligence told him why it would be impossible for this to be a Bannerless Brotherhood attack, he had repeated numerous times, with no small amount of certainty, that this attack came from a nation that had close ties with the Unitary Representative Stratocracy. Devicks knew quite well that the two nations were not necessarily allies at this time, but he failed to see how attacking Fort Lee would be of any benefit to United Sovereign Kingdoms. "Are we ready to seize the Rhodeve embassy?"

"We can hit them as soon as you give the word, sir."


Rhodeve Embassy, Fort Lee Outskirts
0905

Having surrounded the foreign embassy shortly after the attack on the capitol, the personnel of this P.O.D. Army Special Forces Battalion knew very well that this operation was one of extreme hazard, being that this was one of the rare occasions they purposely gave up any element of surprise. As the call came in to take the embassy, they activated several loud speakers demanding the surrender of the compound before blaring a single high pitched earsplitting sound that could easily cause permanent hearing damage if left active too long. As the sound cut off, tear gas canisters were launched into the compound and the PODan operators rushed the area from all sides, utilizing shaped explosive charges and TTRs to ensure minimal casualties on the Rhodeve personnel inside.

ATTACK ON NATIONAL COMMAND CENTER

~P.O.D. International Broadcasting

Only a few hours ago, the capitol of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy was violently attacked by a military force believed to be Rhodeve in origin. In response to this attack, Fort Lee Local Law Enforcement will be acting in accordance with the Martial Law Order of Police Interaction.

Further reports suggest that P.O.D. Army personnel conducted an operation to secure the Rhodeve ambassador, as well as his staff and family, and seized the Rhodeve embassy through the use of less lethal arms. While Rhodevus is being held responsible for this attack, the reports that show the United Sovereign Kingdoms to be at fault have been classified and will not be made available to the general public at this time. Further reports from members of the General Staff indicate that the military of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy will be making the necessary preparations for conflict with the former ally, though some remain hopeful that war may be avoided.

Until further notice, the Unitary Representative Stratocracy of P.O.D. has been upgraded to Defensive Condition Level Three, though this may become further upgraded to Defensive Condition Level Six should the situation worsen.

!!!THIS IS AN ADVISORY INTERNATIONAL ALERT!!!

[Rhodevus]

Imperial Palace
Kingstown, Rhodevus
9:10am

Very quickly, news began flooding into the palace. The Rhodeve embassy in POD had been attacked and seized by the PODian military for no apparent reason. The Rhodeve ambassador along with his entire staff had been captured and taken prisoner; no doubt to be used as hostages for future negotiation. The multiple levels of the Imperial Palace, both public and off limits to civilians were frantic with movement, as ministers, runners, members of parliament as well as the military rushed to meetings to handle this situation. POD, while not a powerhouse on the international stage, was and is a dominant military force in the world. All actions made towards them would require precision calculation and forethought.

Queen Diana herself, having only just finished her morning routine was pushed straight into a meeting room with the top of the top. Action had to be taken and it had to be taken quickly.

"Why has the Dictatorship done this?" Diana was the first to ask, just as a runner came into the room, gasping for breath.
"They just released a statement."

Only a few hours ago, the capitol of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy was violently attacked by a military force believed to be Rhodeve in origin....While Rhodevus is being held responsible for this attack, the reports that show the United Sovereign Kingdoms to be at fault have been classified and will not be made available to the general public at this time.

After a read through and a re-read through by all those present, Diana just sat still, quietly contemplating all that was going through her mind. Seeing that the queen was not going to speak first, General Nathanial Timmel spoke. "This is above all else, preposterous. There is no reason for an attack. Besides, all military decisions made by this country go through me and I never authorized any military personnel even stepping foot in POD. Why would I? They are an ally and a sleeping demon besides. You don't wake a demon."

"Then, there is either something deeply wrong with your chain of command-" The Minister of Foreign Affairs began.

"Or?" Timmel pushed hard. His deep glare made the minister pause.

"Or... or, this is a ruse by the POD. Do Rhodeves have a large amount of assets in POD? Seizing Rhodeve held assets may help shore up any loose ends in their budget. They are quite isolationist and money is always needed."

"Any third options?" Diana waved off the idea.

"The most obvious one to me is terrorism. The Brotherhood? They've been awfully silent internationally for what? Nine months now? That's unprecedented. Last time a peace spell occurred was the Second World War when the government bought them off. We had either been taking out enough of their locations and weapons caches to make a dent in their organization, or they've been planning something. Rhodeves wouldn't attack an ally. And we just don't know enough about the attack to even formulate a full theory. It's either us, them or terrorists. Which sounds most likely?" Admiral-General Zaira Timmel folded her arms across her chest, sitting back in her seat.

A few more members of staff spoke, but it was clear where the blame should fall if a public statement was to be made.

Rhodeve Embassy Taken by POD Military!

Breaking News - Fort Lee, POD. The Rhodeve embassy was taken at approximately 9am this morning, PODian time. According to Dictatorship news sources, the reason behind this was an attack on the country by the Rhodeve military. It is yet unknown if the ambassador, his staff or any of his family had been killed or injured in the incursion.

Queen Diana spoke to the international media about these actions.

"The United Representative Stratocracy; our close and long-time allies in POD have been attacked by those hoping to break apart this extremely powerful alliance. Our hearts and wishes go out to those lost and injured in the attack against the country. A loss of lie is always tragic. But, these well-wishes also come at the back of an event that has not been made public. Neither to the world, nor to us. I and my government can take no responsibility for the actions of those who perpetrated this crime and terrorist action. No Rhodeve military personnel are in POD, aside from embassy security whom can be confirmed to have been in the embassy during the estimated time of the attack. They had been present in the embassy all night and that morning, until the embassy was seized by PODian soldiers.

We ask of our allies to release information regarding the attack on PODian soil to our government so that the truth can be discovered. Rhodevus does not even know what it is being accused of.

If any are most likely to blame, based off of the minimal evidence we have been made aware of, it would be the Bannerless Brotherhood Terror Organization. A way to drive a wedge between longstanding friends is a common tactic of theirs. I call out to the government of the dictatorship. Work with us to find those responsible and make them face justice."

Queen Diana stepped off the stage as cameras flashed and video of her speech was recorded for televised and paper news. The queen stepped into the back away from public eyes where the general was waiting. "General, I'm going to need you to raise the Defcon level of the country. Make sure our territories are defended. Until we know what has happened in full detail, we are at risk of retaliation by the Dictatorship. Those are the closest targets and in my mind the most likely to be attacked."

The general nodded, turning to leave, he stopped himself. "I'm placing a double guard on you, the princess heir and the prince."
"Keep safe."
"You as well."

[The Dictatorship POD]

N.C.C., Fort Lee
General Staff Conference Room
0600, Second Day

The past day having been attacked by what appeared to be Rhodeve forces, the vast majority of the day was spent in something of a rough panic, P.O.D. Intelligence's Investigatory Measures section was working with the Unsolved Mysteries Candidacy section to determine how Rhodeve troops would have been allowed such unprecedented access to Fort Lee and PODan military assets, despite having had reports indicating Rhodeve personnel deployed within the Stratocracy weeks before the incident. These documents were currently being withheld from the press, and the world at large, as to avoid any interference with proper analysis of the data they contained. While P.O.D.I. was expending an abnormally high amount of resources in this matter, compared to what would be dedicated if nearly any other nation were believed responsible, the Espionage Forces section was preparing to conduct possible diplomatic adjustment operations within Rhodevus, using assets stationed overseas for the express purpose of removing any Rhodeve heads of state deemed to be a threat to the national security of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy, due in no small part to past infiltration of Bannerless Brotherhood members into high reaching levels of that government. While effectively equipped to do some form of damage, that could easily be attributed to the Bannerless Brotherhood, it was always a concern that such operations would simply be bound to fail.

Even with some confidence General Devicks continued to delay any retaliation, still finding it rather hard to accept the facts being presented to him. He had seen the uniforms first hand, but such an attack simply did not portray the competence he knew the Rhodeve Army to posses. Even still, precautions were being taken, with every known person with Rhodeve affiliations being watched and even the Rhodeve Embassy personnel being detained, held in a P.O.D. Marine Corps compound on the outskirts of the city until the General Staff made the decision to either deport them or have them sent to Camp Stauffen as prisoners of war. In either scenario their future would not be traded for, as the General Staff intended to maintain the Stratocracy's reputation for not using 'hostages'.

Even now, The Dictatorship's military was making all of the necessary preparations for war with its own ally, and perhaps other allies and foes alike.

Even as he read the sets of orders that had come from the office of Nathanial Timmel, orders that clearly commanded infiltration of the Community of Lee and more recent orders to conduct an attack on the N.C.C., General Devicks simply knew that the High Command of the Rhodeve Armed Forces was not so foolish to make such orders. The reason he was compelled to believe these orders to be true, however, was the extensive cross checking and confirmation of their validity. They were indeed intercepted coming from the office of Lord General Nathaniel Timmel.

"I know that we have always been ready for an attack by Rhodevus," Devicks finally stated as he replaced all of the hard copies of the orders in their folder, setting it on the desk as he leaned forward to rub his forehead. "But our plans were always focused around the concept of a frontal assault, and we all know that is not what happened here yesterday."

As the Commander in Chief paused for a moment, the head of Investigatory Measures would reach forward to retrieve the folder containing the orders.

"There must be something more here that we are overlooking. Our intelligence has shown that this was not an effort made by any foreign or internal terror group. Everything we have been able to gather, so far, clearly indicates this to be an attack by Rhodevus. General Birgir, I want you to make thoroughly certain that the Bannerless Brotherhood has not violated our intelligence agreement," Devicks commanded the man reaching for the folder. "Then release these orders to the general public, even if these orders were not issued by General Timmel, not even he could deny they came from his office with his authorization."

Finally taking the folder, the Intelligence general would stand and give a simple "yes sir" before leaving the conference room.

Shaking his head for yet another time this morning, General Devicks would turn to lock eyes with the head of the Espionage Forces section. "Have our assets ready to eliminate the Rhodeve chain of command, but give no order to execute until you hear otherwise from myself."

Without even a simple 'yes sir', the section head would stand to his feet, giving only a contrite nod before he left the Commander in Chief alone in the conference room.

Marine Corps First QRF Headquarters, Fort Lee Quick Reaction Compound
Commander's Office,
0630, Second Day

Colonel Arnfinnr waited patiently behind his desk, reading and almost ignoring the person seated on the other side of the desk from him. Finally, after having sat there for two hours already, he finished reading yet another report and set it down. Only now looking to the individual that has been facing him with nothing to do, except sit there bound by hand restraints and be guarded by the two armed Marines behind him. "You seem to be rather bored here, Ambassador. You wouldn't happen to play chess, would you?" he asked the Rhodeve Ambassador, who had been treated relatively well since his detainment, were one to disregard the two hours he was made to watch the Marine Officer read as they both awaited the verdict of the N.C.C. Before the question could be answered, the phone on Arnfinnr's desk rang, causing the Colonel to hold up a finger meant to stop any response. After only a brief few seconds, the man would give a rather authoritative "yes sir" before standing to his feet. Looking to one of the guards, he would point to the Rhodeve man and give a simple order, which he knew would be carried out without hesitation. "Take off his restraints."

Waiting for the Marine to do so, he would turn to the other and issue a separate order. "Retrieve the Rhodeves in custody and bring them to landing pad two." Without giving that Marine time to get the door open, the commander would call for his X.O. in the attached office. "Eadwulf, have VTOLs ready to transport the Rhodeves to Fort Lee International." Turning back to give a quick glance at the ambassador, who had yet to be given time to make his thoughts known, the Colonel would walk back around his desk before beginning to look over yet another report. "It looks like you're going home, Ambassador, a first class flight on a civilian airline. You and everyone that was with you."

Intelligence Documents Released to Public.

~P.O.D. International Broadcasting

Reports released by P.O.D. Intelligence are now clearly indicating a purposeful attack on Fort Lee by the Rhodeve government. While the exact reasons for this attack remain unknown, some strategic analysts believe that the attack may have been an attempt to weaken the communities in preparation for a following large scale attack. P.O.D. Intelligence reports have also confirmed that there is no evidence of the involvement of any parties apart from The United Sovereign Kingdoms of Rhodevus. As the nation maintains itself at Defensive Condition Level Three, it has been suggested that we may be preparing for a defensive war against a powerful foe. As our military prepares to defend the homeland, an increase in air and naval patrols is to be expected. Local Law Enforcement agencies around the communities have offered incentives to report any suspicious activities, including payment for actionable intelligence.

Video footage from the attack on the National Command Center has shown clearly the Rhodeve uniforms and equipment used by the aggressors, as well as the carnage caused, resulting in the deaths of more than four hundred persons. While the Honor Guard had only suffered eighteen casualties, it is believed that the number of men lost would have been much higher were it not for the capitol's SSM batteries, which hostile ground forces failed to account for.

[Rhodevus]

Kingstown

The government of Rhodevus was in full crisis mode. Panic was creeping up through the members of parliament, as well as the locals of Kingstown; the capital of the United Sovereign Kingdoms. Specifically, to those who lived near Embassy Row. the PODian embassy was a large one and luckily, in the center of the row. But it was not very far from civilian neighbourhoods. Shops and businesses surrounded the embassies. As did the government buildings not in the Imperial Palace plaza. If they planned to attack in retaliation for this threat, there were multiple potential targets.

The government; both federal as well as municipal, were unable to do anything. Moving citizens away from the embassy would look to be suspicious and thus incriminating. Sending police or soldiers to the embassy to guard it would have the same effect, most likely resulting in a more militaristic response. Even sending out a notice to businesses could be seen as incriminating. For an event which pointed so closely to Rhodevus being at fault, it was crucial not to sway opinion any more against the country.

Ile du Fleurs

It was early in the morning when orders were given to the soldiers and naval crew-members on the island. The island was to go into full defensive mode. The ships would be stocked and ready for immediate deployment. The bridges which connected the Ile du Fleurs to Makenzie and Athabaska, a close ally and Commonwealth partner, would be heavily controlled and filtered. Any potential for attack would be worked on to be mitigated. As what amounted to the most heavily militarized part of the country, the island would be safe from potential threats. Be it terrorists, the Dictatorship, or whomever might have been the true proprietor of the Dictatorship infiltration attacks.

The Imperial Palace

The general slumped in his chair. As a military man for 55 years, he had been involved in countless wars. Countless battles. Hostage situations, terrorist crises. The War of Flowers. The James Wars. The PMC Victories where he discovered he had a daughter. Car bombings, assassinations, foreign wars, reconnaissance missions, espionage. He never broke. Not once, in the heat of a mission did his composure falter or fade. And yet, sitting in that chair at the circular table. Surrounded by peers. Staff many years his junior, yet in positions of equal or greater power. He looked broken and unable to speak.

"I.. y'I. I couldn't. I didn't." Was all he could muster, looking at the information in front of him.
"And yet, there it is. I checked it all over with RIA. Nothings been modified. No codes or encryptions, nothing. Just the exact evidence." Said Senior agent Anthony Kupovic of the Rhodeve Intelligence Agency; RIA. "Either you sent in orders for the attack, or you were hacked."

"Let's go about confirming the most likely event, can we?" Queen Diana said, kindly yet forcefully. "Agent, assemble a team. Only people you absolutely trust. I want you to go through all of General Timmel's computers, phones, everything. Check to see if any traces were left. The Brotherhood may have left behind something."

"Yes your majest-" Diana lifted a hand, forcing him into silence.

"Do we have any word on who those men were? The assailants."
"No, Diana. Not yet. We do have photographs of their uniforms though, so we know it's army. Nobody below the rank of third private or above captain." Responded Admiral-General Zaira Timmel.
"How many men were there again?"
"43. Most information on them disappeared after they were cruise missiled to death. But, there are 7 uniforms that are in relatively good shape, 19 that we may be able to get some information out of. The rest are fairly toast. I wouldn't expect much out of them. Let alone a hair or skin sample. And even that wouldn't be conclusive proof one way or another."
"What information HAVE we gotten from the uniforms? Besides rank. Any names? Insignia? Troop deployment history?"
"From what we can tell, the uniforms are standard issue. But new. Or, at least 2 of them are. I can't say for the rest, we just don't have clear enough photographs or physical versions."
"How can you tell they're new?" Diana leaned forward in her seat.

"Every uniform has a batch order number." The General began, "standard uniforms are made in batches of 250. Each batch is given an order number, which is etched into the waist sleeve. These came from batch C-4858 and C-6382."
"Were they..."
"Manufactured in a close time-frame? Yes. Within three days of each other at the most." Zaira interrupted.
"Zaira, I want you to travel to the manufacturing site, where these batches were made. Get any information you can out of them. See if any bits of clothing went missing around that same time as well."
"Yes,, Ma'am. But, there are fourteen different places which make our military clothes around the country-"
"Get a group together then. Same as Anthony, only people you trust."

Diana nodded at both Anthony and Zaira, giving them silent permission to leave for their tasks. Now, it was just the queen and the general.

"Your Majesty... Diana..."
"I understand. It couldn't have been you."
"I... I don't know what to do. The evidence is quite clear. The blame is being placed squarely on this country and no others. Our weapons, our gear. Even our tactics. No, my tactics. I could recognize them from the footage anywhere. Ile du Fleurs 1978. The War of Flowers. My senior officer had been killed and it was just me and a handful of men. We were deep in enemy territory, hopelessly outgunned. I suggested we continue to our objective. We stole a truck. As we moved closer to their base of operations, a small group took out communications, allowing us to move through relatively quickly. And then... And then we attacked. The base fell in fifteen minutes."
"You've written many papers on your strategies. Anyone could have read them and modified them for this."
"But, don't you see? My desk, my orders, my strategy. This isn't just an attack on POD. It's an attack on me. I can't stay in command of the military. I've been hacked. I can't leave. It would solidify evidence against Rhodevus. All that's left is death." Nathanial chuckled. "No, not even that, because there is no more proof needed than a suicide."
"You aren't going anywhere." Diana said, placing a hand on his arm. "You have a long time in the military yet."
"So, what's the next step?"
"Continue to play defense until we can build an evidence. If things get bad enough, I may need to call on our allies for support in this matter."

[The Dictatorship POD]

P.O.D.-Rhodevus Embassy Compound, Kingstown, Rhodevus
Courtyard
0900 Kingstown Time, Second Day

The the sound of armored vehicle treads, moving across the pavement of the courtyard parking lot, echoed off of the nearby buildings. The source of the sound were three POD-82-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles as the moved from the vehicle garage to establish a defensive point near the gate, positioning themselves roughly ten meters from the gate and ten meters from one another in a staggered formation. With their 50mm guns oriented toward the gate, along with embassy security personnel standing guard behind several concrete barricades scattered throughout the courtyard, it would be rather apparent that The Dictatorship was indeed placing themselves on the defensive in this matter...

Kingstown, Rhodevus
0930 Kingstown Time, Second Day

Sitting in a coffee shop nearby his place of work, an Espionage Forces agent, who had been embedded within the city for nearly twenty years. As far as even law enforcement would be able to tell, he had always been in Rhodevus, only settling down in Kingstown after moving from small town to small town for nearly twelve years after 'his parents died in a motor vehicle accident.' While the accident on record was a true occurrence, what many would never realize is that the couple in question never had any children, though the couple was secluded only doctors would have known either way, and what better way to eliminate any variables than having the signature of an already deceased doctor on the proper birth records. Being in the comfort of his 'home country', the agent would scroll through the local news on his tablet before accessing his personal email, only to turn off his device when he saw an email from an unknown source with the subject title: 'Time to Work'. Being conscious of appearances, the man would take a little more time to finish his coffee, making absolutely certain he did not appear to be in a rush. When his coffee was finished, he would sit for a moment more, acting as though he was simply thinking to himself before he would finally leave, being sure to dispose of the foam cup he drank his coffee from. Rather than taking a quicker mode of transportation, the P.O.D.E.F. agent would walk the distance to his apartment, which was roughly an hour's walk on foot.

Kingstown, Rhodevus
1300 Kingstown Time, Second Day

After doing some work to find a position with a view of the Imperial Palace, a view that seemed to be away from prying eyes, one of the city's several embedded P.O.D.E.F. agents finished assembling his SQ-Point Impact Diplomatic Adjustment Device, a rather expensive rifle designed to be broken down into parts that would not be easily recognized by those unfamiliar with the device. The only truly obvious components were the 25x130mm High Explosive, Armor Piercing, Incendiary projectiles that were brought to the location by another agent and the barrel, which was carried by a third, all three of which had no ties with one another, other than their working for P.O.D.E.F. This agent, being the Designated Assassin, found the location, reported it to his superiors, and his superiors ordered the parts drops. Setting his watch next to the stand his rifle was bolted to, a stand which was bolted to the floor, the agent would check the time as he awaited the arrival of his target, an RIA agent carrying something that would need to be delivered in person. Had the Espionage Forces agents did not know that the man was carrying evidence that Rhodevus was not at fault for the recent attack, he would have been certain to report this through the proper channels, but he remained unaware of this fact and was given explicit instructions to hit the man's shoulder bag, and he knew very well that the HEAPI rounds used by the P.I.D.A.D. would burn whatever was in that bag as well as, at the proper angle ensure the death of the carrier, which was the secondary condition of his standing orders.

Looking at his watch one more time, the man would make a phone call, one that would trigger fifty pounds of plastic explosives he had hidden within the coffee shop he had visited before. This, he knew would cause civilian casualties, something he considered a necessary sacrifice to distract Rhodeve authorities, to make them think something larger was at play. Setting of the explosives, the man would watch for several more seconds before he would see his target. Squeezing the trigger, his rifle would kick hard against its mount and his shoulder before he racked the bolt to load in a second round, his scope giving him an excellent view of the round he had just fired impacting that carrying case a little less than a second later, the round hitting nearly three seconds before the loud report of the rifle would have been heard by the target. Working perfectly, the HEAPI round exploded as it ripped through the rugged case, mostly destroying the contents immediately as the incendiary nature of the projectile used burned most of whatever was left. As the projectile continued through the lower torso of the man, he would let out an understandable scream of agony before the second round essentially obliterated his head, making thoroughly certain he would not live to reveal whatever it was he intended to.

Following protocol for plausible deniability, the E.F. agent would dismount the rifle and lay it on the ground before dumping nearly twenty pounds of recently mixed thermite over top of it, before using a sparkler as a time delay fuse as he quickly left the area. As the thermite ignited, its extreme temperatures would serve to reduce the P.I.D.A.D. into little more than unidentifiable molten scrap. The only detriment to this would be the bright burn revealing the shooter's previous location, which would likely result in his being caught, though this was something he was ready and willing to face, as he readied his sidearm and mentally prepared himself to break the nerve agent capsule that was kept within his mouth. After a moment, he would withdraw his wallet, double checking to be certain his false RIA ID was still present, even admiring the would of the P.O.D.I. counterfeiters.



N.C.C., Fort Lee
General Staff Conference Room
1400 Kingstown Time, Second Day

"I gave you a direct order to have our men ready to act, as well as a direct order not to act without orders coming directly from me!" Devicks exclaimed angrily at Colonel Haber, the head of P.O.D. Intelligence's Espionage Forces section. "And you disregarded these orders for what purpose? To keep something from Rhodevus? What were you hiding, Haber?"

"Sir, I..."

"You look me in the eyes before you tell me!" Devicks cut the man off, leaning in a bit closer as he locked his eyes with the younger Colonel.

Blinking a few times and trying to lean back as far as he could, as he began to feel very uncomfortable. "Sir, I received intelligence that this man was carrying falsified documentation that would have put the blame for the attack on us. I couldn't stand by and let these lies reach the public, so I ordered the assassination."

Leaning in a little closer, Devicks wold keep his eyes locked on the other's as he issued a stern warning. "If I learn that you've lied to me, I will make you watch as I personally put an end to your bloodline."

Leaving the Colonel in the conference room, the Commander in Chief would begin his short walk to his office before being intercepted by General Knochenmus, the current Commandant of the P.O.D. Marine Corps. "Sir, we are ready to mount a counteroffensive, and several private organizations are offering contracts to extract our ambassador to Rhodevus, should the worst happen."

Continuing the discussion regarding the possibilities of future responses, the two would move toward Devicks office, followed by a dozen well armed guards.

From: General Devicks, Commander In Chief of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy of Provincial Ochlocracy of Denmytire
To: Queen Diana Angelie Wolff, Queen of The United Sovereign Kingdoms of Rhodevus
Encryption Set: NONE

Dear Madam,

During the current crisis situation, The Dictatorship has no other option but to postpone any and all diplomatic relations with the United Sovereign Kingdoms until this matter has been resolved. While all evidence gathered points, and conclusively so, at the recent attack on the National Command Center being the handiwork of General Nathaniel Timmel, I find it hard to believe such foolishness to have originated within his offices. However, I am sure that even you recognize that the government of any nation must act according to the evidence and intelligence it has, rather than the simple musings of those in positions of authority. As such, as stated prior, the communities will be immediately severing all ties with your nation. I would also advise you, and your military command, that all military assets have been redirected in preparation to retaliate, in force, against any future attack against our great nation. It would be wise to consider the conventional and unconventional assets afforded to the unified communities in the event of war. I would also advise you to understand any attempts of secretive subversion, believed to have originated from your nation, will result in harsh and similar retaliation.

While it is my belief that neither you nor your government are responsible for the attack on my nation only a day ago, I must act in accordance with the validated evidence on the matter, despite my own reservations.

General Devicks, CINC P.O.D.

[Rezua]

Valyeria Island,
Toryani City,
Province of Soril

As far as the rest of the world was concerned, Merton Kassmeyer was known as Audwin Celwan. After escaping from the Bohin and his former comrades, Kassmeyer had chosen to hide in the Sorilette Isles, knowing that Rezuan law would be weakest there due to the large amount of Rhodeve citizens still living there. Merton had shaved away the last of his eastern style beard, leaving only a modern mustache. Merton had also changed his hair color and had adopted the habit of wearing glasses, though he wore ones with clear lenses since he had no reason to have them. Also during his time in hiding, Merton had decided to fully commit to his non-violent approach to getting his throne for his daughter Sofia Hanji. The rightful heir of Rezua.

Merton had become the Imperial President after running on the promise that Rezuan law would not grow too close to home for the Sorilette people. For a few months, he'd made the people happy. But now that Empress Ymira declared that Rezua would become a republic, the Rhodeve living on the isles were livid. Republics and Rhodeve were not mixable. All of that was now second to Merton, now that he'd received word that the Dictatorship was accusing Rhodevus of declaring war.

Merton looked out his window, looking down at the city below. He sighed, taking a long sip of his coffee as he wondered how on earth he'd be able to contain the anger of this city. These people were Rezuan in name alone, their blood ran for Rhodevus. If the Rhodeve were under attack, his people would demand action. And that's exactly what Merton wanted, to make the Sorilette Isles a province to be reckoned with politically. He smiled, if only it were that easy.

An aide knocked on his door and poked her head in. "Sir, your appointment with the empress is about to happen. Should I put her through on your phone?" He glanced over his shoulder. The aide was a young woman, a blonde woman with a face that showed Rezuan heritage but with eyes that screamed of Rhodeve lineage as well. Yes, these people would be drawn to this conflict. "Yes, thank you Janett. Make sure it's the secure line." The imperial president walked over to his desk and sat back in his moderately sized chair. He leaned back but did not put his feet on his desk. Even in private, he practiced being regal. The phone rang the next moment.

"Greetings Empress Ymira." Merton said. When he spoke to the empress, Merton made certain that his practiced Rhodeve accent mixed in. If he wished to be seen as a man of the people, he had to appear to be truly of them. Meaning, he had to be Rhodeve.

"Imperial President Celwan, I'm charmed with your timing as always." Her voice, when in English, also had a somewhat Rhodeve accent. A testament to her tutoring in English by a Rhodeve. Oh what money could buy. Also bleeding through into her voice was a hint of exhaustion. Despite the fact that Ymira Everen held his daughter's throne, Merton could not deny that she at least worked hard for it.

He continued the pleasantries "I'm always honored by your willingness to share your time with me. Today I hope that we can discuss a matter of extreme importance."

"Of course, please, go ahead."

"As I'm sure you already know, our closest ally has been accused of a heinous attack. And to make it worse it's the Dictatorship we're dealing with. Not a very forgiving people, nor a very trusting one."

"Which is why I'm going to personally see to it that this is rectified immediately."

"With all due respect your Majesty-"

The empress interrupted within a heartbeat "Don't call me that. Empress Ymira or simply empress will suffice." Merton made certain to remember the way she reacted when called by an honorific name.

"Empress then. The Dictatorship practically broke ties with Rhodevus when you married its heir. They don't want to see you, they don't like you. If not you personally then what you represent. And with this attack in Rhodevus, the explosion-"

"What explosion?"

Oh,Merton thought, You didn't know yet? Being closer gives me an advantage when it comes to hearing what's happening. Merton cleared his throat, as if uncomfortable to speak. He realized a moment later that he actually was. This attack was right in an area with many civilians. An attack he'd have done when he'd been that man. A dead man.

"Empress, there was an attack in Rhodevus in a heavily populated area. I suspect the PODians, they're too proud to not let an insult go unanswered."

"Dear god...so it's begun?"

"No, not yet. Which is why I believe you should have me talk to the PODians on behalf of Rezua. I'll let them know how strongly we disagree that Rhodevus could have been capable of this attack, how we must look into the possibility of terrorism."

"And you'd think they'd listen to a half Rhodeve? Especially when he's representing a country they believe Rhodevus to be literally in bed with."

Merton paused. There it was, the mighty Everen cynicalism. Despite all her talk of hope, Empress Ymira was one of the most negative people that Merton knew. And he knew a lot of people. Dealing with it with her own optimism would not work, he knew that firsthand. Rather, he had to appeal to her other weakness. Being easily guided away from conflict.

"Empress, if we do nothing the PODians are going to turn our ally into their testing ground. We must act now, strangle their own ideas before they're birthed. The PODians respect aggression in politics. Allow me to pen our response, call our attention on a true enemy. We can't let this get out of hand. People's lives are on the line."

He'd not realized it, but Merton noticed suddenly that he was pleading. Forcefully, yes, but pleading nevertheless. The thought of such destruction truly horrified him. As it should. He waited with held breath. Finally, the empress answered "I'll want to see the message before you send it."

"Of course, empress, I'll have my staff get to work."

After several hours, it was ready and sent with the highest of encryptions.

Dear PODian Officials,

My name is Audwin Celwen, Imperial President of the Rezuan Province of Soril, commonly known as the Sorilette Isles. I write to you today in order to represent my nation and the diverse people within it. First, we would like to extend our sympathies for those killed in the attack on your nation. I would like to state that the Rezuan Empire in no way supports these hostile actions against your nation. This statement, however, also states that we do not believe that our closest ally Rhodevus would have any part of this attack.

Rhodevus has proven time and again that they are a defensive and righteous people. When Rezua was attacked by traitors that began our second civil war, the Rhodeve came to our defense and pushed out our foes who were little more than terrorists. Most recently, the Rhodeve tried time and again to find a peaceful solution to the conflict between the Bohin and Molenston. A conflict in which many Rhodeve were killed and in which terrorists partook in. It would not be a stretch to think that some uniforms fell into the wrong hands.

Due to this, the Rezuan Empire finds your accusation against Rhodevus without merit. They have never resorted to aggression nor do they have anything to gain from attacking you. It is with the upmost respect that we request that the Dictatorship withdraws its accusation until it can be determined without a doubt that Rhodevus committed this act willingly and that no terrorist element is in play.

I welcome you to come to my province to discuss your greviences with me and with the Rhodeve. I hope that you accept, as your people are known for being practical and thorough.

In Resepct,

Imperial President Audwin Celwen

Eomeria,
Province of Eomeria

Ymira was not proud to admit that she’d taken her first important call of the day while still in bed. The young empress had not found the strength to get up yet and so had just taken the call. Ymira hated mornings, she always awoke to a deep longing for her wife to be laying beside her. Those days had once been more rare, but a week or two between seeing her was getting unbearable. Simple physical need was slowly taking hold of the empress, and she longed for a way to relax with her wife, to forget her worries if only by night.

Ymira groaned as she sat up and began her morning routine. First, she stumbled into the shower and let the hot water finish waking her up. Ymira dried off, warping the towel around herself as she looked in the mirror. She frowned as she saw her hair, knowing that making it presentable would take time. Why not just cut it short? Ymira sighed as she combed. She didn’t have time to braid it as usual, instead she opted to put it in a neat ponytail. Next came dressing, which she did swiftly, picking a blue shirt, and a grey woman’s suit. Another look in the mirror to get her makeup just right.

Now presentable, Empress Ymira walked to her briefing room and had her staff review and approve of President Celwen’s words. Once it was off, Ymira had another rough road ahead of her, speaking to Queen Diana.

She looked at the clock, doing math in her head to check if Diana was awake or not. Shortly after she cursed silently. She always had trouble remembering timezones. Regardless, the empress cleared her schedule and put herself into a sercure and direct line with the Queen of Rhodevus. Once she heard Diana’s greeting,Ymira began.

“Diana, you don’t need to tell me you didn’t do it because I already know you didn’t. What I want to know is if this is the Brotherhood or some rogue PODians. Regardless, Rezua has made it quite clear that we support you and that we have urged the Dictstorship to recant their accusation.”

“I’ve tasked Imperial President Celwen with setting up a meeting for us in the Province of Soril. I will not be attending, President Celwen will be representing Rezua. We believe it’s best if I’m not there, same for my wife. After all, the Dictstorship threw a fit over us. I suggest you attend the meeting and send your toughest ambassador. Coming personally too soon will make you appear ASA if you’re trying to dispel their accusation quickly.”

The empress paused “At least, that’s what I suggest. Truth be told, you’ve dealt with them for longer, so any insight you have would be appreciated.”

[Rhodevus]

Fort Lee, POD

10 Hours Before the Attack

A man walked through the busy streets of Fort Lee, camera in hand and travel bag slung over his shoulder. He took pictures of buildings. A style so unique and different from his own back home in Rhodevus. It was why many tourists travelled the many hour plane ride to the other side of the world. That, and the incredibly different style of life. The history between the Dictatorship and Rhodevus was unlike any other place in the world. To an avid traveler such as himself, it was a must see location. Having just stepped off the bus from a town a few hours down the road, he had already heard much about the attack in this very city. He was curious to see. As were many dozens of people who had joined him on that very bus, tourist and local alike.

On that bus-ride however, he received a very important call. “Ei” He answered, speaking in the Sung Yong Dialect. “Metawikasatokuritanosokolibaveralati.” The dialect was spoken extremely quickly, making it all but impossible to understand for those not fluent in the language. The perfect language for discussions in the open. The perfect language for a spy.

Transitioning into the slower, but similarly sounding Bontswei, “Eipala? Kom siheilla. Brit.” He hung up his phone and placed it in his jacket pocket, retrieving a pair of headphones to get some much needed shut-eye until he arrived. He had work to do.

Pictures. Many dozens of pictures. Asking for directions from locals and trying new cuisine. And above all, seeing the location of the brutal attack by ‘Rhodeves’ in POD. He handed the security his ID and passport.

“Where have you travelled before this?”

“In POD? Just along the coast mainly. This is my first real stop.”

“And elsewhere in the world?”

“Ophioneus for two weeks before this and Shastara for a week before that.”

“You’re Rhodeve?”

“Yup. Belvin born and raised.”

“What do you do there?”

“Bank teller.”

After a few more questions, he was handed back his identification and passport and proceeded through to the location of the attack.

He took some pictures of the buildings. Of the blast area. Of the soldiers nearby. Of the tourists. All the while, searching. Searching for anything which could be used to prove that Rhodevus was not at fault. Then he saw a glimmer of dirty crimson. He walked over to it and knelt down to tie his shoes.

It was caked in mud and ash, but there was no doubt about it. It was a sliver of a uniform. He brushed off some dirt and read the unmistakable print. C-6382-91

A Rhodeve uniform batch number. Picking it up, he carefully slid it into his pocket and continued to follow the crowd around the scene of the battle.

When it began to get late, he yawned and returned the way he came. The motel he was staying at was a cheap one, right beside the airport. He could hear the airplanes taking off and landing every few minutes.

He opened his large travel pack and pulled out a small briefcase. Emptying it of its contents; wallet, copy of his identification and passport, keys and other valuables he had brought along with him on this trip. He filled it now with shirts and pants. All specially designed to act as insulation and protection if they were ever needed for this very thing. Once the briefcase was insulated, he placed in the small sliver of Rhodeve uniform and lock the case.

There was a knock on his door. He opened it wide and saw a fellow traveler. He smiled. They talked. They had a drink. Then, after some time, the other man left, carrying with him a briefcase. He had to leave. A flight back home to Eubatu.

Kingsland, Eubatu

4 hours before the Attack

The PODian plane landed in the Kingsland international airport. The man with the briefcase stood from his seat and left the plane into the hot sunny weather of his home town. But, he remained in the airport. One more flight. This time, in a C-93 Golden Arrow interceptor. The fastest plane in the Rhodeve military arsenal. It was no longer about stealth. He had to reach Kingstown before it was too late.

Kingstown, Rhodevus

1 hour before the Attak

“Queen Diana!” Her aid rushed into the meeting room, where Diana was sorting through a new message to be sent to POD. Her head perked up. “Yes, Anne?”

“A package is being delivered to you from the Dictatorship via Eubatu. It will arrive in half an hour.”

“Thanks, Anne. Any idea what it is?”

“No. That information is under lock and key. Only one person knows.”

“Nathanial?”

Anne Moroway shook her head. “His daughter.”

Diana stood from her desk. “Thanks Anne, if you need me I’ll be seeing Zaira.”

The two left the room together, Anne returning to her desk and the queen heading to the elevator and down to Zaira Timmel’s room where she was staying for the next few days while this whole issue was going on.

She knocked politely, but opened the door without a response. “What’s being sent.”

Zaira stood, “a briefcase.”

“Any more details?”

“Not when we are at risk of a bug in the Palace. I am sorry your majesty, but it’s an issue of national security.”

Diana nodded slowly. “Inform me when it arrives.”

“I already have a meeting set up.”

Kingstown, Rhodevus

1pm

An explosion. The RIA agent was dead before his body hit the ground. The briefcase was gone. It’s contents completely disintegrated. It’s hidden knowledge, evaporated into the air. Police swarmed the scene. Firefighters and EMS. The entire area was blocked off. Only the one man had been killed, but there were injuries of those nearby. Wounds needed to be tended to. Fear needed to be curbed.

And then a second explosion some distance away. Screams. The sirens flared up once more and dashed across the street. A café had gone up in smoke. Fire licked at the buildings nearby as brave onlookers dashed into the fire to rescue survivors and retrieve the bodies of the deceased.

Police littered the area. Soldiers on leave turned up to the scene, asking for orders and where to help out. Teams were assembled to search for the shooter. Then a bright flash appeared on top of a nearby building. Something was burning. A possible third attack? No one was sure. Police and off-duty soldiers were the first to scour the building. Checking floor by floor for any sign of the attacker.

A man ran through the corridor, flashing his RIA badge. Police let him through, asking for any information which RIA may possess. The RIA agent was glad to help out. Pointing to the location of the molten scrap on the roof. The direction he suspected the assailant to go. The police would immediately begin to give chase.

Kingstown, Rhodevus

1:30pm

The Royal Rhodeve Mounted Police as well as the Royal Guard began to join in the search, leaving the matter of slowing the flames and rescuing the civilians to the local police and fire department. They would have it under control. Now was a matter of national security. An attack so close to the Imperial Palace, the home of the monarch and government. Anti-Terror divisions from both groups were taking the lead. Sooner or later, the assailant would be discovered.

They worked systematically. Starting near the building where a crumbled husk of a weapon was located and fanning outward, talking to any and all people nearby. The city was placed on lock-down. No flights in or out. No traffic in or out. All off-duty soldiers were given orders. Those which lived in the capital and had finished their service were requested to volunteer for short-term duty. A perk of conscription.

1:45pm

RIA Agent Anthony Kupovic

“RIA will be working with local law enforcement and AT to track down this guy. If you have any information, please tell us now.” Anthony said to the police chief as they walked together through the scene of destruction.

The police chief rubbed his back, “Makes sense. You think a larger event is at play here?”

“Quite possibly. Brotherhood attacks have been infrequent. Nearly non-existent in Kingstown since the 90s. It’s just not a great city to attack and not get caught.”

“So Brotherhood is being ruled out?”

The RIA agent shook his head, “no. It’s always a possibility. And two, maybe three attacks in the city is usually a good MO. Misdirection.”

“Two attacks for sure. What we thought was a third was really just destruction of the weaponry used.”

Anthony stopped walking. “Why destroy the weapon used? What would be the purpose? If it was taken off the black market, it shouldn’t matter. Unless that was a key piece of information. Can you send someone to keep an eye on the blast site? I want it guarded until RIA has a chance to look at it.”

“Haven’t you already?” The police chief frowned.

“What do you mean?”

“My guys said a RIA agent was the one to direct them exactly to the blast site.”

“We didn’t have any agents in this area.”

Both of them looked at each other cautiously. Anthony spoke first, “this is now an internal matter. If you or anyone spots an RIA agent, you must take them into custody and bring them to RIA headquarters.”

“Yes Sir.”

Kingstown, Rhodevus

RIA Headquarters, Imperial Palace

2:53pm

“Next.”

The lone moved forward slowly. Royal Guard stood every few feet. RIA Agents progressed down the hall to a desk on the far side of the room, before entering into RIA headquarters for a briefing on the terror attack which had occurred nearly 2 hours before. RIA ID was checked rigorously.

“Next.”

Another person moved through. Another ID verified.

“Next.”

An RIA agent passed his ID to those sitting in front of him. They looked it over. Holding it towards the light and under a UV light. They passed it on to another for another few inspections. They both looked at each other, nodded and handed it back to the man, allowing him through.

“Next.”

Suddenly, soldiers were on the man, holding him on the ground. He fought back, reaching for his weapon but his arm was quickly restrained. Then a bite. A loud crunch beneath his teeth. And nothing. The man was dead in their arms.

Kingstown, Rhodevus

Imperial Palace

Un-bugged Room

“Anthony, report.” The Queen said, not looking at all happy with the turn of events.

“A man as caught entering into RIA headquarters with a falsified identification. He was one of the ‘agents’ which had been found in the city and brought back to headquarters by Kingstown police, acting on my orders.”

“How did you determine the identification was fake?”

“It was extremely well crafted. An expert must have created it. It would have been completely missed had he not spoken with the police earlier that day.” Anthony said.

“How so?”

“A common misconception; which we had been spreading internationally since the 60s is the usage of hidden characters on RIA identification. We have hundreds, if not thousands of highly restricted documents which verify this fact. While hidden characters are used, nothing should be effected when held under ultra-violet light. We just don’t do it. His did. A small Golden Eagle in the top right corner on the back side of his card. Beautifully made. And to the exact sizing we had specified. A truly perfect fake, had this information been accurate.”

Diana nodded slowly. She turned to Zaira Timmel.

“What was this about?”

Zaira let out a slow breath. “Remember when you asked me about what was being delivered to Rhodevus, via Eubatu?”

“Yes..?”

“Well, the man assassinated first. He was an RIA agent. Just returned after an information transfer from a man in the Dictatorship. He was carrying a briefcase. The contents? A sliver of a Rhodeve uniform used in the attack. Including the batch number.”

“And it’s gone.”

“Completely. The incendiary bullet used burned the scrap of uniform. We’re back to square one. I doubt we will be able to get another sample from POD anytime soon.”

“Crap. It would have had all the information we’d need to discover the real perpetrators of the POD attacks.” Anthony muttered.

Diana slammed the table. “Enough. What’s done is done. Where are we on the batch lists?”

“We’ve been looking through the 1526 batches of uniforms made. 381 thousand uniforms in question. We can easily identify 340 thousand of them. They are logged on our databases to each soldier they had been given to. The remaining 41 thousand are a bit harder to track down. Some were sold to movie sets, others to off-duty men. Others lost. We still have a lot of work to narrow 41 thousand down to 43.”

“Keep on top of that. I want records of where each one was sold and to whom. If we can track down any on the black market, do that. Get as many agents as you need to on this.”

“yes, ma’am. And we just received a message from the Dictatorship.”

They all read through the unencrypted letter.

“Why would they destroy information related to their own attack?”

“That’s if they knew it was factual information.”

“Could it possibly be that they are looking for war? Could the POD attack be in fact an attack by POD on themselves?”

“They do have the ability to falsify documents and materials. Their force of secret agents is larger than some militaries. It is definitely possible.”

“But is it likely?”

“That is unknown. For now, we have to assume the worst. And given that they have taken credit for the attack on us, we must put their attack into question.”

“Agreed. They suspended all diplomatic contact. We are suspending all trade. Nothing will be going to the Dictatorship POD. Send this information to POD’s other allies. Lindenholt and Smoya may be close with them, but they are closer economically with us. They will be dropping trade with POD too.”

To: General Devicks, Commander in Chief of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy of POD

From: Queen Diana Wolff of the United Sovereign Kingdoms of Rhodevus

General,

The attacks done on the capital of Kingstown are an act done in accordance with your beliefs of an attack of similar scale in your very own nation. What has been, but must be repeated, is that we claim no ownership of the attack in POD. All information regarding our fault in the matter must be fabricated, as we have never placed any intent to harm our allies in the dictatorship.

But, just as you and yours must act according to evidence and intelligence, so too must we. The United Sovereign Kingdoms has hereby cut all trade with the Dictatorship All information regarding this attack on Rhodevus, as well as all information recovered from the body of the assailant in question, will be open knowledge to all in the international community, including all those around the world we consider allies and friends.

We here, still believe that truth shall be revealed. Whether it is done as a malicious intent to cause two close allies to war against one another, or an internal attempt to cause global strife, it is both of our roles to uncover the covered truth. To consider the reasons for a potential war and the impact it will have on both nations.

In a similar message of strong words, an attack on Rhodevus by the full force of the Dictatorship, will be met in kind by us and our allies abroad. We have no want to fight. Let us settle this diplomatically rather than resort to throwing insults and accusations of subversion to the truth.

Queen Diana Wolff

Queen Diana Wolff

Diana picked up the phone and listened to what the Rezuan Empress had to say.

“Thank you for your support. It’s really needed. The dictatorship is a place quick to anger at any slight. But, at last this time they have a valid point. The evidence as of now does point to us as the attackers. Though, I can truly say this holds no factual merit. Our one real lead was destroyed in the attack on Kingstown, and now we are needing to go through it the long way.

If I must ask anything from you, would be to stop trade with the Dictatorship. Private companies as well. While they threaten military retaliation for any further slight, economics may be needed to get them to their senses.

[Rezua]

Empress Ymira

The empress took a moment to consider how she should answer. It wasn’t that Ymira didn’t support Diana’s decision to embargo. It was the issue that it opened up. On one hand, Ymira had urged the Dictatorship to come meet her representative to discuss a peaceful solution. The other hand held the ability to piss off the PODians. By cutting trade completely, her once more firm and neutral rationale became a decisive bias. A bias she held but perhaps didn’t want the PODians to know.

She weighed the options and decided to allow that bias to show. Rhodevus was an ally of Rezua. To allow the Rhodeve to be bullied in anyway would be to allow Rezua, and the entire Commonwealth to be pushed around by the Dictatorship. That would give the Dictatorship the upper hand and give them confidence in their suspicions. Rezua would stand strong.

The empress sighed “It is a tough decision but I shall, indeed, embargo the Dictstorship. I’m sure they’ll take this as yet another slight but we must be united in our refute of their accusation. Together, they’ll be hard pressed to find out the truth rather than stick to their claim. Is there anything else you’d like to say?” The empress looked down, holding the phone between her cheek and shoulder. Beside her was her baby, laying in her crib. Ymira picked up Aria and bounced her up and down gently. Aria would have no idea what was bothering her mother, but she knew exactly what to do. Or rather, she was clueless and was always happy. Either way, seeing Aria giggling and swinging her arms around. Her mother smiled and waited for a reply.

[The Dictatorship POD]

N.C.C., Fort Lee
General Devicks' Office
1800 Hours Kingstown Time, Second Day

General Devicks looked over the full dossier of the Rhodeve military personnel involved in the attack on the N.C.C., at least all that P.O.D.I. was able to find. After looking over the seventh file, he dropped it on his desk with an audible sigh of irritation. While they had proof positive that the attack was ordered by Rhodeve High Command, this full dossier was showing where each one of these individuals was redeployed from, where they were each trained, where in Rhodevus each of them was born, who their families were, and so forth. Of all who had assaulted the Capitol, only nineteen were not Rhodeve and those nineteen were PODans who had traveled to Rhodevus beforehand. There was another file on his desk, one that was of particular interest to him. An apparent RIA agent who had been monitored since his arrival but was apparently allowed to visit the N.C.C. after the attack, allowed to retrieve remnants of the engagement from the site, and even permitted to return to Rhodevus with the evidence gathered. With even photographs of the person in question as well as another in his hotel room, and with similar photographs of the before mentioned other arriving in Rhodevus, it became quite apparent that someone in P.O.D.I. wanted this man to deliver the findings and someone else did not. What was readily obvious, and perhaps a little disturbing, to Devicks was that whoever these two people were, if that was how many there were, they were both very good at keeping themselves hidden and had at least the authority to issue assassination orders. The thought that disturbed Devicks the most was that one of these people, or groups of people, was at least complacent in the attack of the N.C.C.

Replacing all of the gathered files into the personal briefcase of the head of P.O.D.I., the Commander in Chief would stand up and shake his head as he thought for a moment. "Here it is, all of the proof anyone would ever need. And all of it points to Rhodevus. And evidence that could convince even General Timmel himself that he did it, but we all know that simply cannot be the case. See to it that Rhodevus gets everything in that briefcase."

"Everything, sir?"

"Everything," Devicks reaffirmed as he moved toward the door. "I have a meeting on the economic effects of the expected cease of trade that will be happening, likely by the end of this already irritatingly long week. I want Queen Diana to have copies of everything we've gathered, in her own hands, by the time I am done with this meeting. If you have to personally tape each page to her bedroom wall, do it."

"Yes sir."

N.C.C., Fort Lee
Budget and Economics Conference Room.
1810 Hours Kingstown Time, Second Day

General Devicks walked into the room, one only slightly different from the General Staff conference room but filled with a very different group of people. Present was the Economics Adviser of each of the eight communities as well as the National Economics Adviser. While each one of them would offer their opinions on the looming economic crisis, using statistics to back their claims, it would be entirely up to the Commander in Chief to make decisions accordingly. Even though this was deep within the heart of the N.C.C., several P.O.D.H.G. personnel lined the walls of the room, along with several Army Military Police personnel to offer a secondary security force. After seeing that P.O.D.H.G. may have been compromised during the attack, it was decided that every Honor Guard would be accompanied by an MP, offering something of a check and balance, though the MPs were certainly better equipped.

"Let's begin," Devicks stated as he took his seat and looked to each of the advisers present, noting most of them to still looking over various documents, still thinking of the economic backlash that was about to occur, despite The Dictatorship having made no moves against Rhodevus, though the same still could not be stated in the reverse.

"If I may, General," the adviser from Towns began, directing everyone's attention to the chart he had displayed on one of the rooms several display screens. The chart in question had a portrayal of the economic growth of the nation as well as the economic growth of the individual communities. "Our nation has experienced positive economic growth for the past several decades, in particular, under the leadership of General Rader. Our rate of economic growth has been 378 Billion Credits annually. However, we have already seen a decrease of nearly five billion credits for this year, disregarding the long term results of the attack on the N.C.C.---"

"And what kind of long term damage could we be facing?" General Devicks questioned, interrupting the economics adviser from Towns.

"Best case, economic growth being reduced to one percent," the national adviser answered with an almost defeated tone in his voice, making it to the Commander in Chief that the attack on the capitol caused much more harm than he had first realized.

"And the worst case?"

"Worst case, from the attack alone, economic reduction by up to three percent. If we lose the few trading partners we have, we could be looking at total economic collapse."

"And how could we remedy that?" General Devicks asked, already knowing what he thought to be the answer but fearing it would be what the experts told him.

After a moment of the advisers thinking, and giving one another glances that certainly did not reassure Devicks, the adviser from Gievs finally spoke up in the same negative tone the other two seemed to have, confirming what the Commander in Chief had thought. "War. Specifically, war with the perpetrators of the attacks."

"I was afraid of that," Devicks stated as he looked back to the economic statistics on the view screen.

"If we went to war with Rhodevus tomorrow," the national adviser began, thinking aloud but catching everyone's attention. "Our growth rate would reach at least three percent. With the---"

"Unacceptable," Devicks was quick to respond, stopping this train of voiced thought immediately. "Thank you all for your time. You are dismissed."

From: General Devicks, Commander In Chief of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy of Provincial Ochlocracy of Denmytire
To: Queen Diana Angelie Wolff, Queen of The United Sovereign Kingdoms of Rhodevus
Encryption Set: NONE

Dear Madam,

With the conclusion of studying all gathered evidence at the scene of the battle, P.O.D. Investigatory Measures and P.O.D. Unsolved Mysteries Candidacy have worked to develop a full dossier on all Rhodeve military personnel within our nation. In this dossier, which will be delivered to you as hard copies, you will find the exact names of all known to have participated in the attack, as well as their previous duty stations within Rhodevus. Through some more thorough research, we were able to uncover all individual transfer orders for these personnel. As all collected evidence has been cataloged, it will be turned over to private investigators for further counter investigation to ensure the validity of our findings.

Further, all personal effects, remaining after the engagement at the National Command Center, are being prepared for return to Rhodevus. All such personal effects will be packaged and marked for delivery to the closest living family, which I would leave to your government to carry out.

It has also come to my attention that an individual, of PODan origin, was responsible for assassinating an RIA agent who was delivering evidence from the N.C.C. to you at the Imperial Palace. I can say with full certainty, that the RIA agent in question was purposely permitted by us to deliver, examine, and deliver. The actions of this PODan were inexcusable and any punishment to be delivered I am certain would have been proper. As an RIA agent was permitted to recover evidence from the site, we were certain to thoroughly document it. This evidence will be sent to our embassy in Kingstown, where yourself or Lord General Nathaniel Timmel will be permitted to retrieve it. If this is unacceptable to you, you may also call upon our ambassador to deliver the evidence documentation at the Imperial Palace.

Further, it has come to my attention that a you are calling on your trading partners to stop all trade with The Dictatorship, though the communities had have done nothing against Rhodevus. In fact, it could be stated that we have been rather merciful regarding an act of war that all evidence continues to indicate your High Command as being at fault. I have acted, thus far, on good faith that the attack was not ordered by your government, though your calling on your trading partners to cut ties with us would be self incriminating. Since the attack, we have only responded in investigating and returning your embassy personnel to you, yet you are making moves to cause us even greater harm, causing even myself to consider that you may indeed be at fault for this act of war.

As a final point, I would like to inform you that we would be interested in a meeting, to peacefully resolve this matter, in the proposed territory of Rezua. This meeting, however, will only occur if your selected representative is Lord General Nathaniel Timmel.

General Devicks, CINC P.O.D.

From: General Devicks, Commander In Chief of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy of Provincial Ochlocracy of Denmytire
To: Audwin Celwen, Imperial President of the Rezuan Province of Soril
Encryption Set: NONE

Dear Sir,

Your sympathies to those affected by the attack on our capitol compound will be relayed.

While you do not support the attack on our nation in words, I am certain your actions will show your true colors. We are well aware that you, much as we have done thus far, will continue to regard your ally to be above reproach in this matter, despite the clear evidence stating otherwise. I will readily admit that the United Sovereign Kingdoms of Rhodevus has indeed been benevolent, though we are only now realizing the advantage that would be had in such a nation conducting such an attack.

In my experience, whether one finds facts to be without merit has no bearing on whether or not these facts are true. The evidence we have made known is the very evidence we have come to see for ourselves. Should you have any intelligence that would clear Rhodevus of any fault, we would be grateful beyond simple words. Upon the revelation of any such intelligence, we would, without even the slightest hesitation, withdraw and apologize for any accusations made against Rhodevus.

It is important to note that all gathered intelligence is being provided to Queen Diana Wolff in the hopes that this evidence can be refuted, as it is in my upmost interest to preserve the lives of all PODans, a task that would be greatly hindered in any war. I would suggest that Empress Ymira Everen request cooperation with Rhodeve intelligence to come to a quicker resolution to our current issue. After all, it is good to trust, but one must always verify.

We will be sending a representative to your province to meet with yourself and a representative of Rhodevus at the soonest possible convenience. During this meeting it is intended that the primary topic be the discuss of possible future interactions between our nations and other nations. And with any luck, our nations will be able to work together against the perpetrators of this act, rather than mistakenly working with them.

General Devicks, CINC P.O.D.

[Rezua]

Even with bags under her eyes from lack of sleep and clothes she'd had on for days, to Merton Kassmeyer, Zoey Hanji was still the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen in his entire life. But it's not like there was much to compare her to in the war room, just dusty old generals from the cold war. The anxious spell that held them all in its grip did not help their aged looks either. Everyone in the room stared at a map of Eomeria, besieged on all sides by the armies and allies of the Mouse.

Ironic thought Merton Ymira Everen had been given a name to match her timid nature. Yet now, she raises armies with words. Indeed, it was the girl's words that had moved those on the fence to her cause. The wrong cause. The cause that should have died with Josef Everen, with Juliet Everen, with the abdication of Christina Everen. A cause that should have crumbled after its young empress was dethroned. But no, like cancer, it endured. Cut it out, and it just was found somewhere else. Thing was, all Merton could focus on as Zoey swept her hand across the map was that it was unadorned by a ring.

Merton's mind continued to wander, back to when his beloved was younger, when he was younger. Through their rash decisions as young adults, their child had come into the world before marriage. And get married they never did. For Zoey had to start her part of the mission, and he was suppose to disappear. But he never did. Oh that he'd had more courage and had married her. Now, with the enemy at the gates, there was no time for that. Zoey's voice brought him back into the conversation.

"Most of our vital staff is away. The day is most likely lost, but we have enough forces fleeing to return to the war later. Possibly if we can lay low where Rezuan influence is minimal, regroup, and regrow. The fleet has scattered, all we can do now is use our forces in the capital to try and hold off our enemies while more of us slip away."

An old general joined in, his voice crackly and hollow "And you, Tsarina? What will you do now?" The others looked at her, questioningly. Wondering if she'd leave and keep the sacrifices of many alive.

"I will stay here."

The room seemed to freeze, a few men coughed. Merton's eyes widened. "Stay here?" He demanded "Why on Sunalaya would you do that?" The tsarina shrugged "This only ends with me or Ymira on the throne and the other dead. I have a plan, to lure the young usurper away from her army, to me. I'll deal with her. Christina hasn't surfaced for months, without an heir, the Everen line will die. It will only be a matter of time for us then." Zoey glanced at Merton and her eyes did all the reprimanding. No. I will not be swayed.

Toryani City,
Province of Soril

Merton never woke up from a dream with a start. No, such a thing was a figment of stories written by young people trying to convey some deep internal fear within a character. Ugh. Sofia had been doing her Rhodeve Literature homework recently. Apparently, ripping on would-be writers and young dreamers was what they were doing now. Damn depressing.

When though she was gone, Merton reached out a hand to feel for Zoey. Of course, all he felt was the smooth texture of silk from his sheets. But her skin had been like that, when he'd coaxed her out of her uniform. With a deep sigh of longing and abandonment, Merton stood and stretched. A moment later he stood to get ready.

Approximately an hour later, Imperial President Audwin Celwen stood among an honor guard, waiting for his guests. The guards wore medieval plate, emblazoned with some Rezuan lord or other. An attempt by the nobility to remind the world that Rezuan nobles existed, even if on the fringes of the empire. A waste to Merton, but any man willing to wear full-plate in the summer in the Isles was welcome to. His real security force filled the area, acting as his bodyguards and also of the guests to come. They sported Rezuan Military Police uniforms, with new sub-machine guns. Most of them wore Rezuan flags on their shoulders, but a fair number wore Rhodeve ones. Some men were unwilling to accept change, and Merton had promised to let them be themselves, to stand against "Rezuanizing" the Isles.

The Rhodeve were sending Lord General Nathaniel Timmel to the meeting. Who the hell the Dictatorship sent was unknown at the time. A military men to be sure though. The world might question this meeting, military men doing politics. But Merton wasn't military, not officially. He would stand for the people, and would do so without fear. Merton stood straight backed, eyes proud, lips in a welcoming smile. Yes, once he'd tried to kill General Timmel in secret. But today, he'd make the man into an ally, and the same for the PODian. He'd need allies in the future.

[The Dictatorship POD]

Diplomatic Transport 010-Z57-B, HC-1339 En-route to Toryani City
0900 Hours Kingstown Time, Third Day

Major Thomason looked over his instruments yet again, keeping a vigilant eye on everything even as the autopilot worked, not trusting the machinery to its own devices. Looking over to his left hand side, he would habitually check the status of the AAMs on his wings, ensuring that they were still quite ready launch and destroy any hostile aircraft to cross their path. Looking to his GPS screen, he would flip three switches, deactivating his aircraft's three separate ECM devices to allow him to get an accurate mark on his position. Only giving himself two seconds to view the GPS, he would decide to leave the redundant countermeasures inactive for the remainder of the flight, being that they were only five minutes from there destination city.

Checking the status of the aircraft's other countermeasures to ensure that they were not completely vulnerable, now that a radar would be able to clearly identify the aircraft. Looking to his communications systems, the Major would check to ensure he was on the proper frequencies to contact the Rezuan air traffic controllers. Looking over to his copilot, he would give the same nervous chuckle he gave when he first saw the man. While the man was understandably stern in appearance, there was something about him that would make even the most disciplined P.O.D.A.F. pilot nervous, and Major Thomason suspected anyone else for that matter. Perhaps the most disturbing think about the man was the name patch, on his uniform. The same patch was on every one of the passengers he transported today, all with exception to the VIP the men were guarding. Everyone with the name, Shidler. All thirty of them, including the crewmen of the POD-88-1 General Purpose Main Battle Tank being held in the front of the aircraft's cargo hold.

"Attention Rezuan ground control, this is Diplomatic Transport aircraft marked 010-Z57-B, transporting VIP and security personnel. We are five minutes out. Please advise with landing."

Following the instructions of the ground control, Major Thomason would land the aircraft at the designated zone as soon as he arrived. Upon landing, the Major would guide the HC-1339 to its designated holding area, where the aircraft's cargo ramp would lower to offload the APC the VIP would be riding in, along with its two IFV's for escort. After the vehicles offloaded, the MBT would follow only to park itself a few meters away from the large aircraft, which would also find itself guarded by ten heavily equipped men, all behaving as though they may have been in an active conflict zone. As the IFVs and APCs rolled out to the meeting, the transport was left with only ten of these guards, the flight crew, and the tank to protect it from any unknown or unpredictable attacks.

As he rode in the rear of the APC heading for the conference with the Rezuan diplomat, and with any hope General Timmel, General Devicks would look over the gathered intelligence on the attack at the N.C.C. Having decided to focus his efforts on the purpose of the upcoming meeting, the Commander in Chief of the communities did not take any effort in studying the men he was about to meet with, something that went against his very nature after serving the majority of his life as a P.O.D.I.M. agent, even eventually becoming the head of P.O.D.I. Now, he simply hoped that this meeting would be the first step in resolving a growing issue, one that could see to the destruction of the nation he commanded by his simply failing to take action. To make matters more difficult, were he to take the only plausible action, it would only extend that downfall to other nations. For now, it was looking as though either way The Dictatorship would lose, which was something he would rather not have had placed on his shoulders. This, along with the evidence gathered, only worked to support the idea that Rhodevus was responsible, using an unforeseen strategy to destroy Unitary Representative Stratocracy at the relatively low cost of only a few dozen men. The perfect strike as it were, one that did not have to succeed because its goal was exactly not to proceed.

"Sir, we are arriving now," came a call Captain Shidler, the driver of his APC and the commander on the ground for the General's personal guards. The shared name of these personnel was never a comfort to the man, being that it was a false name given to a group of people who were literally born and raised for the sole purpose of war, a pet project of the late General Rader, one that even P.O.D.I. could find no real evidence of, leaving the world to mere rumors and easily disregarded conspiracy theories. With this, the only function the shared name could possibly serve is that of confusion to anyone other than the Commander in Chief.

As the vehicle stopped, the rear doors to the APC would open, letting the five guards out before General Devicks. Unlike those left to guard the aircraft, the P.O.D.A.E.H.G. personnel here acted in a more relaxed manner, presenting themselves as though they were protecting a secured site rather than a war zone. Here they would fall in behind the General and follow him as he went to greet the Rezuan representative, eleven of the overly equipped guards remaining with the vehicles and only four accompanying Devicks to the meeting.

[Rhodevus]

Kingstown, Rhodevus
Imperial Palace

"Response from the Dictatorship."
"What is the response?" Queen Diana replied.
"Generally what we expected ma'am. Our suspension of trade is incriminating, though there was no new mention of the attack on Rhodevus."
"Interesting. What else?"
"They have released all information to us regarding the initial attack on POD. A full dossier of information regarding whom they believe are the assailants. All personal effects are being sent to us as well. I already have the RIA working their way through all the information the PODians have uncovered. Along with a full autopsy of the deceased RIA agent."
"Thank you. I would like a full report written up before I leave for the Sorillete Islands."
"Actually, about that. They have stated that they will only accept if it is General Timmel who attends."
Diana paused for a moment, slightly put off.
"Oh. Well, I guess then have the report completed before Nathanial leaves for the Sorilette Islands."
"At once ma'am."

Kingstown International Airport - Military Departures Wing
4:00 am Local Time

The thrums of the jet engines began to take form as the last of the needed fuel was being added to the plane. The High General, Nathanial Timmel was surrounded by a litany of political representatives and military personnel in going over the final points before meeting with the PODian representative. The general had spoken politics and diplomacy before, but always felt out of place. It was why he stayed in the military for so long. One of the longest serving members of the military currently in the country, and only a few years at most from retirement.

Speaking with officials from the dictatorship was always more calming than most. They treated each diplomatic encounter like a battle that needed to be won. Rather than a game of strategy and false language. Better. But then again, when failure would mean war it would be normal to feel uneasy.

The last few words were given, and Nathanial was handed a briefcase with all the files needed. He would read through the lot of them during the four hour trip.

"General!" Came a scream, just as the plane doors were set to close. The general nodded at the plane staff to wait a moment.

Came running through the airport pavement was a man in a suit. No doubt an RIA agent. He rushed up the stairs to the plane door and paused to catch his breath.

"Yes?" The general politely urged.
"The rogue RIA agent. Autopsy is complete. Or as complete as we can be for now."
"Any useful information?"
"The man. He had a tattoo on the back of his neck. A tattoo of a bar-code. We are still determining what it is a code for. But we believe it to be PODian in origin."
"They do have some strange customs over there. I wouldn't put it past them to mark their own citizens. Thank you for this information. It could prove crucial in the coming hours."

And with that, he was off. On his way to the Sorilette Islands. A rezuan territory which had once belonged to Rhodevus not so many months ago.

Sorilette Islands, Rezua

The plane landed with no issue. It was warm here. Warmer than Kingstown for sure. Yet, the general still wore his military suit. With him was only a single guard for security purposes. As the queen explained, this was not a meeting of enemies to discuss terms of peace, but of allies to overcome a hurdle in a relationship. There was no need to show strength and no need to show fear.

It did help that the location of the meeting would be in an area friendly to Rhodevus, but the general left that unsaid. He took an SUV, taken from the Rhodeve consulate on the island, as his means of transportation to Toryani City and the location of the meeting. A final review of notes in the ride over was all he had time for. New information would become available throughout the day, as Rhodeve agents worked on the information provided by the POD administration, first checking through anything for viruses or military-grade programs which could cause problems in the country. Another group of agents were still working on deciphering through thousands of lines of code to determine how the general's own computer was hacked, or if it had even been hacked. A new idea was that another rogue member of the Rhodeve government accessed the computer from the physical computer itself. That would be harder to discover. Finger print recognition was still not the greatest means of detection.

"We're here sir." The SUV stopped.
With a final breath, calming his old bones, he looked ahead. "Then, let's get to work."

[Rezua]

Toryani City,
Sorilette Isles

Now that looks stupid thought Merton as he gazed upon men all wearing the name Shidler. Where they all trying to look like some weird family? Yea, there was that whole story about how they were raised from birth to kill people. But that was just that, a story. And to be honest, Merton had once been the kind of man who could kill men like these without ever having to even see their faces. No, the assassin was not intimidated by the men who all wore the same name. What interested him was the fact that they had brought a tank into his city. Why on Sunalaya would they have sent a tank into a city that could barely call itself one? The Isles had barely enough people to rival even just a large city in some countries. A single tank could destroy a few blocks Merton's capital easily, the Isles weren't heavily guarded. Therefore, Merton took this as a sign. Though, not the one the PODians would expect. This overkill of force told Merton one thing. That the Dictatorship was nervous. Obviously, to the men standing around him as an honor-guard wearing medieval armor, a tank was pretty scary. To be fair, most of them had a firearm at their sides. Imagery and show was all well and good, but no one was gunna walk around without some modern firepower.

With a smile, Merton walked up to the Rhodeve man he'd once plotted to murder, and to the PODian general who had brought a tank into his city. "Gentlemen", he said "I am Imperial President Audwin Celwan. Welcome to my province, and to the Rezuan Empire." Merton extended his hand to his guests and made a decision. He had to appear as non-threatening as he could to try to keep up an air of neutrality. The first thing he had to do, therefore, was to crack light jokes, "General Timmel, I'd have thought you'd make it here first. General Devicks, that tank looks like a pain to parallel park." He chuckled softly before nodding back to the Provencal Governance Buidling, or PCB for short.

As he lead them to the building, he made some small talk "I'm glad that both of agreed to come here. I'm hoping that after a few hours the truth will be revealed and that it will be one that suits all of us." Because if it doesn't, We're going to have ourselves a quint little war. Though, Merton didn't actually say that part. The looming PCB once housed the Rezuan commander in charge of Rezuan submarine warfare in the Far West. It looked like more of a mansion than a government building, because it was. The front was made of an elaborate glass framework that created a large doorway in the light tan brick. The roof was one of long, sloping red tile. In short, besides the doorway, the building attempted to echo the look of mansions from the Romalean Empire. Militaristic, proud, practical. To Merton, that stupid doorway with all the glass ruined the look. Musta been a wife who had demanded it, no self respecting admiral would have let their fortress be made into a showroom. To its credit, the doorway's glass was shaped like that of a ship's captain's cabin. The threshold into the building was wood, carved with Revonic symbols for maritime power.

Merton lead them into a room with a large wooden table and fine cushioned chairs. A few cabinets lined the walls, stamped with the emblem of the Rezuan monarchy. Noticeably, they'd been added onto, these were now the Everen's family crest. A sacrifice Merton had to make to not set off any suspicions. "Gentlemen, this room was used to hold meetings between Emperor Augustus Everen and members of the Rhodeve high command shortly before the Rhodeve joined up with Everen's army to claim Rezua from its tsar. It has since been used by the Rhodeve for other meetings, though minor. Now, it serves as a Rezuan meeting room once again. Before this building was here though, this spot was used by the Namanchi Tribe for their tribal gatherings. This is truly a site of diplomacy." Merton took the time to allow either party to sweep for bugs, which there were none. Afterword, The Imperial President took a seat and opened up a small laptop that he wished to take notes on.

"Now then, to get down to business. We are here to discuss the tragic events that transpired in the Dictatorship and bring the truth to life. Generals Dervicks, General Timmel, before we review the evidence, are there any opening remarks that you wish to make? For Rezua's part, I can say that we wish only to find the truth and in turn a solution to this problem that meets the tone needed."

[The Dictatorship POD]

Toryani City, Province of Soril
Third Day

As General Devicks greeted President Celwan, he would pause for a moment as he listened to the man's attempt at humor. Without even a change in facial expression, not finding interest in the joke considering the issue at hand, he would take the offered hand, failing to notice his guards tensing as if ready to respond to an imminent threat. This sudden tensing to the offered hand, by the security personnel, would make it quite apparent to any observing that they were quite unfamiliar with the concept of friendly gestures between those not sharing the same uniform. Releasing the handshake, Devicks would finally respond to the joke Celwan had made, though in a far less joking manner. "I am sorry if our recent security measures seem a bit much, it simply could not be helped. When someone shows the courage to assault one of the most secure compounds on Sunalaya, certain precautions must be taken in a much less secure area."

After greeting the Rezuan, the Commander in Chief would turn his attention to the Rhodeve High General, offering a respective salute to the man before offering his hand. After showing the High General his due respect, General Devicks would follow after the host of the meeting, two of his guards following him directly while the other two followed behind the group. Upon entering the meeting room, the guards directly following would cautiously examine their surroundings as the Commander in Chief of The Dictatorship took his seat, apparently not caring whether or not anyone on the outside was listening in, but rather expecting it. When he took his seat, his guards would stand attentively behind him, each one facing a different direction as to cover multiple areas with their field of view. While it was not readily obvious to the others in the room, due in no small part to the ballistic face masks they wore that effectively obscured all of their features, Devicks could tell that they were uneasy with their environment, that they felt too exposed and vulnerable despite being in a peaceful environment and being prepared for combat.

After President Celwan spoke of reviewing the evidence and asked for opening remarks, the leader of the unified communities could not help but smile slightly at the humor he saw in it, his mind immediately drawing a comparison to a courtroom, though with no judge and no jury. Certainly there were the accuser and the accused, even perhaps a mediator, but this was no courtroom. After the smile faded, being present for not even a second, he would open up his briefcase and set several folders out on the table, offering one in particular to the Rhodeve general, clearly marked with bold red lettering that spelled out OPERATION 3157-D, KINGSTOWN, RHODEVUS. Were General Timmel to open the rather thick folder, he would find the details of the recent assassination and bombing of a coffee shop in Kingstown, including even the most minute of details on the P.O.D.E.F. agent who was later caught by the RIA. The cover page of the file clearly indicated the operation to have been sanctioned but also went as far as to clarify the purpose to 'destroy falsified evidence' that apparently would have 'hindered efforts of investigation into the attack on the capitol of the Unitary Representative Stratocracy of the Provincial Ochlocracy of Denmytire'. From the willingness to reveal this, as well as his irritated expression, it would be rather apparent that General Devicks neither sanctioned the assassination nor knew of it until after it had happened.

"I do believe we should discuss the most recent incident first. I will readily admit our actions in Rhodevus were both unjustified and foolishly carried out. This incident should have not occurred, even though saying this will change nothing."

As he awaited a response from the other two in the room, General Devicks would look over the other folders before selecting another one and handing it to one of his guards to deliver to President Celwan, a folder marked RIA INTERNAL OCCURRENCE 82X-913B. Inside would be a full report on the monitored and apparently permitted intelligence gathering efforts of a Rhodeve operative within The Dictatorship. The folders contents detailed the gathering of intel at the N.C.C., his actions in his hotel room, and his handing it over to another operative. The report seemed to refocus on the man who had received the evidence, his departure from the communities, his arrival in Rhodevus, and his death and the destruction of the intel in Kingstown. Further, the report detailed the evidence gathered, meaning that Celwan now held the evidence that an RIA agent was killed for in Kingstown.

Based on the two reports, if exchanged so that Timmel and Celwan could look into both, it would become rather obvious that the intel was meant to be examined by Rhodevus and even the world, and now it could be. Now the only question was whether or not the world would believe it to be true. As he waited for the others to examine what he had just delivered to them, an admittance to the actions of The Dictatorship so far, he would continue to look through the multiple folders he still had.

"Gentlemen," he would begin again, calling for the others' attention, "the communities are facing a crisis that cannot be avoided. At this time, we have only found two options. There is no middle ground and both have the potential of costing millions of lives." Giving a moment's pause, to allow the severity of the situation time to properly sink in, he would continue. "My first option would be to do nothing regarding the attack and wait for our economy to collapse, see a loss of faith in the unified communities, and likely see the bloodiest civil war in the history of Sunalaya. My alternative would be to go to war with those evidently responsible for the attack on Fort Lee. In either case, I am faced with the likely dissolution or destruction of my home country. Here lies the dilemma. Most of the General Staff, myself included, cannot believe that The United Sovereign Kingdoms would have committed to such an act. However, all of the evidence gathered so far has made it impossible for us to place the blame elsewhere. And when the probable is impossible, only the improbable is possible."

Camp Stauffen, Weiße Sand Desert, Towns
0930 Kingstown Time, Third Day

Digging a trench in the yard, as they all did everyday, Gervas Welter, a foreign prisoner, was finding his particular predicament to be rather irritating. Having been in prison there since his being caught before he was able to carry out his plans to destroy the Royal Palace in Kingstown, after being contracted as a demolitions expert by the Bannerless Brotherhood. After he had drafted the plans, with the structural plans provided to him, he was detained by the same people who hired him and subsequently turned over to P.O.D.I. After spending some time detained in a P.O.D.I. black site, being interrogated day in and day out, he was finally sent to this P.O.D.M.C. black site, where he quickly discovered any attempt to escape was both futile and insanity, considering the improbability for any attempt of breaking out of a place where the walls were fifty feet high, ten foot thick, and buried down to the bedrock. Judging by the daily average temperatures of more than one hundred degrees Fahrenheit, were someone to escape past the wall, towers, and two guards per prisoner; they would likely find themselves in the middle of some inhospitable desert. Even while he shoveled, he found himself being rather suddenly and violently restrained by four Marine MPs. After having his legs and wrists restrained, he would find earplugs being pushed into his ears and a gag being forced into his mouth. After all of this, a thick black hood was pulled over his head as he was picked up off of the ground.

After a few minutes of being carried, he would be placed sitting in a chair where all of his restraints were removed, the four Marines that brought him there leaving him alone in the room with a man dressed in civilian clothing. As the man leaned forward, toward Welter, Gervas could not help but feel somewhat nervous, the expression on the man showing absolutely no emotion and something about his eyes seemed to send shivers down his spine.

"You're going to destroy the Royal Palace for me."

After blinking his eyes in confusion several times he would simply nod in agreement.

"I will provide you with all of the structural details and the explosives to be used. You will provide your plan for review, then I will decide whether or not you return to Camp Stauffen."

[Rhodevus]

Toryani City, Sorilette Islands
General Timmel

The Rhodeve High General watched as General Devicks greeted the Rezuan President, making quick note of how tense the PODian guards were. These men were both un-knowledgeable of standard international greeting behaviour, as well as jumpy. Ready at a moments notice to spring into action and kill them all. It meant the general had to act as calm as possible. Not give them the slightest possibility of jumping into action and killing him before he could state his and his country's case. A lot was riding on this meeting. The Dictatorship had always been a strenuous ally, but even with such actions that were quick to anger, there had never been real reason or cause for alarm between the two nations like there was now.

This was a professional. More likely a group of professionals. Able to infiltrate the highest circles of both Rhodevus and Denmytire. There was still so much that was unknown. Possibly unknowable until the cause of the initial attacks had been discovered. But, with their only actual piece of evidence removed from play, as well as thousands of uniforms that would need cataloging being their only next step, it was a flimsy footing they were left on.

General Devicks saluted General Timmel. Timmel saluted in kind and shook the PODian's hand when offered. There was a tangeable unease between the two men. The two men sat down and Devicks handed him a folder marked "Operation 3157-D Kingstown, Rhodevus". Carefully, he opened the file and read its contents while Devicks spoke.

"I do believe we should discuss the most recent incident first. I will readily admit our actions in Rhodevus were both unjustified and foolishly carried out. This incident should have not occurred, even though saying this will change nothing."

"I agree, we should." The general said, straightening in his chair, pulling out his own tablet which would hold all the information needed for this meeting. "Let me first say, that RIA is still gathering information on multiple leads we have into this and previous scenarios, all of which is being forwarded here. There is still much that is unknown, though some has been answered or confirmed by this folder."

"As it is marked here, POD was well aware of the R.I.A. conducting a search for evidence; be it falsified or not, in Denmytire prior to the extraction of the agent to Rhodevus and the subsequent assassination and bombing of another agent whom held the contents of the investigation. I would like to also readily admit the truth, that yes, there was an agent in POD investigating for evidence and there are agents in POD. Just as I would expect the same of you, regarding your own intelligence operatives located in Rhodevus; specifically those in Kingstown, Port Joy and Acadia, among others." He said the last with a knowing look. Just like POD would be keen to keep an eye on certain agents from other countries, so too was Rhodevus. Though, it would be known by both generals that the PODian government knew of more Rhodeve agents in POD than the Rhodeve government knew of POD agents in Rhodevus.

"I would also like to make note of the evidence gathered itself, rather than dwell on the fact that an assassination was carried out on Rhodevus soil, as well as a bombing. The evidence gathered, marked here and here as 'The aforementioned evidence', and here as 'the contents removed from P.O.D.' and here as 'The contents, able to be palmed by the Rhodeve Intelligence Agent and small enough to fit into a pocket', does not in fact make mention of what the actual evidence it that had been gathered. Whether the evidence is true, as we believe, or falsified, as you do, is a later matter which we will surely get to. But for now I ask. Do you know what the evidence was that was being gathered?"

General Timmel listened to Devicks' speech. It was true, Rhodevus seemed to hold all the blame. Queen Diana's push to block trade with POD by Rhodevus as well as POD's other allies and trade partners did not help settle this fact. The general took in a breath to help settle his nerves. What he said next could potentially determine the outcome of the entire meeting.

"As a Rhodeve and prime suspect in the attack on Fort Lee, I must apologize for the deaths and the destruction. The Provincial Oligarchy of Denmytire and Rhodevus have maintained long lasting relations built on mutually beneficial trust and sense of respect and I would do no such thing to even wish to diminish this trust and respect. As high general in her majesty's armed forces, I did not have the ability to dissuade her from placing sanctions and barring trade on your nation. And for that I apologize. It was foolish for her to assume that you would listen to this type of strength, rather than on more equal footing. The greatest source of problems is lack of information, on both sides. We cannot disprove the involvement of Rhodevus beyond a shadow of a doubt, without catching the criminals truly responsible. We cannot gather our own evidence as so few pieces of fact remain."

The general then turned his tablet towards Devicks and Calwen. On the screen was list of 41 thousand numbers listed in a similar format. If Devicks were to scroll through the list, he would quickly notice a similarity in them. They were all in batches. "This is our first lead. Uniform batch numbers. There are 41 thousand uniforms that we are working to locate to determine which ones are have been stolen. There is a potential that 43 of these belong to those people that attacked Fort Lee."

The general slid his finger across the screen, bringing up another document. This of the pictures and video that the PODian General Staff had provided Rhodevus. Underneath each picture or video was a list of comments. Were Devicks to read through the comments, he would read the similarities in Rhodeve tactics listed as well as those that the Rhodeve army and RIA had determined to be different, new or seen by terror groups throughout the decades. It was quite clear that the the majority of the tactics, from the break-in to the actual massacre was considered to be derived from General Timmel's own strategies. This information was clearly listed, not painting the Rhodeve general in a good light. "This is our second lead. There are four major tactical strategies that were used in the attack. Three of them are of mine own design and use. One is not mine. The one regarding troop movement through the facility to maximize casualties. This may be a tactic produced on the fly, but due to the precise movements, this procedure was practiced and mastered. We are trying to determine where this tactic originated and if it is a Rhodeve tactic or another one internationally."

The general slid his finger across the screen once more, this bringing up a page of code. Code that all three of Calwen, Devicks and Timmel would be very unfamiliar with and have little or no understanding of. "This is the decryption key discovered on my own computer. The very one which had sent out the orders to attack Fort Lee. It is not Rhodeve, it is not PODian; to the best of our knowledge. The decryption code itself is most likely a bit under 12,000 lines long. It took fifteen of our best specialists working around the clock with no sleep to even manage to find these two thousand lines. Actually understanding the decryption key requires its own amount of research, but from what I have been informed of, was that these two thousand lines broke through my password, and tricking the computer to input it with my own type signature."

A final time, he slid his finger across the screen. It was a travel log of all flights to and from POD. All three, civilian, military and intelligence, for the last year. "this is a list of all flights between our countries. We believe this to be the most likely way for those assailants to have entered your country. There are tens of thousands of names, many of which we can quickly verify and many which will take more time to."

"Please, continue to look through. These are our four primary leads. And as you can see, it isn't much. But, why am I showing you this? Because, it is much harder to find real evidence than fake fake evidence. I could have come in here with falsified reports that cleared my name and the name of my country. I could have come in here and used false bravado to say we could not possibly be the ones to blame. And yet, I sit in front of you now, with nothing but the truth. What little of it there is. While both scenarios in which you describe, are terrible outcomes of what could befall POD and POD and Rhodevus; if not the entire world. But, there is a third option. That the impossible is in fact impossible and the probable is possible. That someone or someones much smarter than us both is forcing our hands. Redirecting our anger and rage at each other for their own benefit."

"Isn't that all this truly is about? Benefit. How do I? How does Rhodevus benefit from attacking a close ally? How would somebody else?"

[Rezua]

Toryani City, Sorilette Islands
President Celwan (Merton Kassmeyer)

If it were not for the fact that Merton had done exactly what the PODians had done in Kingston, he would probably be morally horrified. Sure, he could say that he personally disagreed with the methods now but as a whole, he could not pretend that he had any right to judge innocence. Rather, he'd taken this role on to try and improve relations with the large Rhodeve population in his nation, to eventually get them to back his daugther's claim to the Rezuan throne. It was both selfish and also right at the same time. Still, thousands of lives depended on Merton. Perhaps millions. And all he could think about was Zoey's lifeless body.

Merton cleared his throat, attempting to physically banish thoughts of his late wife. Then he turned to look through the folder labelled, OPERATION 3157-D, KINGSTOWN, RHODEVUS, before addressing the Rhodeves' leads. Merton spoke as he read, "I must say, general, that destroying evidence you believed to be false in order to stop the spread of false information is quite troubling. If your government believed that the Rhodeve had some faked evidence, you should have brought that as evidence against them. If there had been a way to prove it was fake, it wold have served your argument better. Now, I'm left to wonder if you destroyed fake evidence or simply a loose end you didn't want found. I'm not accusing you, I'm merely pointing out that this cannot help your case."

"Furthermore, as a small personal aside, I find it rather upsetting that your government would go to war with Rhodevus even if your leading officials don't believe that the United Kingdoms would have done this. Speaking frankly, sir, you would be engaging in a war that you don't believe in that would cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions of lives. Assuming for a moment that Rhodevus is proven innocent, why would your nation fall into civil war? If this case is a misunderstanding, I'd urge all parties to lift any sanctions or accusations. I want to avoid war and will make the suggestions I feel necessary to do so. I'd ask you to at least be open to an alternative that doesn't involve you falling to civil war or to attacking a nation you feel is innocent."

Taking a moment to look at General Timmel, Merton continued to speak, "First, I'd like to say that with so many possible uniforms involved it would be basically impossible to claim that the ones missing could be identified as the forty-three involved in this case. With the wars Rhodevus has been involved in, I'd say it's safe to assume more than just forty-three have gone missing. How could you pinpoint them to being involved in this case at all. The same goes for the people on that plane. Without names or proof of Rhodeve uniforms in their luggage, we can't pinpoint would did the attack. "

"Secondly, without meaning to give offense, how can the Dictatorship trust that you are doing all in your power to decrypt this information? If Rhodevus really did this attack, couldn't you hide it and say that you're doing everything you can to crack the encryption? I believe you should hand it off to Rezuan code breaks or some third party. That way, the results can be considered pure by the PODians."

"As for those tactics..." Merton paused to look over the fourth tactic used by the insurgents. It did not take him long to realize, with a start, that it was a Rezuan tactic pioneered in the early 1930s and expended and perfected by East Rezua into it's 1985 "Cover Movement Formation". Merton himself had lead this very tactic when fighting against Everen troops. But, were he to state that he knew what they were, he'd have to either come up with a scholarly reason for knowing it or admit to military background he'd publicly stated he didn't have. Worse, he could open up ties to East Rezua. Instead, he chose to be more subtle.

"Gentlemen, I am not a military man, please allow me a moment to have one of my provincial commanders review it."

Merton summoned Commander Klaus Fedinor, a local commander with a specialization in East Rezuan tactics. The man was, after all, from an East Rezuan noble family who had fled East Rezua after the Hanjis took over. Commander Fedinor entered the room and took some time to study the tactic. The man seemed troubled when he finally said "It's the Cover Movement Formation. This is the modern use of the East Rezuan 1985 version. I'm...not sure why it would be used here."

Just as I thought. I guess this means my rivals are trying to start a war between Rhodevus and the Dictatorship. Unless they're fully intergrated into the Brotherhood, I see no reason for them to do so.

Merton waved the man away "Thank you, commander, I believe I'll take it from here."

"Of course, sir."

Merton addressed the foreign generals once more, putting on his best "troubled" face, "I believe that this serves as proof to Bannerless Brotherhood involvement. East Rezuan tactics have fallen out of favor for more modern ones. The ones being used today are the ones used by the Tsarist terror group, and organization now associated to the Bannerless Brotherhood.I think this attack is far more complicated than we are being lead to believe." Merton then waited for the generals to respond.

[Rhodevus]

General Timmel crossed his arms. "In regards to the uniforms, there are quite a handful to look through yes. But, thanks to pictures received from Denmytire and video released of the event in question, we do have some incomplete uniform numbers with which to look into. It is inefficient for sure, but we do keep good track of what uniforms have been sold or are currently in service. Those missing ones, we are searching to see if they have not been properly cataloged or if they are duds which have been discarded. or indeed if they have been stolen. There are definitely more than 43 that have gone missing, but as I said before, it is one lead we are tracking down."

"If General Devicks agrees, I will allow trusted Rezuan code-breakers handle the... code breaking. If, those assigned have been cleared by both myself and Devicks. I don't want there to be any presumptions on either side that we are not doing are best to discover who is at fault, nor that we or anyone tasked with breaking the encryptions are doing so to falsify data."

[The Dictatorship POD]

Toryani City, Province of Soril
Third Day

Hearing Timmel's thoughts, General Devicks could only nod in agreement of the man's assessment of intelligence agents being deployed in both nations by both nations, though he would give something of a half smile at the mention of Port Joy, one that disappeared almost the instant it arrived. When the question of what the evidence in question was arose, General Devicks would retrieve his own tablet from his briefcase. Still listening to the general who sat across from him, he would begin the process of unlocking the device; inserting his P.O.D.I. identification card into its slot, using the print scanner to scan the thumb then index finger of his right hand, then finally inputting several different decryption keys of varying length. Finding the file he was looking for, on the tablet, he would enter its pass code before turning the device around to offer it to the Rhodeve officer.

"This file details the evidence that was later gathered by your operative in the field. I have already ordered these documents be delivered to the R.I.A. by the end of the day. Once again, I would like to recognize that the evidence to be delivered was factual, and that miscommunication is the leading cause of the assignation in Kingstown."

Were General Timmel to look over what was being presented to him, he would see what he had likely assumed the evidence was. Being depicted here in a photograph with two black and yellow measuring tools, one showing size in inches and the other in centimeters, was a piece of a Rhodeve uniform with the lot number intact. Further into the file, however, were the notes of several different investigators, and toward the end of the file was the dossier of the Rhodeve soldier who had worn the uniform. The man's face was first depicted by a snippet of the security footage from a camera at the seen, then a series of images of the man in action, attempting to pull a wounded comrade to cover as any good soldier would do. In the dossier being presented on the tablet was a copy of the man's Rhodeve military ID as well as a copy of his individual orders to be deployed within the communities.

"I do agree, General, a lack of information here is the primary issue we are facing. What information we do have, coupled with our populace's demand of immediate retribution, is what will see us at war with one another. The only real hope for the communities, now is our delivering that retribution. We only have as long as our economic decline will allow, to find the true culprits. At this time, I know that you are not responsible for this act, but our system is built on acting according to the hard evidence, not my personal opinions on the matter at hand. I can delay any direct action, for the time being, but our populace, and the majority of our military, have already sided with the current evidence."

Tapping the top of the tablet he had offered to the Rhodeve only a moment ago, he would attempt to refocus Timmel on the contents of the file he was presented with. "From the footage of the site, we were able to identify three of the men assaulting the compound, wearing your uniform, including this one. Of the three, each was an active member of the Rhodeve armed forces. The others in with your equipment have yet to be identified. Those we have identified will be included in the reports we have sent to you, and I am certain that you will be able to confirm these findings for yourselves."

Listening to the host of this meeting, as he began to speak now, General Devicks would turn somewhat in his chair to face the man. It was shortly after President Celwan began to reference the tactics used that the Commander in Chief of the communities made the mistake of letting his eyes dart away from the man, something he quickly corrected, though something that he knew would have blown his cover when he was stationed in Port Joy when he was a relatively new agent in P.O.D.I. Having made two such mistakes in this meeting, he would feel a sense of disappointment in himself as he silently hoped that no one else had noticed, though he was well aware that his faceless guards would have immediately noticed these slips.

As soon as Commander Fedinor entered the room, the aforementioned guards would have shifted slightly, one of them watching this man in particular until he left. Seeing Celwan's expression at the Rezuan officer's statement, Devicks would turn to look to Timmel before looking back to their host, debating on revealing something that was intentionally never made public, yet deciding it crucial to be discussed in this moment.

"What I am about to tell you must never leave this room must never be made public and must only ever be revealed to your superiors."

Taking a moment's pause, to allow the weight of this to be fully realized by the other to in the room, Devicks would hint that all security personnel present should be dismissed, even motioning for his own guards to head for the doors, one of which seemed to whisper something to himself, which the others present would likely recognize as him using a personal radio to communicate something to the guards outside of the room. It would not be long before another guard entered the room carrying what appeared to be a metallic case. Setting the case on the end of the table and opening it, it would have been easy for anyone with a background in intelligence to recognize it as spectrum analyzer. When it was activated, it would work to actively detect any device with a camera or microphone within the room.

As General Devicks awaited the results from the spectrum analyzer, and for the departure of anyone other than himself and the others seated at the table, he would bring up his thoughts on the work in decryption the data currently in Rhodeve possession.

"In regards of determining what exactly that code on your computer is, I would suggest that the code be shared with P.O.D.I. and Rezuan personnel to ensure that all three groups will be able to cross reference each other. In this way, we will be able to ensure the data will be accurate."

[Rezua]

Toryani City, Sorilette Islands
President Celwan (Merton Kassmeyer)

Merton locked eyes with General Devicks. "So what you're telling me is, you'd honestly go to war with a nation who you don't think did this? You will lead your people into bloodshed for a war you don't believe in?" He held the man's gaze but did not wait for an answer, "If this attack was not committed by Rhodevus, as you and I believe, the people who committed this attack on your nation believed in their cause. They wish to turn you on Rhodevus. That is their plan. Admittedly, I don't know much about your people, but is it in your character to play into your enemy's hands? To let fear and hardship drive you into desperation? No. Our only option is not accept war. We will find the culprits. And we will bring them to justice."

Merton looked at the machine that was scanning for hidden cameras or listening devices. He was familiar with them, though had not seen it used with people who you trusted. "You won't find any hidden cameras or audio in this room. It's secure, checked before and after each meeting. If it makes you feel more comfortable, then do so. As for the codes, yes, it should be passed out. We need to use all our assets to find the culprits."