The Discussion heats up! (MT)

by **Kyrenaia** » Mon Jun 17, 2019 12:05 am

17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
The day was wonderful - after finals were done in early June, there were three weeks, during which we were technically still in school, but most people saw it as a pro-forma matter, which meant, that we were there, were taught, but both teachers and us knew, that we were there physically, but not mentally.
The End of the School Year Ceremony would be on Friday, on the 21st - next year, that would mark my graduation ceremony.
Like that, we were mostly watching educational movies and "consolidating what we learned over the school year."
That did not stop us from enjoying Lunch Break, from 12 o'clock a.m. over midday's heat until 2 o'clock p.m., for two hours. Usual haunt of the students of the Haram Girls' Academy was the Al'Arz, a restaurant/diner right opposite to the Main Gates, which was well used to masses of young women in the white sailor-style uniforms in the knee-length skirts with the blue sailor-collars coming for lunch.
The HGA itself was a tourist hotspot in and of itself, at least the areas with public entrance. The Haram Campus, where we had our buildings, was built in the Early 18th Century, its frescoes and mosaics being renown all over the world and certainly a highlight of any tourist's visit.
Anyway... the Al'Arz was right opposite to the HGA's gates and it was only natural, that we would frequent that restaurant. They had four storeys, after all, and more then enough seats for the entire HGA. And we got a discount...
...which was, just like the HGA itself, financed by my Grandmother, the Ilkhana of Utica and the Sultana of Kyrenaia.
Hi. I am Princess Aurelia bint-Damir, Horsearcher, Captain of the Horseman Team of the HGA, relatively good student (I admit, that I am not the best in sciences, thank you very much), owner of a Sand Wolf by the name of Aldhiyb, openly bi-sexual, openly in a relationship with a foreign, female head of state (Marcella Villa of the UIS of AHSCA, every time I thought of that name, my heart fluttered), working actively on changing the law to allow homosexual couples in Kyrenaia to marry (make an educated guess as to why) and thus political opponent of aforementioned Grandmother/Sultana. And enemy number one for a number of organizations.
Thankfully, most of these organizations were focused on discussing the matter peacefully, demonstrating peacefully, but there were some, which were more violent. Violence during protests, violent - throwing stones at police, having fist fights with proponents of the legal changes, such things. Luckily, the proponents of the law change had some more violent groups as well.
I basically led these changes, a social revolution in its own right, from my bedroom at the HGA's Dorms. And the majorities were kind-of even as well.
Despite that, and my station as a Kyrenaian Princess, I did not even have a bodyguard.
The Al'Arz was not cordoned off when I was there. I remembered a state visit to some place not too long ago, where I accompanied my Father to, where me running around Utica without any sort of escort would make them develop pestules.
I sat with a few friends of mine on the second floor because first had no free tables left. In hindsight, that might have saved my life.
Soraya was there, as was Fadia (a.k.a. Princess Fadia bint-Dardan), Samira... good friends. We were chatting and ~~recalling our lessons~~ gossiping about which of our girls had her eyes on which boy/man and how the chances were.
None of us took greater notice of the white van in front of the Al'Arz, suppliers often parked in front of the restaurant to deliver the materials needed for the delicious food, which we had.
And Samira was just telling us about a rumour she heard about Alya, one of our girls, and Adil, a lad from the TBA, when, suddenly, there was a deafening thunder, pressure, heat, we blown over and onto the ground, screams, panic.
A ringing in the ears, as I got up.
I was feeling fuzzy.
Iron taste on my tongue.
Samira's hand in mine, holding on for her dear life. I turned to her, saw the absolute terror in her eyes as she whispered something, holding her hand to her throat, the fear, absolute terror, in her brown eyes, blood... there was dirt everywhere, screams, or at least what sounded like screams through the cotton wool, that filled my ears.
Outside the window, I could see a pillar of smoke rising.
It took a moment for it to settle in: A moment later, I had a handkerchief on Samira's throat, keeping the wound contained, at least halfways. I resisted the urge to throw up, as it dawned upon me...
Someone just tried to blow the Al'Arz up.

Times of Utica, English Internet Edition.

Breaking News!

Terrorist Attack in Downtown Utica

Utica - During the Midday's Heat, the Downtown of Utica was rocked by an explosion in front of the Al'Arz, a restaurant popular amongst the students of the Haram Girls' Academy nearby. Especially well-filled due to the lunch break, the explosion of what appears to be at least three pipe bombs in a van parked in front of the restaurant wrecked havoc amongst the crowds of students and other diners.
So far, eyewitnesses speak of a large explosion, which killed at least fifteen students, wounding countless more. Source appears to be a white van parked in front of the restaurant.
The Al'Arz, founded in 1913, enjoys a lot of popularity amongst the students of the Haram Girls' Academy due to its close proximity to the Academy. Even Royalty studying at the institution is oftentimes found in the restaurant, Razia-Sultana Herself even calling the Al'Arz the "best restaurant an adolescent woman could imagine", having frequented the establishment Herself quite often during Her time at the HGA.
As of late, the Al'Arz was especially known as a gathering place for Princess Aurelia bint-Damir and the supporters of the proposed change in legislation, which would allow homosexuals to marry and be treated, in front of the law, much like heterosexual couples. This comes after the legalization of homosexuality in front of the law in 2000. Princess Aurelia, in a relationship with Marcella-Khana of the United Island States of AHSCA, is known as one of the most vocal advocates of the change in legislation.
So far, no organization has claimed responsibility.

Update:
Utica Metropolitan Police confirms, that Princess Alya is lightly wounded, Princess Fadia unconscious, while Princess Aurelia is in treatment for Acute Stress Reaction. Police also confirms, so far, 96 wounded and 8 dead.
The Sultana promised all conceivable aid to the victims and their families and promised to have the attack's perpetrators found and brought to justice.

Update:
The leader of the Movement Opposing the Homosexual Marriage Law, Damir Khasm, condemned the attack in very clear terms, calling the attack an act of cowardice and stupidity. He, as well as the leader of the Supporting Movement for the Homosexual Marriage Law, came to an agreement of an 'armistice', according to him, suspending all protests until the beginning of July.
A confirmation from the Supporting Movement is still out.
Meanwhile, many of the wounded were brought to the Utica Military Hospital.

Update:
The organization Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia claimed responsibility for the attack on the Al'Arz and expressed their deep sadness over having to "end so many young and promising flowers' lives in order to end the one of the shameful Carpet-Muncher-Princess Aurelia Taistealaí [Prc. Aurelia bint-Damir, ES]."
The Utica Metropolitan Police has, as of now, neither confirmed nor denied their involvement.

by **Lillorainen** » Mon Jun 17, 2019 6:26 am

Al'Arz, near the Haram Girls' Academy, Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
June 17, 2019.
When Lina woke up from her short blackout, it took her a moment to realize what had happened.
As the last station of a short city trip to Utica, Lina and Sera had decided to visit the famous HGA, including the restaurant right in front of it, the Al'Arz. This place was regularly frequented by many HGA students, some of whom were even Kyrenaian Royalty and therefore famous throughout large parts of the world - even though they had sat on the second floor (for the lack of a free table on the first one), they had decided to stay low-profile in lieu of talking to them like crazy fangirls. The Federation was a civilized country, after all.
A blonde and blue-eyed man had approached them, speaking German in Rhenish dialect, stayed for a moment for a chat, then had left their table again quite soon.
The food had been awesome! Sera had announced, "Be right back! Make sure no one steals our food, eh?" - then had gotten up and walked towards the stairs. Lina had noticed a white van, but didn't mind it. A bog-standard white van with a bog-standard Kyrenaian license plate, most certainly driven by a bog-standard guy delivering supplies.
All of a sudden, a deafening thunder had interrupted the rounds of chat. Lina had jumped from her chair and laid down onto the ground, following a reflex trained during numerous drills.
Before she could have realized what was going on here, she had already lost conscience ...
... and now, she did. Dirt and pieces of various items everywhere, screams, cries ... and a pillar of smoke.
She looked around.
"Sera ...?" - she called.
She remembered - Sera had left the table and headed for the stairs - the stairs leading to what had now turned out to be a death trap. Now, that something had exploded down there ... Gods in Asgard, did she ...?
"Sera?!" - she called again, a bit louder.
No reply.
Lina checked her own body for injuries. She seemed to be lucky - a few minor wounds and scratches here and there, but nothing dramatical. She murmured a thanking prayer in Old Norse language.
The man who had previously talked to them seemed to have the same luck. He was still ducking under a table, waiting for the pain in his ears to be over.
Lina looked around again. Maybe, the knocking in her head just hindered her from hearing Sera's reply?
Slowly, she crawled towards the stairs, or what was left of them.
And found Sera.
Sera was lying on her back, and she didn't have the luck Lina had - her previously brown hair was red now. With shivering hands, Lina moved her pointer and middle finger towards Sera's throat, to check if she was still breathing.
Her artery was still beating.
A sigh of relief left Lina - but Sera wouldn't stay alive for long without help. She was losing blood fast.
Lina just wanted to cry for help - then, she lost her conscience again.

Wittwerder/Pellhörn, State of Rigesöer, Federation of Lillorainen.
Two weeks before.
The short trip to Utica would lead Lina Koogholm to various tourist hotspots all over the megalopolis that wasn't only the capital city of the Sultanate's largest and most powerful Ilkhanate, but also of the Sultanate itself - a city trip to see an enormous world city with a political meaning spanning a former nearly-world-empire, and a historical meaning dating back around as long as, say, Sahaouine, or Toriyama. An experience Lina was about sharing with her one, true love - who was nobody lesser than Serafina Felske, the younger sister of Thorvald Felske, State Governor of Vedjading. Serafina, herself being an author, political scientist, and aspiring Member of the Meritocratic Council (even more so since her colleague Sylvia Kolverath had made it), had met Lina, co-owner of Staverup Naval Engineering Ltd., a constructor of speedboats located on the Island of Pellhörn, two years ago, on a vacation trip in Wittwerder. After a few days of being led to various secret and less secret treasures of the island by the native Islander, Serafina had fallen in love with her - and Lina had soon realized, that she loved her back.
At the Olde Lüchttorn, the Old Lighthouse of Rosthorp, where they had confessed to each other's love back then, they had also decided to go on a trip to Utica, to see something entirely different. Of course, they were aware how much of an iffy topic same-sex love was in the Sultanate; they would follow the same principle as one would expect somebody to follow when mixing beer in Lillorainen: 'If you genuinely feel in a need to do it, then do it - but do it where I'm unlikely to see it!' Thus, they would pretend to be just friends, not displaying any affection in public.
Their last station would be the Al'Arz, a restaurant near the HGA - and a place where they were unlikely to be frowned upon due to their sexuality - after all, that place was frequented by Princess Aurelia bint-Damir, as well as other HGA students who wished the Sultanate's law to be changed in favor of allowing homosexual marriage - a thing that was as natural in Lillorainen as breathing was.
Lina nervously twiddled her thumbs, literally sitting on packed luggage, as Serafina entered the living room of the small house directly located at Wittwerder Beach - grinning. "Tickets are there!" - she said. "We're gonna depart from Utica International on the 19th, going to Pontrath/Kerkenich, taking the Südexpress - and will be right on time in Preetz!"
Lina smiled. "Wonderful! I'm already looking forward to Litha! Will Nörvenich and Breitscheid be there as well?"
Serafina, or Sera for short, shrugged. "No idea" - she said. "They didn't reply to my formal request. Might try the less formal way."
"There is a less formal way?"
Sera grinned. "With enough friends owing you a favor, possibilities are endless."
"I see."
They much looked forward to the Midsummer Festival - not knowing yet, that they would not attend it.

Lysköpinger Almindelige Bladden, English online version.

Terrorist Attack in Downtown Utica

Utica (lpa/FP/BPS). As reported by Kyrenaian media and confirmed by Lillorainian press agencies, the detonation of at least three pipe bombs has killed at least fifteen persons and injured countless more, according to eyewitnesses, in the Al'Arz restaurant near the famous Haram Girls' Academy in Downtown Utica at Midday, local time. As it has been confirmed and stated as obvious, the bombs were delivered by a white van parking in front of the restaurant, which, as every midday, was highly frequented by numerous HGA students, including Kyrenaian Royalty studying there. The Academy itself, as well as many other objects in Downtown Utica, is also visited by countless international tourists during holiday seasons. The Utica Metropolitan Police has confirmed the death of eight persons so far. President Silas Flemming has already sent his condolences.
For a few years, the restaurant, which has already seen more than a hundred Summers and therefore has a tradition of being frequented by famous HGA students - including Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Kyrenaia's current ruling monarch - has also been a popular hotspot for Princess Aurelia bint-Damir and her supporters, with the goal to have homosexual marriage legalized in the Sultanate. Homosexuality itself is a hot issue of debate in Kyrenaia - legalized barely two decades ago, Princess Aurelia is probably the most famous example hailing from Kyrenaia, willing to marry Duchess Marcella of the UIS, whom she is openly in a relationship with. While numerous organizations in Kyrenaia strongly oppose and openly fight against this proposal, none of them have confessed to the attack so far.
As an international tourist hotspot, it is very likely, that not only HGA students were amongst the victims. According to information not officially confirmed yet, at least three citizens of the Federation were in the restaurant at the time of the attack. While there is evidence about the identity of two young women at the age of respectively 23 and 26 years, a man around the age of 30 could not be identified so far. He and the younger woman only were slightly injured, the older woman is in a critical situation. Further updates will follow, as soon as more information can be gained.

Headquarters of the Military Intelligence Agency of the Federation (MND FL), Northern Section, Saskilde/Visholm, Lillorainen.
"With all due respect, Lieutenant Commander - you entirely lost your marbles!" - Agent Ingo Nygaard told the other agent, ranked above him as of now - which didn't keep him from telling him things like these. Probably, this was also possible due to their personal relationship, even though friendship was not supposed to have an impact on their work.
"It is Hannweiler's handwriting, you cannot ignore that!" - Lt. Com. Bengt Majström insisted. "Look at this again! Everything fits! Even the thing with the three pipe bombs!"
The large flatscreen at the wall of the conference room showed the Tiki bar called Tropicana at the Ladau river shore in the City of Theede - yet not in the best stance anymore, due to the impact of explosives. It had been the bomb attack on the 7th of November, 2011, in Theede, right at this bar. Nine people killed, more than thirty injured.
Majström pushed a button. A white van was to see, the photo quite obviously taken from a traffic camera, the license plate starting with the letters LR, for Laerdonk. Another photo showed three pipe bombs. "And these were the corpora delicti!" - he added. "The same ones were used during the beer garden attack in Kerkenich in 2006. And in 2016, we successfully prevented another one of this sort, having the police stopping such a van on the Federal Route B2 near Marrenager. Filled with - again - three pipe bombs. The license plate tracking system led us to it being stolen in Marieholm, not far away from the military airport."
A blonde and green-eyed woman, Agent Leonora Wellem, raised her eyebrows. "It does look like Hannweiler's work, yes" - she said, "but would you mind explaining how he should control anything outside? He sits in the high security prison on Grönholm Island, a prison so safe that not even most people in this country know about it. He is entirely cut off from any communication outside - he hasn't got any chance to direct any attack."
"A good point, sure, but how about possible collaborators?" - asked Majström. "We know, that he was recruiting people for his new organization - he even maintained contact to F.R.I.D.A. in the beginning, but cut it off as they became a dangerous competitor for him."
Agent Nygaard spoke up again. "There's still no sense in it! There is no connection between him and possible movements against homosexuality, neither here, nor in Kyrenaia. This isn't remotely near his possible aim."
Majström grinned. "Ever thought about the idea, that the homosexuality issue might not have been the reason for the attack? It could easily have a different background. As we all know, Hugo Hannweiler is deeply anarchist and wishes all state control and authority to be entirely wiped out. The meritocratic system of Lillorainen is his declared enemy, and so is, for sure, the monarchy in Kyrenaia. And even if not - keep in mind, that Serafina Felske and Lina Koogholm were amongst the victims, and people in their positions usually don't only make friends."
Wellem nodded. "Yet, does he or his organization have any connections into the Sultanate?"
"This is what we need to figure out" - Majström said. "Agent Worringer, Agent Dahmen - I want you both to contact the Kyrenaian colleagues! I want a full list of all citizens of the Federation who entered the Sultanate in the last four years - and all available evidence as to why they traveled there and what they did there!"
Worringer and Dahmen, two men in their forties, nodded.
"That will be a lot of work" - said Nygaard.
"But might pay off" - Majström said. "You, Agent Nygaard, and Agent Wellem - you'll go to Grönholm and interrogate Hannweiler a bit! And if he doesn't want to spill ... well, you know what to do."
Nygaard and Wellem nodded.
"Then let's go on."

by **Kyrenaia** » Mon Jun 17, 2019 1:56 pm

Lillorainen wrote:Al'Arz, near the Haram Girls' Academy, Utica, Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
June 17, 2019.
When Lina woke up from her short blackout, it took her a moment to realize what had happened.
As the last station of a short city trip to Utica, Lina and Sera had decided to visit the famous HGA, including the restaurant right in front of it, the Al'Arz. This place was regularly frequented by many HGA students, some of whom were even Kyrenaian Royalty and therefore famous throughout large parts of the world - even though they had sat on the second floor (for the lack of a free table on the first one), they had decided to stay low-profile in lieu of talking to them like crazy fangirls. The Federation was a civilized country, after all.
A blonde and blue-eyed man had approached them, speaking German in Rhenish dialect, stayed for a moment for a chat, then had left their table again quite soon.
The food had been awesome! Sera had announced, "Be right back! Make sure no one steals our food, eh?" - then had gotten up and walked towards the stairs. Lina had noticed a white van, but didn't mind it. A bog-standard white van with a bog-standard Kyrenaian license plate, most certainly driven by a bog-standard guy delivering supplies.
All of a sudden, a deafening thunder had interrupted the rounds of chat. Lina had jumped from her chair and laid down onto the ground, following a reflex trained during numerous drills.
Before she could have realized what was going on here, she had already lost conscience ...
... and now, she did. Dirt and pieces of various items everywhere, screams, cries ... and a pillar of smoke.
She looked around.
"Sera ...?" - she called.
She remembered - Sera had left the table and headed for the stairs - the stairs leading to what had now turned out to be a death trap. Now, that something had exploded down there ... Gods in Asgard, did she ...?
"Sera?!" - she called again, a bit louder.
No reply.
Lina checked her own body for injuries. She seemed to be lucky - a few minor wounds and scratches here and there, but nothing dramatical. She murmured a thanking prayer in Old Norse language.
The man who had previously talked to them seemed to have the same luck. He was still ducking under a table, waiting for the pain in his ears to be over.
Lina looked around again. Maybe, the knocking in her head just hindered her from hearing Sera's reply?
Slowly, she crawled towards the stairs, or what was left of them.
And found Sera.
Sera was lying on her back, and she didn't have the luck Lina had - her previously brown hair was red now. With shivering hands, Lina moved her pointer and middle finger towards Sera's throat, to check if she was still breathing.
Her artery was still beating.
A sigh of relief left Lina - but Sera wouldn't stay alive for long without help. She was losing blood fast.
Lina just wanted to cry for help - then, she lost her conscience again.

Wittwerder/Pellhörn, State of Rigesöer, Federation of Lillorainen.
Two weeks before.
The short trip to Utica would lead Lina Koogholm to various tourist hotspots all over the megalopolis that wasn't only the capital city of the Sultanate's largest and most powerful Ilkhanate, but also of the Sultanate itself - a city trip to see an enormous world city with a political meaning spanning a former nearly-world-empire, and a historical meaning dating back around as long as, say, Sahaouine, or Torishima. An experience Lina was about sharing with her one, true love - who was nobody lesser than Serafina Felske, the younger sister of Thorvald Felske, State Governor of Vedjading. Serafina, herself being an author, political scientist, and aspiring Member of the Meritocratic Council (even more so since her colleague Sylvia Kolverath had made it), had met Lina, co-owner of Staverup Naval Engineering Ltd., a constructor of speedboats located on the Island of Pellhörn, two years ago, on a vacation trip in Wittwerder. After a few days of being led to various secret and less secret treasures of the island by the native Islander, Serafina had fallen in love with her - and Lina had soon realized, that she loved her back.
At the Olde Lüchttorn, the Old Lighthouse of Rosthorp, where they had confessed to each other's love back then, they had also decided to go on a trip to Utica, to see something entirely different. Of course, they were aware how much of an iffy topic same-sex love was in the Sultanate; they would follow the same principle as one would expect somebody to follow when mixing beer in Lillorainen: 'If you genuinely feel in a need to do it, then do it - but do it where I'm unlikely to see it!' Thus, they would pretend to be just friends, not displaying any affection in public.
Their last station would be the Al'Arz, a restaurant near the HGA - and a place where they were unlikely to be frowned upon due to their sexuality - after all, that place was frequented by Princess Aurelia bint-Damir, as well as other HGA students who wished the Sultanate's law to be changed in favor of allowing homosexual marriage - a thing that was as natural in Lillorainen as breathing was.
Lina nervously twiddled her thumbs, literally sitting on packed luggage, as Serafina entered the living room of the small house directly located at Wittwerder Beach - grinning. "Tickets are there!" - she said. "We're gonna depart from Utica International on the 19th, going to Pontrath/Kerkenich, taking the Südexpress - and will be right on time in Preetz!"
Lina smiled. "Wonderful! I'm already looking forward to Litha! Will Nörvenich and Breitscheid be there as well?"
Serafina, or Sera for short, shrugged. "No idea" - she said. "They didn't reply to my formal request. Might try the less formal way."
"There is a less formal way?"
Sera grinned. "With enough friends owing you a favor, possibilities are endless."
"I see."
They much looked forward to the Midsummer Festival - not knowing yet, that they would not attend it.

Lysköpinger Almindelige Bladden, English online version.

Terrorist Attack in Downtown Utica

Utica (lpa/FP/BPS). As reported by Kyrenaian media and confirmed by Lillorainian press agencies, the detonation of at least three pipe bombs has killed at least fifteen persons and injured countless more, according to eyewitnesses, in the Al'Arz restaurant near the famous Haram Girls' Academy in Downtown Utica at Midday, local time. As it has been confirmed and stated as obvious, the bombs were delivered by a white van parking in front of the restaurant, which, as every midday, was highly frequented by numerous HGA students, including Kyrenaian Royalty studying there. The Academy itself, as well as many other objects in Downtown Utica, is also visited by countless international tourists during holiday seasons. The Utica Metropolitan Police has confirmed the death of eight persons so far. President Silas Flemming has already sent his condolences.
For a few years, the restaurant, which has already seen more than a hundred Summers and therefore has a tradition of being frequented by famous HGA students - including Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Kyrenaia's current ruling monarch - has also been a popular hotspot for Princess Aurelia bint-Damir and her supporters, with the goal to have homosexual marriage legalized in the Sultanate. Homosexuality itself is a hot issue of debate in Kyrenaia - legalized barely two decades ago, Princess Aurelia is probably the most famous example hailing from Kyrenaia, willing to marry Duchess Marcella of the UIS, whom she is openly in a relationship with. While numerous organizations in Kyrenaia strongly oppose and openly fight against this proposal, none of them have confessed to the attack so far.
As an international tourist hotspot, it is very likely, that not only HGA students were amongst the victims. According to information not officially confirmed yet, at least three citizens of the Federation were in the restaurant at the time of the attack. While there is evidence about the identity of two young women at the age of respectively 23 and 26 years, a man around the age of 30 could not be identified so far. He and the younger woman only were slightly injured, the older woman is in a critical situation. Further updates will follow, as soon as more information can be gained.

Headquarters of the Military Intelligence Agency of the Federation (MND FL), Northern Section, Saskilde/Visholm, Lillorainen.
"With all due respect, Lieutenant Commander - you entirely lost your marbles!" - Agent Ingo Nygaard told the other agent, ranked above him as of now - which didn't keep him from telling him things like these. Probably, this was also possible due to their personal relationship, even though friendship was not supposed to have an impact on their work.
"It is Hannweiler's handwriting, you cannot ignore that!" - Lt. Com. Bengt Majström insisted. "Look at this again! Everything fits! Even the thing with the three pipe bombs!"
The large flatscreen at the wall of the conference room showed the Tiki bar called Tropicana at the Ladau river shore in the City of Theede - yet not in the best stance anymore, due to the impact of explosives. It had been the bomb attack on the 7th of November, 2011, in Theede, right at this bar. Nine people killed, more than thirty injured.
Majström pushed a button. A white van was to see, the photo quite obviously taken from a traffic camera, the license plate starting with the letters LR, for Laerdonk. Another photo showed three pipe bombs. "And these were the corpora delicti!" - he added. "The same ones were used during the beer garden attack in Kerkenich in 2006. And in 2016, we successfully prevented another one of this sort, having the police stopping such a van on the Federal Route B2 near Marrenager. Filled with - again - three pipe bombs. The license plate tracking system led us to it being stolen in Marieholm, not far away from the military airport."
A blonde and green-eyed woman, Agent Leonora Wellem, raised her eyebrows. "It does look like Hannweiler's work, yes" - she said, "but would you mind explaining how he should control anything outside? He sits in the high security prison on Grönholm Island, a prison so safe that not even most people in this country know about it. He is entirely cut off from any communication outside - he hasn't got any chance to direct any attack."
"A good point, sure, but how about possible collaborators?" - asked Majström. "We know, that he was recruiting people for his new organization - he even maintained contact to F.R.I.D.A. in the beginning, but cut it off as they became a dangerous competitor for him."
Agent Nygaard spoke up again. "There's still no sense in it! There is no connection between him and possible movements against homosexuality, neither here, nor in Kyrenaia. This isn't remotely near his possible aim."
Majström grinned. "Ever thought about the idea, that the homosexuality issue might not have been the reason for the attack? It could easily have a different background. As we all know, Hugo Hannweiler is deeply anarchist and wishes all state control and authority to be entirely wiped out. The meritocratic system of Lillorainen is his declared enemy, and so is, for sure, the monarchy in Kyrenaia. And even if not - keep in mind, that Serafina Felske and Lina Koogholm were amongst the victims, and people in their positions usually don't only make friends."
Wellem nodded. "Yet, does he or his organization have any connections into the Sultanate?"
"This is what we need to figure out" - Majström said. "Agent Worringer, Agent Dahmen - I want you both to contact the Kyrenaian colleagues! I want a full list of all citizens of the Federation who entered the Sultanate in the last four years - and all available evidence as to why they traveled there and what they did there!"
Worringer and Dahmen, two men in their forties, nodded.
"That will be a lot of work" - said Nygaard.
"But might pay off" - Majström said. "You, Agent Nygaard, and Agent Wellem - you'll go to Grönholm and interrogate Hannweiler a bit! And if he doesn't want to spill ... well, you know what to do."
Nygaard and Wellem nodded.
"Then let's go on."

17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
When the paramedics, ambulances, police and others arrived, I was relieved. Samira would make it and she, who she heard them, too, knew that as well.
A small smile graced her lips.
Their arrival didn't even take that long, only a few minutes.
I had not known about the carnage in the first floor, where there were wounded moaning and crying and, as a press photo would later show, one of my classmates. She sat on the ground, a few bandages on her, but her right hand missing. She stared at the bloody stump in bandages.
But for now, I did not know that.
When paramedics came up, they stopped by the stairs. Two women, tourists, most likely, were downed there, unconscious.
One was only lightly wounded by how the paramedics focused onto the other. I believe, that I saw her before, she had been brunette, was now a redhead. The paramedics did everything in their might to stabilize her enough to move her off the stairs and once they had done that, they moved up.
One of them relieved me, nodded to me with a heartening smile, squeezing my shoulder, then moving on to Samira.
She would make it.
I moved away, giving the people room to do their jobs. Fadia had banged her head and was out like a light, but otherwise okay. Alya was lightly wounded, she would make it. Others... I would check up on soon. My team. How many were still alive?
My year-mates. How many would see their graduation?
I found a seat near where the paramedics had set down the less-wounded from the stairs. Her friend was still tended to, moved into an ambulance outside. I looked at the woman, who was unconscious - definately a tourist.
I reached over, took her hand.
If I could do nothing more, then at least that.

Headquarters of the Chandshar, Intelligence Service of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
To say, that people were running around like headless chicken, was a slight understatement.
A terrorist attack on Kyrenaian Ground and Soil? In Utica, Downtown even, in front of one of the Old Academies? Heads would roll. The question was, how many heads and how literal they would roll.
The Sultana could be very vicious.
Add in, that Her Granddaughter and two other women, who she deeply cared for, were affected, and you had a wonderful concoction, which just waited to blow up. Reports went from hand to hand, theories were spun.
And not only in Kyrenaia, as it seemed. A friendly request from our colleagues in Lillorainen, with the MND FL, for a list of everyone of their citizens, who traveled to Kyrenaia and why. I nodded, gave my consent - and as a bonus, to send all information of Kyrenaian citizens, which traveled to Lillorainen and what they had planned to do there.
An aide of mine assembled and sent the lists. Included were names like Ingmar Jülich, Radovan Spasojević and Merle Padrödning, who had come to the Harbour Festival in Sinope, but also many, many more. Tourists, business, both, neither, the list went on and on.
I meanwhile, had to hold back laughter, despite the situation. Apparently, a new hashtag was trending on the Kyrenaian part of Social Media: #AlanHataaAkthar.
It had also swapped over to the English-speaking part of Social Media as well, as #NowEvenMore.

To:
Silas Flemming, President of the Federation of Lillorainen.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Condolences.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

Dear Mister Flemming,
the Condolences you sent have reached Kyrenaia and in the name of the Sultanate's People, I wish to thank you for your kind words. It is a troubled time for all of us as this dastardly and cowardly attack was aimed at those, who we all hold dear to our hearts, our children and our grandchildren.

Word has reached me, that two citizens of the Federation seem to be caught up in this.
To their families, I would like to ask you to give my best wishes for them and their children. To my knowledge, they hurt and wounded, but alive. Kyrenaia's best are tending to them.
I will not say, that they shall not worry, for I worry about Aurelia until the moment I feel her in my embrace, but I want you to tell them, that our prayers are with them and the other victims of this attack.

Thank you again,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

by **Lillorainen** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 10:23 am

Kyrenaia wrote:17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
When the paramedics, ambulances, police and others arrived, I was relieved. Samira would make it and she, who she heard them, too, knew that as well.
A small smile graced her lips.
Their arrival didn't even take that long, only a few minutes.
I had not known about the carnage in the first floor, where there were wounded moaning and crying and, as a press photo would later show, one of my classmates. She sat on the ground, a few bandages on her, but her right hand missing. She stared at the bloody stump in bandages.
But for now, I did not know that.
When paramedics came up, they stopped by the stairs. Two women, tourists, most likely, were downed there, unconscious.
One was only lightly wounded by how the paramedics focused onto the other. I believe, that I saw her before, she had been brunette, was now a redhead. The paramedics did everything in their might to stabilize her enough to move her off the stairs and once they had done that, they moved up.
One of them relieved me, nodded to me with a heartening smile, squeezing my shoulder, then moving on to Samira.
She would make it.
I moved away, giving the people room to do their jobs. Fadia had banged her head and was out like a light, but otherwise okay. Alya was lightly wounded, she would make it. Others... I would check up on soon. My team. How many were still alive?
My year-mates. How many would see their graduation?
I found a seat near where the paramedics had set down the less-wounded from the stairs. Her friend was still tended to, moved into an ambulance outside. I looked at the woman, who was unconscious - definately a tourist.
I reached over, took her hand.
If I could do nothing more, then at least that.

Headquarters of the Chandshar, Intelligence Service of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
To say, that people were running around like headless chicken, was a slight understatement.
A terrorist attack on Kyrenaian Ground and Soil? In Utica, Downtown even, in front of one of the Old Academies? Heads would roll. The question was, how many heads and how literal they would roll.
The Sultana could be very vicious.
Add in, that Her Granddaughter and two other women, who she deeply cared for, were affected, and you had a wonderful concoction, which just waited to blow up. Reports went from hand to hand, theories were spun.
And not only in Kyrenaia, as it seemed. A friendly request from our colleagues in Lillorainen, with the MND FL, for a list of everyone of their citizens, who traveled to Kyrenaia and why. I nodded, gave my consent - and as a bonus, to send all information of Kyrenaian citizens, which traveled to Lillorainen and what they had planned to do there.
An aide of mine assembled and sent the lists. Included were names like Ingmar Jülich, Radovan Spasojević and Merle Padrödning, who had come to the Harbour Festival in Sinope, but also many, many more. Tourists, business, both, neither, the list went on and on.
I meanwhile, had to hold back laughter, despite the situation. Apparently, a new hashtag was trending on the Kyrenaian part of Social Media: #AlanHataaAkthar.
It had also swapped over to the English-speaking part of Social Media as well, as #NowEvenMore.

To:
Silas Flemming, President of the Federation of Lillorainen.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Condolences.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

Dear Mister Flemming,
the Condolences you sent have reached Kyrenaia and in the name of the Sultanate's People, I wish to thank you for your kind words. It is a troubled time for all of us as this dastardly and cowardly attack was aimed at those, who we all hold dear to our hearts, our children and our grandchildren.

Word has reached me, that two citizens of the Federation seem to be caught up in this.
To their families, I would like to ask you to give my best wishes for them and their children. To my knowledge, they hurt and wounded, but alive. Kyrenaia's best are tending to them.
I will not say, that they shall not worry, for I worry about Aurelia until the moment I feel her in my embrace, but I want you to tell them, that our prayers are with them and the other victims of this attack.

Thank you again,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Al'Arz, June 17, 2019.
When Lina woke up from her unconciousness again, she was downstairs, at a place where the paramedics had set down the less-wounded, which she had obviously turned out as - luckily, one must say, so it was confirmed, that she hadn't missed seeing any possible, potentially more dangerous injuries in her previous wake phase.
She noticed, that someone was holding her hand. It was Princess Aurelia, who had obviously noticed, maybe already a bit sooner, that she and Sera belonged together in some way or the other.
"Odins Ier, wat is hii avgaan ...?" - she asked in Holsteinisch Platt, her mother tongue - then, she realized something again, finding her conscience back slowly but surely, and repeated in English, "Odin's balls, what's been going on here ...?"
Slowly, her memories came back. The detonation ... people crying and screaming ... all these things about herself paramedics in her place typically asked for to check if someone was metally fine, like full name, date and place of birth, names of parents, names of current or previous pets, and so on ... luckily, the former three were also pieces of information the paramedics would also be able to gain from their travel documents, for Sera would not be able to answer these questions for now.
Sera ...
Lina had a look outside, where Sera and other more-wounded were moved into an ambulance. Fortunately, the paramedics seemed to have made it here fast enough, so there was, at least, a realistic chance for Sera to make it. It relieved her a bit.
She scanned the place they had set the less-wounded up. The guy who had previously talked to them wasn't there.
Then, she looked at Aurelia again, slowly bringing herself into a more comfortable position and taking her hand with her other, free hand. "I hope, you're doing fine ...?"
Lina felt relieved a bit more. She wasn't entirely on her own now, that was for sure, and she was thankful for it.

Grönholm Prison Island.
Those who still had illusions about knowing any spot on the Lillöer-Archipelago and being able to go there whenever wanted would have been utterly disappointed, if they ever learned about what was situated on Grönholm, the name translating as 'little green island' - a small island officially declared as a military area. Most people only knew it as a bog-standard naval base. What was below it, now this was rather unknown to the public.
The underground prison cells were the place for those lads and lassies one needed to protect the society from.
Opened in 1956 by the Armed Forces of the Lillorainian Federal Republic, it had been used as a bunker for the case of an airstrike. As the Federation had been founded, it slowly but surely had turned into a prison for terrorists and other enemies of the state - particularly those one could still gain information from, so they were too valuable for the bullet. Amongst those in the know, it was said, that once you end up here, you'll never see the daylight again.
Hugo Hannweiler was one of them. He was of 1966-vintage, born in Lauenwerth, a town near Kerkenich. Army Service from 1984 to 1990, then worked as an expert for bomb and mine disposal, in former warzones in Lillorainen as well as abroad. For a long time, he had been entirely unknown to the police records - until he got suspected of involvement in an attempted bomb attack at the railway station of Pontrath-Lünnich in 1999, which, however, there hadn't been any proof for. This changed in the mid-2000s, and continued for around a decade, until they had finally caught him during another attempt in Kirajevo in 2017. While the police had thought of him as a lone perpetrator, the intelligence agencies had collected a reasonable amount of evidence as to what he had really been up to.
Since his trial following his arrest two years ago, he had resided down here - the only place on Lillorainian soil where solitary confinement was the rule, not the exception.
The black-haired and blue-eyed guy, 179 centimeters of size, gleefully grinned at Ingo Nygaard and Leonora Wellem as he saw them entering the room through the steel bars separating him from the other side of the security area - he already knew the two Agents from former interrogations.
"Oii!" - he said. "More investigations you guys don't get on with?" He looked at Wellem and whistled through his teeth. "Wow! You're still looking good, lass! Work won't make you age, eh?"
Wellem ignored the compliment. "Let's get to the point." She took a large photo out of the inside pocket of her leather jacket - it showed the Al'Arz, in its current stance. "Al'Arz, a renowned restaurant in Downtown Utica in Kyrenaia. Blown up by three pipe bombs, delivered by a white van. Sounds somewhat familiar, now doesn't it?"
Hannweiler raised his eyebrows, then nodded in approval. "Nice to see, that people finally start copying my format!"
Nygaard, hiding his disgust for this obviously sick man in a professional manner, said, "Since this is, indeed, your format, it's very likely that this was done by somebody you used to be in contact with during your ... active time."
Hannweiler laughed. "And you think, I know who did this?" He shook his head, still grinning. "You're assuming, that I found a way to communicate with anyone outside this lovely rest zone and told them to blow a restaurant in an entirely different country up? Maybe I discovered a new way to use telepathy or something, eh? Gods, your MND humor never ceases to amuse me."
"Where did I say, that you ordered this attack now? You can easily have done so before your trial."
Hannweiler laughed again. "And in what way should I profit from that? Look, I've been here for two years now, and I'm very likely to spend the next twenty to twenty-five years in here. I'm going to leave these sacred halls feet first - and then, no one will care about what has happened during my active years anymore. It will be too late."
"There is no period of limitation for murder in Lillorainen" - countered Nygaard.
"So? Other people, like Emil Roland and Carsten Wesseling faced the bullet. Captured as the Seelscheid assassins, judged guilty, brought to drumhead court, executed by morning dawn. Case closed. The only reason I'm still alive is that your funny, colorful squad thinks, that I had too much knowledge to be shot. It's amusing, really."
"Good to see, that you haven't lost your sense of humor down here yet" - Wellem said, drily. "Just like the way you've prepared for the case you'll leave this place well alive - which is less likely than the Federation's national team winning the final match of the 2022 World Cup eleven to zero - but you did. Sadly, it won't help you, though, for your collaborators Markos, Lindweiler, and Garath already serve their time in Helheim."
The mischievous grin left Hannweiler's face quickly. "They're dead?"
"Yes. They tried to blow the Kastrup Bridge up, Highway A23 near Saskilde-Stjernerup. They didn't survive the shootout with the highway patrol."
A saddened smile combined with a shrug was now the reaction, a somewhat expected one. "A pity it didn't work" - Hannweiler said. "For all I care, all Lillorainian highways could just be blown up. People say they were a refuge of freedom, but the opposite is the case. These grey monsters are a symbol of oppression, built up by a pointless construct called the state, financed by money stolen from allegedly free people who have no chance to escape, all to show balls to the world. Like, everyone look how fucking awesome our roads are! And people cheer, without spending a single moment of thinking about where the resources come from."
"So, wouldn't it perfectly make sense to you to attack a restaurant regularly frequented by Kyrenaian Royalty? Especially since the entire world now suspects some organization against a policy switch regarding same-sex marriage?"
Hannweiler made a dismissive hand gesture. "As if I gave a shit on what's going on in wannabe-imperialist Kyrenaia. Or in Shamsiyya, or Shikonjima, or the place that people unironically call the Free Lands. I am a Homefront fighter."
"You were" - Nygaard corrected. "But organizations often get to strange ideas as soon as they suddenly have to continue working without their head. And if I'm informed correctly, you did find a way to put some assets aside - in some tropical banana republic where bank secrecy is held sacrosanct."
"Which didn't keep us from marching in with machine pistols, faking a bank robbery and grabbing the documents we needed" - Wellem added, grinning. "Nothing left for you in Lahaina, I'm afraid."
Hannweiler frowned. "Garath is dead, and the Salmons have swum off?" He shook his head again. "Su ne Driss!" - he swore in Rhenish.
"Such a crap indeed" - Wellem agreed. "So it was Garath, good to know. Anything else you'd wish to inform us about?"
"Not really. Though, what happened to her? Is she dead, too?"
Nygaard shrugged. "Disappeared. Wouldn't even surprise me, if she had even grabbed some of the money you guys put aside, and now enjoys a nice life in a beach house at the Costa Cálida."
"Black sheep exist everywhere." Hannweiler visibly tried to hide his anger.
"Whom are you telling" - said Nygaard, sighing.

Headquarters of the MND FL, Northern Section, Saskilde.
"Judging by your grin, you were successful, Agent Nygaard, Agent Wellem" - Lt. Com. Majström determined. "I assume, that you used Plan B in order to make Hannweiler spill?"
"Indeed" - confirmed Wellem. "Hannweiler perfectly swallowed the bluff. He now believes, that Clarhold Garath were shot by the police during an attack attempt, and Pauline Garath had taken some of the assets left by Hannweiler and escaped to some tropical paradise."
Majström nodded. "And we know, that both Garath Twins are well alive - and, sadly, still free. They certainly live somewhere, either here, or abroad, under false names. And both have the same attitude as Hannweiler."
"Yeah, he's still the sick bastard he used to be" - Nygaard said.
"Doesn't surprise me." Majström nodded again. "And it has gotten worse and worse, the more his opponents have been struck back."
"This is why he broke with F.R.I.D.A. - they're the polar opposite when it comes to ideology!" - a young woman around twenty added. She was blonde, blue-eyed, and around 176 centimeters of size. Everyone knew her by the name Nora Pilcher - except for her MND colleagues, who knew, that she was nobody lesser than Jenny Rürup - the student who had been allegedly arrested as a terrorist suspect. While the entire world thought, that the young Stelladoriana had been made disappear, everyone in this room knew, that she was an important informant for the MND - the last remaining acutely dangerous terror cells managed from Frillenburg had been destroyed with her help.
"This, and not even Santorra would be this dumb" - said Nygaard. "The Stelladoriani do a good job at keeping out of such actions - they wouldn't ever let an organization they fund commit an attack on Kyrenaian soil, for they are well aware, that the Sultana dislikes the regime as much as the Meritocratic Council does, and being invaded by Kyrenaian troops isn't really fun. No, the Garath Twins are more of an interesting trace."
Jenny a.k.a. Nora nodded. "Finding out if they might have entered Kyrenaian soil may take a lot of time" - she said, "especially if they changed their names and outward appearance. What we could find out, though, that's who the Lillorainian victims most certainly are."
Worringer nodded and spoke up. "According to the list the Chandshar sent us, and a quick search in our database, the two women are nobody lesser than Serafina Felske and Lina Koogholm. Especially the former would be a possible aim for Hannweiler and his collaborators, due to her position and relative fame - but also Miss Koogholm, who does have a certain status in economics."
Majström raised his eyebrows. "Probability?"
"Confirmed with guarantee, Lieutenant Commander. The President is already informed, and it's just a question of time until they will be identified by the Kyrenaian medical services. And then, the media will know about that, too."
Majström nodded. "Good job, Agent Worringer! What about that mysterious man they mentioned in the media?"
"Negative. We will need to go through the list, but it will take its time. Agent Dahmen hasn't gotten beyond December yet - all he found were three sailors attending the Sinope Harbor Festival, one of them being an active Navy soldier who defected from Stella Dorata fifteen years ago."
Jenny Rürup had to smile. Even though she didn't know Ingmar Jülich, she already felt close to her fate-mate.
"Probably not what we're looking for" - Majström said. "How long is the list?"
Worringer snorted. "You must be joking, Lieutenant Commander! The travel exchange between the Federation and the Sultanate breaks its own record again and again every year. In any case, Dahmen and Frings are working it through. The Chandshar even sent us a list of all Kyrenaians who have entered Lillorainian soil in the same span of time - and that list isn't notably shorter. In any case, I already sent them a thank-you message in the name of all of us, with the promise to immediately inform them once we find a result worth checking."
"That's good, Agent. Hopefully, this happens sooner rather than later!"

Presidential Office, Lillamala, Greater Lysköping, Lillorainen.
President Silas Flemming sat at his desk and squeezed his underlip - as he always did, when he had to intensely think about something. His brown eyes switched between the little flag of the Federation fixed on a holder on the desk, and, right next to it, the little rosebush from Razia-Sultana's own garden she had sent him (along with a bottle of Doggy Aragh) as a birthday present last October - and which was still blooming like on the first day.
The Sultana's reply had reached him, thanking him for his Condolences and informing him about two citizens of the Federation being caught up in the attack she, quite accurately, described as 'dastardly and cowardly'. Flemming understood well, that she worried about her Granddaughter most; so would he have. He had also included Princess Aurelia, along with Alya and Fadia, into his best wishes in his previous message.
No doubt, the ties between Lillorainen and Kyrenaia had improved more and more over the time, and now were stronger than ever. The Federation's formal recognition of the Khanate of Jazirat Alshahwa right after the March 2018 intervention was the latest point from which on their ties passed as a true friendship, and friends support each other also and especially in troubled days like these.
Flemming wasn't alone in his office. Head of the Presidential Office Janine Reusrath, Speaker of the M.C. Annika Seelscheid, as well as Head of the MND FL Srboljub Seljak had taken seat.
"So, Razia-Sultana mentions two Lillorainian citizens ..." - he said, "yet, the LAB writes about three. Mysterious, it is."
"Indeed" - Seljak said. "We still have no evidence as to who that third one might be. It's also possible, that he isn't even from here, but got thought of looking 'somewhat Nordic' by eyewitnesses. Or he just disappeared for whatever dumb reason. At least we now know for sure who the two women are - Serafina Felske and Lina Koogholm."
Flemming raised his eyebrows. Of course, he knew at least Felske personally, and Koogholm's name wasn't entirely unheard of, either. Staverup was the largest constructor of speedboats in Lillorainen, after all.
"This is ... horrible" - he said without any tone.
"To say the least, yes" - Seljak agreed. "Our theories go into the direction of Hugo Hannweiler and his collaborators - it's well possible, that not only Princess Aurelia has dangerous opponents. There are enough people who would like to see Felske and Koogholm taking the Helheim Express as well - starting with the Anarchist Homefront Complex, which Hannweiler has raised."
Reusrath nodded. "And of course, it's easier to attack a restaurant in a city center than, for example, the Lillatorn" - she said. "Especially where nobody expects it."
"It could still be a coincidence" - Seelscheid meant, "considering how many enemies Princess Aurelia has in her own country. Take the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia, which has already claimed responsibility."
Particularly this update had caused a round of frowns, especially the verbal attack towards Aurelia and the implication of her not being what they considered a proper Royal, by using her Selkie-Name. No doubt, that in case of her death, these people would definitely have stated something along the lines of, 'Mah, not a pity.'
"Everyone can claim responsibility - the opposite can't be proven as of now, after all" - objected Reusrath. "Think of how many attacks were claimed responsibility for by F.R.I.D.A. and later turned out to be actually the AHK's work. Many terrorist organizations help their reputation by claiming to have committed an attack, even if someone else did."
"This is what we're about to find out" - said Seljak. "Luckily, the entire history of mutual travel between the Federation and the Sultanate of the past years was documented accurately by the Chandshar. Right now, my people are going it through. If there's absolutely no evidence of any connection at all, then it's up to the Kyrenaian authorities to continue their investigations - yet, should there be one, thus be there some sort of network on both sides of the large pond separating us - especially between the AHK and some Kyrenaian organization of whatever sort -, we should consider setting up a joint investigation commission."
Flemming shook his flat hand up and down. "Keep it calm, Seljak. As long as we're not smarter yet, there's no need to be rash."
Seljak nodded. "Of course, Mr. President. It will yet take some time, anyway."
"In the meantime, we should inform Felske's and Koogholm's families - including the best wishes from Razia-Sultana she asked me to send them" - Flemming said.
As soon as this was done, two messages to Razia-Sultana would be underway.
One more official one from State Governor Thorvald Felske, in 6900 Leewerder 1.
One a bit less official, but still formal one by Mrs. Dagmar Koogholm, in 3261 Ehlershoop 6.
Both contained hearty thanks for the good wishes and the prayers with their relatives caught up in the incident, as well as the best wishes back. Their thoughts and prayers were quite not limited to their own beloved ones as well, even though, of course, they were the ones they were worried about the most, but also with all the other victims of this attack.

by **AHSCA** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 10:42 am

Aurora Island - Ducal Palace 18th of June

A rather busy day in the Congress today, Marcella sat atop the chamber of her countrymen discussing and debating the day's issues and laws. New bills were being proposed, new ordinances for Aurora Island itself, constitutionality of specific laws being challenged, really just another day. But it wasn't so ordinary as they'd soon come to find out as while they slept something very serious went down. A frantic messanger ran down the halls of the Ducal Palace (which doubled as the Congressional Chamber) with an urgent message in hand, what the contents were, were unknown to her but it was important. Poking from behind the curtain that partitioned off The Duchess' seat with the hallway she was initially stopped by Asuna, Marcella's bodyguard. "Please, Madam Knight, I have an urgent message for Her Majesty!"

"Shh, keep your voice down. Urgent you say?"

"Yes, ma'am! From Officer VinoCacao herself!"

"All right, I'll hand it to her. Thank you, young miss, that will be all."

The little lady excused herself while Asuna waited for her opening to hand Marcella the message. It was deemed high levels of protected thus even Asuna could not read it to truly determine it's importance or lack thereof, but proper decorum said the Duchess must speak her piece.

"Very good, Senators, your budget proposal sounds reasonable to carry us through the fiscal year with minimal additions to national dept. I will approve of this Budget Proposal." Marcella broke and just long enough to for her to hand the message. It was marked urgent so Marcella promptly opened it up. "Madam Speaker, I must excuse myself as something pressing has come to my attention. Please continue the day's legislative session and have any further proposals and bills on my desk."

Pacifica nodded "Yes, Milady." Pacifica turned to face the crowd of senators "Stand!" she ordered to her senators "Bow." Marcella made her hasty exit. The message still didn't go into details but it was a ready demand from Noir to see her right away but not in her office or private quarters, it was at the Embassy Isle Complex. That meant boarding a helicopter and making a hasty flight over there. The Military had one ready to go and it wasn't much longer before Marcella arrived.

Embassy Island - Later that Morning

"Her Majesty is present, attention!" Any military soldiers in the area and vacinity as soon as Marcella walked off the flight pad and down to the central hub of the complex, namely where all the offices of government were located. Noir stood instantly as soon as Marcella walked in the room, but she wasn't along as it was also a few other people there, her Officer of Defense, Kuraĝo and another young woman, the nation's intelligence officer, not a direct member of the Offices, rather an extension of the Defense arm, finally Platoon captain of the 1121th squad, Filicia Heideman. The 1121 was the core disaster response team both at home and abroad. That made Marcella give pause.

"Milady, you'll have to pardon our vagueness of the message we sent you and the sudden urge to get you here as quickly as possible." Noir briefed Marcella on the ongoing situation in Kyrenaia. inside Marcella was doing gymnastics of worry and fret wondering if Aurelia was okay but outside she didn't let her usually calm demeanor be shaken. "How bad is the situation?"

"Last reports of at least 8 casualties and nearly 100 wounded. Utica is being a bit mum until further updates roll in."

"Milady," The red headed intel officer approached "Forgive me, we haven't had a chance to meet formally, Kurashiki, Maiko UIS-Intell sector. I've been in the field to put it short. Utica press is reporting, albeit unconfirmed this attack was politically motivated."

"Of course it is, it's terrorism!" Marcella barked back, a bit out of character for her but she couldn't help but let that one slip out.

"Yes, Milady, of course." She stumbled a bit, knowing she could have put that better "What I was trying to get at, this was motivated by specifically The Princess Aurelia's lobbying actions. She's been working to change laws in regards to same-sex relationships in the nation for sometime, it's made her a few enemies in the process."

Aurelia did have a reputation but Marcella didn't conceive it could lead to this, it usually seemed to be gossip and harsh whispers behind her back. Noir continued, "Given you and the Princess are in a relationship, which spurred this activity, it could perceive you as a scapegoat at best and target at worst."

"Miss Kurashiki, you're in the Intel sect, you have reason to believe at present my life is in danger?"

"Presently we're working to assess the situation." Maiko continued, "As I said these reports are unconfirmed, I'm also having to go off what field agents are feeding me. A few things I can say, our Embassy is currently safe, we have no known imminent threats, still my personal suggestion is to withdraw our Ambassador for the time being."

"If there are no imminent threats, I don't see a need for that. Understand me, Noir? No withdrawals unless a clear and iminant threat becomes present on our embassy and staff."

"As you Wish."

"Yes, Milady" Maiko also complied "We'll keep vigilance in the meantime."

"Good. Now publicity wise, have you been able to gauge the public pulse?"

"Not as of yet, Milady it's still too soon to say. We don't know how the overall nation will react if Aurelia was the intended target."

"Bring Officer Gozen, please!" Marcella shouted off to a few guards standing post.

"Right away!"

"It took all my might to convince the Sultana I wasn't some kind of rebel rouser trying to stir up trouble for the Royal Family, I'm afraid to find out what she's thinking now."

"Ideally her mind is on Aurelia and her people in this time." Kuraĝo interjected "For now, that's where I come in. Of course wall want to keep the good graces of the Sultanate family, I think the best way to start is to help them out every way we can, humanitarian and even a militarily."

"I need not explain the Constitution to you, Kuraĝo."

"Of course, Milady, first and foremost is the 1121 and if anything further is asked of us, we can provide. A small team to help."

"This is a police action, let's let their authorities worry about that. Captain, can your team assemble and be ready?"

"Ready when you say the word, Your Majesty all we need is a ride."

Shizuka arrived soon after. "You called for me, Milady?"

"Give me a moment, please. Noir, let's see if we can feel things out first. Send a diplomatic message of our deepest condolences, our offers for assistance if asked."

"Right away, Milady!"

"Shizuka, you and I need to get the press out about this situation, show the whole islands are feeling what our friends are feeling."

"Huh?" Shizuka wasn't sure what was going on, probably because again this information was kept tight to the chest.

"Oh, come with me, I'll explain everything."

The United Island States of AHSCA

To Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness and the great people of The Sultanate of Kyrenaia,

The UIS has become aware of the terrible tragedy that has befallen your nation and we in the Royal Government from her Majesty the Duchess to everyone else are heartbroken our friends now suffer the wrath of those who hate and wish to commit these terrible atrocities. With so much chaos and confusion and fear that must be emanating through the people and its government at this moment, the UIS is ready and willing to help you in anyway you see fit. We want to come together during such a tragedy and show those who commit these acts cannot rule us by fear and hatred and will come out stronger than before. We also hope to see a swift capture of those responsible for this atrocity and that swift justice may be brought upon them and put those who have lost their lives in this savage and senseless attack to rest so that their next of kin and those who hold them dear, may find peace again.

Your friends are here, awaiting your call eagerly to help you whenever and however we might be able too. Until then, be in peace, may the Gods and Goddesses of our lands all bless us.

In Friendship,
Noir VinoCacao, Her Majesty's Officer for Foreign Relations
Under Her Majesty, Duchess Marcella Villa
United Island States of AHSCA.

8 Dead, many wounded in Terror Attack on Ky
United Island Press
- Since 2014-

UTICA - The peaceful June morning was brought to a loud concussive end when a terrorist bombing that devestated the people Kyrenian on Monday. The bomb detonated in Al'Arz, near the Haram Girls' Academy in the city of Utica leaving at least eight dead with 100 wounded at last report by Kyrenaian media and correlated by Lillorainian press agencies. Her Majesty, Duchess Villa has been briefed on the situation and has sent a statement to the Government and has pledged the UIS will send aide if accepted.

According to unsubstantiated reports, the terror attack might have been a targeted message to send to the nation regarding it's same-sex policies, likely a stance against it according to sources. Police in Utica have neither confirmed nor denied this information at present as the investigation is still ongoing. As news spreads through the UIS people are heartbroken about the attack against their friends of the desert sultanate. Many holding prayer and vigils at Madokami temples and shrines around the nation to wish good fortunes and graces on the people of Kyrenaia, Kyrenaia also responded to the late season hurricane that hit during AHSCA's festival of Holy Light as well as Kuronami in the wake of the powerful Hurricane Amelia which hit The Empire's Mazomban Islands nad southern coast earlier this year. "Friend to all," are common messages being resonated by the islanders of the UIS in how they feel about the Sultanate and are wishing them the best in this terrible time. Many are willing to volunteer to go assist though it is likely AHSCA will deploy the 1121st platoon if given the go ahead by the government of Kyrenaia.

by **The Scarlet Eagle** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 1:58 pm

June 17th, 2019, near the Al'Arz, Utica

As the Haram's Girl Academy students start to get out of their school complex for their midday break, a group of three Scarlet Americans tourists observe the situation from a nearby cafe, all sitted at a table outside, located near the famous restaurant Al'Arz.
The group is composed of the following persons: Gabriel T.Rorke, ( age 55, 2.05m, blue eyes,a bandana on his head) a Scarlet Ranger (aka a member of the Imperial Guard Special Forces branch) with the rank of Colonel, Commanding Officer of its First Echelon (one of its Tier 1 units), and who has, among other things, being responsible for training and preparing the actual Emperor, Anaximander Blachkov, his wife Anna, and their friends called the Alphas to become Scarlet Rangers themselves, ten years ago. He's currently dressed in sand cargo pants, a black T-Shirt with the AC/DC band sigil on it, and hs sneakers at his feet.
Sitted next to him is his wife Amanda (age 54, 1.74m, long blonde hair and blue eyes), dressed in a brown skirt, knee- length, and a white long-sleeved shirt.
And finally,the man sitting next to them is an old friend of Gabriel, Hank Anderson, (age 57,1.93m) a Lieutenant in the Detroit Police Department, dressed in a hawaiian shirt and white jean pants, with sandals at his feet.

As the three of them are chatting happily, sipping on their lemonades, and asking themselves where they'll go lunch next, Gabriel's gaze is drawn to the white van parked near the Al'Arz, where he is sure he saw Princess Aurelia bint-Damir, a close friend of his former student the Emperor, enter a few moments ago.
"Something troubling you Honey? asks Amanda to her husband as she rubs his hand.
-No, replies Rorke with his gruff voice, but this delivery van has been parked for some time now.
-Come on man, says Hank as he rubs his beard, it's just here to deliver supplies to the restaurant. Otherwise, how are the girls going to eat?"

However, before Gabriel can answer, the café's terrace is shook by a violent explosion, coming from the aforementioned van. Amanda only has the time to put her arms in front of her head, before being blown back and losing consciousness.
When she comes to her senses again, she can fell her husband's body on top of her, Gabriel having shield her,since his back was to the van. However, his face is distorted in pain, and when Amanda passes a hand on his back, she can feel vlood oozing from a great number of wounds.
As she looks to her side, she spots Hank, but unfortunately, a piece of shrapnel has hit him right in the forehead, going straight into his brain, ending his life, causing the Detroit Police Lieutenant to lie back, looking at Amanda.with empty eyes.
Rest in peace Hank, simply thinks Amanda before managing to crawl from under her husband's body, before closing Hank's eyes, ans trying to attend to Gabriel's wound,while herself appears to be unscathed.

A few hours later...
Monument Valley, Arizona, Four State Region, American Federal Empire of the Scarlet Eagle
Among the big rock formations rising to the sky in this Southwest American Desert, the sun has risen since a few hours.
At the foot of one of the rocks, a group of 10 sand-colored Humvees is parked, tents put up near them. Around them, a group of 42 men and women, clad in sand camo clothes, with various weapons at their side. For the Emperor Anaximander, his wife Anna, and their friends and Personal Guards the Alpha Squadrons, the day has started well for this desert combat training.

As Anax, sitting under his tent, cleans his SCAR A1rifle, while Anna next to him cleans her Cheytac Intervention, Patrick Leonheart, Alpha 3-1 for Anax, bursts into the tent.
"Guys, we have a situation in Utica! exclaims Patrick.
-What happened? asks the Emperor calmly.
-An explosion caused by pipe bombs inside a van happened in front of the Al'Arz, near the HGA. Aurelia seems to have been caught up in this. Worse, Gabriel was wounded, and his friend Hank Anderson from Detroit has died from a piece of shrapnel.
-Fuck! shouts Anax as he kicks his chair while getting up. Reminds me of the attack we were exposed to in Bagdad back in 2012. Anyway, What of other Scarlet American citizens in the area? And also, what is the casualty tally so far?
-Apparently nothing, the Department of State and the CIA are on alert as we speak, ready dor your orders. Also, preliminary statements state that 96 people are wounded, and 8 dead, 9 if you count Mr Anderson.
-What do you think we should do Anax, go there ourselves? Asks Anna to.her husband.
-That would lead to nothing, and you know that Honey, replies the Emperor. What utility would there be for the Imperial Couple and their Personal Guards to arrive with all their gear now? Nothing,we would not be able, and allowed, to participate in local operations. So let's calm down, get our asses back to DC, and assess the situation. Patrick, I suppose you have already relayed the info to the others?
-Affirmative Anax, replies the male Leonhart, Pavel even took the liberty to call for evac, since he knew this touches all of us, since it concerns Gabriel. Before you ask, he has been sent to Utica Central Hospital, with Amanda who is unscathed, save for a few ecchymoses.
-Thanks for the info Pat, replies Anna. Now go back with the others, and prepare our gear for evac.
-Aye Aye!" finishes the Lieutenant Colonel, before getting out of the tent,while Anax and Anna take out their smartphone and computer respectively, to send a text message to their friend Aurelia, as well as a more formal email to Razia Sultana. As the Imperial Couple look at each other with a sigh, they can't help but feel angry and worried about this situation.

From: Emperor Anaximander " The Scarlet" Blachkov, and Empress Anna "The Scarlet" Blachkov.
To: Razia Sultana um Albilad
Encryption: Standard Diplomatic

Dear Sultana,
We have just been advised that the Al'Arz restaurant in Downtown Utica has been the target of a terrorist bombing, and that your grandaughter Aurelia has been caught up in it. We hope she is safe and sound.
We have also been told that around 8 people have been killed, and 96 wounded. Our sincere condolences go to their families. We are also sad to announce to you that our mentor in the Scarlet Rangers, Colonel Gabriel T.Rorke, has been wounded in the attack, as he was vacationing in Utica with his wife Amanda and his friend Hank Anderson of the Detroit Police Department. Unfortunately, the Department of State has told us that Mr Anderson didn't survive the attack.
If it's possible, we would like to send a team of coroners, so that they can see that Mr Anderson's body can be qent home quickly to his family.

Now, we just want to say that the Empire stands by his friends, and that we will do anything in our capabilities to help you track down the perpetrators of such a tragedy.
As we speak, the Central Intelligence Agency is analyzing all the leads we have concerning illegal activities in the Sultanate, and is ready to send them to the Chandshar, just like we did during Operztion Iron Fist.
We just ask you for one thing, if you please: when you find them, leave at least one of them to us, for what they did to our friend, and our mentor.

Sincere regards
Emperor Anaximander "The Scarlet" Blachkov, and Empress Anna "The Scarlet" Blachkov, Father and Mother of the Empire and their People, Peacemakers of the East Coast, Dominators of the Appalachia, Conquerors of the Western Territories, and Guardians of the Rocky Mountains.

Text message sent to Aurelia's phone, from Anax's one:

Hey Aurelia,
we've just been told that you've been caught in a bombing at the Al'Arz, and we hope you're safe. We know what it's like, we were the target of a similar attack in Bagdad back in 2012. Thrre had been around 15 death and 80 wounded at the time.
I'm sad to hear there have been casualties on your side as well, just as I am to tell you that our former instructor Gabriel Rorke has been heavily wounded in it, and his friend Hank Anderson, a Lieutenant from the Detroit Police Department, apparently killed by a piece of shrapnel.
Don't worry,you can be sure we'll do anything to help the Sultanate find the ones who did this. We have already sent a message to your grandmother in this sense.

Stay safe girl, and if you need anything, you know you can always ask
Your pals Anax and Anna.

During the day,as the Imperial Couple and their Guards were getting back to Blachkov DC, the Empire's capital city, many articles would be released in The Blachkov DC Post, The New York Times, etc, telling the story of the attack, as well as the death of Lieutenant Anderson. So far, the Imperial Palacz have said that their Imperial Highnesses were monitoring the situation carefully, and that their thoughts were with their friends in the Sultanate.

by **Kuronami** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 3:08 pm

Number One Royal Avenue

Fresh from a trip abroad, Fine was back to work yet again, putting forward the stack of bills she had worked on during her time away along with some others that since piled up on her desk. Most of the new legislation looked good and there were some budget matters to consider. But besides domestic business of course there was also the nation's foreign affairs to consider which came in like a freight train the moment the phone on her desk rang. "This is Fine. Wait, what? All right thank you." setting the phone down she turned on the TV in her office, usually off less she get distracted but this was important. TV news reporting of a serious bombing attack in Kyrenaia. The horrifying aftermath unfolding there on TV news doing the best to report in the chaos RNB reporters trying to get all the details straight with conflicting news. "My God...." She sighed a heavy nervous sigh. It wasn't long ago Fine received some serious death threats against herself, nothing new, beyond these particular ones getting a little too close for comfort. Hopefully this wasn't related to that but that seemed unlikely given reports indicated Princess Aurelia seemed to be the intended target or this was a message to her, collateral damage, hitting her indirectly. Picking up the phone again to her office she dialed for her foreign minister. "Benio, it's me. Are you seeing the news?"

Down the road aways from the Imperial Palace was the nation's foreign office which handled everything from trade to embassy relations to of course Kuronamis Civil Service and Military Operations Abroad. Given Kuronami did have civilian workers in Kyrenaia there was plenty to be concerned about from just about all angles of this event.

Benio Hanamura, Her Majesty's Agent of State indeed had been watching the news on her end, rather mesmerized that she had to leave to her secretary to call up Fine. "Yes, Empress, I see it, I see it. It's pretty bad looking."

"I only just tuned in, any word on The Princess?"

"Reports are all over the place, I can't make heads or tails of it."

"How about the rest of the Royal Family?"

"Right now nothing indicates any of the other family members were caught in the blast but I'm keeping in touch with our Ambassadors here and there"

"Right, do let them know we're ready to do whatever we can for them. Medical, investigative, security, whatever they ask for, don't ask for, make it happen."

"Yes, ma'am. Oh ma'am, we're getting first reports on any civilians abroad, no confirmed injuries or fatalities of an Kuronami national as of yet but I'm keeping a close watch."

"Please let me know if anything changes."

"Yes, Milady."

The conversation ended with Fine hanging up the phone. "Bianca!" Bianca stepped in for a moment. "Please prepare my car, I need to get to the Legislative Building."

"Right away."

Fine picked up the phone yet again, this time dialing Alistair Fox, the High Councilman of Kuronami's National Assembly. "Mister Fox, it's Ortfine. Have you seen the news?"

Another way down the road, Mister Fox's office at the National Assembly building

"Sorry, Milady I haven't." He responded then turned on the TV in his own office changing over to the RNB station seeing it. A long pause he double confirmed he was still on the line. "Milady what do you need from me?"

"We need an Emergency Session of The Security Council and our Secret Service, please gather the council senators and our director."

"Right away, it will be done and we'll be awaiting your arrival." She hung up the phone. Bianca entered the room again "Your car is ready, Milady."

National Assembly Building - Caloris

The National Assembly Building was the last building of Royal Avenue and of course the only other building as grand as the Imperial Palace itself. The motorcade carrying the Empress arrived and parked in secluded and secured lot behind the building. A quick walk through the corridors later, Fine arrived at the main room, the so called "War Room" for times of crises and emergencies. Natural disaster, terrorism, war, military engagement didn't matter this room was set up for it all. Gathered were six senators, Mr. Fox included, who sat on the Assembly Security Council and their director of the Secret Service, the kind-of-but-not-really secret intelligence arm of The Empire. Ignatius Kane, the former Agent of State under the previous Emperor was given the job when Fine ascended the throne during the expected minster cabinet shuffle that comes with new leadership.

"Gentleman, ladies, be seated." Fine sat head of the table, like a General leading troops to battle. "All right we have a number of pressing concerns, first of all, Amaterasu's Princess Himeko Daidouji is currently out of country. Tell me some good news by saying she's currently not in Kyrenaia?"

"Affirmative Milady," The Director handed reports over to her "We have her pegged in The Freelands."

"Thank goodness. Has Lady Daidouji been informed her sister's well being?"

"Yes ma'am" A woman senator responded, "We set our codes to the Dominion Assembly Chair as soon as we had it down."

"Very good. Next order, Our Embassy?"

"Embassy is okay, all staff accounted for."

"Good. Her Majesty Villa, still in the UIS?" Her Majesty The Duchess did have a relationship with Aurelia so who knows if she was in Kyrenia right now.

"Yes ma'am, Her Majesty Villa still in the UIS."

"She's good then. I'm more than certain she's heard this news now I'll be in touch with her later." She wanted to console and comfort her friend but now was not the time.

"Now the news has yet to confirm any Kuronami nationals being caught up in the attack, that was about 15 minutes ago. Any changes?"

"Ma'am," Kane answered "As of now, still no known Kuronami nationals in the attack."

"Let's hope it stays that way. Now, our CSC has about 25 nationals working there currently, I want them all to check in with the Embassy as soon as possible and I want our director over there to keep updating us. None are hurt then we can sure as can be better get who we can to Utica to help if they are asked for. I have Hanamura writing an immediate dispatch of our thoughts and offers for assistance. RSS I want you to please keep digging whatever you can on the perpetrators."

"Right Away."

"I know things are crazy but I need to also try to contact The Sultana myself to offer my own words of condolence and thoughts to her and her people."

"We'll let you know when the time is ample to talk."

"Good good. All right now right now let's keep any Special Forces work as an aside, until more intelligence can be gathered and if the Sultana gives her approval for any military assistance. Senator Gunter and Director Kane, I want you to draft up a protocol if it does come to that. In the meantime I'm offering civil Law Enforcement from The RBI if Utica PD desires. All right let's get to work everyone."

"Right away!"

by **Kyrenaia** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 3:42 pm

17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I sat there, holding this woman's hand, and it looked like I watched the proceedings... I did not.
I saw them, but I did not see them, if that makes sense - Dad used to say during some discussions, that I heard, but that I did not listen... this was the visual form of it.
I was thinking... who was the target? Did I make enemies, who were willing to kill innocents just to advance their agenda? Had Fadia, Alya or any other of the girls from families of influence?
Or was this just one random act of violence.
I would be haunted by this, however, I knew it... like the foiled abduction in Lux Pulchrae. One moment, there was chatter, laughter and gossip, the next... not. The next, there was blood.
Samira... Gods, I beseech you... let her be alright. Let Soraya and Amana and the other girls be alright. Let... tears welled up in my eyes.
I knew, what the body shapes on the floor meant, covered up with white blankets.
I suddenly felt my hand being squeezed - my head whipped around with the look of a deer in the headlights. It was the woman, the foreigners.
"I hope, you're doing fine ...?", she asked.
I did not reply at first, then said, almost whispered: "I... am unharmed... how about you?"
I would not read the message from Anax and Company on my phone for a while, for it was in my dorm. Mobiles and smartphones were forbidden in class and usually, we went to eat right after the lessons ended before midday.

Headquarters of the Chandshar, Intelligence Service of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
All options were considered: Lone wolves, small groups, large organizations, even foreign involvement.
The list of enemies of the Sultanate was long.
Remains of the government of Va'a Mamao, for example. In the shootout last year in Markaz, not all of them went, some low-level people did not attend and maybe decided to go terrorist.
The organizations hit by Eamalia Alqabdat Alhadidia, Operation Iron Fist. Crime syndicates did like to settle scores, after all.
Anarchists, Communists, more extreme elements of the Democratic Movement? All possible.
A foreign nation backing a terrorist group in Kyrenaia? While the option of some of their friends playing a double game was not completely disregarded, there was one entry on the list, which raised a few eyebrows: Stella Dorata.
It was no secret, that there was little love between them, mostly due to Kyrenaia firmly standing on Lillorainen's side and doing so very obviously, but, to put it bluntly, did they have the sheer balls to attack Kyrenaia on its own ground and soil with such an operation and did they believe they could get away with it once the Sultanate found out? Even without his niece being even in the remotest amount of danger, I knew Crown Prince Ilia well enough to know, that he would bomb SD into oblivion, then some more and when that was done a few more times before he would have the Fleet Ground Forces and, ultimately, the Army and Princess Rasha, go in with orders to go forward with extreme prejudice.
The important question of the hour was, however, first of all, to secure evidence. Police was on the scene, their dog squads searching for more bombs and evidence. The Utica Met was competent and they would share their information and receive some back.
Much like the Lillos promised us to send us any lead they might find. We would send them anything we would find as well. Our friendship, the friendship between our nations and our peoples, was strong and it would prevail.
That they stood by our side in these troubled times was a mark of true friendship.
The UIS sent us an offer of help as well, the Sultana would as well - and I had the nagging feeling, that Aurelia would sent a message as well, as soon as she could. They were good friends, too. Of course, the... special bond, which Aurelia and Duchess Marcella shared, might have something to do with it, but also the kindness of the people of the UIS. The Embassy reported vigils and prayers at many Temples of Madoka, sadness and also the will to help. My more cynical side said, that they wanted to return, maybe even repay the favour of us aiding them during a late-season hurricane a few months ago, but just for once, just this once, Brain - let me believe in the kindness and friendship of people.
Just this once. The day was bad enough already.
Amongst the victims were two Lillo-women, Lina Koogholm and Serafina Felske. Another complication as Felske was heavily wounded. And as both came from influential families. Word regarding the identity of the two wounded Lillos was kept almost a state secret, there was a reason, why Felske was sent to the Utica Military Hospital... their family would not need mobs of reporters in front of their home right now, and UMH didn't need that either. It was bad enough with the wounded Princesses.
I leaned back in my chair. "Lioness, give us strength...", I mumbled.
One of my aides stuck her head in: "Captain, we found something interesting.", she said and I nodded. She entered, one of the Lieutenants. "Well, we went over the travel registration, which we keep and we found out, that Amin Tawashi traveled to Lillorainen in 2016. He cited 'business' as his reason."
"Amin Tawashi as in..."
"The Leader of the Democratic Movement, who was executed in 2017 for murder and child murder.", she said with a firm nod, "It gets better. He seems to have dropped off the radar for two days and it is unclear to us, what he did."
"He could have found himself a nice Lillo-Mistress.", I told her, hopefully.
She shrugged. "It is known, that while he was not as extreme in his views about democracy, he was a fevered nationalist and traditionalist.", she said, "Which is a tad-bit odd since he was also against the Sultan as an absolute ruler, but that's another story. It could be possible, that he made a few contacts and met a few people during this time."
I breathed in and out.
"Alright. Send the MND a note, asking them politely if they know anything.", I heard myself saying.
Maybe the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia had contacts to some other groups, which were active in Lillorainen? Or even found backers there?
The Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia was what it said on the tin: A group of traditionalists. Their notice of responsibility had said, in the parts not released to the public, that they wanted to topple the current order, which even entertained this idea...
"Also, #AlanHataaAkthar got a few companions.", she added with a small, bemused smile, as she handed me another paper. The hashtags #JetztErstRecht and #ŞimdiDahaDaFazlası were starting to trend in Lillorainen and Shamsiyya.
Lioness, give me strength...

To:
Noir Vino Cacao, Her Majesty's Officer for Foreign Relations.
CC: Her Majesty, Duchess Marcella Villa United Island States of AHSCA.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

To Marcella-Khana,
To the Officer of Her Majesty, Noir Vino Cacao,
To the People of the United Island States of AHSCA,
In the name of the People of the Sultanate, We wish to thank You for Your kind words and Your words of strength. Indeed, they shall not rule by fear and they shall not evade the justice, which they deserve. We personally will have them on the chop before Us.
Your kind words also touched the hearts of those affected and many of them send their gratitude - and so do I.

Your offer to help us in finding those responsible is appreciated, but currently not needed. We thank You, however, for it.

May the Lioness bless the UIS,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

To:
Her Majesty, Duchess Marcella Villa United Island States of AHSCA.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
Not for public release.

Marcella,
please allow an old, foolish dreadnought of a woman this personal message. Aurelia is fine, considering the circumstances, but quite a few of her friends and comrades were hurt.
She is, to my knowledge, holding up.
I can not be the shoulder she needs to cry on and neither can her Father, my Son Damir. So, and I know it is presumptuous of me to even consider this, but I would like to ask you to come here, to Utica, to be that shoulder. To be the rock she needs.
I know, that you have duties to your own people, and I know, that you can't simply drop everything and take the next jet to Utica. I hope, however, that you will find the right choice, whichever you take. I will not hold it against you.
However, if you decide to come, may I ask you to bring the 1121st Platoon everyone talks about with you? Captain Jamkiya would very much like to meet them.

Thank you.
Razia.

To:
Emperor Anaximander " The Scarlet" Blachkov, and Empress Anna "The Scarlet" Blachkov.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

To Their Majesties, Emperor Anaximander the Scarlet and Empress Anna the Scarlet of the House Blachkov,
To the People of the Empire,
In the Name of the Sultanate and Her People, We wish to thank You for Your kind words of condolence.
It is sad to hear, that three people so close to Our friends were hurt and even killed. Our prayers will include them.

Your request to send coroners to receive Mister Anderson's body, however, has to be denied. Once they can be safely transported, Colonel Rorke, Mistress Rorke and Mister Anderson's body will be repatriated by us and handed over to the authorities of the Empire in the Empire.
As for you wanting at least one of the perpetrators, when Kyrenaian Justice finds them, Kyrenaian Justice will deal with them in the matter the law sees fit: On the chop.

May the Lioness bless the Empire,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

To:
Emperor Anaximander " The Scarlet" Blachkov, and Empress Anna "The Scarlet" Blachkov.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
Not for public release.

Anaximander, Anna,
please allow me this more informal message to tell you, that Aurelia is fine, considering the circumstances. To my knowledge, she is unhurt, at least physically.
The girl is made of stern stuff.

Thank you again,
Razia.

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad.
The Rose Garden of the Sultana.
I let out a deep sigh, leaned back.
It seemed... so unreal. I sat here, surrounded by roses, the symbol of peace and serenity, and wrote messages in reply to condolences about a terrorist attack.
I was the absolute monarch of Kyrenaia, my word was the law - yet, in situations like this, like in many situations, I was informed about developments, but I did not command. People, who knew their jobs and what was to do, did.
I was not one of those people. Intelligence and police work, I did not know anything about it.
I did know my work as a nurse, at least more then four decades ago, but... here I was. In the Rose Garden, not at Utica Military Hospital, being a nurse from a field hospital, like I had been all those years back, when I was a bit older then Aurelia was now.
I was still the Sultana, though, the unmovable symbol of the nation.
As I told Marcella, I could not be Aurelia's shoulder to cry on. I needed to be Kyrenaia's.
I closed the fountain pen and rose. "Fara.", I commanded, "Ready the Desert Uniform. I will go to the Al'Arz." My loyal Personal Handmaiden nodded and left for my quarters. "Oh, and both you and Sarina are to dress similarly!"
She nodded again.
This might be stupid, but right now, this was, where I was needed - Mother of Her People. What sort of Mother would I be, if I didn't come to them in their hour of need?
While Fara prepared the uniforms and fetched Aurelia's Handmaiden, I began to pen another letter. Ortfine was a good girl. She would understand, what I would be asking of her...

To:
Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt, Empress of Kuronami.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

To Ortfiné Fredericka von Eylstadt, Empress of Kuronami,
To the People of the Empire,
In the Name of the Sultanate and Her People, We wish to thank You for Your kind words of condolence and Your offers for help. To Our knowledge, none of the people of the Empire currently in Kyrenaia were hurt in the cowardly attack.
That being said, in the name of the Sultanate, We ask, in the name of the Utica Metropolitan Police and the Chandshar, for the expertise of the RBI. Once a team has arrived, they will be briefed in the current results of the investigation.
We I thank You and Your people again.

May the Lioness bless the Empire and its Empress,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Near the Al'Arz.
When the paramedics and ambulances arrived, more then one tended to victims in the surroundings.
There were not many. While well-visited, the blast of the bombs and thus their shrapnel had been directed at the Al'Arz with purpose, only a few shrapnels going haywire.
The small group of tourists from the Empire simply had bad luck.
They could not do anything for Anderson, but they did do their best for Colonel Rorke, his wife being separated for her own treatment. As the Colonel was hurt badly, he was transported to the Utica Military Hospital by an ambulance, Amanda being allowed to ride along for she was his wife.
Shrapnel was stuck in him, an operating theatre being prepared.
The ambulance in front of them carried Serafina Felske from Lillorainen. She was the third in line, Samira and one of the Al'Arz's staff being in more critical condition. The police saw to it, that the way was free and clear.
Organized chaos greeted them in the hospital, the Colonel going into the surgery very quickly, while Amanda was led into an office to be checked on, the Doctor worked with practiced ease, yet a very serious face and would not answer any questions, only ask them when appropriate, if this hurt or basic data.
It was not rudeness, just his brand of professionalism.
That, and he had no news anyway.

Times of Utica, English Internet Edition.

Update: More victims then first suspected.

Utica - The terrorist attack in Downtown Utica has, according to the police, caused more victims then first presumed: According to sources with the Utica Metropolitan Police, twelve people are dead, amongst them a tourist from the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle, while a further 101 people are wounded. Meanwhile, the hunt for the perpetrators has begun: While the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia claimed responsibility, the Police and the Chandshar are "investigating all options", according to a spokesperson of the Palace of the Azure Hall.
Messages of Condolences arrived in Utica over the day, from President Flemming and the people of Lillorainen, from Marcella-Khana and Her People, who pray for the well-being of everyone, from Empress Ortfine of Kuronami, from the Elders of the Selkie, from the Council of Cities of Lutetii - the latter directed a message at the Sultanate, in which they made it clear, that there was still bad blood between the City States and the Sultanate, but they were still suffering with them, for they, too, were fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters.
Offers for help were extended towards the Sultanate, but so far, we have no news on these being accepted or not.
In the far reaches of the World Wide Web, people came together under the hashtags of #AlanHataaAkthar, #NowEvenMore, #JetztErstRecht and #ŞimdiDahaDaFazlası to signify their support for the Supporting Movement for the Homosexual Marriage Law, from all over the world.

by **Cartoonia** » Tue Jun 18, 2019 5:01 pm

Building of The Cartoon Department of Foreign Affairs, Gallagher, Cartoonia. Tuesday, June 17, 2019. 4:51pm

Charity Bazaar, the current Secretary of Foreign Affairs was hard at work today. She was finishing up thank you notes for those nations who have participated in their fight against slavery not so long ago. At this time, a telegram from the Cartoon Federal Agency of International Events was beeping sending a telegram her way. Charity picks it up.

TELEGRAM

Cartoon Federal Agency of International Events

Sender: Mest Gryder
Recipient: Secretary Charity Bazaar

Nation of Origin: Kyrenaia
Date registered: June 17, 2019
Time registered: around 12:00 - 1:00 NSST
Source: Times of Utica, English Internet Edition.
Headline:

Terrorist Attack In Downtown Utica
Eight dead, countless injured. Pipe bombs discovered in wreckage. Terrorist group confirmed to be the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia. Princesses severely injured.

“Holy...” Charity musters out. She immediately drops whatever she was doing and gets on the telephone. Her call... Supreme Leader Jimmy Kudo.

The Supreme Leader’s Estate. 5:01pm

Supreme Leader Jimmy Kudo was in his office, as usual, gathering chat with Secretary of Defense Chad Dickson, who is going to run for the office of Chancellory. They were discussing possible military actions in Iran after current events of the day, when a call comes in. Jimmy picks it up.

“Hello, This is the Supreme Leader. Cartoons Above All”.

“Sir”

“Oh, Secretary Bazaar, what’s new”.

“Have you read the news sir”

“Yes I have, and it’s tragic that Angela Merkel is leaving the EU”

“NO! not that, the other news”.

Jimmy looks through his paper. He reads the headline about the terrorist attack in Kyrenaia.

“Oh dear” he says. And the more he says it, he becomes more concerned.

“I hope none of our citizens were hurt”.

“No, no one from our nation was hurt. But they do have a total of f eight dead and ninth-six wounded as of right now, among those wounded are their princesses”.

“Ok” Jimmy says in a sigh of relief, still concerned, about worried. He looks at the name of the nation again. It seemed familiar to him. “Hey, Bazaar, can give me our current diplomatic status with Kyrenaia?”

Charity looks through the database of nations they interacted with.

“Sir, we had no previous engagements of diplomacy nor war with Kyrenaia. We have no embassy in their nation, and they do not have an embassy here. What we do know is that they are friends with the United
Islands of AHSCA and The Empire of Kuronami, both of which we established embassies and in return, they established embassies with us. Oh yeah, as well as the American Federal Empire of The Scarlet Eagle”.

“Ok, thank you. I’ll take it from here”. Jimmy puts down the phone, fully aware of the issue.

“Sir” Chad says, which, remind you, he still in his office. “I heard everything, and read the paper. Are we going to engage in conflict sir.”

“No, too early in the situation for that”

“We haven’t interacted with them sir, why get involved?”

“Because it’s in our best interests that we fight against terrorism at home and abroad. We need to help any nation in danger, even if we never truly interacted with them. Now, I’m going to write. I’ll talk to you later”.

“Very well” Chad says as he leaves. Jimmy brings out a stationary to write and when he finished it, he calls Charity.

“Hey Charity, Can you send this stationary over to... who’s the leader of Kyrenaia?”

“Sir, that would be Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness and the great people of The Sultanate of Kyrenaia” She says her name taking in breaths in between titles. “And of course sir, I will be glad to send this message”.

“Thank you”.

Telegram:
The Democratic Republic of Cartoonia Department of Foreign Affairs
6/18/2019

Wired from: The Desk of Supreme Leader Jimmy Kudo

To Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness and the great people of The Sultanate of Kyrenaia,

We send our most sincerest condolences to what happened today. I hope the princesses are alright. This act of terrorism shall not go unpunished. We had our share of terrorism in the past from village raids, to railroad explosions from an underground dark cult, so our citizens share your pain. We want to help you in any way possible. Our citizens are praying for the safety of your people in hopes that no further acts of terrorism happens. We are willing to do whatever is necessary to prevent this from happening. Even though we had no interactions in the past, we want to help.
If there is any thing you need, please do not hesitate to call my secretary of Foreign Affairs.

God bless,
Supreme Leader Jimmy Kudo

by **AHSCA** » Wed Jun 19, 2019 10:35 am

Minutes to hours ticked on bye while Marcella was still held up in an office at the Embassy Isle Complex. So much so a few other of her Officers poked in from time to time, some returning to duties others holding tight. Pacifica sat with Her Majesty anxiously awaiting the tea they ordered, hopefully it'd be enough to calm their nerves. Noir entered the room again along with Kurashiki this time holding good news. "Milady, these first few communiques arrived for us. One is a formal response from the Sultanate, I'll hand that to Officer Gozen so she may print it. This one is personally for you."

"Do you want us to leave?" Pacifica asked.

"No it's okay." She inhaled opening the sealed envelope and it was good news which was a relief, it was from the Sultana which was certianly good, but even better it did confirm Aurelia is safe and at least physically okay. "It's all good."

The room also let out a collective sigh of relief. "Her Majesty, The Sultana, is asking me to come if possible. I would like to go but at the same time...."

Everyone gave a moment thought, there's pros and cons to going. The Presence of Marcella might just make things difficult from a tactical standpoint, so much of law enforcement was no doubt needing their full undivided attention. Obvious pros meant a show of solidarity, being able to console Aurelia and help out if she could.

"Although she has said she'd welcome the 1121."

"Milady, it'd be a great pleasure to serve the people of Kyrenaia in their time of need! If you authorize our deployment then we shall go."

"Very well, Captain, Assemble your platoon and deploy out."

"Yes ma'am!" Felicia saluted and took a prompt exit to do as ordered.

"Any further dangers or threats against me?"

"At this time nothing present, Milady if you desire to go, we can have military flight ready for you in an instant."

"No need to worry about duties," Pacifica "I and the other officers can pick up slack in the meantime."

Marcella was conflicted, again first and foremost she didn't want to put any strain on resources on Kyrenaia. Right now, it was a ship in a mighty storm and all hands were on deck. "I'll go. But I only want Asuna with me. I'll let the Sultana know I'm coming and only her. As far as any one is concerned, I'll be low profile."

"Of course. We will make the preparations." Noir nodded

"Right away, Milady?" A stationed soldiers asked

"24 hours. Let's allow them some time to calm down and get through the immediate aftermath."

"Yes, Milady."

"Milady" Pacifica offered "In your absence I'll draft a resolution in Congress to condemn the attacks and give our further show of support. If you are not present?"

"Then Consider it my Royal Decree."

"As you wish." she nodded taking a stand so she could go right to work on it.

It didn't even take that long, everyone stood behind to await news and Pacifica was happy to deliver it before the Legislative body.

U.I.C. J-RES 45
IN HER MAJESTY'S CONGRESS,
19 June, 2019
Referred to the United Island Foreign Relations Office

Her Majesty's Congress Wishes to Express their sincere condolences and sympathies to the people of Kyrenaia for the loss of life and terrible acts of atrocity committed against them in a time of peace. Officer Noir VinoCacao of Foreign Relations, Officer Kuraĝo of Defense and Her Majesty Duchess Marcella Villa have unilaterally and jointly deployed Platoon 1121 of the United Island Self Defense Forces, in response to assist in the recovery efforts for Kyrenaia at this time. These fall into compliance of Article II and IV of the Constitution of the United Island States.

Further, Her Majesty's Congress Wishes to Express their sincere condolences to the people and government of The Scarlet Eagle as reported that Scarlet Rangers, Colonel Gabriel T.Rorke, were wounded in the attack, with his wife Amanda and his friend Hank Anderson of the Detroit Police Department. Saddened to hear that Mr. Anderson didn't survive the attack our thoughts to his family and colleagues and friends in a troubling time.

Her Majesty, Duchess Marcella Villa AHSCA, Second Duchess of the United Island States of AHSCA, was not present to sign the agreement but has officially deemed this a Royal Decree thus no need for a formal vote or passage of Congress to be sent along for formal signature of approval or veto.

.

by **AHSCA** » Wed Jun 19, 2019 1:42 pm

TO: The Government of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia and Her Grace, Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

FROM: Noir VinoCacao, Officer for Foreign Relations

CC: Duchess Marcella Villa, Defense Officer Kurago

Encryption Level: None, standard open communique

To our Friends, We thank you for your responses to us. We understand how difficult things will be in the first 72 hours of this attack and are hoping to act swiftly. We've deployed the 1121st platoon of our Self Defense Forces lead by Captain Filicia Heideman and should be arriving shortly at the time of this message. Captain Heideman will lead her squad in doing what is needed to help the situation at hand and will answer to any ranking officer for needed duty deployment. This force is our primary disaster response team so they are very adaptable for crises like these. As this force is apart of our Self Defense Forces they are military ready but any and all weapons can be surrendered for placement until the time we are set to leave. Any further needs or concerns, feel free to reach to us directly or through our Ambassador in your nation.

Sincerly,
Noir VinoCacao
Under Her Majesty, Duchess Marcella Villa

TO: Her Grace, Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

FROM: Marcella Villa

Encryption Level: High. Confidential

Dearest Sultana,

How happy I was to hear from you and to hear you and Aurelia are safe after the savage attack in your nation. I'm heartbroken to hear of a further rising death toll and injury count and only pray it doesn't get worse. In the meantime, I'm happy you have requested me to come out so I can see Aurelia yet again and help her through such a troubling time. I can't imagine how she is feeling now, I can only hope I can bring back a little bit of light to her at this dark moment.

That said, Dear Sultana, I know the presence of a foreign Monarch such as myself, can cause more trouble than it is worth especially in a moment as this. You know me being the avid sailor, I liken it to a storm at sea and right now you're sailing into one that requires all hands on deck. I'm hoping things might settle enough that I may make a hasty visit to not only be of comfort to my beloved but also to be of service to your nation and to you. If you feel my presence may be of trouble, I shall hold off until such time things are calm enough that I won't take away any needed resources. That said with my trusted guard, Asuna at my side, combined with my military naval experience, I would imagine I'd be able to care for myself plenty well, without the need to take any of your resources away.

I know you have much to do, so if I don't hear from you in a timely manner I promise you will hardly hear a peep from me as I quietly work my way to Kyrenaia.

Yours Truly,
Marcella

1121st Platoon Arrival in Kyrenaia

Fairly large C-130 Hercules touched down in Kyrenaia loaded with supplies and one little platoon, considered the best at what they do, the primary response to all disasters the 1121st. Five young women, including their Captain. It was more of a highly specialized surgical team there to help out more than a full force military platoon but they were good at what they did.

A bugle rang out, Private First Class, Kanata "Kana" Sorami the youngest of the squad but no stranger to the work either. Living in AHSCA of course, she'd seen her share of hurricanes and other storms but now officially an "adult" by AHSCAian standards, 14 to be exact, she enlisted in the army to serve her country beyond simple conscription, she found herself now in the company the 1121 and made friends fast. "Company Assemble!"

The other few ladies of the company assembled, Corporal Noël Kannagi, the mechanic and driver. She knew machines inside and out. Rio Kazumiya, 17 also a bugler and Lieutenant, Private First Class Kureha Suminoya, just a rank higher than Kana and a family lineage of great military men and women including those who fought to help create the UIS in the first place. And finally returning to our Captain, Filicia Heideman age 20, again designated the Captain of this Squad more than proud to lead and assist not only her platoon but also be of service. Kyrenaia an important friend to the UIS, besides being obliged to return the favor of their help when a hurricane hit the islands, she believed in the cause The Princess Aurelia stood for, she believed in the rights and equality of all people everywhere, she believed in the relationship of her Duchess, her Commander-in-Chief to love the Princess of this land. A softie at heart. "Ladies. Ladies, we're here. We have much to do but we can't get ahead of ourselves. We are guests here and we all know the implications of this attack. Don't waver in your duty and service to your fellow man. Just as we do at home we do here. We will answer to our hosts here and we will make sure we work our hardest."

"Yes ma'am!"

"Also, ladies, there is a chance that our commander, our Duchess may be present any time in the city. I don't know where, when or if but there is that chance. As such if she should appear, our orders are not to engage her. Of course Our Duchess cares for the work we do and by her orders we are here but knowledge of her being here in the aftermath of an incident such as this will cause trouble. We do not cause trouble we solve trouble!"

"Yes ma'am!"

"Good, all right ladies we wait for our fellow brothers and sisters in arms t in the meantime we begin our unload of supplies."

"Yes ma'am!" With Felicia's rousing speech concluded everyone got right to work until the forces for Kyrenaia could greet them properly to give them their first mission brief.

by **Lillorainen** » Wed Jun 19, 2019 1:53 pm

Kyrenaia wrote:17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I sat there, holding this woman's hand, and it looked like I watched the proceedings... I did not.
I saw them, but I did not see them, if that makes sense - Dad used to say during some discussions, that I heard, but that I did not listen... this was the visual form of it.
I was thinking... who was the target? Did I make enemies, who were willing to kill innocents just to advance their agenda? Had Fadia, Alya or any other of the girls from families of influence?
Or was this just one random act of violence.
I would be haunted by this, however, I knew it... like the foiled abduction in Lux Pulchrae. One moment, there was chatter, laughter and gossip, the next... not. The next, there was blood.
Samira... Gods, I beseech you... let her be alright. Let Soraya and Amana and the other girls be alright. Let... tears welled up in my eyes.
I knew, what the body shapes on the floor meant, covered up with white blankets.
I suddenly felt my hand being squeezed - my head whipped around with the look of a deer in the headlights. It was the woman, the foreigners.
"I hope, you're doing fine ...?", she asked.
I did not reply at first, then said, almost whispered: "I... am unharmed... how about you?"
I would not read the message from Anax and Company on my phone for a while, for it was in my dorm. Mobiles and smartphones were forbidden in class and usually, we went to eat right after the lessons ended before midday.

Headquarters of the Chandshar, Intelligence Service of the Sultanate of Kyrenaia.
Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
All options were considered: Lone wolves, small groups, large organizations, even foreign involvement.
The list of enemies of the Sultanate was long.
Remains of the government of Va'a Mamao, for example. In the shootout last year in Markaz, not all of them went, some low-level people did not attend and maybe decided to go terrorist.
The organizations hit by Eamalia Alqabdat Alhadidia, Operation Iron Fist. Crime syndicates did like to settle scores, after all.
Anarchists, Communists, more extreme elements of the Democratic Movement? All possible.
A foreign nation backing a terrorist group in Kyrenaia? While the option of some of their friends playing a double game was not completely disregarded, there was one entry on the list, which raised a few eyebrows: Stella Dorata.
It was no secret, that there was little love between them, mostly due to Kyrenaia firmly standing on Lillorainen's side and doing so very obviously, but, to put it bluntly, did they have the sheer balls to attack Kyrenaia on its own ground and soil with such an operation and did they believe they could get away with it once the Sultanate found out? Even without his niece being even in the remotest amount of danger, I knew Crown Prince Ilia well enough to know, that he would bomb SD into oblivion, then some more and when that was done a few more times before he would have the Fleet Ground Forces and, ultimately, the Army and Princess Rasha, go in with orders to go forward with extreme prejudice.
The important question of the hour was, however, first of all, to secure evidence. Police was on the scene, their dog squads searching for more bombs and evidence. The Utica Met was competent and they would share their information and receive some back.
Much like the Lillos promised us to send us any lead they might find. We would send them anything we would find as well. Our friendship, the friendship between our nations and our peoples, was strong and it would prevail.
That they stood by our side in these troubled times was a mark of true friendship.
The UIS sent us an offer of help as well, the Sultana would as well - and I had the nagging feeling, that Aurelia would sent a message as well, as soon as she could. They were good friends, too. Of course, the... special bond, which Aurelia and Duchess Marcella shared, might have something to do with it, but also the kindness of the people of the UIS. The Embassy reported vigils and prayers at many Temples of Madoka, sadness and also the will to help. My more cynical side said, that they wanted to return, maybe even repay the favour of us aiding them during a late-season hurricane a few months ago, but just for once, just this once, Brain - let me believe in the kindness and friendship of people.
Just this once. The day was bad enough already.
Amongst the victims were two Lillo-women, Lina Koogholm and Serafina Felske. Another complication as Felske was heavily wounded. And as both came from influential families. Word regarding the identity of the two wounded Lillos was kept almost a state secret, there was a reason, why Felske was sent to the Utica Military Hospital... their family would not need mobs of reporters in front of their home right now, and UMH didn't need that either. It was bad enough with the wounded Princesses.
I leaned back in my chair. "Lioness, give us strength...", I mumbled.
One of my aides stuck her head in: "Captain, we found something interesting.", she said and I nodded. She entered, one of the Lieutenants. "Well, we went over the travel registration, which we keep and we found out, that Amin Tawashi traveled to Lillorainen in 2016. He cited 'business' as his reason."
"Amin Tawashi as in..."
"The Leader of the Democratic Movement, who was executed in 2017 for murder and child murder.", she said with a firm nod, "It gets better. He seems to have dropped off the radar for two days and it is unclear to us, what he did."
"He could have found himself a nice Lillo-Mistress.", I told her, hopefully.
She shrugged. "It is known, that while he was not as extreme in his views about democracy, he was a fevered nationalist and traditionalist.", she said, "Which is a tad-bit odd since he was also against the Sultan as an absolute ruler, but that's another story. It could be possible, that he made a few contacts and met a few people during this time."
I breathed in and out.
"Alright. Send the MND a note, asking them politely if they know anything.", I heard myself saying.
Maybe the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia had contacts to some other groups, which were active in Lillorainen? Or even found backers there?
The Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia was what it said on the tin: A group of traditionalists. Their notice of responsibility had said, in the parts not released to the public, that they wanted to topple the current order, which even entertained this idea...
"Also, #AlanHataaAkthar got a few companions.", she added with a small, bemused smile, as she handed me another paper. The hashtags #JetztErstRecht and #ŞimdiDahaDaFazlası were starting to trend in Lillorainen and Shamsiyya.
Lioness, give me strength...

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad.
The Rose Garden of the Sultana.
I let out a deep sigh, leaned back.
It seemed... so unreal. I sat here, surrounded by roses, the symbol of peace and serenity, and wrote messages in reply to condolences about a terrorist attack.
I was the absolute monarch of Kyrenaia, my word was the law - yet, in situations like this, like in many situations, I was informed about developments, but I did not command. People, who knew their jobs and what was to do, did.
I was not one of those people. Intelligence and police work, I did not know anything about it.
I did know my work as a nurse, at least more then four decades ago, but... here I was. In the Rose Garden, not at Utica Military Hospital, being a nurse from a field hospital, like I had been all those years back, when I was a bit older then Aurelia was now.
I was still the Sultana, though, the unmovable symbol of the nation.
As I told Marcella, I could not be Aurelia's shoulder to cry on. I needed to be Kyrenaia's.
I closed the fountain pen and rose. "Fara.", I commanded, "Ready the Desert Uniform. I will go to the Al'Arz." My loyal Personal Handmaiden nodded and left for my quarters. "Oh, and both you and Sarina are to dress similarly!"
She nodded again.
This might be stupid, but right now, this was, where I was needed - Mother of Her People. What sort of Mother would I be, if I didn't come to them in their hour of need?
While Fara prepared the uniforms and fetched Aurelia's Handmaiden, I began to pen another letter. Ortfine was a good girl. She would understand, what I would be asking of her...

Near the Al'Arz.
When the paramedics and ambulances arrived, more then one tended to victims in the surroundings.
There were not many. While well-visited, the blast of the bombs and thus their shrapnel had been directed at the Al'Arz with purpose, only a few shrapnels going haywire.
The small group of tourists from the Empire simply had bad luck.
They could not do anything for Anderson, but they did do their best for Colonel Rorke, his wife being separated for her own treatment. As the Colonel was hurt badly, he was transported to the Utica Military Hospital by an ambulance, Amanda being allowed to ride along for she was his wife.
Shrapnel was stuck in him, an operating theatre being prepared.
The ambulance in front of them carried Serafina Felske from Lillorainen. She was the third in line, Samira and one of the Al'Arz's staff being in more critical condition. The police saw to it, that the way was free and clear.
Organized chaos greeted them in the hospital, the Colonel going into the surgery very quickly, while Amanda was led into an office to be checked on, the Doctor worked with practiced ease, yet a very serious face and would not answer any questions, only ask them when appropriate, if this hurt or basic data.
It was not rudeness, just his brand of professionalism.
That, and he had no news anyway.

Times of Utica, English Internet Edition.

Update: More victims then first suspected.

Utica - The terrorist attack in Downtown Utica has, according to the police, caused more victims then first presumed: According to sources with the Utica Metropolitan Police, twelve people are dead, amongst them a tourist from the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle, while a further 101 people are wounded. Meanwhile, the hunt for the perpetrators has begun: While the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia claimed responsibility, the Police and the Chandshar are "investigating all options", according to a spokesperson of the Palace of the Azure Hall.
Messages of Condolences arrived in Utica over the day, from President Flemming and the people of Lillorainen, from Marcella-Khana and Her People, who pray for the well-being of everyone, from Empress Ortfine of Kuronami, from the Elders of the Selkie, from the Council of Cities of Lutetii - the latter directed a message at the Sultanate, in which they made it clear, that there was still bad blood between the City States and the Sultanate, but they were still suffering with them, for they, too, were fathers and mothers and brothers and sisters.
Offers for help were extended towards the Sultanate, but so far, we have no news on these being accepted or not.
In the far reaches of the World Wide Web, people came together under the hashtags of #AlanHataaAkthar, #NowEvenMore, #JetztErstRecht and #ŞimdiDahaDaFazlası to signify their support for the Supporting Movement for the Homosexual Marriage Law, from all over the world.

Al'Arz. June 17, 2019.
As Aurelia noticed, that Lina was talking to her, she told the young woman from Lillorainen, that she was unharmed, and ask her back, if everything was alright (for a given definition of the term).
"A few minor wounds ... some scratches - but nothing heavy" - Lina answered, slowly and also not very loudly. It wasn't that easy for her to get words out properly now, especially in another language than her mother tongue. "At least, I don't feel much ... and the paramedics haven't found anything, either ... it seems."
Lina had also noticed, that Aurelia had been in thoughts before, and unbeknownst to her, she had asked herself the same questions as Lina did right now - whom, out of all the people in here, had they targeted in particular? Only Aurelia? Or also Alya and Fadia? Was it because of this place being the gathering place for HGA students lobbying for a controversial policy switch?
Or was there an entirely different background?
Unbeknownst to hear, the question would very soon be dealt with by more people that one could have imagined, from more countries than one could have imagined. And they would soon even be visited by someone whom to call important would have been as much of a blatant understatement as calling the Highway A1 a pathway.
She had also noticed tears welling up in her eyes - and she wasn't alone with it.
"My girlfriend's heavily injured, though ..." - she said, looking outside for a moment, where the ambulance had parked and brought Sera to the Military Hospital. Lina didn't see a reason to not mention, that she was in a relationship with Sera - if there was anyone around in here, who was much unlikely to judge her, then it was Aurelia. "I ... I just hope she makes it ..."

Headquarters of the MND FL, Northern Section, Saskilde.
While the lists by the Chandshar was still being checked for anything they should be made aware of, slight traces of amusement could be found in Nygaard's and Wellem's faces, as they checked the public reactions to the attack.
The hashtag #AlanHataaAkthar had quickly gone viral, in Kyrenaia, as well as in Shamsiyya, in the language of which the phrase went similar, even though pronounced differently. In English, it went by #NowEvenMore. Lillorainian media had translated it as #JetztErstRecht - and this German translation had become widely popular, in Lillorainen as well as in Shamsiyya, where, thanks to a certain Layla Murashiniq, the Turkish version #ŞimdiDahaDaFazlası had become known outside Shamsiyya as well.
While a quick check on Layla Murashiniq just seemed to find football stadium visits as the primary reason for her to enter the Federation's territory, there wasn't even any check on Janina Bonrath necessary - thanks to Jenny Rürup, who knew her from her short time studying History at the University of Jillich, in which they had gotten along excellently. Jenny knew, that she couldn't try to send a life-sign to Janina without bringing her into trouble - she had already been invited to an interview with the MND once. Not an interrogation, but answering a few general questions.
There wasn't much from Lillorainian citizens, but Janina had obviously felt in a need to clarify a few points - mainly due to herself being in a relationship with another woman.
"This guy everyone calls Broken-Brain would get along well with Hannweiler, eh?" - said Wellem.
"For sure" - Nygaard agreed.
Meanwhile, the number of victims had increased to 12 deads and 101 wounded, as announced by the Times of Utica in an update.
They went on, as suddenly, Worringer exclaimed, "They found something!"
Everyone turned around to him.
"The Chandshar?"
"Yes! Damn, we could have found that, too! It's so obvious."
"Don't keep us in suspense!" - Majström said.
"Amin Tawashi! You guys remember his case?" Everyone nodded. "A guy who wasn't only the Leader of the Democratic Movement, but also a nationalist. He was executed the classic Kyrenaian way - the chop - in 2017, due to murder in two cases, one of them even being a child. Aaand he was in Lillorainen in 2016 - and entirely vanished from the radar for two days!"
Silence.
"That's ... an excellent hint!" - Majström finally said.
"It is! The Chandshar would wish to know, if we have any evidence as to what he's been up to in the Federation."
Wellem started to hammer the keys of keyboard as if a werewolf were behind her. Already after a short time, she could find, at least, a few hints that showed, what Tawashi could have been up to.
"Utica International to Pontrath/Kerkenich International ... rented a car at the airport, plate PR-8351 AS, went with 121 km/h on a country road through a speed camera. Paid the bill at once. Nothing unusual so far ..."
She typed on.
"Ha! He took himself a hotel room at the Rathe river shore in Pontrath-Sassenwerth and checked in under a false name!"
Majström raised one eyebrow. "For sure?"
"Yes. No Amin Tawashi on the guest list for this day, but a Jamal Kadhib, Businessman, according to his own statement. And according to the surveillance camera, he was seen with a woman, obviously Lillorainian, in the hotel lobby several times!"
Majström raised the other eyebrow. "Well, probably some maiden he picked up. According to what we know, he was seen surrounded by beautiful young ladies more often than not."
"Possible ... it doesn't explain, why he didn't use his real name, or why he vanished from the radar ... or it's a lady we know." Wellem typed on. "Don't we have a few guys and lassies organizing a Democratic Movement as well?"
"Hmm, we have nearly-fascists like F.R.I.D.A., anarchists like the AHK ... there was a communist organization named RVFL, Rote Volksfront Lillorainen, a while ago ..."
"I know of three movements lobbying for at least a second party" - Worringer interjected, "the VPJ - People's Party Now, that is -, the AfL, Alternative für Lillorainen - as well as the LDF, Liberal Democratic Front. All three aren't static, separate organizations, but some of them are members of more than just one of them."
"How big are these groups?" - Nygaard wanted to know.
"All three together have around forty to fifty known members. Not many, but it's enough to see a little movement against the prevailing political system."
"Just like in Kyrenaia."
"The counterfeit of one woman most certainly fits to Linda Pressler" - Wellem now said, "born in 1987 in Ladenburg, a known member of the LDF - and contrary to many others, she is also a traditionalist and nationalist. She is known to be good friends with Birgit Seitz, born in 1990 in Selmstrop, near Laerdonk. She came to our attention by openly speaking up for racial purity laws, and by becoming a suspect of an attempted, yet luckily failing bomb attack in the Nienhagen Metro."
Majström whistled through his teeth. "Would fit to the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia. When nationalism becomes international ..."
"And ..." - Wellem typed again, "... both were in the Southern District of Pontrath by that time. I don't know where yet ... we're a secret service, not the Gods, after all."
"Hm ..." Majström was not really convinced. "Not really good evidence. It is possible, that both ladies sweet-talked him a bit, or the other way round, to cooperate on some degree. If he was much into attractive women ...?"
"Has one of them been to Kyrenaia once?" - asked Nygaard.
Worringer searched for the names on the lists. No results.
"Maybe under false identity?" - he said, shrugging.
"Possible." Majström thought for a moment. "Agent Worringer, please send the data of these two ladies to the Chandshar - as well as the photos. Even if they haven't been to Kyrenaia, it's better than no evidence at all. After all, they do have a lot in common with him, when it comes to political views."
Worringer nodded. "Will do at once!"

by **Kuronami** » Wed Jun 19, 2019 5:02 pm

The Skies - En-route to Kyrenaia

Terrorism is a difficult crime to broach. It often treads a thin line of civil law enforcement agencies and military force. Terrorism usually motivated by political motives to silence, infuriate or intimidate the side of the opposition that you commit acts of extremism for and the only way to combat it is to face it head one be it through either the needs of law enforcement or military action. For now this was a law enforcement issue. Kuronami was doing what ever it could to help Kyrenaia on top of securing it's own citizens in the country. Their Embassy wasn't targeted or attacked, at least as far as they knew, but others were, a school was attacked, people's lives were taken so now a team of inspectors from Kuronami's Royal Bureau of Investigation (sometimes inverted as RIB which come with some comical snickers) a small team it was, five people. Inspector Charame Rosenberg, glad to be on the case and help out. She thought of announcing it on Piffle as she often talked about her job both in good and bad times but at the same time it seemed kind of tacky and in poor taste. Of course she wanted what the others wanted, justice, but writing it out made it sound like she was excited to work a terrorism case, but it wasn't excitement she was seeking like some adrenaline junkie or something bored and in a rut, she just wanted to lend her services. Her field in the Bureau was usually finical and white collar crime, and what do terrorist need, money. Inspector Alysha Black, specializing in violent crime investigations, standard inspector for an incident like this. A sharp dresser in a black suit and tie with a white collard shirt, more traditional and formal for those who might opt for something kind of casual or a branded RBI shirt and/or jacket.

Inspector Yuta Togashi, criminal profiler, young man and new agent but already respected for a profile that snagged a dormant serial killer who nearly evaded detection for decades, whom had been stalking Kuronami's farmlands. Forensics Expert, Victor Gunter also a crime scene photographer, nothing escaped his lens and each tiny detail of a crime scene matters. Inspector Tuvalu de Akvo, cyber crimes, unless these terrorists were using homing pigeons, she'd be searching for their digital footprints. Feeling the same sense of camaraderie and desire to do good in the world this also had a second motive for her, a Mazomban native, her home islands were devastated by Hurricane Amelia early in the year and Kyrenaia raced to help. Grateful for them to help her family, her friends, her community she was ready to return the favor. Of course if she'd been assigned she'd be just as eager but she specifically marched to the Task force director and demanded she be on the case.

Lance C. Waltz, Organized Crime Division, fairly older than most of the group but hardly a curmudgeon passed over one too many times. His years of service and his age, one would assume he was the director of this case but he had no interest in driving a desk, he was Field Agent first and foremost it's what he worked and enjoyed. This team lead by Special Inspector Douglas Rosenberg, older than most of the younger inspectors on the team but younger than even Inspector Waltz. His most recent claim to fame was uncovering a massive money laundering and human trafficking ring that ran between The Empire and their friends in the UIS. He even got to see a little of the Festival they had but didn't get much time to enjoy it given he was trying to bust up a few mobsters for murder which in the end didn't work out beyond pointing them to some of their own national demons to take care of. Walking into the cabin after checking in with their pilot "All right team, looks like just an hour more."

"Sir," Inspector Black spoke up "I realize this is was an assignment on very quick notice but do we not have any case files or details to look over?"

"Afraid not, Inspector Black, as you just said this was a quick thrown-together team. Utica Metro will brief us when we arrive and we'll do what we can."

"It's fine" Charame spoke "We've gone in on just thin tips and hunches, we'll get what we need."

"I apologize if I sounded curt, I'm anxious to get this one right."

"We all are, Alysha" Tuvalu said to her "Some of us especially, we just gotta work together."

"You know I remember this case in '81 I had," Waltz interjected "I was still a rookie agent, working on taking down the Malsulo Family, from your neck of the woods, Tu. Mayor shot to death, no cooperating witnesses, we figured for sure this case was going to freeze over then what should happen but an insider finally cracked and agreed to give us what we needed. But turns out we didn't need him. our answer was right in front of us all along. We all missed it, local PD and R-men."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?" Tuvalu asked him.

"Aha perhaps my story went nowhere. I was hoping to convey, a fresh pair of eyes might just be what these folks could use to help blow this case. And hey maybe they'll find the smoking gun long before us. Either way."

Rosenberg nodded, "Well I think what we can also take away from that is, we'll need to look over everything carefully. But then again that's our job. Togashi, what do you think?"

"Right now we know this attack was for sure politically motivated, which of course 99.9% of terrorism is. What's more is the target was likely the Princess. So attempted assassination. What's fascinating is the use of explosives. I mean assassins usually opt for firearms when looking to take out a single target."

"I suspect, The Sultanate has pretty tight firearm control laws."

"Sure sure, but when does that stop an assassin. Clearly our unsub or unsubs want to really drive the message home. So this is more than your usual assassin attempts as much as this is to also send a message of intimidation. Anti-LGBT offenders are usually far right religious zealots but we could also just be dealing with someone who finds same-sex contrary to biological needs. Counter-intutive to the need of mankind to reproduce, pardon my crassness."

"Do you see that often?"

"In hate crimes I'd say it's a small profile, again usually religious zealous driven by fundamentalism and deep rooted social anxiety in times of political upheaval and uncertainty. How old is the Sultanate?"

"Off the top of my head, I don't recall, I just know she's up there in her years."

"Well even assuming for no poor health and regardless of the Princess' position in the succession chain I'm speculating, again this is speculation, this could have some roots in a fear that Aurelia might ascend the throne and overnight toss away all the traditions of Kyrenaia. It's like the fears when a candidate from the opposite side of a political spectrum assumes office, always that fear that overnight they'll impose some radical new ideology."

"Dictators aren't born over night." Charame countered

"Of course not, but for whatever reason the human mind seems to race to a conclusion valid or not."

"Anything else, you think this is a case of domestic terrorism?"

"We have the unconfirmed reports of a domestic group claiming responsibility citing the Princess' pro-LGBT Rights stance but there is a chance there is an outside group of foreign origin wanting to take the Sultanate down for foreign policy reasons."

"Well let's hold off the further speculation until we have a chance to go over the case details."

The seat belt sign lit up indicating they were ready to descend and land. Now was the time, once greeted, the Inspectors would introduce themselves and their specific fields in the agency, and if asked they would check their sidearms.

by **Kyrenaia** » Thu Jun 20, 2019 2:25 am

To:
Jimmy Kudo, Supreme Leader of the Democratic Republic of Cartoonia.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

To the Supreme Leader,
In the Name of Our People, We thank You for Your kind words and best wishes. Your offer of help is very appreciated, however, at this point in time, it is not necessary. We will contact You and Your Ministry of Foreign Affairs as soon as we need said help and We will send the current results of the Investigation to Your domestic intelligence service - maybe it will help to prevent similar tragedies in Cartoonia in the future.
Please allow me these more personal words, but I would have wished, that the diplomatic relations between our two great nations would be starting under better omens.

May the Lioness bless Cartoonia,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad.
An Armoured Car on the way to Downtown Utica.
We took one of the Arados Arsenal AA-32 Jaras Heavy Force Application Vehicles in the garage of the Palace of the Azur Hall for two reasons: One, driving to a crime scene with an armoured limousine sent the wrong signal. This was not a time for beautiful cars and dresses, but a time for war. The H-FAV should reflect that, as well as the uniform. The other was security.
Captain al-Tabar and Major Nara, one of my Tabardariyya-House, the other of the Utica Metropolitan Police, were not sure, if not more assassins and bombs were floating around. Nara was quite sure, that it was an attempt on my Granddaughter's life.
I had dictated the letter to Cartoonia's Supreme Leader on the way to the Al'Arz.
It was very nice of him - I just wished, that the diplomatic relations between our nations would start on a better foot then this. I said as much, a seeming lapse in the posture of mine.
It was a message, which could be released to the public, so why not?
Meanwhile, the Congress of the UIS passed a resolution of condemnation of the attack, a Royal Decree. They would be sending this 1121st Platoon, it would be about to arrive in a few hours. I knew, that Captain Jamkiya was looking forward to meeting them and the people from Kuronami's RIB.
That would be his to worry about.
Mine, meanwhile, were the Al'Arz, my Granddaughter, and two further messages from the UIS.
One, the official one, would be purview of my Vizier for foreign affairs, Azad Safir. The other, the personal one, was mine.

To:
Her Majesty, Duchess Marcella Villa United Island States of AHSCA.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
Not for public release.

Marcella,
that is very thoughtful of you. And, to be honest, more calm-headed then I am at the moment.
Your presence will not be troubling, but while it honours you deeply, that you plan on only relying on yourself for protection in order to not impose on much-needed resources, I can not allow that as your hostess and, if the Gods, both yours and mine, will it so, your mother-in-law. You will not impose too much, in fact, the Tabardariyya would be happy to protect you and Lady Asuna again.
I am sure, that you will be more then a little candle in Aurelia's mind right now, but a bright light - only a distant one. The distant light speaks of there being someone, a hope to cling to - the near light is the hope fulfilled, warmth and comfort.
We'll see each other tomorrow.

With kindest regards.
Razia.

Once I had sent that message to my, hopefully, future daughter-in-law, it was not too long until we arrived. I had changed from courtly dress into the dark-brown fatigues of the Infantry, as did Sarina and Fara, Aurelia's and my own loyal Handmaidens.
The driver was of the Tabardariyya and those, who knew what to look for, knew, that this vehicle was of the Palace of the Azure Hall.
When I stepped out of the AFV into the sunlight, I stood tall and strong, knowing, that television cameras were catching the moment. It would be on the newsreels tonight.
The worst wounded had been brought away already, the next wave was being loaded up while all hospitals in Utica had ambulances out here, which tended to the lighter cases. Police was standing at the ready as well, investigating together with a quick response team of the Chandshar.
If I didn't know, that this was the Al'Arz, I would not have been able to recognize my old hangout, back when... it looked horrible. The windows in front were gone, holes dotted the walls, blood and other things was everywhere. It was like a punch into Utica's heart, even more so due to being its schoolgirls being hurt.
Less and even unwounded girls of the HGA and staff was outside, bowing their heads as I came. I returned the bow. A quick scan of the crowd revealed, that my Granddaughter was not amongst them. Then I was occupied by Major Nara, who led the deployment personally, the students being asked to return to their dorms. Lessons for the rest of the day were suspended.
And while the Major talked and talked and I nodded and nodded, fear gripped my heart...
Had my information been wrong? Was Aurelia wounded worse then what they had initially suspected? Was she...? Gods, please no...
My heart felt lighter as soon as we stepped inside, where Aurelia was seated next to a young woman, a foreigner, by the looks of it, comforting her. Reassuring her, that the woman's girlfriend would be alright. She did not judge her and neither did I.
Others, that was a different question.
In any case, Major Nara bowed his head and made a step back. Both of us knew, that I needed this moment.
Aurelia rose and bowed, one hand still in the young woman's hand. I buggered it all and went forward, hugged my Granddaughter, who, aside from bloody hands and a few scratches, seemed fine. There were no tears coming from my eyes, I just had sand in them!
Aurelia returned the hug one-armed. A quick, whispered exchange followed: She was mostly unharmed.
I nodded, kissed her forehead. I knew, that a telephoto lens was catching this, but I did not care. At the end of the day, I was but a feeble woman, too.
And with that, I nodded to the woman, wished her well, and returned to Major Nara.
I heard, as we departed, how Aurelia sat down next to her again and quipped: "Well, now you can brag to your friends, that you met the Sultana!"
Despite the situation, I had to suppress a short grin.

To:
Noir VinoCacao, Officer for Foreign Relations.
From:
Azad Safir, Vizier and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Subject: The Message.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

Dear Miss VinoCacao,
In the name of the Sultanate, I am to thank you for your swift and decisive response. The 1121st, and a similar team from the Empire of Kuronami, will be very appreciated by the Chandshar and Utica Metropolitan Police.
The Sultana also asked me to relay Her personal gratitude and that, if anything troubles the UIS, you shall ask and the Sultanate will be there.

With best regards,
Azad Safir,
Vizier and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
Utica Air Base.
I tapped my smart phone, through the latest updates: The Lillos had replied, that Tawashi had indeed been seen during those two days, checking into a hotel in Pontrath-Sassenwerth under a false name, a Jamal Kadhib, a businessman. He had, indeed, found a companion for his time in the hotel. And one of the women was possibly Linda Pressler, Liberal Democratic Front, one of Lillorainen's Democratic Movements and, according to the image, not exactly an ugly young woman, quite on the contrary. She, on the other hand, was known as a friend of Birgit Seitz, who had been a suspect in a terrorist attack once and who was on the more traditional and nationalistic side of the political spectrum.
She had not been to Kyrenaia, though, according to the MND. I ordered my people to see, if that was indeed the case, to check for false names and everything. And to immediately report findings to the MND and me.
Aside from that, and #NowEvenMore got more companions by the hour. In Selkie-parts of the net, there was #AnoisNíosMóFós coming up. And, adapted from more vocal opposition to the LGBT in general, there was #RestrictingLoveIsAMoralSickness as a new trend.
In Shamsiyya, the issue came up again as well, including words of a "Kyrenaian-style Intifada". That filled me with a weird sense of pride.
The Opposing Movement also brought forth their own alternative for this Internet-War: #AlzawajBaynAlrajulWalmar'a, 'Marriage is between Man and Woman'.
I put my phone away.
Utica Air Base was to receive the two planes, one from the UIS, a C-130 Hercules Transport Plane, and one from Kuronami. That was not in secrecy, but away from the public eye.
I looked forward to meeting both teams as their planes taxied to a halt and into hangars. I would meet the team from the UIS first, while an assistant of mine would meet the team from Kuronami and lead them to a conference room on base, where they would get refreshments, water and breadsticks, mostly. He would also give them a quick rundown of the general political situation at the moment.
Both very important as it was beginning of summer in Utica.
In any case, when I entered the hangar, I smiled as I saw the small troop of women already hard at work, but when I saw the oldest, a blonde with blue eyes and a pair of glasses, I stopped in my tracks.
"Colonel Arán?", I asked, confusion very evident on my face, "What are you doing here?"
The two women looked like twins, almost down to the glasses they wore. Yet, what would a Colonel of the SDF-Army do with an intelligence team from the UIS in a hangar on a Kyrenaian Airbase?
I shook my head.
"My apologies. I confused you with someone I know.", I said and bowed my head to them, a small blush on my face. "Captain Ilia Jamkiya, Chandshar. I lead the investigation into this matter from our side. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ladies, and welcome to Kyrenaia."
I tried to be charming.
Meanwhile, I could not react to it, my smartphone vibrated with a message: They found a lead. Britta Frings was a woman, who travelled from Markaz to Kyrenaia, where she had appeared out of the blue. However, Birgit Seitz had traveled to Markaz. That was in 2017, shortly before Tawashi's execution.
The message concluded with the note, that the information had already been sent to the MND.

by **Lillorainen** » Thu Jun 20, 2019 9:51 am

Kyrenaia wrote:
To:
Jimmy Kudo, Supreme Leader of the Democratic Republic of Cartoonia.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

To the Supreme Leader,
In the Name of Our People, We thank You for Your kind words and best wishes. Your offer of help is very appreciated, however, at this point in time, it is not necessary. We will contact You and Your Ministry of Foreign Affairs as soon as we need said help and We will send the current results of the Investigation to Your domestic intelligence service - maybe it will help to prevent similar tragedies in Cartoonia in the future.
Please allow me these more personal words, but I would have wished, that the diplomatic relations between our two great nations would be starting under better omens.

May the Lioness bless Cartoonia,
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad,
Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.

Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad.
An Armoured Car on the way to Downtown Utica.
We took one of the Arados Arsenal AA-32 Jaras Heavy Force Application Vehicles in the garage of the Palace of the Azur Hall for two reasons: One, driving to a crime scene with an armoured limousine sent the wrong signal. This was not a time for beautiful cars and dresses, but a time for war. The H-FAV should reflect that, as well as the uniform. The other was security.
Captain al-Tabar and Major Nara, one of my Tabardariyya-House, the other of the Utica Metropolitan Police, were not sure, if not more assassins and bombs were floating around. Nara was quite sure, that it was an attempt on my Granddaughter's life.
I had dictated the letter to Cartoonia's Supreme Leader on the way to the Al'Arz.
It was very nice of him - I just wished, that the diplomatic relations between our nations would start on a better foot then this. I said as much, a seeming lapse in the posture of mine.
It was a message, which could be released to the public, so why not?
Meanwhile, the Congress of the UIS passed a resolution of condemnation of the attack, a Royal Decree. They would be sending this 1121st Platoon, it would be about to arrive in a few hours. I knew, that Captain Jamkiya was looking forward to meeting them and the people from Kuronami's RIB.
That would be his to worry about.
Mine, meanwhile, were the Al'Arz, my Granddaughter, and two further messages from the UIS.
One, the official one, would be purview of my Vizier for foreign affairs, Azad Safir. The other, the personal one, was mine.

To:
Her Majesty, Duchess Marcella Villa United Island States of AHSCA.
From:
Razia-Sultana Umm Albilad, Lady of the Five Deserts, Ilkhana of Utica, Daughter of Kyrenaia, Mother of Her People, Highest Servant of the Lioness.
Subject: The Message.

Diplomatic Correspondence.
Not for public release.

Marcella,
that is very thoughtful of you. And, to be honest, more calm-headed then I am at the moment.
Your presence will not be troubling, but while it honours you deeply, that you plan on only relying on yourself for protection in order to not impose on much-needed resources, I can not allow that as your hostess and, if the Gods, both yours and mine, will it so, your mother-in-law. You will not impose too much, in fact, the Tabardariyya would be happy to protect you and Lady Asuna again.
I am sure, that you will be more then a little candle in Aurelia's mind right now, but a bright light - only a distant one. The distant light speaks of there being someone, a hope to cling to - the near light is the hope fulfilled, warmth and comfort.
We'll see each other tomorrow.

With kindest regards.
Razia.

Once I had sent that message to my, hopefully, future daughter-in-law, it was not too long until we arrived. I had changed from courtly dress into the dark-brown fatigues of the Infantry, as did Sarina and Fara, Aurelia's and my own loyal Handmaidens.
The driver was of the Tabardariyya and those, who knew what to look for, knew, that this vehicle was of the Palace of the Azure Hall.
When I stepped out of the AFV into the sunlight, I stood tall and strong, knowing, that television cameras were catching the moment. It would be on the newsreels tonight.
The worst wounded had been brought away already, the next wave was being loaded up while all hospitals in Utica had ambulances out here, which tended to the lighter cases. Police was standing at the ready as well, investigating together with a quick response team of the Chandshar.
If I didn't know, that this was the Al'Arz, I would not have been able to recognize my old hangout, back when... it looked horrible. The windows in front were gone, holes dotted the walls, blood and other things was everywhere. It was like a punch into Utica's heart, even more so due to being its schoolgirls being hurt.
Less and even unwounded girls of the HGA and staff was outside, bowing their heads as I came. I returned the bow. A quick scan of the crowd revealed, that my Granddaughter was not amongst them. Then I was occupied by Major Nara, who led the deployment personally, the students being asked to return to their dorms. Lessons for the rest of the day were suspended.
And while the Major talked and talked and I nodded and nodded, fear gripped my heart...
Had my information been wrong? Was Aurelia wounded worse then what they had initially suspected? Was she...? Gods, please no...
My heart felt lighter as soon as we stepped inside, where Aurelia was seated next to a young woman, a foreigner, by the looks of it, comforting her. Reassuring her, that the woman's girlfriend would be alright. She did not judge her and neither did I.
Others, that was a different question.
In any case, Major Nara bowed his head and made a step back. Both of us knew, that I needed this moment.
Aurelia rose and bowed, one hand still in the young woman's hand. I buggered it all and went forward, hugged my Granddaughter, who, aside from bloody hands and a few scratches, seemed fine. There were no tears coming from my eyes, I just had sand in them!
Aurelia returned the hug one-armed. A quick, whispered exchange followed: She was mostly unharmed.
I nodded, kissed her forehead. I knew, that a telephoto lens was catching this, but I did not care. At the end of the day, I was but a feeble woman, too.
And with that, I nodded to the woman, wished her well, and returned to Major Nara.
I heard, as we departed, how Aurelia sat down next to her again and quipped: "Well, now you can brag to your friends, that you met the Sultana!"
Despite the situation, I had to suppress a short grin.

To:
Noir VinoCacao, Officer for Foreign Relations.
From:
Azad Safir, Vizier and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Subject: The Message.

Official Diplomatic Correspondence.
Can be released.

Dear Miss VinoCacao,
In the name of the Sultanate, I am to thank you for your swift and decisive response. The 1121st, and a similar team from the Empire of Kuronami, will be very appreciated by the Chandshar and Utica Metropolitan Police.
The Sultana also asked me to relay Her personal gratitude and that, if anything troubles the UIS, you shall ask and the Sultanate will be there.

With best regards,
Azad Safir,
Vizier and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
Utica Air Base.
I tapped my smart phone, through the latest updates: The Lillos had replied, that Tawashi had indeed been seen during those two days, checking into a hotel in Pontrath-Sassenwerth under a false name, a Jamal Kadhib, a businessman. He had, indeed, found a companion for his time in the hotel. And one of the women was possibly Linda Pressler, Liberal Democratic Front, one of Lillorainen's Democratic Movements and, according to the image, not exactly an ugly young woman, quite on the contrary. She, on the other hand, was known as a friend of Birgit Seitz, who had been a suspect in a terrorist attack once and who was on the more traditional and nationalistic side of the political spectrum.
She had not been to Kyrenaia, though, according to the MND. I ordered my people to see, if that was indeed the case, to check for false names and everything. And to immediately report findings to the MND and me.
Aside from that, and #NowEvenMore got more companions by the hour. In Selkie-parts of the net, there was #AnoisNíosMóFós coming up. And, adapted from more vocal opposition to the LGBT in general, there was #RestrictingLoveIsAMoralSickness as a new trend.
In Shamsiyya, the issue came up again as well, including words of a "Kyrenaian-style Intifada". That filled me with a weird sense of pride.
The Opposing Movement also brought forth their own alternative for this Internet-War: #AlzawajBaynAlrajulWalmar'a, 'Marriage is between Man and Woman'.
I put my phone away.
Utica Air Base was to receive the two planes, one from the UIS, a C-130 Hercules Transport Plane, and one from Kuronami. That was not in secrecy, but away from the public eye.
I looked forward to meeting both teams as their planes taxied to a halt and into hangars. I would meet the team from the UIS first, while an assistant of mine would meet the team from Kuronami and lead them to a conference room on base, where they would get refreshments, water and breadsticks, mostly. He would also give them a quick rundown of the general political situation at the moment.
Both very important as it was beginning of summer in Utica.
In any case, when I entered the hangar, I smiled as I saw the small troop of women already hard at work, but when I saw the oldest, a blonde with blue eyes and a pair of glasses, I stopped in my tracks.
"Colonel Arán?", I asked, confusion very evident on my face, "What are you doing here?"
The two women looked like twins, almost down to the glasses they wore. Yet, what would a Colonel of the SDF-Army do with an intelligence team from the UIS in a hangar on a Kyrenaian Airbase?
I shook my head.
"My apologies. I confused you with someone I know.", I said and bowed my head to them, a small blush on my face. "Captain Ilia Jamkiya, Chandshar. I lead the investigation into this matter from our side. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ladies, and welcome to Kyrenaia."
I tried to be charming.
Meanwhile, I could not react to it, my smartphone vibrated with a message: They found a lead. Britta Frings was a woman, who travelled from Markaz to Kyrenaia, where she had appeared out of the blue. However, Birgit Seitz had traveled to Markaz. That was in 2017, shortly before Tawashi's execution.
The message concluded with the note, that the information had already been sent to the MND.

Al'Arz, June 17, 2019.
Aurelia was getting up, still holding Lina's hand, and when Lina saw the reason why, she recovered from her first shock quite quickly. She immediately recognized the woman in her mid-sixties who approached the Princess.
Not that she were genuinely surprised, that Razia-Sultana had made the way here to see, whether everyone involved in general, and Aurelia in particular, was doing fine. However, it was a special moment for her, of course.
A military officer, who had accompanied her, stepped aside to make some space, so the Sultana could hug Her Granddaughter. Aurelia hugged her back, still holding Lina's hand, received a kiss on her forehead; whispers Lina couldn't understand were exchanged.
Then, the Sultana nodded to Lina and wished her well - Lina replied by nodding back and wishing her well, too, then, Razia-Sultana went off.
Aurelia's remark caused a saddened smile with Lina.
"Indeed, I can. If Sera could just see this ..."

Headquarters of the MND FL, Northern Section, Saskilde.
Some Agents still followed the social media interaction on their screens with amusement, the famous hashtag #NowEvenMore now also available in Selkie, #AnoisNíosMóFós, and Serbian, #SadaJošViše, accompanied by #RestrictingLoveIsAMoralSickness and #AureliasBrainWorks, and even found it's counter-hashtag #AlzawajBaynAlrajulWalmar'a. It didn't surprise anyone, that Sophia Bonrath sided with her Big Sis on that matter.
The "Kyrenaian-style Intifada" wasn't rated positively by everyone - while the rather radical opposition primarily rooted from Bolrieg, #AlzawajBaynAlrajulWalmar'a was also used by Shamsiyyan opponents.
Lt. Com. Majström patiently awaited the reply by the Chandshar.
And it came quickly.
Obviously, Nygaard's theory had been true: Birgit Seitz had traveled to Markaz, a former Kyrenaian colony, in 2017, shortly before Amin Tawashi had been executed. A certain Britta Frings, who could have passed as Birgit Seitz' twin sister, had traveled from Markaz to Kyrenaia, appearing out of nowhere.
"I don't wanna say I told ya' so, but I told ya' so!" - Nygaard said, grinning.
"Britta Frings is Birgit Seitz, without a doubt." Majström nodded. "What information do we have on her at hand, Agent Wellem?"
Wellem replied, "Birgit Seitz was born on August 12, 1990, in Selmstrop. Unspectacular school career. Studied Political Sciences at the University of Pontrath from 2009 to 2012, where she was known to be a member of a students' association called Rathenia Nivea, known for being very traditionalist. Since then, she has published articles on her new-gained ideology in various newspapers all over what has been the Rathlandic Federated Republic until recently - most of which dealt with theories on the Nordic Race and possible ways to preserve it."
"Doesn't sound like a woman I'd invite for dinner" - murmured Agent Worringer, whose mother was Shamsiyyan.
"You'd better not" - Wellem agreed. "She also dealt with the history of Lillorainen prior to the Civil War, especially pointing the Lillorainian Federal Republic out. She discusses the merits of what she perceives as a free, liberal democracy with political and civil freedom for its citizens."
"Political and civil freedom for everyone who's hundred-percent Germanic, obviously" - said Agent Dahmen.
"She openly criticizes the Federal Government for not discouraging ethnic pluralism. Obviously, she seems to assume, that Lillorainen is solely a nation by Nordics for Nordics, and shouldn't encourage State Governments to use other official languages, thus give Slavic, Theban, Abyadi, or Magyar Islanders a platform. Also, she calls out for another census with a focus on ethnic backgrounds, and based on this, measurements to discourage mixed-ethnicity relationships should be enacted. She believes, that the current government associates power with personal merits too much, instead of the people's will and her Nordic Utopia's wellbeing."
"In a meritocracy - what a surprise ..." - Worringer murmured again.
"That's why she favors a full democracy with traditional core values manifested into a new constitution" - Wellem said. "And as we know, she maintains contact to Shamsiyyan nationalist groups, so she's definitely involved in cooperation with movements abroad."
"And if she starts with Shamsiyya, why shouldn't she continue in Kyrenaia?" - Majström concluded. "Especially with Tawashi and his obvious anti-monarchist beliefs. And a false name would definitely make sense - she's probably well aware, that she isn't entirely unknown to us."
"Do we have any evidence as to where she is now?" - Dahmen asked.
"Her official address is: Panzerringstrasse 278, in Pontrath-Madenich" - Wellem replied.
"Hmm, Pontrath Western District - a nice place" - Nygaard said, chuckling. "So she's currently not abroad?"
Wellem kept slamming the keys for a moment. "She departed for Rosfahan International on the 10th of June" - she said. "Maybe, she uses a false name again? The Chandshar should know, if a woman looking like her has arrived by a plane from Ahjada recently."
"And maybe they also have some more information as to what 'Britta Frings' has been up to in Kyrenaia in 2017" - said Worringer. "I'll send them all details we have on her, and ask them, if they know more."

by **Kuronami** » Thu Jun 20, 2019 11:15 am

Ushered into the same hanger upon arrival it seemed the Royal Agents also were sharing some space with troops out of the UISDF, one he recognized was the Captain of the Platoon as well as her Lieutenant, he had a chance to interview them a few times during his prior investigation as well as other instances of RID cooperating with UIPD to help out in smuggling and trafficking prevention. "Ladies." He greeted them "Captain, Lieutenant."

"Oh Inspector" Felicia greeted him "Fine pleasure to see you again, what's bringing you here?"

"We're working as a joint investigative task-force with the city's Police to help. I imagine the same for you? Here to help."

"Yes, sir. Her Majesty eagerly deployed and we're eager to get started. Just awaiting on our contacts with Kyrenaia's people."

"As are we."

"Inspector, The Captain needs a quick word." Charame called out for him. "Right away." He stepped away a moment, it was just a simple call from home to confirm they arrived. Once that was finished he saw another young lady conversing with the Captain and he went to introduce himself as well, quickly eyeballing the insignias on her uniform he presumed her rank "Captain. I'm Special Inspector Douglas Rosenberg of The Royal Bureau of Investigation, from Kuronami. This is my team of other Inspectors. " He gestured as the remaining of his team assembled along with him. "Inspector Rosenberg, Financial Crimes, no relation. Inspector Black, Violent Crimes, Inspector Togashi, Profiler, Inspector Gunter, Forensics and this is Inspector Waltz, Organized Crime."

by **AHSCA** » Thu Jun 20, 2019 11:28 am

Utica Air Base

Now fully at work another plane had pulled in shortly after the speech finishing. No doubt lots of busy things going on, it could be anyone. To Felicia's surprise it was a friendly face she'd seen before, Inspector Rosenberg of Kuronami's RIB a constant help to the UIS PD and even a little bit of the military when it came to combating crime in the far reaches of the UIS' corner of the world. "Well well, Inspector a good day to you." And their conversation continued for a bit until he got a call "Go on, I best get to work myself." Just before Felicia was going to go to work she heard another voice of someone saying hello, seemingly mistaking her for someone else. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. People do say I often have a familiar face. Captain, good to meet you! I'm Captain Felicia Heideman, UISDF. Company, Assemble!" Felicia called "My platoon, PFC Sorami, Cpl. Kannagi, Lt. Kazumiya, and PFC Sumionya. We're all eager and wiling to help the Kyrenaian people best as we can."

When Inspector Rosenberg rejoined them and introduced his own team. Felicia continued. "Inspector and the RIB have often helped out in many AHSCAian investigations relating, you're going to have some solid investigators here to help you on catching the cowards who did this."

by **Kyrenaia** » Fri Jun 21, 2019 8:04 am

17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I squeezed the woman's hand.
"Do not worry. She's going to be alright.", I told her with a smile, "You're both Lillos, right?" I let a beat pass. "I am more worried about my lassies..."
Speaking of which, while Sarina, with a small, happy smile, went on to escort the Sultana, me nodding to her (I understood the feeling, we were the closest thing to sisters, which the other had, so she had to see, if I was alright), one of my schoolmates approached me.
She looked to Lina for a moment, at their hands being together.
"Go on, Amana, what's wrong?", I asked in English so that Lina would not be completely out of the loop.
The girl nodded. A few scratches and a few bruises. "Atif and a few of the lads are outside. They made it clear, that they will not go away until they saw you, and specifically you, and heard a status report."
I sighed. Atif and his darn puppy-loyalty...
"I'll be there in a second.", I said and turned to the Lillo, "Can I leave you for a few minutes or do you want to come along?"

Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
Hangar at Utica Air Base.
I smiled a bit sheepish, a bit overwhelmed with all the introductions, but I got the most of them.
"Ladies, gentlemen, welcome to Kyrenaia. I am Captain Ilia Jamkiya of the Chanshar, the intelligence service of the Sultanate. I lead the investigation. It's a pleasure to meet you all.", I said and bowed my head lightly, "I wish it would be under happier circumstances, but here we are." I exhaled. "First things first... I want you all to remember, that Kyrenaia is a desert country and that we are approaching summer in Utica, that means 32 degrees Celsius and zero humidity. Stay hydrated." I let a beat pass, looking into everyone's eyes while my driver got out two boxes with half-litre bottles of fresh spring water, sealed and with the labels of a rather well-known brand. "You might believe, that I am exaggerating, but we have at least a dozen tourists every year, who die in Utica General Hospital, because they don't stay hydrated. And far more on the streets."
I took a step back and let my aide forwards.
"Everyone take a bottle...", I did as I told them, opening it, "...and let's have a drink first. After that... we'll get into business. And I'll brief you on what we have."

Headquarters of the Chandshar.
Lieutenant Amir Alnnayib.
I was Captain Jamkiya's second in command in the investigation of the Al'Arz Bombing.
When he was away, I led our team. As he was currently at Utica Air Base, welcoming foreign teams, who would help us in our investigation. I was not too convinced in the necessity of that, but Captain Jamkiya had explained it to me: They offered different views and perspectives.
Maybe seeing, what we were missing.
It could never hurt, in any case.
Now, while we were searching for other leads, we got new reports from the MND.
Birgit Seitz, vintage 1990, Selmstrop - not a good student, during her studies a member of the Rathenia Nivea, a student association known to be rather traditional. Studied Political Sciences in Pontrath from 2009 to 2012. She was convinced of the idea of a Nordic Race and its preservation, also a fan of the Lillorainian Federal Republic and its, as it was written in the report, "free, liberal democracy with political and civil freedom for its citizens."
Also not a fan of Lillorainen's Pluralism and in contact with Shamsiyyan nationalist groups.
She was traveling again, since the 10th of June, when she took a plane to Rosfahan.
I sent a small message to my boss, an update, and then sent my people to work.
Truth of the matter was, we did not have record of any woman matching her facial structure again at any airport. So, that meant, that she was either still in Shamsiyya or traveled elsewhere from there - or that she used another means of entry into the Sultanate.
If one knew, what one was doing, it was surprisingly easy to enter Kyrenaia: First, get a boat, then meet a Kyrenaian vessel, for example a fisherman, at sea. Then use that to enter one of the fisherman harbours.
As it was a work-vessel, it was usually not searched for illegal immigrants, as it was one with its homeport in a smaller port, that happening was even more rare. However, I instructed my people to be more creative.
And to see, what she had been up to last time.
We knew, as I sent to both my Captain and the MND, that she had done a bit of the tourist thing and she was filmed by a CCTV-camera of a bank while sitting in a cafe on the other side of the street, with two other men. One had his back to the camera, but the other was a known supporter of the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia, someone, who was already bagged and answering questions of many natures.
No torture, though.
Her mobile phone's number (anyone entering Kyrenaia as tourist or businessman had to provide a number, where they could be reached in cases of emergencies) pointed to a hotel, where it stayed for the entire duration of her visit, so it was likely, that she simply left her phone there and took another one, which we were trying to find. In any case, the hotel was currently being visited by colleagues in dark suits and with a nice little ID-card, which said to every Kyrenaian: "Comply. You will not like, what will happen if you don't."
The software was still running through many other images and videos it had - maybe someone knew something else?
Other then that, there was also a few other things, which we now could say. The pipe bombs were of an almost standard model, you could find the blueprints for them in the net, if you knew, where to look. The explosives used, however, were stronger then the usual chemistry lab explosives made from fertilizer, so it was prudent to assume, that they were of industrial, maybe even military grade.
A general call went to all companies with the license for explosive operations and the military to look, if their stocks were complete. Explosive of that grade were not made with a chemistry set.
The nails were of a standard brand, which you could literally buy in any department store, a kilo for nine Barquas and ninety-nine Saghirti. Steel, not poisoned or anything like that.
And then, there was the case of the third Lillo... a man, as they said, but nowhere to be found.
We knew only of two, from rather influential families, and we lacked any form of a closer description.
Hm... what if he was the triggerman?
I really hoped, that the foreign teams were up to specs, for one of their tasks was one reconstruction of the bomb and their mechanisms, while one of our teams would do the same. Our forensics teams were on it.

Sun's Review, English Internet Edition.

Endangered Love

Utica - In the blast at the Al'Arz, which killed 12 people and wounded 101 more, many victims have large names and larger connections. However, none of them is more tragic then the name of Soraya Geal.
Soraya Geal, a Sergeant of the Horseman Team of the HGA, protege of Princess Aurelia, girlfriend of Prince Mahmut, is the daughter of Lieutenant Commander Amir Geal of Fleet Group Nazar's Fleet Ground Forces Complement, who was heavily wounded in action in Jazirat Alshahwa and has, so far, not woken up from his coma. Prince Mahmut gave her solace during that time in March 2018.
Soraya Geal was also heavily wounded in the Al'Arz Bombing, the exact extend of her wounds being unknown. She is currently in the ICU of the Utica Military Hospital, far away from the Sun's View. However, Prince Mahmut has been spotted entering the UMH, so it stands to reason, that her condition is not good. No one but his closest confidants, Prince Okan ibn-Dardan, who's own sister was wounded in the attack, and the Handmaiden Shirin Bayd, could know, what goes on behind the deep, golden eyes of the Young Prince, but both are unwilling to speak to the Press. However, if the looks of deep worry on the Handmaiden's face are anything to go by, then his thoughts are not pleasant and as is Miss Geal's condition.
Let's hope, that this young woman, who's heart is already so burdened, will push through.
Our hearts and prayers are with every victim of the cowardly attack and with their families. The Sun's Review is establishing an emergency fund, all information can be found under this link.

Times of Utica, English Internet Edition.

Police confirms aid of foreign intelligence services

While the students of HGA and TBA prepare to celebrate the end of the school year in a somber ceremony, the police confirms, that teams of foreign investigators were asked to come to Utica in order to aid the Kyrenaian Authorities.

Utica - In the light of the Attack on the Al'Arz on Monday, many nations offered their support to Kyrenaia, amongst them, most popularly, the United Island States of AHSCA and the Empire of Kuronami. Earlier today, Utica Metropolitan Police confirmed, that both a team from the UIS and for Kuronami's RIB were requested to aid in the investigation, officially to "offer new viewpoints and perspectives to what we have found."
This off-hand notice, that the investigation was progressing was followed by the question of whether or not the investigation was turning up any leads. UMP, so far, did neither confirm nor deny that, so it stands to reason, that there leads being uncovered.
As for the exact nature of these leads, we can only assume.
The inquiry, whether or not the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle was aiding UMP and Chandshar as well was answered in the negative. Despite, or maybe even because, a citizen of the Empire was killed in the attack, both UMP and Chandshar decided against asking for direct aid. The possibilities of bias and conflicts of interest are, according to the spokesperson of the UMP, seen to be too large.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues.
On Friday, the HGA and TBA will hold a joint assembly, which marks the end of the year. None of the students of either school have announced their will and intent to leave early. In an interview, a spokesperson of the HGA's Student Council told the Times of Utica: "What Downtown-Utica be without us? That's right: An empty shell. We will stay. No one's gonna dislodge us."

by **Kuronami** » Fri Jun 21, 2019 9:44 am

The Captain introduced herself and stressed the importance of keeping hydrated. Even the best Field Inspectors often had to be reminded to take care of themselves and Douglas nodded in agreement stepping up to take a bottle, setting the example for his team "Important safety tip, correct." He already took his first swigs even here it was plenty warm and things were going to heat up further. The other Inspectors followed suit and took water bottles. Breaking some of the tension Doug casually remarked "Cold winter back home right now, going to be a bit of climate shock working in the desert heat. But rest assured we'll keep ourselves cared for."

by **Azanath** » Fri Jun 21, 2019 12:31 pm

Al'Arz.

Cigarette meandered out the apartment window in downtown Al'Arz. Miles Alancroft, a Lieutenant in the Azanathan Federal Army on a cultural study trip, observed a black sedan parked against the curb. He squinted, unable to tell if there were people inside. A knock sounded at the door. He planted a fist on his hip.

"Hold on," he said as he unlocked the door.

Geistlo, Azanath

Approaching jackboots echoed off the walls of the Internal Intelligence Ministry building. An officer, Major Fredrick Deerfield, marched into the office of Agent Ashley Ket who sipped a coffee. Upon seeing Deerfield in the doorway she rose to attention.

"At ease, Ket."
Ket relaxed.
"One of my officers is abroad for cultural study in Al Arz." Deerfield lit a cigarette. "It appears there has been a terrorist attack in the city. I want you and a team to find out everything you can on the situation and monitor who the state detains in its coming investigation. Understood?"
"Aye, sir."
"Good." Deerfield started to leave, but stopped. "Ket?"
"Sir?"
"Your uniform is squared away, better than most of my superiors. Well done."
Ket allowed a brief smile and saluted.

by **AHSCA** » Sat Jun 22, 2019 11:48 am

Kyrenaia wrote:Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
Hangar at Utica Air Base.
I smiled a bit sheepish, a bit overwhelmed with all the introductions, but I got the most of them.
"Ladies, gentlemen, welcome to Kyrenaia. I am Captain Ilia Jamkiya of the Chanshar, the intelligence service of the Sultanate. I lead the investigation. It's a pleasure to meet you all.", I said and bowed my head lightly, "I wish it would be under happier circumstances, but here we are." I exhaled. "First things first... I want you all to remember, that Kyrenaia is a desert country and that we are approaching summer in Utica, that means 32 degrees Celsius and zero humidity. Stay hydrated." I let a beat pass, looking into everyone's eyes while my driver got out two boxes with half-litre bottles of fresh spring water, sealed and with the labels of a rather well-known brand. "You might believe, that I am exaggerating, but we have at least a dozen tourists every year, who die in Utica General Hospital, because they don't stay hydrated. And far more on the streets."
I took a step back and let my aide forwards.
"Everyone take a bottle...", I did as I told them, opening it, "...and let's have a drink first. After that... we'll get into business. And I'll brief you on what we have."

"Important safety tip for sure. Ladies, you heard the Good Captain, take some water and drink up, we've already been working hard unloading so lets take care of ourselves."

"Yes, ma'am!" each one of the platoon troops took a bottle of water and drank it down. Kana gulped hers down, instantly. "Private." Felicia adressed her.

"Yes ma'am?"

"You really consumed your water quickly."

"Sorry ma'am was I not supposed to, was I supposed to ration?"

"No, what I mean is, you clearly are more thirsty than you might think, so I want you to make sure you consume a little more water, okay?"

"yes ma'am."

"That goes for the rest of you. Everyone is different but know your limits. As the Captain said we're in a very hot and dry environment, more than what we're used to back home, so let's take care of ourselves so we don't need to be taken care of."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Marcella and Asuna

Marcella had received the latest word from The Sultana and it seemed despite Marcella's hesitations and concerns, The Sultana was still encouraging her to come to Utica so that was that. Just as Marcella ordered, a military plane was prepared and Asuna at her side the two could depart. Still, not wanting to draw too much attention at such a time, Marcella opted for what she felt would be a reasonable compromise to keep a low-ish profile, she put on a Naval Cadet uniform. She looked just as she did when she first set sail. Asuna secretly on the inside was gushing at just how cute Her Lady looked like a new recruit. Even Marcella couldn't help but get a bit nostalgic at seeing herself dressed as a junior cadet first joining. "It does feel like basic all over again."

"Then, Milady if I be so bold, I'll join you in uniform. Not as your Knight though." Asuna quickly changed into a simple pair of fatigues, plain olive green. "Now I feel like I'm back in Basic."

"Asuna, you really are the best!" Marcella smiled at her.

"For you, Milady, anything." A slight bump on the plane brought them back to attention. Asuna remarked, "We're lowering in altitude which must be we're about ready to begin approach."

"All right, best we strap in then." Both sat down buckling up. Marcella did at one moment think about asking to airdrop her self in but she figured everyone would overrule her plus they were expected so that would just make matters needlessly complicated. One of the military men on the flight returned to the two women. "Miladies, we are making our final approach."

"Seargent, by chance do you know if the 1121 has already arrived?"

"I believe they have, Milady."

"Providing they're not already out in the city on first duty, then I'd like to speak to them."

"Yes, Milady. All strapped in?"

"Yes sir." they both responded

"Very good."

Their plane touched down at Utica Airbase just as quickly as it had departed from the UIS.

by **Lillorainen** » Sun Jun 23, 2019 6:17 am

Kyrenaia wrote:17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I squeezed the woman's hand.
"Do not worry. She's going to be alright.", I told her with a smile, "You're both Lillos, right?" I let a beat pass. "I am more worried about my lassies..."
Speaking of which, while Sarina, with a small, happy smile, went on to escort the Sultana, me nodding to her (I understood the feeling, we were the closest thing to sisters, which the other had, so she had to see, if I was alright), one of my schoolmates approached me.
She looked to Lina for a moment, at their hands being together.
"Go on, Amana, what's wrong?", I asked in English so that Lina would not be completely out of the loop.
The girl nodded. A few scratches and a few bruises. "Atif and a few of the lads are outside. They made it clear, that they will not go away until they saw you, and specifically you, and heard a status report."
I sighed. Atif and his darn puppy-loyalty...
"I'll be there in a second.", I said and turned to the Lillo, "Can I leave you for a few minutes or do you want to come along?"

Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
Hangar at Utica Air Base.
I smiled a bit sheepish, a bit overwhelmed with all the introductions, but I got the most of them.
"Ladies, gentlemen, welcome to Kyrenaia. I am Captain Ilia Jamkiya of the Chanshar, the intelligence service of the Sultanate. I lead the investigation. It's a pleasure to meet you all.", I said and bowed my head lightly, "I wish it would be under happier circumstances, but here we are." I exhaled. "First things first... I want you all to remember, that Kyrenaia is a desert country and that we are approaching summer in Utica, that means 32 degrees Celsius and zero humidity. Stay hydrated." I let a beat pass, looking into everyone's eyes while my driver got out two boxes with half-litre bottles of fresh spring water, sealed and with the labels of a rather well-known brand. "You might believe, that I am exaggerating, but we have at least a dozen tourists every year, who die in Utica General Hospital, because they don't stay hydrated. And far more on the streets."
I took a step back and let my aide forwards.
"Everyone take a bottle...", I did as I told them, opening it, "...and let's have a drink first. After that... we'll get into business. And I'll brief you on what we have."

Headquarters of the Chandshar.
Lieutenant Amir Alnnayib.
I was Captain Jamkiya's second in command in the investigation of the Al'Arz Bombing.
When he was away, I led our team. As he was currently at Utica Air Base, welcoming foreign teams, who would help us in our investigation. I was not too convinced in the necessity of that, but Captain Jamkiya had explained it to me: They offered different views and perspectives.
Maybe seeing, what we were missing.
It could never hurt, in any case.
Now, while we were searching for other leads, we got new reports from the MND.
Birgit Seitz, vintage 1990, Selmstrop - not a good student, during her studies a member of the Rathenia Nivea, a student association known to be rather traditional. Studied Political Sciences in Pontrath from 2009 to 2012. She was convinced of the idea of a Nordic Race and its preservation, also a fan of the Lillorainian Federal Republic and its, as it was written in the report, "free, liberal democracy with political and civil freedom for its citizens."
Also not a fan of Lillorainen's Pluralism and in contact with Shamsiyyan nationalist groups.
She was traveling again, since the 10th of June, when she took a plane to Rosfahan.
I sent a small message to my boss, an update, and then sent my people to work.
Truth of the matter was, we did not have record of any woman matching her facial structure again at any airport. So, that meant, that she was either still in Shamsiyya or traveled elsewhere from there - or that she used another means of entry into the Sultanate.
If one knew, what one was doing, it was surprisingly easy to enter Kyrenaia: First, get a boat, then meet a Kyrenaian vessel, for example a fisherman, at sea. Then use that to enter one of the fisherman harbours.
As it was a work-vessel, it was usually not searched for illegal immigrants, as it was one with its homeport in a smaller port, that happening was even more rare. However, I instructed my people to be more creative.
And to see, what she had been up to last time.
We knew, as I sent to both my Captain and the MND, that she had done a bit of the tourist thing and she was filmed by a CCTV-camera of a bank while sitting in a cafe on the other side of the street, with two other men. One had his back to the camera, but the other was a known supporter of the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia, someone, who was already bagged and answering questions of many natures.
No torture, though.
Her mobile phone's number (anyone entering Kyrenaia as tourist or businessman had to provide a number, where they could be reached in cases of emergencies) pointed to a hotel, where it stayed for the entire duration of her visit, so it was likely, that she simply left her phone there and took another one, which we were trying to find. In any case, the hotel was currently being visited by colleagues in dark suits and with a nice little ID-card, which said to every Kyrenaian: "Comply. You will not like, what will happen if you don't."
The software was still running through many other images and videos it had - maybe someone knew something else?
Other then that, there was also a few other things, which we now could say. The pipe bombs were of an almost standard model, you could find the blueprints for them in the net, if you knew, where to look. The explosives used, however, were stronger then the usual chemistry lab explosives made from fertilizer, so it was prudent to assume, that they were of industrial, maybe even military grade.
A general call went to all companies with the license for explosive operations and the military to look, if their stocks were complete. Explosive of that grade were not made with a chemistry set.
The nails were of a standard brand, which you could literally buy in any department store, a kilo for nine Barquas and ninety-nine Saghirti. Steel, not poisoned or anything like that.
And then, there was the case of the third Lillo... a man, as they said, but nowhere to be found.
We knew only of two, from rather influential families, and we lacked any form of a closer description.
Hm... what if he was the triggerman?
I really hoped, that the foreign teams were up to specs, for one of their tasks was one reconstruction of the bomb and their mechanisms, while one of our teams would do the same. Our forensics teams were on it.

Sun's Review, English Internet Edition.

Endangered Love

Utica - In the blast at the Al'Arz, which killed 12 people and wounded 101 more, many victims have large names and larger connections. However, none of them is more tragic then the name of Soraya Geal.
Soraya Geal, a Sergeant of the Horseman Team of the HGA, protege of Princess Aurelia, girlfriend of Prince Mahmut, is the daughter of Lieutenant Commander Amir Geal of Fleet Group Nazar's Fleet Ground Forces Complement, who was heavily wounded in action in Jazirat Alshahwa and has, so far, not woken up from his coma. Prince Mahmut gave her solace during that time in March 2018.
Soraya Geal was also heavily wounded in the Al'Arz Bombing, the exact extend of her wounds being unknown. She is currently in the ICU of the Utica Military Hospital, far away from the Sun's View. However, Prince Mahmut has been spotted entering the UMH, so it stands to reason, that her condition is not good. No one but his closest confidants, Prince Okan ibn-Dardan, who's own sister was wounded in the attack, and the Handmaiden Shirin Bayd, could know, what goes on behind the deep, golden eyes of the Young Prince, but both are unwilling to speak to the Press. However, if the looks of deep worry on the Handmaiden's face are anything to go by, then his thoughts are not pleasant and as is Miss Geal's condition.
Let's hope, that this young woman, who's heart is already so burdened, will push through.
Our hearts and prayers are with every victim of the cowardly attack and with their families. The Sun's Review is establishing an emergency fund, all information can be found under this link.

Times of Utica, English Internet Edition.

Police confirms aid of foreign intelligence services

While the students of HGA and TBA prepare to celebrate the end of the school year in a somber ceremony, the police confirms, that teams of foreign investigators were asked to come to Utica in order to aid the Kyrenaian Authorities.

Utica - In the light of the Attack on the Al'Arz on Monday, many nations offered their support to Kyrenaia, amongst them, most popularly, the United Island States of AHSCA and the Empire of Kuronami. Earlier today, Utica Metropolitan Police confirmed, that both a team from the UIS and for Kuronami's RIB were requested to aid in the investigation, officially to "offer new viewpoints and perspectives to what we have found."
This off-hand notice, that the investigation was progressing was followed by the question of whether or not the investigation was turning up any leads. UMP, so far, did neither confirm nor deny that, so it stands to reason, that there leads being uncovered.
As for the exact nature of these leads, we can only assume.
The inquiry, whether or not the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle was aiding UMP and Chandshar as well was answered in the negative. Despite, or maybe even because, a citizen of the Empire was killed in the attack, both UMP and Chandshar decided against asking for direct aid. The possibilities of bias and conflicts of interest are, according to the spokesperson of the UMP, seen to be too large.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues.
On Friday, the HGA and TBA will hold a joint assembly, which marks the end of the year. None of the students of either school have announced their will and intent to leave early. In an interview, a spokesperson of the HGA's Student Council told the Times of Utica: "What Downtown-Utica be without us? That's right: An empty shell. We will stay. No one's gonna dislodge us."

Al'Arz. June 17, 2019.
Aurelia squeezed Lina's hand, telling her, that Sera would be alright. Lina, feeling comforted a lot, nodded at her question, if she assumed right, that the two of them were from Lillorainen, and she nodded again, when she expressed her worries about her lassies.
One of her schoolmates approached her. Aurelia talked to her in English, so Lina would understand them, and the girl called Amana replied in English, telling her, that there were a few lads around who refused to leave before knowing how Aurelia was doing.
Aurelia's sigh made clear what she was thinking.
To her question, she thought for a moment. Sure, she would be able to bear being left alone for a moment ... but it might as well be better, if she could get out of here now ...
"If no one objects, I might wish to come along ..." - she eventually said, "... and if I manage to, that is."
She slowly tried to rise - and it worked. It didn't even hurt a lot. "Well, it seems I do."
She really had been lucky.

Headquarters of the MND FL, Northern Section, Saskilde.
While awaiting the reply by the Chandshar, the Agents of the MND checked the news again. The Sun's Review wrote about one particular victim, Soraya Geal, whose father Lt. Com. Amir Geal had been heavily wounded in action in Jazirat Alshahwa, and still hadn't woken up from his coma. For Soraya's closest confidants' (understandable) lack of willingness to comment on her current condition, one could only speculate on it. The Times of Utica informed about the cooperation of the UMP and the Chandshar with their colleagues from Kuronami and the UIS; a cooperation with the authorities of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle was not sought for, due to possible bias and conflicts, as one of the Empire's citizens had been killed in the attack. The joint assembly of the HGA and TBA on Friday - coincidentally Midsummer - would be attended by every single student of the Academies. No one left early.
As the MND would know soon, the pipe bombs were pretty standard models, every 14-year old with a computer and internet access could find the blueprints for them. The nails could be found in every department store. The explosives, though, were of different nature, nothing one could mix together with stuff from a chemistry set - most certainly, someone missed a few out there, at a military base or a company operating with explosives.
The Chandshar's answer came. No person who could have even remotely passed as Birgit Seitz was known to have entered Kyrenaian soil at any airport by the time in question. Of course, they were aware, that it wasn't awfully hard to enter it on side ways, if one didn't act stupid - Lt. Com. Majström's second inquiry, therefore, had gone to the Almukhabarat Al'Amn Aljumhuriyyat, or simply Almukhabarat, over in Shamsiyya.
The second part was a shot of Birgit Seitz sitting in a café with two men, only one of them being recognizable - a known supporter of the Front for a Traditional Kyrenaia. Hardly surprising, but very good to know - just like the fact, that he was just being asked questions. The hotel Seitz had resided in was already being visited, too, and a Chandshar's ID card had the same meaning over there as an MND Agent's one had in Lillorainen - 'Either you want to cooperate, or you will cooperate!'
The Almukhabarat's response floated in as well. There was a photo showing, that on the 11th of June, Seitz had been seen with a man and a woman, both known as firm Shamsiyyan nationalists, near a bog-standard kebab stand; a car parking in front of it carried an oval sticker with the letters AHJ. Obviously, she had wanted to meet her colleagues on neutral, safe grounds, thus, they had set up in Rosfahan, and with the shenanigans going on in the Union, nobody would notice them setting up there.
Nobody except for the Almukhabarat, that is.
According to the message, she had already left Rosfahan on the 12th again, travelling to Adirnabul. There, she had vanished from the radar - which would not make it too unlikely, that she had left the Federal Republic by less official means. She had checked in a hotel in the metropolis of eleven million, paid for two weeks in advance, and no one had seen her ever since then.
Of course, there were quite a few people who would answer some questions now - either this, or meet Al-Hamid the Terrible.
These pieces of information, along with yet another thank-you message and the assurance to continue trying to gain information as to who the mysterious, missing third Lillo was, would be sent to the Chandshar.
Let's see what they make out of it.

by **Kyrenaia** » Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:08 am

17th of June, 2019. Al'Arz.
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.
I smiled softly, offered Lina a hand when rising, then followed Amana together with her, at a sedate pace.
The medics and the police officers allowed us to pass, although we had to give way to one of my schoolmates being carried out. Once outside, the heat hit me like a brick to the face.
It was Utica and summer was almost upon them.
Amana led them to the side, where a few other HGA students, all lightly wounded, waited with a few lads in black uniforms, the jackets open. I knew, that the uniforms of the TBA were surprisingly well to wear in this climate.
Water Bottles were in everyone's hand and we got some passed to us without even asking.
And in the middle was someone, who I still liked as a friend and competitor, but who didn't get the memo, that I had a girlfriend now. Atif Qalb was a charming and good-looking man (and quite well-equipped, if you catch my meaning), but...
Then again, I did give his ego quite a heavy blow with leaving him, breaking up with him and then choosing a woman as my girlfriend a few hours later. And he was the TBA's Horseman Team's Captain, too.
He was standing in front of me with a relieved look on his face.
"Aurelia...", he began in Kyrenaian, "...how...?"
I stopped him by raising my hand. "Atif... is Amir with you?", I asked and he nodded, calling forth his friend and fellow horseman. I looked him in the eyes and then hugged him: "I'm sorry. Samira was hurt. They took her to the hospital."
He nodded. Swallowed. Nodded again.
Then I let go of him. The young man stood there, swaying for a moment.
I knew, that she was the love of his life and that the feeling was mutual. One of his friends took him aside, put a bottle of water into his hands. The lads would take care of this. No one knew, how, but... they would.
I nodded to Lina, then switched to English: "Lads, lassies, listen, I need your help.", I said and many perked up. I put a hand on Lina's shoulder. "This lassie here, she's a tourist. Her girlfriend was seriously hurt. Please, someone get her to the Military Hospital."
"A name would be helpful.", one of the lads complained with a grin, causing a round of chuckles. His name was Dschafar, he was a young man with a short beard and short, black hair, nothing really remarkable about him, safe for the facts, that he smoked cigarettes (not exactly the healthiest of things) and that he had a car and a license.
I turned to Lina.
"Lina, I am sorry, but I need to return to the Dorms and make a few calls.", I said and smiled softly, I squeezed her hand. "You'll be in safe hands with Dschafar. I'll try to stay in touch. Sera will be alright."
And with that, I motioned for Amana to follow me, walking across the square towards the HGA, which loomed on the other side. I also needed a change, to be honest...

One of the first messages, which I answered, was from Anax. I typed a quick reply:

To:
Emperor Anaximander of the Empire of the Scarlet Eagle.
From:
Princess Aurelia bint-Damir.

Dear Anax, dear Anna,
thank you. My best wishes for your trainer and my condolences about his friend.
I, quite honestly, do not know, what to write or do in such a situation. They let the lightly wounded girls of the HGA return to the Dorms and put us under guard here, so... here I sit, shutters drawn, in my underwear, on my bed. Aldhiyb is here, his head in my lap. I scratch him behind the ears.
You say, that you were bombed a few years ago? What did you do?

Give my regards to your grandparents,
Aurelia.

Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
Hangar at Utica Air Base.
I noted with some satisfaction, that they immediately jumped to drinking, making themselves aware of their own limits. That was very good.
"If you feel, that you need water, say so immediately. Cars of the Chandshar usually have a box or two like that in the back.", I assured both Douglas and Heidemann, as well as Kana. My driver handed her another bottle. "I don't give a damn about any protocol when it comes to that."
I let a beat pass.
"With that being said and done, gather around.", I said and smiled slightly. "Let's get the briefing underway..."
And for the next half hour, I told them all about what we knew, which was quite a bit substantial. I told them about our first leads, how they pointed towards the Democratic Movement and connections to Lillorainen, about Seitz and her group, about what we knew.
Of course, it was all top secret.
"Your Main Mission here will be to assist us, officially.", I said, "Unofficially, I would like for you to see, if our logic is... well, logical, and if we didn't miss something. There are so many people in this world, who would have a very good reason for blowing up the Al'Arz and to be honest, we might get carried away." I smiled slightly. "In all honesty, you are, what we refer to as 'The Second Team', a secondary team, whose purpose is to check and to make sure, that nothing was missed."
I let a beat pass.
"So... questions so far?", I asked the assembled specialists.

Utica Air Base.
When Marcella's Plane landed and taxied to a stop, the young woman was already expected by a familiar face.
Wearing a cloak over her usual Altanafus min la Shay, the woman was well known to Marcella and Asuna, her hair being dark brown and eyes sparkling like ambers. She was Fatima, the Handmaiden, who had attended Marcella during her stay in Kyrenaia.
She smiled at the uniforms, waved at the people, who wore them.
She liked Marcella - not in the same sense as Aurelia did, but still. Once the other woman stood before her, she bowed her head with a smile.
"Welcome back, Marcella-Khana.", she said and looked up, "I wish, it would be under happier circumstances..." She let a beat pass, bowed deeply. "The Sultana regrets, that She can not receive you personally, and sent me in Her stead."
Behind her, a car stood ready, an armoured limousine.

Headquarters of the Chandshar.
Lieutenant Amir Alnnayib.
Our investigation, which started with results so quickly, was hitting a bit of a lull.
Sure, that was to be expected, but still...
The MND was asking around, too, for example towards the Almukhabarat Al'Amn Aljumhuriyyat of Shamsiyya. The A3, as we called them, sent over an image of Seitz with local nationalists, together with the message, that she left for Adirnabul on the 12th, where she had slunk away. The A3 was investigating.
That was... troubling.
I sent a message to my MND-colleagues and Captain Jamkiya, that we might be dealing with a network of possible rather aggressive-minded nationalists and traditionalists. That they were willing to take violent action was proven.
Fear-stirring was not my intent, but the possibility was there.
Other then that... we were still searching, too. There were a few images, which were rated as "could be her...", CCTV-cams, mostly, but no complete hit so far. They showed people, who indeed could be Seitz, in various places, from banks to imbisses to having a guided tour of the Palace of the Azure Hall.
The computer still searched.
Meanwhile, the death-toll rose to 13. A girl, a Cherry of thirteen years, passed away in the Hospital of her wounds.
Things needed time now.

With Miles Alancroft.
When Miles opened his door, he would look into a rather distraught face.
His usual teacher in all things Kyrenaian, Shaira Zaeim, was usually a pretty woman. She had long, black hair and blue eyes, the olive skin typical for Kyrenaians and usually wore an earring in her left ear. She was always neatly dressed, hinting at some curves, but never showing.
Now, her clothes were in disarray, her blue eyes bloodshot. She looked as if she had cried. Her bag over her shoulder was her usual handbag, though, but a few papers were sticking out, as if she put her books in in a hurry, simply shoving them in and running towards the date she had with Miles.
"Hello, Miles.", she greeted in clear School Kyrenaian, tried to smile, "Would you mind, if we would repeat old lessons today?"
She did not seem to be capable of teaching him something new today. Something had happened and it affected her deeply.
What neither of them knew, was, that the Chandshar was keeping taps on Miles. He was a foreign military officer on 'cultural studies', but no one believed it one bit. That he so far did not do something suspicious was another story.
The van outside was not the observation post, though, but the flat on the other side of the street. The van was merely the supplies vehicle.

by **Kuronami** » Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:42 am

Kyrenaia wrote:Captain Ilia Jamkiya.
Hangar at Utica Air Base.
I noted with some satisfaction, that they immediately jumped to drinking, making themselves aware of their own limits. That was very good.
"If you feel, that you need water, say so immediately. Cars of the Chandshar usually have a box or two like that in the back.", I assured both Douglas and Heidemann, as well as Kana. My driver handed her another bottle. "I don't give a damn about any protocol when it comes to that."
I let a beat pass.
"With that being said and done, gather around.", I said and smiled slightly. "Let's get the briefing underway..."
And for the next half hour, I told them all about what we knew, which was quite a bit substantial. I told them about our first leads, how they pointed towards the Democratic Movement and connections to Lillorainen, about Seitz and her group, about what we knew.
Of course, it was all top secret.
"Your Main Mission here will be to assist us, officially.", I said, "Unofficially, I would like for you to see, if our logic is... well, logical, and if we didn't miss something. There are so many people in this world, who would have a very good reason for blowing up the Al'Arz and to be honest, we might get carried away." I smiled slightly. "In all honesty, you are, what we refer to as 'The Second Team', a secondary team, whose purpose is to check and to make sure, that nothing was missed."
I let a beat pass.
"So... questions so far?", I asked the assembled specialists.

"Right now, sounds like you are having things well organized and you've been thorough. We'll do what we can to help you guys out, always helps to have a fresh pair of eyes. First thing is first why don't we double check some areas. We'd love to look at any CCTV footage if any. At the school and ports of entry air, sea, any way we can see. Talking to witnesses and survivors would also be helpful. I think Inspector Waltz and myself can do the first rounds of interviews. Inspector Togashi has made some hypothetical profiles he can brief you on later."

Alysha spoke up "If possible, Inspector Gunter and I would like to get on the scene and take another look at it."

"It'd be good to narrow down if the bomb was composed of homemade materials or smuggled in. If you have any residue, metal, shrapnel, strange wires, whatever it is, if it looks like it doesn't belong, I want to see it. Whether from the scene or, pardon my crassness, ii you pulled it from someone."

Next Inspector de Akvo "If any students have a social media presence I'd like to see if I can examine if any threats were levied against them. Something they might have brushed off as simple trolling and foolishness. Also I'd like to be able to take a look at the school's computer systems, see if any cyber attacks and breaches might have been made. If your Princess was the target they'd likely would have to know her schedule, routine, area."

(Miss) Rosenberg next, "If any financial records of some of your potential suspects are on file already, I'd like to be able to take a look at those."

"Those should be good places to start."

by **Azanath** » Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:57 am

Kyrenaia wrote:With Miles Alancroft.
When Miles opened his door, he would look into a rather distraught face.
His usual teacher in all things Kyrenaian, Shaira Zaeim, was usually a pretty woman. She had long, black hair and blue eyes, the olive skin typical for Kyrenaians and usually wore an earring in her left ear. She was always neatly dressed, hinting at some curves, but never showing.
Now, her clothes were in disarray, her blue eyes bloodshot. She looked as if she had cried. Her bag over her shoulder was her usual handbag, though, but a few papers were sticking out, as if she put her books in in a hurry, simply shoving them in and running towards the date she had with Miles.
"Hello, Miles.", she greeted in clear School Kyrenaian, tried to smile, "Would you mind, if we would repeat old lessons today?"
She did not seem to be capable of teaching him something new today. Something had happened and it affected her deeply.
What neither of them knew, was, that the Chandshar was keeping taps on Miles. He was a foreign military officer on 'cultural studies', but no one believed it one bit. That he so far did not do something suspicious was another story.
The van outside was not the observation post, though, but the flat on the other side of the street. The van was merely the supplies vehicle.

Miles allowed her inside, cocking an eyebrow as he closed and locked the door behind her. He ran a hand along the scar travelling down from his eye to lips, wondering what to say.

"What happened? I heard there has been a situation in the city, but the details haven't come through," he said.

He walked to the kitchen and poured himself a bourbon and lit a new cigarette.

"Do you want anything, a drink, maybe non-alcoholic, or a cigarette?"

The Discussion heats up! (MT)

The Discussion heats up! (MT)

Next Steps - Part I

Next Steps - Part II

Who is online