A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

Operation: Morningstar
May 17th, 5571
Metz-Leonid, Ladakh District

Pema didn't expect to be this busy today. Ever since Tsering resigned and she became the Director of the CSS, the world seemingly chose to heat up once again. Pema wouldn't let it overwhelm her. The opened file was spread across her desk. "Operation Morningstar" at the top of the file. It was one of the files she had to approve. Or deny if she felt it necessary. The first one, Operation Morningstar was a risky one. In essence, it would see the XDAN mobilize a small patrol fleet to secure the tanker in the Southwest, and capture the crew. A rescue operation in some way, but ultimately a way for a bargaining chip. Pema immediately signed it. Operation Morningstar would save Xsampa if it were to be threatened. No one else was in a spot to respond adequately in a fast enough time to oppose Xsampa. She gave her approval to Operation Morningstar, and included special orders to be delivered to Defense; Capture the crew, leave the tanker. Let it be a surprise to Yishelem and Co when they arrive and find the tanker empty. The People's Committee would understand. She didn't have the exact authority to demand that Defense does as she wishes, but she was sure they would do so. Taking the tanker itself was pointless and not worth the hassle. Leave it as is, and only take the crew and Xsampa gets more benefits. A PR win for rescuing, and a bargaining chip. 

However, Istalia was in crisis once again. Casella was dead. Pema would need to have a very lengthy conversation with the local director in charge of Istalian affairs. The CSS failed in Istalia. But it wouldn't fail again. She got onto the phone with the director of Istalian affairs and gave new orders: Get Comrade Carboni out. It was a priority directive. The CSS in Istalia would have the funding and support needed to get Carboni out of the nation. Assets in Xsampa will prepare a new identity and ensure Carboni can adequately assimilate into Xsampan life safely. Under no circumstances could Carboni be hurt. She was too valuable of an asset and is anticipated to be a target. Local assets in Istalia will have the focus on getting her out of Istalia, and from there, get her to Xsampa safely. Once Carboni is safely relocated to Xsampa, efforts can begin on re-establishing a monopoly on intelligence in Istalia and find out who was responsible.

Pema put the phone down, and closed the file for Morningstar. It would be delivered to the Central Committee to be enacted immediately. Both were priority objectives. Pema would make sure that her CSS didn't know failure.