A Battle Unseen

[Elena1012]

A Masquerade of the Guilty
February 11th, 5642
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Choezom sat in his office, his foot impatiently moving whilst awaiting a phone call. Operation Guilty Masquerade was being enacted, but who knew when it would be done. His office was silent. The only noise in it was the ticking of the clock, and his foot. This was his big break as Director of the Committee of State Security. Securing not only a Yeudi Gem, but Maria Kadiyot, the monster responsible for the Bargas Chenpo would not just put his name in the history books, it would make him an icon in the CSS for generations to come. The phone would ring, and he would quickly answer it. The report came in. It was a success. The ship was scuttled, and the state had plausible deniability. It could be chalked up to unexpected pirates or a freak weather accident. Anything the world and especially the public would believe. The crew was unharmed fortunately. The Seizure Team was under strict orders not to kill any individuals. The crew was sedated and are being transported to Rebarnyingpa. They will have to be dealt with sooner rather than later.  Choezom thought about ways to resolve the issue of the crew. They obviously couldn't, and wouldn't be killed. But they'd have to be disposed of somehow. They couldn't be kept in Rebarnyingpa forever.

However, his thoughts went blank as the report confirmed the real prize. Maria Kadiyot. The architect of the Bargas Chenpo. She was captured and was instead being sent not to Rebarnyingpa like the crew, but to a separate facility instead. This meant two things. Kadiyot was effectively in Xsampan possession. Indefinitely. As long as the world didn't know, no one would know she was in Xsampan custody. The Gaduri government wouldn't say anything about a missing boat that never arrived. They take in too many ships a day to worry about that. But it also meant that the gem was in Xsampan possession. Meleh's Gem. The Yeudis had such a strong obsession with it. Choezom didn't understand why, but if they adored the gem, then it was a good deterrent to keep.

Choezom was ecstatic. His future would be of glory. And he served his country in helping capture the monster that is Maria Kadiyot. But he couldn't get ahead of himself. The transport still had to arrive. It would take a few days, but good things come to those who are patient. As he put the phone down, he couldn't stop himself from smiling. It was a great day. For him and for Xsampa. He began to dial another number on the phone and made preparations for the arrival of Kadiyot. She may be a prisoner now, but Xsampa doesn't need to stoop to the levels of tyrants. She would have an acceptable quality of live. Not luxury. But not horrid conditions either. She couldn't be properly put on trial by a Xsampan court. Not without the world knowing. And too many questions would be asked about how she came into Xsampan custody. But, for now, the focus was on getting her to Xsampa now. 

As for the gem. Choezom thought to himself more. What about the gem? It'll be immensely valuable. Materially and symbolically. It was up to the state to decide what to do with it. Not him. But for now, it would have to be seized from Kadiyot and kept in secure custody. It would be a powerful bargaining chip. If knowledge were to circulate that Xsampa was in possession of it. If no one knew Xsampa has it, then no one has any idea what happened to it. And perhaps that was for the best. But Choezom was content. He couldn't say the Operation was a success yet. So far, it was. But it wasn't over until Kadiyot step foot on Xsampan soil. He thought to himself. The arc of justice is long, but it always strikes. Kadiyot wouldn't get freedom in neutral Gaduridos. She would get justice for her crimes in Xsampa. Whether by trial or imprisonment.