A Battle Unseen

[Mbites]

The End Justifies the Means

Bernhard Stumpf sits in his office, finally a bit of peace after the tumultous events of the last two years.
Once again the Dual Republic is in the capable hands of a strong leader, comitted to its fundamental values and the foreign policy of the last hundred years.
After a brief sigh Stumpf sees an e-mail pop up.

"CLASSIFIED: HIGH PRIORTY"

He opens the ominous message and reads it.
His eyes widen, his pulse sharply increases, he takes in every pixel of the display, his eyes bloodshot.

"moms in your area need your aircraft career"

Whoopsie, wrong Mail.

Actually its about another murder.
"Well time to plan a meeting at the 3rd Point. Anna? Dear could you phone Yishelem?"

[Doc]

Bozo River Air Strip, Bozoville Ananto 1 May 5573

"Tracking them now, Captain," said KRAF Lieutenant Carl Schweitzer.  "We have visual, and our pilots are escorting them to the airstrip..."  A tense fifteen minutes later, the Kundrati jet throttled down and sat idling on the tarmac, as a full bird AirForce Colonel Edward West, accompanied by four Air Force NCOs in flak and helmets roared toward the runway.  The Colonel jumped out of the jeep as it skidded to a halt near the Kundratis, and the Airmen kept their sidearms at the ready.  The Kundrati pilots raised their hands, and one airman came forward to frisk the civilians.  "They're clean," said the airman, and the other lowered their rifles.

"You boys mind telling me what the meaning of this is?" said the Colonel.  The Kundratis looked at each other and shook their heads.

"Anyone speak these fellows' language?" said the Colonel, but alas, nobody was there to translate.  "Hablamos egeliano?"  nothing.  "Parlez vous Canrillais?"  One of the Kundrati pilots began speaking in Canrillais and the the colonel looked up sarcastically, and said "Dieu Merci!"

The Colonel asked the Kundratis to explain why they were on an unscheduled, erratic route over Kalistani Airspace.  He spoke slowly in Canrillais, saying "You understand we were about to shoot you down.  We thought you gentlemen could mean us harm."  The Kundratis were emphatic and said "We come on a mission of the greatest import.  This package we carry is for Her Imperial Majesty, your Empress, Pavlina Hulanevek, from Mr. Hulanevek in Kundrati.  She will know who we mean.  It is for her only.  To say congratulations for her good work and strong leadership and to wish her daughter well in the future.  It is an heirloom like no other, and Mr. Hulanevek asks that she keep it safe and secure with her for all time."

"Mr. Hulanevek, hmmm?"  Inquired the Colonel.  "May I see what is inside the case?"

"We would rather you didn't," said one of the pilots.

"I am afraid I must insist," said the Colonel.  After a brief conversation in a foreign language that the Colonel did not understand, the pilot consented.  

"A look only, Sir, if you do not mind."  The Colonel waved one of his Guards over with a sharp, "Sergeant..." and the Staff Sergeant moved smartly to open the case.  The Colonel looked at the contents of the case, and was in awe.  It was a beautiful gemstone, which seemed like it should be something far more important than he had any idea about.

"Do you mind if I inspect this case, Sir?"  Said the Colonel.  The Pilots nodded, and the colonel took the gem mount out of the case to look underneath it.  Finding nothing of any concern, he nodded, and the Staff Sergeant closed the case.  "If you don't mind, we would like to remain only as long as it takes to transmit this to Her Imperial Majesty.  Would you be willing to billet myself and my co-pilot on this base until she takes receipt of the case?"

"It will be a few hours before she can arrive.  Are you sure it must be her?"

"It can be no other," said the pilot.  "We have special instructions for this item that we must communicate in person."  The Colonel nodded, and invited the two Kundratis to get into his jeep, and two of the four enlisted men climbed on the outside, as the vehicle sped away from the airstrip.  

"Welcome to Kalistan," said the Colonel.  "I'll make some calls when we return to the CP.  In the meantime, if there is anything I can get you, just ask my Staff Sergeant here, and he will make it available to you.  We have a couple cots there too if you would like to get some shut eye."

"Thank you, Colonel.  Your hospitality is greatly appreciated," said one of the pilots.  "Coffee will be very welcomed."  Within two hours, the pilots boarded a maglev train to Eveari where they were met by a limousine provided by Her Imperial Majesty, to bring them to the Ananto Estate.

[dannypk]

21st of July 5571 - Building of the Revolutionary Unity Government of Istalia
[Backdated]

The four General Secretaries of Istalia, Erminio Boni, Amanzio Berni, Publio Carvelli, and Nevio Russo, met in the morning of the 21st of July to discuss several affairs, including the assignment of office rooms from the building of the government. Unexpectedly, Russo was given the office of Casella, while Boni was given the office of Carboni. All the leaders left as soon as the meeting was over, and after spending some tie talking to Berni, Boni went to his office in the midday. He started organising the room and cleaning it, when he opened Carboni's desk and found several personal items, including a letter seemingly from Casella. Pondering whether to open it or not, he decided he should, as it must have been an important letter.

"Dear Federica, 

I hope you're doing fine. I write to you as I received some peculiar letters from Nevio Russo, one of our members, where he asks me to take a few radical measures, including massacring our Majatran population to save us from the Ahmadi radicals issue. I would normally deal with this, but I feel Mr. Russo is a valuable member of our party and I seek to make sure he's not led to the wrong path. However, in case something happened to me and you receive no more news from me on this issue, you must make sure that Nevio Russo is not only unable to hold a position of power at all, but that he's also immediately kicked from our party by my own orders, which I hope you'll agree with. I will see you soon."

Having finished the letter, Boni placed his hand on his mouth, unsure of what to do with this letter and whether to confront Russo or not. Instead, he contacted Berni to meet up at evening. There, Boni showed him the letter, and the two of them decided to cooperate to make sure Russo is kicked from the party.

17th of August 5571
[Backdated]

In the evening of the 17th of August, Amanzio Berni meets up with Nevio Russo in the entrance of the government building, and then they both head inside. There, Berni shows Russo the letter from Casella. Russo reads it, his expression changing to a serious one, and then looks at him. "Where did you find this?", asks Russo. Berni tells him that Boni found it in the office of Carboni. "So, Boni knows about this, too... And what do you think of it? Will you oppose me after reading this letter, Amanzio?", Russo asked him. Berni stopped to think about it, and then, with a tender look, he stated: "I'm sorry, Nevio, but I'm loyal to Casella. We have to make this public and kick you from the party..." Then, Russo gives him a threatening look and puts his hands in his jacket's pockets. "I see," said Russo, just before taking out a pistol and shooting Berni in the forehead. "Farewell, Amanzio." Then, Russo covered the body and moved it to an alleyway near the government building.

[Elena1012]

A Dream That Never Dies
[REDACTED], 5575
Xsampa, Unknown Location

Chodak always questioned everything. Often times, this got him in trouble with local law enforcement. While he was often let off the hook due to his age, it didn't stop a few close calls for "counter-revolutionary activity". Almost being branded a dissident earned Chodak social scorn. From friends and family. Except a select few. A small group. 5-7 people. All of them nearly the same as him. Dissidents or those disillusioned with the status quo. The recent threat of war seemed to be the final straw for a few. While Chodak always did the occasional prank on an authority figure, what Kelden proposed was insane. Taking everyone to seize a radio tower and broadcast a free message. It was suicide. The ISC would be on them immediately and the censors from the PCI would clamp down quickly.

"I know, I know. It's crazy, but now is the perfect time! We only have one shot. This radio tower is the best opportunity. We all want a free better Xsampa. The eve of war is the best time to give birth to an anti-war movement or even a movement against the regime. We can give a message to the people." Kelden finished, with a hint of desperation in his voice. Evidently this was something he had planned for a long time.

"On the contrary, we will all die or be in a work camp if- no, when we fail. The PCI will shut down the broadcast in a heartbeat and we'll all be on the ISC's hit list." Gonpo stated back. He managed to keep the group together for a while. More western minded than everyone else, but cautious. He and Kelden butt heads often on how the group should go. Even whether the group could become something official like a revolutionary group. 

"Think about it for a second. We're all dissidents in waiting. I mean- you're a western liberal! We're all going to be sent to a work camp no matter what. We all want a better Xsampa. But sitting here and doing nothing? You won't get change like that. At the very least, we can inspire something bigger. Something greater than us. We can turn Party rhetoric against itself, and foster a genuine anti-establishment movement. We just need that radio tower. Please. Think about it Gonpo."

As Kelden left the room, Gonpo sat in silence, pondering. Chodak had a few reservations, but Kelden made a point. Sitting here wouldn't bring any of them towards freedom. Chodak left the roomed and went to bring his reservations to Kelden. This dream he had, maybe it had some merit to it. Following Kelden outside, Chodak expressed his worries, particularly about the PCI censoring the broadcast.

"I know, but that takes time. If it was a broadcast on the internet, sure, they could take that down in minutes but a radio broadcast? We'd have enough time for it to get to the outside world. Which means it can get to the people too. We just have to take control of the radio station long enough to share our vision. If we convince Gonpo, everyone else on the fence will follow. The PCI can't block something already said."

After a few minutes of back and forth, Chodak was convinced. Deep down, he knew this may have meant death but Chodak would die someday. Cutting it short for a chance at freedom was worth it. He would have to convince Gonpo or the group would be down a handful in seizing the radio tower. It was a dangerous dream, but a dream that would never die. Chodak was sure of that.

It took a few hours but Kelden was finally convinced. A plan was set out. They had a few guns, they could take anyone there hostage and broadcast their message. Kelden had a rough script ready for broadcast. They would have 10 minutes at best before the PCI shut down the broadcast and law enforcement came down on them. At worst, 5 minutes. The odds weren't ideal, but no situation ever is. They'd all surely die, but maybe they'd die free, as martyrs or even be spared and saved. Whatever would happen didn't matter. They all had a vision for a truly free Xsampa. This broadcast would be for the dream of a better world. It may die with them, or it may live long enough to convince the masses. It would all come down to the broadcast. They made sure to be well rested. Everyone knew tomorrow would be a busy day.

[dannypk]

3rd of Setember 5573 - Building of the Revolutionary Unity Government of Istalia, office of Nevio Russo
[Backdated]

"You must restore normacy, now!" said Erminio Boni, throwing a punch at Nevio Russo's desktop. "It's been two years since Amanzio was murdered, there is no need to continue with the martial law. You're abusing of your power, Russo!" Russo looked at him with a stern look, fully aware that Boni will not tolerate him much longer. "Not until we find the murderer!" said Russo, lifting his voice. "You'd do better to stop opposing me, or I'll start questioning your loyalty to the cause, Erminio." Boni got angrier from his words and tone, and pulled a pistol out of his jacket's pocket, aiming it at his head. "Don't make me do this, Nevio..." Russo remained calm, but deep inside shocked and unsure of how to react. "Calm down, you don't want to do this. Casella and Carboni would not approve of this.", said Russo. "Don't you dare mention their names, you traitor! You were the one who killed Amanzio!" Just after throwing that accusation, Russo's expression changed to an anxious and angry one, but his tone remained calm. "Why would I do that to him? You need to rest and think about this, Erminio. If you need help, you can count with the rest of us. Please, now calm down." 

After thinking it for a while, Boni threw the pistol to the floor. Russo got immediately up and grabbed the pistol, hiding it in his pockets. Then, he went out for a moment and told some of the guards in the hallway to go inside and arrest Erminio Boni. Then, Russo went back inside and told Boni: "I'm sorry that things had to go this way. But I'm doing it for the wellbeing of the cause..." Then, two guards entered the office and arrested Boni, taking him straight to jail, with no trial.

[MrFacts]

A notice in the Octagone.
April 5574

Sparapet R(afik Abrahamyan) is in a meeting when gets a call of the located from the O(ctagoneà, he excuses himself and leaves the to take the call.

O: Sir Sir, we have movement towards Pontesi! We aren't sure, but suspect they are Istalian ships. 

R: Call the Dzovapet and warn him! 

Rafik calls the King and tells him what is up and gets instructed to ready up.

[MrFacts]

At the home of Aram Arevyan and Tova Kadiyot, at the villa district of Melikvan.
February 5575

A(ram Arevyan) Prince of the Pontesian Concord comes home late from another failed Bazmuyut meeting, while his wife T(ova Kadiyot) reads a book on the sofa.

A: Finally home, so frustrating.

T: hello hun, was it that bad?

A: They can't get along and agree on what is next, while Istalia is on Pontesian soil, and what is more frustrating is that my father is too proud to activate the Jelbic defense clause or even the 3 point defense clause. Frustrating and our people suffer in the mean time.

T: you can't come in between a man and his pride. 

A: what where you reading?

T: A book, the writing could be better, but the story is brilliant and it appears to be based on true events. its called an unheard desire: Tigran Pntekyan. Its about the unsolved mistery of the dead of Tigran Pntekyan and the possible cover-ups. Do you know anything about it?

A: My dad and uncle told stories about it and its a base of many conspiracy theories of Pontesi. It was even a bigger shock, when even the detective turned up dead. why are you so intrested all of a sudden?

T: Spoiler Alert! she smiles, im invested now. 

A: I don't know much, as i wasn't invested in all of that, but i know the house of Pntek was the biggest influence, before the whole scenario.

T: Isn't it weird, that the house of Arev became more important after?

A: No, Vadges Arevyan was known to be ruthless and coldblooded in businness and he took the oppurtunity when he saw it. If you really want to know more you can talk to my dad or my uncle, but don't talk to the khans of Pntek and Mazdagaar, it is still sensitive.

T: could you arrange a meeting, please looking with puppy eyes?

A: I will, but now i want to relax and have some sleep. 

T: ofcourse, hunny. 

Tova turns towards the saloon with a omnious smile.

[hyraemous]

20 October 5580

The ship landed in a nondescript port in Zardugal. It was a medium-sized container ship, but the crew inside was... different.

The crew was different from your average low-paid desperate Aldegarians or your usual Dovanian. No, they were from Kundrati. They were part of the Kundrati Army and the Kundrati intelligence community, alongside a representative from the embassy of Zardugal to translate. There were a few empty containers so anyone could observe that it was a normal ship doing normal things in a normal country, serving normal products for normal people. But none of this was normal.

The ship docked, and the crew left to greet some Zardugalese. Some papers were signed, and the cargo was brought in. The cargo did not have labels, though officially, it contained baby formula and other various liquids. Inside, of course, was not any of these things. They were sealed multiple times because if they ever leaked, people would die. The folks in the port loaded the cargo as carefully as possible, and after a few hours in the night, the cargo was ready to be transported. The ship crew entered the ship, and the port crew left to part ways, though the ship crew gave the port crew some gifts, including a briefcase designated explicitly for the leaders' eyes only - schematics for Kundrati's Altay tank.

The ship left once anchors were raised, and ropes loosened and leaped. From there, the ship would head straight for international waters. They were going to Kundrati, remaining away from any EEZ whenever possible. However, they were ready to defend themselves if they were ever found out.

Two weeks later, though, they were home, and the cargo was sent to military labs.

[MrFacts]

Tova Kadiyot meets Areg Arevyan, brother of the king.
March 5575

T(ova Kadiyot), Princess of Pontesi, after doing some research about the 3 murders around Tigran Pntekyan, she has a meeting with A(reg Arevyan) uncle of her husband, the brother of the king.

She arives on time and is invited by house personal and guided towards the study of Areg. Areg sees Tova entering and stands up to greet her grace.

A: Good afternoon, mylady, Aram told me you wanted to know some stuff.

T: hello, leave the formalities, we are family aren't we? yes, i want to know more about Tigran and the other 2. It is intriguing.

A: Yes, i have heard a lot of stories, it was one of my father's favourite mysteries. There are a lot of theories around it, but they all turned into conspirancy theories, nobody knows anymore what really went on.

T: Is there a way to find out?

A: No, im afraid not.

T: Wich theories did you believe? As you appear to be an intelligent and capable man, what do you believe is the most possible theory?

A: There are a couple theories:

 That it has to do with the houses, the hidden dynasty. None of the houses had any political power, but they all had influences in the culture, economy and it is been said also in some political bodies, like the police and such. The house of Pntek was the strongest influence back then. It always comes back to that.

One of the theories is that the house of Mazdagar wanted to make a move to become bigger and order the leaders nephew to kill Tigran, and then he was killed to tie up the lose ends. The detective on the case was not giving up and probably found something, so they killed him.

The second is that its his wife, as she was done being cheated upon, as Tigran was known to be not so loyal to his marriage.

The third, It was someone from the house of Pntek himself, as the house of Pntek was a very conservative house, wich personally i will never understand, and hated the sins of Tigran, as he also loved the same gender, so they killed him to clean up as they say.

The last theory is the one i believe the most. It wasn't directly a house who did it, but it was one of the houses who orchastrated it. Who Killed Tigran and blamed it on The nephew of Mazdagar. the detective was a persistent one, because its been said, that the commisionary told him to stop the investigation, so the killer or the orchastrator should be of high level of influence. At certain point, they find the detective dead in the canal, and the in the conspirancy theories, they say that he found evidence and got killed for it, but that he naver gave it. It should be somewhere stashed. They never found it. 

T: That is a great story, they never found evidence?

A: no, so that also suggests that it could be deleted, as they wheren't even able to find records of the detective, only his personal data in the police databank, all the rest was wiped.
People do however believe the evidence is stashed somewhere, people believe some weird things.

T: laughs, indeed, thank you, anyway, i have to go. Promessed Tovan and Lea to go the the playground, so thank you for the stories.

A: You are welcome, untill next time.

Tova leaves the palace, her car is at the driveway and her cardoor is opened by her loyal servant and driver. She gets in the car and takes the enveloppe and calls someone.

[Mbites]

Saturday, 5PM.
Jorgen Island, Freiheit, Lackmann Residence
 
Theodora was lying on her bed, twisting and turning while looking into her sketchbook. The book was opened at a page containing a portrait of Emperor Bunjamín, drawn by the President herself during one of her policy-debating sessions with her distant kinsman and that damn prefect she hates so much for drawing so much of his attention. Theodora stopped her tweaking after a knock from her butler. “Lady Lackma- I mean President, are you dressed yet? You have various events to attend to, the CE-“ before he could finish his sentence Lackmann screamed from the top of her lungs to be left alone, she cant handle these damned evenings of endless partys, drugs and boring men. “I need the odor of majestic steeds, the scent of the arid steppes and just one.. one small sneakpeak of my darling Emperor.” Just by uttering these words and looking at his drawn portrait Theodora started blushing. She sighed. “I can feel my heart through my dress.” Her Butler entered and repeated “Lady President, you have to get ready, I understand your needs but be assured the Emperor is definitely thinking about how invaluable you are for the Imperial Cause.” At least that is what left his mouth, in reality he just wanted to get home and finally have a shower, it was damn hot in the servant quarters of the estate since the AC went out. Lackmann who just couldn’t stop fawning and gushing about the great Jelbic People’s and her most adored Sovereign managed to get up and finally get ready even if it was under protest. While changing into her cocktail dress Theodora thought to herself. “It is true, he’s getting more isolated day by day and the only people he really sees are in his inner circle, and I am in it, now if it only weren’t for that weird Director-General, that Pontesian upstart and this GOD DAMN PREFECT. I HATE HIM I HATE HIM I HATE HIM.”