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| Frozen Dreams, Black Gold | |
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| Topic Started: Oct 6 2015, 10:22 PM (614 Views) | |
| Whal | Feb 15 2017, 01:07 PM Post #26 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Harstad, Norway... Pillichshammer listened quietly as his Porcuian counterpart attempted to make sense of the blame which the Austrian knew was misplaced. No matter how shameful Pillichshammer felt at lambasting an innocent man, he had come too far now to bow out. He could not know the massive event his merciful act had set in motion, nor could he know that the RSD in Norway had already begun to pick up his trail. There were things in motion now that could not be stopped. "How can you expect me to believe you, Colonel?" Pillichshammer replied, his faked anger becoming more and more real. "Your men just vanish from our custody and three of my men just happen to turn up dead and your government has no knowledge of how? Perhaps, you have at least some idea of where my missing man is?" The general's aid entered his office then with a terribly urgent look. Pillichshammer looked over to him with a perturbed glance, obviously angry that his conversation was being interrupted. His anger quickly faded into matching concern as he studied the young man's face. With a wave of his hand, Pillichshammer motioned for the man to approach and write a note. The aid fumbled over the pen and paper and wrote down a quick message. His look of worry persisted as he slid it towards the general. Pillichshammer read the note and almost dropped the phone. "3rd Fleet/1st Expeditionary Core en route. 1 week. Invasion." Pillichshammer eyes widened in disbelief and sorrow. Had the Archduke truly been so bold? Had his actions had the adverse effect of prompting a war with the Republic? He needed more information before jumping to conclusions and he could gather little while continuing the charade with Dona. His abrupt silence must have also confused and alerted the Porcuian on the other end because Colonel Dona eventually broke the silence asking if his counterpart was still on the line. "I'll tell you one thing, Colonel," Pillichshammer began after collecting his composure. "This situation is about to get much more complicated." He managed a terse goodbye to the Porcuian and continued the conversation no longer. Once the "enemy" was out of earshot, Pillichshammer inquired as to the specifics of the aid's message. If Vienna was actually sending the other full-equipped expeditionary force and a fleet to boot, it certainly meant a military action was planned and possible Austrian casualties could be expected. "I'll need a full report, Lieutenant," the general replied. "When and where should we expect our guests?" The young aid nodded in agreement and began outlying the specifics to the general. The encrypted communique to the Harstaad HQ had specified the exact times and locations of the landing force's invasion. The 1st Expeditionary Corps, led by General Walter von Kassel, Pillichshammer knew, was the military outfit engaged in the ICON mission to Yoloys not too long ago. Its reputation as a fighting outfit was still relatively "green" despite a few confrontations against beleaguered Whaladyan units in that campaign, yet General von Kassel was a stern and ambitious man who would set his troops to task. Pillichshammer shook his head as he read the maps and dossiers outlining the invasion's targets. The coastal city of Tromso was to be the main goal of the invasion with the surrounding area of a secondary importance. With the main population hub secured, the Austrians would then move south in main thrust to unify the land bridging the gap between Tromso and Harstad. Once this strip of coastal land was secured, the Austrians would then begin to prod inland to "pacify" as much as they could before the inevitable tide of international pressure made further expansion too difficult to continue. The language used in the dossiers was inescapably peaceful and official in its usage, yet Pillichshammer recognized the invasion for what it was - a land grab. While Vienna had assured its military leaders the goals were anti-insurgent and defensive in nature, anyone could see the offensive capacity of the Austrian invasion. Luckily, the 2nd Expeditionary Corp's role was minor. Aside from providing air support to ground forces who found themselves pinned down by domestic Norwegian resistance, Pillichshammer's men would not be engaging anything directly unless the landings were compromised. Unfortunately however, this would still not stem the tide of unnecessary deaths which would stem from Austrian guns and heavy ordinance. The 3rd Fleet was well equipped to handle any resistance the fledgling Norwegian mini-states could conjure and resistance was expected to be light. Yet, conventional military deaths were not the General's worry. Pillichshammer had watched with growing apprehension the power and ruthlessness of the RSD and its new Kampfen units. He had heard the stories from Croatia, Bosnia, and from inside Austria. He knew the occupation was the real danger - an occupation his men would certainly be a part of. Pillichshammer sighed, "Begin preparations." When the aid did not move Pillichshammer turned to him irately. "Did you not hear me?" "I did, Herr General," the aid responded solemnly. "But there is more you should know." "Well? Out with it!" Came a terse demand. The man became very stern. "Its the RSD, sir. They've returned. It appears they are unsatisfied with the results of their search." The old general's anger quickly subsided and turned to abject fear. In the aid's terrified look, Pillichshammer knew that the man had also picked up on a similar line of thinking. Perhaps, the RSD was on to them? The consequences of their ruse would certainly lead to death in this case and all who had signed on knew it. Pillichshammer knew it too, yet he had prepared an out for his men in the unfortunate event their deeds came to light. Straightening out his tunic and casually setting on his cap, Pillichshammer rose from his chair and put a reassuring hand on the man's shoulder. "Don't worry, son. I'll handle it." ------- Vienna, Austria.. The Archduke walked briskly from his mammoth sized bedroom into the main foyer of his private wing in the Belvedere Palace. He had just finished one of the brief naps he routinely took now to keep his mind well-rested and fresh for the multitude of policy decisions constantly diverting themselves to him. All this stress was his own doing he knew, a bi-product of his insistence to micromanage every major decision involving his realm, yet he was nonetheless constantly bombarded by headaches which made much of his daily activities at least a tad frustrating. Constant reports of minor disturbances from communist rebels in Bosnia, a military stand-off in Hungary, the worsening chaos from the collapse of the Margraviate in Germany, and now the situation with Porcu in Norway all weighed heavily on the aging monarch. Austria was beset by challenges at a time when it could little afford to lose any of them. Yet, as always, where there was challenge their was always opportunity and the Archduke had not lost his shrewd attitude towards a predicament. He would certainly need it. As he took a moment to revel at a self portrait displayed confidently in the center of a room, his chamberlain Rudolf entered from an adjoining hallway with a telephone clutched in his hand. The Archduke, broken from his thoughts, turned to face him. "An urgent call from the Minister of War, your majesty," Rudolf stated, bowing and holding out a hand. Karl took the phone from his chamberlain's hands without uttering a single word. "What is it, Lothar?" Lothar von Pommern's breath was heavy on the other end and Karl could tell instantly that the man was upset. When the Minister of War finally spoke it was nothing short of a yell. "Its the Porcuians, your majesty! Our covert assets in Gibraltar are informing us that they have closed the straight!" Karl's tone did not change from his usual calm demeanor. he but stated a fact, "Ah, no doubt in response to the mobilization of the 3rd Fleet." "What do we do, sir?" von Pommern replied more quietly, the calmness of his sovereign's voice cooling his rage. "That would depend on how exactly they have closed the straight?" Karl responded earnestly. "Surely, it is not blocked by debris as our republican friends would not dare damage the system of international shipping that their maritime country so depends on. My guess is they are barring Austrian vessels from clearing the straight. No matter, I doubt they would dare fire on the 3rd Fleet if it simple pushed through their attempts to halt our vessels." "And if they do?" von Pommern replied. "They shall reach the straight in 2 days." Karl smirked, "Then they have proven to the world once more that it is Porcu and not Austria who has taken another step towards war." |
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| Whal | Mar 6 2017, 10:41 AM Post #27 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Straight of Gibraltar.. The Austrian 3rd Fleet had sailed at a steady pace for several days until it reached the mouth of the straight. The leading scouting vessels, a continent of fast corvets and destroyers, had reported back to the fleet's flag ship that the passage was certainly not open. The Austrian Oberkommando was well aware of the Porcuian's defenses and had heard that they had bared the straight. The Admiral of the 3rd Fleet had received a personal communique from the Minister of War outlining the situation and explaining the Crown's position. He was to proceed through the straight as if it were any normal day. The Porcuian guns and battlements were to be viewed for what they were - an empty threat. As the rest of the Austrian vessels arrived several leagues apart from the Porcuian gauntlet, the Austrian admiral contacted the Oberkommando in Vienna one last time. He tried his utmost to relay that the Porcuains appeared ready and able to defend the straight and that their guns had never left their designated targets. Nonetheless, Vienna's reply was as stalwart as the defenders and faced with a 120mm naval gun to his face and an Austrian court marshal at his back, the Admiral had no choice but to move forward. He relayed the orders down the chain of command so that every captain, mechanic, and ensign was aware of their task. The die had been cast and what would be would be. To begin the push, two Austrian heavy cruisers moved toward the front to spearhead the charge. As they broke for the passage, multiple smaller commercial craft and personal vessels made a made dash for the safety of either the open ocean or the shore. As the tip of the spear approached the entrance, the Austrian Admiral finally allowed his conscious to speak. He quickly sent a firm communique to the Porcuian checkpoint in the hopes of averting bloodshed.
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| Porcu | Mar 11 2017, 08:08 PM Post #28 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Naval Command, Mons Calpe The steady push by the Austrians toward the Strait was carefully, but nervously, being watched by Porcuian commanders in Gibraltar, or Mons Calpe. Similarly to the Austrians, the commands came from the very top. President Tarquinius Atratinus himself had spoken with the commander in charge of military operations in the province and made it clear that the Austrians were not to traverse through the Pillars of Hercules and into the open waters of the Atlantic. Now, nearly at the last moment, a message was received from the Austrian Admiral in charge of the 3rd Fleet. As per direct orders, the chief Porcuian commander, an Admiral himself, had an open line of communication with Ariminae and the Directorate-General. President Tarquinius Atratinus and senior military commanders were being updated in real time. Just as the President was about to give the order to commence firing, the Austrian communication was received. The hopes of the Admiral in Gibraltar were dashed when he read the message, forwarding it immediately to Ariminae. "Very well then." President Tarquinius Atratinus said. "Prepare the bombers. Once the Valetudo have made their mark you are free to engage, Commander." "At once, Praesidis." The Porcuian bombers, two Polybius Class II aircraft, had already been fitted with their payload and were awaiting just one, single command. With their orders now confirmed, the bombers quickly took to the skies. They turned east and gained altitude before turning southwest in order to come at the Austrians from the back. Command in Gibraltar received communication as soon as the Austrian's major vessels were in range. The 3rd Fleet was dangerously close already, but a warning at the last moment was sent.
Edited by Porcu, Mar 11 2017, 08:10 PM.
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| Whal | Mar 14 2017, 12:25 PM Post #29 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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The reply from the Porcuians was disheartening, yet expected. The Austrian admiral was fully aware that his last ditch effort would likely not meet a warm welcome from his adversaries; indeed, had their roles been reversed, he would have relayed something similar. Their fates were not their own, as it was Ariminae and Vienna who dictated what would happen here. The Austrian had dearly hoped that one of them would balk as in 90 seconds there would be no turning back. The severity of the warning could not be ignored, nor did it leave the Austrians much time to react. The admiral knew this and cursed the Porcuians for removing the onus that his government had over his actions - he would need to act fast and without Vienna's guidance. Rather than order a general retreat, the admiral relayed the command for all the 3rd Fleet to halt just out of range of the coastal guns. He hoped that the compliance of remaining stationary would placate the Porcuians long enough to halt any attack. He sent a very terse, but firm message to the naval base in Gibraltar before calling the Ministry of War, Naval Warfare Department directly.
Confident he had done all he could to avert war without skirting his duties, the admiral phoned the Minister of War in Vienna. The voice on the other end of the line was not the Minister, but its stern tone was nonetheless very familiar. "Your majesty," the admiral answered surprised and he saluted despite the target of his reverence being nowhere near. "The situation at the straight is extremely tense, your majesty. The Porcuians do not appear to be backing down and have ushered us a final warning to avert our course. I have halted the 3rd outside the mouth of the straight and was going to contact Vienna for guidance." The Archduke remained silent on the other end of the phone. The admiral nervously scratched his head as he contemplated the very real possibility that he would soon be at war with the Empire's most hated and dangerous foe. Eventually, the voice of his sovereign broke the tension and eased his nerves. "Recall the fleet, admiral," Karl stated flatly, hiding any sense of anger or despair. "Return to Rijecka and prepare the 3rd for defensive duty. Your country thanks you." The line suddenly and abruptly ended leaving the admiral with a feeling of confusion and relief. Without further incident, the admiral hung up the phone and shook his head. He certainly expected a different outcome. He turned to his command staff on the bridge of his flagship and relayed the orders to return back home. In several minutes every Austrian vessel received the command to disembark from their defensive postures and turn back. No message was relayed to the Porcuians and none was needed. The garrison at Gibraltar could certainly see the Austrians vessel divert course and return from whence they came. ------ Hofburg Palace, Vienna.. The feeling in the war room of the Hofburg was eerily silent. The Minster of War, the Reichskanzler, and several top military and intelligence personnel stood in shock and disbelief. Their confident and brilliant commander had retreated on the eve of their long-awaited conflict with the Republic. Many in the military and RSD had eagerly awaited the confrontation and therefore a great deal of them had taken the order to retreat as a punch to the gut. After a while, many of the senior staff began to exchange looks of doubt and displeasure. This was the first time that Karl had seen such fear and annoyance at one of his decisions displayed so openly. He despised such looks. One in particular more than any other. It came from his second in command and most important ally, Jurgen von Pless. The Reichskanzler looked upon the Archduke with frustration openly and without any attempts to hide it. Karl's response did not wait for that gaze to linger and his tone was as confident as ever. "Gentlemen, I am aware of your displeasure and disbelief," Karl replied, his gaze remaining on the Chancellor. "Yet, there is a reason for this order. I want their to be no doubts here; we have not run from a fight. Quite the contrary, I have simply decided to change where it will be fought. I expect my decision will please a great many of you, yet before I tell you I would like some information." Many of the generals in the room began to nod their heads in agreement with their sovereign. The Reichswehr was and always would be an aristocrat's fighting force and its commanders had the utmost respect for the archduke - both its title and the man who currently held it. Where the military's doubts were mostly distinguished, the RSD men in the room looked at von Pless for guidance. The intelligence apparatus had neither the history of noble devotion to king, nor did the majority of its members hold titles of nobility. As a brainchild of the Reichskanzler and a servant of the Adlerite agenda, many believed that the RSD would go with its patron over its sovereign. Von Pless did not seem amused and his gaze lingered. Karl's commanding presence did not falter however, and he continued to address the room. "I wish to know how our friend to the east is doing. Tell me, what news comes from Prague?" Finally, Jurgen von Pless' expression changed from contempt to glee. While he had realized many months ago that the Archduke was never going to abide by his grand goals for the empire, he could not fault the man for his devilish steak. News from the east, from Marslava, was growing increasingly favorable. The Great Duchy had gown quiet and a suspected internal struggle was rapidly becoming more and more apparent. On the cold front-line in Hungary, the Austrians were watching with overt joy as less and less Marslavan soldiers began appearing on their side of the front. The general consensus was becoming more and more that the Austrian military machine would be turning towards the greater evil - the troublesome Marslavan Slavs. At last, von Pless understood the Archduke's next course. The fight with Porcu could wait. It was against the hated Slavs that the next conflict would arise. Von Pless couldn't be happier. He smiled at Karl and opened his dossier on the Great Duchy of Marslava. |
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| Porcu | Mar 19 2017, 09:04 PM Post #30 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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The two Porcuian bombers maintained their course toward the Austrian 3rd Fleet and had their expensive and unstoppable missiles locked-on. Confirmation of their targets came moments before new command orders came through their transmissions. The targets were deselected and the payloads were disarmed. Just in time. The Porcuian bombers continued on their course and dropped low, flying just above the Austrian vessels as they returned East, before slowly turning back toward their base. A sense of victory of palpable among the Porcuian soldiers, sailors, and airmen/women in Mons Calpe and was deeply contagious. The festivities and celebratory mood were short lived, however, as two days later general riots rocked the province and the same state of chaos and panic overtook the provincial capital of Heraclea as it had the whole of Porcu. Despite maintaining the integrity of the Republic's military base and keeping her chief infrastructure completely operational, the senior commanders could not help but wonder aloud what would have happened if the Austrians had tried forcing their way through the Strait just 48 hours later. The mess they were currently dealing with would have certainly been minor. Fortune smiled on the Republic. + + +
"Yes, I think you're right." Paulina Attianus replied. She took a long sip of her tea. There was a long pause again. Paulina Attianus opened her mouth to speak, but slowly closed it. "Better to report back than take your own initiative. Things are still brewing and you don't know what Ariminae will want to do." Oleg, once again, broke the silence. "I think it time that we headed back." The Porcuian nodded, sipped the last of her tea, and stood to made a quick motion to the physician that they were leaving. As the two were set to return to the city Oleg stated that he was feeling much better. "Still a bit stiff, but definitely patched up well. I just need to rest." "Perhaps it would be best to take a sick day." Paulina Attianus said as she started the truck and exited the parking lot of the medical clinic. Oleg chuckled. "You know perfectly well that in our line of work there really is no such thing as a day off." Paulina Attianus smiled as she cruised along a major road leading directly back into the metropolis. The night was clear and had a severe bite to it now, yet was also enjoyable. In time the two made it back to their shared apartment complex. Just as Oleg was about to exit, Paulina Attianus reached out and grabbed his arm. "Thank you for your help. Without your truck there we may not have gotten out of there tonight." |
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| NRE | Mar 24 2017, 12:27 PM Post #31 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Oleg smile ever so slightly, "we'll if we meet again lets try to find somewhere a bit less, threatening ok?" Pauline smiled and gave a nod before the two went their separate ways. Opening the door to his apartment, Oleg entered and closed the door behind him before truly exhaling for the first time since the entire turn of events for the night had started. "Damn this leg hurts like a bitch" he stated out loudly and quite matter-of-fact like to himself as he slowly eased himself into his favorite and almost only chair in his place. He reached for his box of cigarettes and "treated" himself to a long and relaxing drag. Afterwards he looked and the lowing stick of tobacco in his hand with some disgust. Had it not been for you bastards I might have outran that damn bullet he thought to himself. Naturally, regardless of his feelings he finished the unhealthy habit as cigarettes were too expensive to waste even on his salary. A bit more level headed he went for his phone which he retrieved from his copy of Republic. He had a missed call, looking at his watch he was surprised the dogs hadn't been called on him yet. He hit the preset and sat back in his chair. After the rehearsed line about their particular friend and his particular cold, the Russian dropped their cover and Igor on the other end of the line asked for a report. "My friend I'm sorry there was a complication at the meeting" Oleg stated. "A complication, what sort of complication" Igor asked. "I was shot to be quite frank about it." "Dear God is it serious, were you discovered?" "No its not serious, I've seen a doctor and been patched. I don't believe the men at the meeting saw me either, at least not my face that is" Oleg carried on, "and as for being discovered, no not really." "What does that mean, not really?" "It means I have the situation under control" Oleg stated very plainly. "Very well my friend, just remember the higher ups don't appreciate "complications" in these matters. If there are loose ends you cut them before you're recalled." "I understand, I understand and trust me" Oleg went on, "everything is currently under control." "Fine, well then, what did you learned?" Igor questioned. "These ultra-nationalists aren't as I thought before, they aren't the regular saber-rattling type." "What do you mean?" "I mean I think someone or something is behind them. They're too organized for my tastes and if so, such right-wing attitudes could be problematic to the situation up here." "Indeed" Igor replied. "We need to find out what their game is, after all what would the Republic gain from creating a war so far north. Sure they could completely claim Narvik without question but at what expense? The higher ups don't like what they see unfolding up there, too many variables and certainly too many chances for things to go south for Narvik and the whole of Europe." "I agee" Oleg stated, "I'll see what I can learn but I'm going to need to lay low for at least a day or two." "Ok" Igor replied, "we'll talk again in four days, see what you've got for us by then." "Until then my friend....." ______________________________________________________________________________ Oleg spent the next day simply resting, damn leg was finally feeling better by the end so the following day he decided to take a walk in the general neighborhood. He needed to talk to some of the areas more chatty individuals to see if he could wrestle from them when the ultra-nationalist were meeting next or if anyone knew exactly where they were operating out from. He also wanted to get a newspaper as he didn't own a computer, TV, or radio and didn't know what was going on nationally or internationally. |
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| Whal | Jul 5 2017, 09:26 PM Post #32 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Harstad, Norway.. News of the 3rd Fleet’s withdrawal from Gibraltar reached the Austrian garrison in Harstad mere minutes after the warship’s fired up their engines and set their course to home. Consequentially, the battle preparations which were thus underway were to be halted and celebrations among some of the more aggressive soldiers were quickly stifled along with any signs of bravado or pride. The glorious Austrian falcon was grounded, its wing’s clipped before it could soar and bring destruction and death to the enemy, or so it seemed to many of the troops on the ground. Not everyone was distressed by the news however; there were some quiet but no less prevalent signs of relief among the general staff and especially by the Austrian commander. For General Pillichshammer, the news from Vienna was a blessing he had never seen coming. The Archduke was not one to balk at signs of trouble, and Pillichshammer was astute enough to realize that such good news could not and would not be all it seems. From his office, Pillichshammer was already beginning preparations of his own. He would not be caught off guard by what this sudden shift in the Archduke’s planning meant, not that he would have much time. The look on his aide’s face as he entered the room said all he needed to know. “When are we leaving?” Pillichshammer questioned, already piecing together the puzzle. The young soldier looked down at a dossier in disbelief. “W-we’re to relocate, sir. The whole god-damned Corp.” “Yes, but to where?” Pillichshammer pressed, his impatience beginning to get the better of him. “By direct order of His Majesty, we’re to make for the Baltic Sea with the entirety of the 1st with further orders to follow. Sir, we’re leaving Harstad?” Pillichshammer shook his head. The news was a breath of fresh air regarding getting his men away from this frozen hell, but the old general knew that nothing good was to come from setting sail for the Baltic Sea. Out of the frying pan, into the fire, he thought as he gathered his cap. “Trust in the high command, son,” was all Pillichshammer could muster to console the confused soldier. “And see to the proper retirement of this facility.” Pillichshammer walked through the halls of his headquarters in a daze. Men moved about all around him doing a myriad of tasks; some shredded paperwork, others packed and moved boxes, while others finished up any illegal contraband they had appropriated from elements of the population who were sympathetic to the resistance. Soon the Austrians would be gone and this last bastion of the Empire’s authority in the north would join the recently incorporated territories of Porcuian Norway. From what the Austrians had done in their short tenure here, even Pillichshammer couldn’t argue that it would be better for the past to remain buried. If the RSD had their way, the Austrians would leave the city a slag heap. As he exited the compound and made his way into the courtyard, the general was greeted by a similar sight to what he had seen inside; Austrian soldiers and their Norwegian RSD allies moved about like worker ants to complete the evacuation of the garrison. It was a scene repeated throughout Harstad and the surrounding area controlled by the Austrians with one rather serious omission – no one was dying in the compound. As part of the RSD’s evacuation orders, all detained communists, resistance fighters, and known sympathizers were to be liquidated and their remains disposed of. While there weren’t many left, the RSD nonetheless carried out the orders to the letter and many Norwegians buried their friends and neighbors in shallow graves before packing up themselves and following their Austrian allies to the port. The plight of the Norwegian “quislings”, as the collaborators were once again called, would be no less dire should any wish to remain once the Austrians left. The men of the Viking Division and their families had a difficult decision to make – follow their allies to god-knows where or face the anger and retribution of their countrymen once the Austrian guns and planes were no longer around to save them. For many, the choice was clear; the Austrians had promised good land and compensation for the “friends of Austria” back home in the Empire. Yet, for others the long history spent in Norway was not so easily forgotten. Their choice left them with little to do when the angry mobs came knocking at their doors. The Austrians in Harstad weren’t the only ones to be leaving their posts. Their countrymen who had first landed when the Republic and the Federation were shaking hands in Ariminae, men who had languished in their bases surrounded by Porcuian special forces, were now given the orders many in Austria were afraid to give. The Austrians stranded in the Loki Platforms were to be recalled and the oil derricks they occupied were to be destroyed. As soon as the evacuation order was received, the 200 stranded men immediately began sabotaging the delicate systems and controls which the Porcuians would need to harvest any oil when they inevitably took the derricks. Porcuian soldiers were greeted by a peculiar sight when they came face to face with an Austrian column marching orderly in full dress towards their gatehouse. In a show of respect to fellow soldiers, the Austrians could retire from the Loki Platforms, but such respect did not extend to holding off on celebrating. The marching column continued amidst a cavalcade of cheers and jeers from the Porcuian garrison which could not hold its excitement at having finally completed their mission – the Loki site was now uncontested and firmly in the hands of the Republic. Back in Harstad, the Austrian evacuation was all but completed. The only remaining task was the long march through the city. Like in Loki, the Austrians assembled en masse and the whole Expeditionary Corp marched from their forts to the port bearing their regimental and divisional colors alongside the Imperial flag and playing the Austrian national anthem. The Norwegians who dared to show up to see them depart were silent as the grave. For them, the occupation would not so easily fade from memory. It would be a bitter memory for Pillichshammer, as well. Yet, despite all his hopes and prayers, his story would not end in the Norwegian hinterlands. Edited by Whal, Jul 5 2017, 09:31 PM.
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| Porcu | Aug 3 2017, 04:51 PM Post #33 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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OOC: Beautiful close, Whal. NRE and I want to continue our investigative side-story, if that's alright, as it feeds into what I've got planned for Porcu. That said, feel free to jump in! IC: Nearly a week had passed after Paulina Attianus and Oleg's encounter at the warehouses of Narvik's industrial district neighboring the harbor. They had not spoken to each other and had not even had a chance encounter in the street or in the stairwell of the apartment complex. Just the same; Oleg had recovered from his wound well enough and Paulina Attianus had "called in sick" over two days in order to visit the smaller villages that remained outside the borders of the Porcuian province. A tip received from Porcuian intelligence back in Ariminae was forwarded to Paulina Attianus and pointed to another important meeting. It seemed that for reasons of safety and secrecy it was to be held within Norway, near Elvegård. Yet, the specific location was not known. In her illegitimately gained time from work Paulina Attianus scouted the village and narrowed down likely meeting locations to the local pub and the house of a local, influential fisherman with known ultra-conservative political affiliations. Still, she wanted to be as sure as she could be. Additionally, she felt that this may be the single best opportunity to discover what was truly going on. So, she turned to her newfound acquaintance. Oleg returned to his apartment one evening to discover a small note that had been slid under the door. It was unsigned, but from its contents he knew that Paulina Attianus had written it. She would be waiting for him at the pub up the street. The time indicated in the note gave Oleg a little less than an hour. Although he was tired and the thought of drinking made him ill he took a quick shower and changed out of his work clothes before leaving for the pub. He arrived just as a strong wind came rushing through the street and halted his advance momentarily. It was a short walk but he was already happy to be out of the cold. Paulina Attianus was seated at a table along the far wall. Oleg noticed that she was almost finished with her drink so he proceeded to the bar to order two beers. He smiled and nodded as he paid and soon sat down next to Paulina Attianus. "Good evening." Oleg began. "Doing well?" Paulina Attianus grinned as she reached for her drink. "Yes, thank you. It's cliché, but I'm glad you found my note." Oleg nodded. He gazed around and noted more or less the usual patrons of the pub. "You said you have some information?" "To trade, yes, or..." Paulina Attianus took a heavy drink of beer, "to see if you would be interested in working together. I would like to not repeat our last encounter." Oleg chuckled. "So let's hear it then." Paulina Attianus smiled and leaned back in her chair. "Ah, but first! Have you heard anything that explains what we saw the other week?" |
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| NRE | Aug 3 2017, 11:04 PM Post #34 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Oleg tipped the glass of beer to his lips and then sat back himself, scanning the room a bit. There was all your average sorts in the bar and then there was Paulina. Wasn't sure what she was getting at with this gesture of cooperation. Maybe it was a ploy to get him to talk, blow his cover, and confirm any suspicions she had about him. No, that wasn't even really a thought because he knew probably as well as she did that he was in her same line of work. Perhaps the only mystery was his true nationality although Oleg figured she had it narrowed down to a only a few good guesses. "I haven't heard anything concrete" he finally answered, leaning himself over the table. "I've made idle chit-chat with some guys coming out the docks and all I know it up until about a week ago those meetings were more or less regular. They'd get a few new faces in the crowd every once and a while but for the most part that party remained small but that's likely to change. Rumor is some Austrian spies tried to bust up the last meeting a week ago." Oleg's facial expression was all Paulina need to know he was talking about their altercation at the event. "According to what I've hear, the spies were shot and taken alive for interrogation but were later rescued by comrades. Apparently the word is, that though these guys escaped, this group is claiming they've got intel on something big. Irregardless, the stories being spread are attracting a lot of folks. People who didn't care for the group before but care even less for the Austrians." "Nobody could tell me where the next party is being held" Oleg said as he began to lean back, "but I imagine its going to be a bigger event. Rumor also has it, however, that there's been a lot of phone calls abroad but I can't really say much else than that." |
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| Porcu | Aug 3 2017, 11:27 PM Post #35 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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"Do you know where these phone calls have been placed?" Paulina Attianus asked in a low voice. She took a sip of beer and leaned in over the table. "You've got to have something more than that." Oleg stared right back at those green eyes. He still could not bring himself to trust her. "Fine." Paulina Attianus said suddenly. She sat up and finished off the rest of her pint of beer before standing. She held her coat in her arms and looked down at Oleg. "I'm not pulling a fast one on you. I've got some information, but I have to know that you're serious. I'll be back at my place if you actually want to talk." With that Paulina Attianus turned and quickly headed for the door. Oleg looked straight ahead as the sound of Paulina Attianus' boots clopped against the wooden floorboards of the pub. He took a long drink and thought whether or not to follow. It could definitely be a trap. Or she's telling the truth and actually wants to work together. Might even have some good intel. |
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| NRE | Aug 4 2017, 04:03 PM Post #36 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Oleg finished his beer and thought about the situation for the moment. His instinct was mixed on this one, it as a tricky situation. On the one hand he was a good agent, he went by his training as it had always served him well. On the other hand if she wanted him dead, she had half-a-dozen chances before now to do it. Maybe she did want to work together, genuinely work together. Or, she wanted to get close enough to get deeper into Russian intelligence. Damn women... he thought to himself, the world was paradise before them...but its hell without them now Leaving a tip on the table and got up and left the bar. It was damn cold but Oleg picked up the pace and made it back to his building. Returning to his own flat he went to the bookcase, got the phone and made the call... "Hallo André, its Johan" Oleg stated, "how is Jørgen doing?" the voice on the other end answered and Oleg replied " a cold, that is awful. You should have some of mother's soup brought to him at once." Like before, the line went dead for a brief moment before the line was connected from the operator to another Oleg's contact. "Oleg?" Igor stated, "Its been a while I was getting a little worried." "It has been a while I apologize, I've been checking on some things" "Its fine, its fine" Igor answered. "The higher ups are just getting a little impatient that's all. Nothing I can't handle mind you, as long as you've got something." "I might" Oleg answered, "but I need some clearance." "Clearance, this sounds serious. What kind of clearance are you looking for." "I need level three on this one. I've meet someone , I think they're Porcuian intelligence, maybe Austrian though I doubt it. They've been helpful and I think they might have something big but they've asked for help." "Can they be trusted, level three can't just be given lightly you know. If you're compromised we'll need a level of deniability and level three doesn't necessarily give us that." "I know, I know" Oleg replied, "all I can say on trust is that if they wanted me dead or suspected fowl play from me, I wouldn't be alive to make this call right now. Something big is going on here, something I feel is alot bigger than that damn oil rig out there. I can't confirm whether or not its a direct threat to us yet, but if i am going to I need that clearance." The line was silent for a few moments before Igor told Oleg to hold on while he spoke with the proper channels. Tapping his foot while he waited, Oleg got up from his seat and peered out the window at about the time Igor got back on the line. "It took some convincing but you've got it Oleg. Just remember, you're on your own on this one. If it goes south and you can't make a clean get away back to a safe-zone pick up point, you're stuck there my friend." "I understand the risks and I won't fail. One more thing Igor, those phone calls you said we picked up. We're sure they are legit?" "We can confirm for certain the locations in the Americas, that Middle East contact we're still checking." "That's good enough for me, for now. I've got to go for now and it may be a while before I check in. Trust me, once I have something concrete I will call." "God speed my friend." Oleg hung up the phone and hid it back in the book and place it back on the bookcase. He left his apartment and went up a floor or two to Paulina's and knocked on her door. She was home of course, a mixed emotion on her face. "Can I come in?" Oleg asked and she let him in. Her place was a bit more furnished than his own, certainly a bit more clean than his but that was to be expected. Taking a seat at the small kitchen table that she offered he got straight to the point. "Look I cannot tell you much because I simply don't have the clearance and to be frank, this is murky waters for me at best. We're not really told to play nice with others if you get my drift. That said, I realize if you were going to kill me you'd have done it at least twice already so for that I suppose I can play it straight for a bit." He stuck out his hand, "The name's Oleg by the way" Paulina took it and the two shook. "I wasn't kidding about those stories these guys are telling. They're using our incident with them to make their cause seem more legitimate, its gaining them more supporters than before. As for those phone calls, interestingly enough there been calls from Savannah, Los Angeles, Gibraltar, Kuala Lumpur, and at least one location in the Middle East. All those first locations as you have undoubtedly noticed are in the Republic, the last we could not pin-point but we have an idea that it might have been an arms dealer who may not even be located in the Middle East, that might have been a middle man. The calls, from what we can tell, are relatively tame but do seem to indicate some sort of organizing effort between the group here and allies in those other cities." "Now you said you had something" Oleg stated, "I showed you mine...." |
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| Porcu | Aug 6 2017, 10:01 PM Post #37 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Paulina Attianus did not have many of the characteristics that one might naturally expect of an intelligence officer, but she was very sharp and that fact had carried her enormously thus far. When Oleg concluded she turned back and retreated further into her apartment. She grabbed her laptop and returned to Oleg. She sat down on the couch while Oleg remained standing. "That's very interesting." Paulina Attianus said with a pensive expression. "And very worrying." Oleg gazed down at Paulina Attianus. "What information do you have?" he asked again. "An important meeting is going down the evening after next. Porcuian intelligence is sure it will take place in Elvegård, approximately a half-hour drive south from here. What is still unsure is precisely where this meeting will take place." "What do you mean "important"?" "As in a meeting between those who are organizing everything." Paulina Attianus said. "At least, that's what I'm hoping." Oleg let out a sigh. "Presumably, security will be much tighter than the rally we broke up the other week." "I'm afraid you're likely to be right..." "Which is why you need my help." Oleg replied, an unsure smile crossing his face at his realization. He pushed his face into his hands. He had not signed up for a serious encounter - the last had left enough of an impression - without concrete intelligence he could forward to St. Petersburg. He was beginning to believe this might have been a mistake. "I readily admit that was definitely a reason why I reached out to you, but I believe that what we're slowly uncovering is massive and will have global consequences." "I can't take that back to headquarters!" Oleg replied. He stood in the middle of the apartment, hand on his hip, for a few moments before heading for the door. "I can say that it will have global consequences because there are players involved that I think St. Petersburg would like to know about." Paulina Attianus interjected. Oleg stopped and slowly turned. He bowed his head slightly and waved his hands, asking for Paulina Attianus to elaborate. "This meeting is "important" because Porcuian intelligence is hoping I can catch central organizing figures. We know that an influential Porcuian is the ringleader and that he is coordinating the efforts of various "captains". Many of these are captains are Porcuians as well, but not all. Our own intelligence has intercepted communiqués from Portugal, formerly Kasnyian India, and even the city-state of Namibe in southern Africa. We have no reason to believe the individuals in these territories are native Porcuians." "And how would this interest St. Petersburg?" "Will you shut up and let me finish?" Paulina Attianus replied, waving her hands. "Many of the intercepted conversations have been scrambled and threading through a coherent subject is difficult. But...there was a call intercepted two weeks ago from Moscow. The call was placed to someone in Ariminae and there was confirmation of payment for a shipment of weapons and munitions." "What are we talking about here? AK-74s? RPGs?" Oleg asked, his interest piqued. "Yes, that was included, but the worrying detail was that part of the purchase included APCs, a few T-90s, and two attack helicopters." Oleg stood silently in the apartment. Did the GRU know of this? He turned his gaze to Paulina Attianus, "And you believe this individual will be in Elvegård?" "That is highly unlikely, but we may be lucky enough that contact is again established. If they are selling weapons to Nordic militias, who else might they be selling to?" Paulina Attianus clicked around on her laptop, pulling up the relevant files for Oleg to see so that he could be freed from any doubt. "Now, do I have your help?" |
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| NRE | Aug 10 2017, 03:56 PM Post #38 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Oleg stood there for a minute, letting the dots align themselves in his head. Putting what he learned with what he knew, the picture was becoming larger and more complex. Though the KSB was leaning towards concluding that this was a matter of Porcu internal interests and something they'd only need to lightly monitor, it now seemed it was a matter of Imperial Security as well. Since the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 90s and the interrogation of Southern Russian into a unified Russian Empire, the sell of former Soviet Weapons through black market channels was a problem. Both the KSB and GRU worked tirelessly to hunt down whatever hidden stockpiles and armories that could be found. Though to date, much had been recovered the amount left unaccounted for what almost impossible to determine. "It must be someone trying to sale Soviet Weapons" Oleg stated, more thinking out loud than anything else. "The call from Moscow that is, it was after all the Soviet capital during the long winter (a reference to the cold war era between the Empire and the Soviet Union)." "That may be true" Paulina replied, "but we can't know for certain unless we get in deeper. We can only do that if we can get into this meeting. We can only get into this meeting if we work together....so are you in?" Oleg pace a bit in the middle of the floor, working out the particulars of the entire thing. This was not the sort of mission he'd signed up for when they shipped him out to this hole in the wall place. Still, at the end of it all, he always considered himself a good little soldier. "Fine I am in" Oleg replied finally in a bit of an exhausted tone as if Paulina had twisted his arm to get his assistance. "So I take it we need a way to get into this meeting in Elvegård yes?" "That's the idea" Paulina replied returning her attention to her laptop, pulling up maps of the city and possible meeting locations. "So do your guys have an approach on how we're going to accomplish this?" |
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| Porcu | Aug 18 2017, 11:17 PM Post #39 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Paulina Attianus looked up at Oleg with a confident smile. "Of course, Oleg. Of course." + + + In reality there were only a handful of paved roads which lead into and out of Elvegård and there were several unpaved roads as well. Any large movement of men or material would be noticed immediately. So, in the days preceding the meeting local informants were told to pay extra attention to any unfamiliar faces or to the sudden appearance of extra vehicular traffic. In the couple of hours just before Paulina Attianus and Oleg were scheduled to depart for Elvegård a report was forwarded from Porcuian intelligence stating that local informants had taken note of a gathering happening at the property of the village's chief magistrate. Apparently, a car had stopped for fuel within the village and the petrol attendant heard one of the passengers let slip that "...this fucking meeting better be worth it." An approach by foot was jointly determined to be best, so Paulina Attianus and Oleg went about finishing their gear checks. Within the hour they were on their way. Posted Image The sun had set quickly within the short drive from Narvik to Elvegård. Meteorologists had forecast an open sky in which to view the Northern Lights, but those were still hours away. The truck the two intelligence agents had used in traveling from Narvik was left just behind some shrubbery along one of the main roads into Elvegård and Paulina Attianus and Oleg had set off on foot. The air was sharp and crisp and both thought themselves brilliant to have worn heavy sweaters on their present mission. Eventually the lights of a large property came into clearer view and illuminated the house, separate garage, and auxiliary structure of the village magistrate, a certain Anders Halleraker. Paulina Attianus had come to discover that Mr. Halleraker had developed, in the eyes of many villagers of Elevgård, a close and unsettling relationship with Norwegian radicals who pushed for direct action against the Austrians encamped in Harstad in order to remove them from Norway. No connection had been found between Halleraker and the Porcuian nationalists, but one was assumed to exist and it was Paulina Attianus' task to, at least, prove this connection. As suspected, the property was surrounded on all sides by armed men. Strangely, it was noted that some were wearing official Porcuian military uniforms and insignia. Paulina Attianus and Oleg slowly emerged from a wooded area to the east of the house. Oleg had wanted to remain just behind the tree line in order to take down one or two of the guards from relative safety, but Paulina Attianus was confident that she had already determined their pattern of movement during their approach. The two agents moved quietly and deftly slipped behind the gaze of two men who were standing guard some distance from the auxiliary structure. Oleg kept watch on the opposite end as Paulina Attianus peered around one corner, tapping on Oleg's arm when the area was clear and they could advance. A few moments later and the two were pressed up against the side of the magistrate's house. There was heavy laughter coming from inside and the hunt for an entrance was on. Oleg looked around a corner and spotted a wooden staircase with a door at the end along the wall. He motioned to Paulina Attianus and began climbing, arriving to the top a couple of seconds later. He pulled at the door but it wouldn't open. Confused, Oleg tried again but with more force. "Eho!" a voice suddenly cried out. Oleg froze, his hand still on the handle. His heart began to race. He looked around and saw a Porcuian soldier staring up at him from below. Oleg thought quickly and responded in the best Norwegian he could muster. "Sorry?" "We're not allowed to use that door, remember?" the Porcuian soldier replied in Latin, annoyance heavy in his tone. He relaxed and let his army-issue rifle lower. "If your shift is over get back to the basement." Oleg smiled and chuckled, throwing his hands up in the air. "Right...My mistake." he said in purposefully atrocious Latin. The Porcuian soldier shook his head as he turned around and eventually disappeared. Oleg raced down the stairs and, suddenly remembering Paulina Attianus, looked around for his colleague. She reappeared from behind some bushes along the wall of the house. Oleg looked at her in amazement. For her part, Paulina Attianus seemed frazzled and tried to brush off the small leaves which had broken away from the bush. "That soldier suddenly popped around the corner and I panicked." she said to a laughing Oleg. Oleg enjoyed those precious few seconds of lightheartedness before returning to before. He explained that their only entry way would be through the basement and having rounded the next corner the two agents discovered a large door and stairs leading underneath the house, much like a storm cellar. They did not waste any time and Paulina Attianus followed Oleg into the basement, which was well lit and, incredibly, unoccupied. The latter arose deep suspicion in Oleg and he unholstered his gun. It was at the ready, just in case. Paulina Attianus, however, seem unfazed and strode over to the far end of the basement where a second set of stairs let up into the house. She quickly retreated when she heard voices from above making their way down into the basement. Paulina Attianus and Oleg moved into a closet as silently as they could in the hopes that the guards would move on soon enough. Three men came down after a few seconds, all non professionals and one of them a native Norwegian. They conversed in Porcuian Greek and stopped at a large table which was centered in the middle of the basement. "It's finally happening, I tell 'ya." "It's about time too. Any longer and I swear I would have grabbed my gun and driven down to Ariminae myself to put a bullet in the head of that pampered, stuck up, dirty commie sonofabitch we have as President." the second Porcuian added. "Ahh, yeah...I hear 'ya...Yeah, well, listen...I'm glad we can count you in." the first Porcuian said as he patted the Norwegian. "It's reassuring to know that we have allies here in the North." "Well, the Austrians have seemingly decided that Harstad is part of their Empire and that's just not the case. If the Republic can't bring itself to do something for my brothers and sisters in Harstad then I will." "Amen to that!" the second Porcuian said. "That's what we're all about, you know? I mean, what does the Republic even stand for anymore?" the first Porcuian stated. "Tricostus Caeliomontanus is a genius. He knows what he's doing. You'll see...he'll set things right." A new voice was heard suddenly from the end of the basement leading outside. "Alright boys, enough yapping. Get outside. You're to cover the northwest quadrant." From inside the closet Paulina Attianus and Oleg could hear some rattling and shuffling before all became quiet again. Oleg pulled open the door since he was closer to the latch and found himself face to face with the Porcuian soldier who had confronted him earlier. There was no hesitation this time and heavy fists were thrown in quick succession. The fight did not last long as Oleg was able to put the soldier in a stranglehold after Paulina Attianus landed a couple of quick jabs that unsteadied the soldier. His unconscious body was laid inside the closet before the two took the stairs up into the house. They would have to work quickly now, as they knew they were on borrowed time. Fortunately, there did not seem to be additional guards or soldiers within the house. Oleg and Paulina Attianus moved swiftly from one room to the next, guns at the ready, until voices could be heard from a room on the second floor. The room where the meeting was taking place was at the far end of a hall and was on the opposite end from where the stairs were. Paulina Attianus went about setting up a small listening device supplied by Porcuian intelligence on the door to the room. She pulled out what appeared to be a regular smartphone from a pouch and finalized the device's setup. All the while Oleg remained alert and on guard at the top of the stairs. Soon, Paulina Attianus was at Oleg's side. "Alright, we can go." she whispered. Oleg gave her a look of confusion to which she replied by waving the smartphone in his face. The two agents descended the stairs without further hesitation and moved quickly through the house. Ten minutes later and the two were walking through the woods that were adjacent to the magistrate's property back to the truck they had left at the side of the road. During the walk back Paulina Attianus was listening in to the meeting as it was happening; the listening device she had secured onto the door was picking up the conversation and forwarding it to her upgraded phone. Oleg would occasionally turn to Paulina Attianus and noticed an increasing expression of worry sink into her face. By the time they arrived at the truck it was clear that something was seriously bothering her. "Is it over?" Oleg asked. Paulina Attianus shook her head. "No, they're still going, but its down to gritty details that would be best forwarded to intelligence and military command." "So?" Oleg said as he started the truck and revved the engine a few times. "You didn't speak at all on our walk back. What's going on?" Paulina Attianus turned to Oleg with a solemn look. "They're planning a coup d'état." Oleg's eyes widened. "What?!" he spat. "Your colleagues and superiors in St. Petersburg were right on target. They're not just organizing here in Norway, but across the globe. Both in territories held by the Republic and those outside the Republic's control." Oleg stared straight ahead and sat silently for a few seconds before asking, "What about what Porcuian intelligence picked up regarding Moscow? Was this individual there?" "Indirectly. I would guess that he was on a secured line. I'll need to first get permission from my superiors before giving the audio to you, but this is something you'll definitely want to forward to your higher-ups." "Did you catch a name?" "No, but I would guess that he is a General in the Army judging from his ability to procure weapons and transport them. Apparently, he's been supplying these groups for the past couple of years and raking in millions of denarii. Not just them, but groups all around the world, from the Crimea and the Transcaucasus to China and Latin America." Oleg nodded slowly. "Hopefully, intelligence can work with the audio to nab this bastard." "Let's get back as I need to forward this immediately to Ariminae." Paulina Attianus said. Oleg sat up and threw the truck into gear. The short drive back to Narvik was done in total silence. |
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| NRE | Aug 23 2017, 10:13 PM Post #40 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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"That's what I've been saying" Oleg stated with some frustration, "this thing is bigger than we could have ever imagined." The ride home was a silent one and once they'd ditched the ride and the gear the two agents departed for their respective apartments. Paulina assured Oleg that once she got the proper clearance she'd run the audio to him but he didn't waste time calling the home office. His handler, Igor, wasn't entire happy that he'd come home with so little so far and trusted Paulina less than Oleg appeared willing to. Nevertheless, Oleg made a convincing case about the mission. "Look I am telling you, there is a leak in the Empire" he declared, "someone with some mighty impressive military credentials is peddling Russian surplus military hardware overseas for cold hard cash. This leak needs to be plugged." "Well we need a name or a voice or something Oleg" Igor returned. "We've heard this story before and if this was the 1990's I'd be more inclined to agree. I can't tell you how many officer's we arrested for selling surplus Soviet weapons after the fall and reunification of Russia. We spent more man hours than I like to remember in those days tracking all those weapons and people down. Thankfully, though our last case was closed in 98 and we've had only ghost stories since then and the higher ups are tired of hearing about them." "Well maybe this guys was from that era. Maybe he wised up and stopped short of getting caught in the 90's and now feels safe enough to start peddling again." "Well again, unless you get me an audio or video file I can dissect, I can't do anything for you." "Understood" Oleg replied in frustration, "I assume I still have my clearance." "For now, though again, the higher ups need results or you're going to find yourself with a one-way ticket back home waiting at your doorstep." "Understood" Oleg put his phone away and went to his kitchen. Surveillance always made him especially hunger his only problem was, his kitchen wasn't particular being kind. Scratching his head he grabbed his keys and left. A few moments latter he was knocking on Paulina's door who answered with a puzzled look on her face when realizing it was Oleg. "Hey can I come in?" he asked to which she agreed. "I wasn't expecting you" she stated as Oleg entered her apartment. "I've spoken to my superiors" he stated, moving directly through the main room of the pad and then straight to the kitchen. The sound of dishes moving about began to fill the room as he continued. "I was wondering if you had those tapes ready for me. If maybe, you'd gotten clearance for me. I hate to ask so soon but my job here is riding on having something to give to the bosses.....you understand right?" "Well....yes" Paulina stated slowly moving from the door towards the kitchen, afraid of what she might find once her kitchen came into view. She wouldn't get the know as Oleg quickly emerged from the kitchen, taking a seat on her couch a full deli meat sandwich freshly made from her stock in the fridge in hand. He expression of puzzlement turned to contempt for Oleg as she realized she'd been raided. With a boyish look on his face and with his mouth half full, all he could say for himself was "so find anything else out from those tapes?" |
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| Porcu | Sep 3 2017, 10:08 PM Post #41 |
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"Work is the curse of the drinking classes."
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Paulina Attianus let out a long sigh, but any anger she may have felt was betrayed by the welcoming tone of her voice as she called for Oleg to sit next to her. She placed her laptop on the coffee table just in front of where they sat and pulled up a file. The process of transferring the file onto a usb drive was nearly complete, but Paulina Attianus started the audio so she could get Oleg quickly up to speed. "Porcuian intelligence is working through the audio and performing their own analysis. I've been told to provide you with cuts from the larger audio file which have your man of interest, but I thought that you should hear the full thing for yourself." Paulina Attianus said. As the audio progressed Paulina Attianus provided Oleg with details regarding the identity of various speakers, as well as any needed background. + + + The audio picks up during a period of laughter between those gathered. There is a squeak of a chair. UNKNOWN MAN 1: So how are preparations coming along, Valerius Publicola? MAJOR VALERIUS PUBLICOLA: Very well. Recruitment is progressing and nearly 35% of the camp's forces are committed to the cause. UNKNOWN MAN 2 (Almost certainly Parliamentarian Spurius Tricostus Caeliomontanus): That is excellent, Major. Hopefully, it will not be necessary to dissuade the Austrians from advancing once operations begin. MAJOR VALERIUS PUBLICOLA: The Austrians have taken a largely defensive position, although their reconnaissance excursions to the East have grown more frequent. UNKNOWN MAN 3: I assume that that spineless coward [Colonel] Octavius Dona hasn't done anything. MAJOR VALERIUS PUBLICOLA: No, of course not. UNKNOWN MAN 4 (Suspected to be the chief magistrate of Elvegård, Anders Halleraker): I can ask that my men join the Nordic militias further North and check Austrian movements East by harassing their scout parties. MAJOR VALERIUS PUBLICOLA: I would advise against that. SPURIUS TRICOSTUS CAELIOMONTANUS: As would I; the last thing we want to do is provide the Austrians with a reason to move inland. UNKNOWN MAN 1: Domine, how are preparations progressing elsewhere. SPURIUS TRICOSTUS CAELIOMONTANUS: Ah, this is where things get exciting. Of course, we owe a great deal to our comrade - Blagodaryu vas, General - who made much of this possible. Thank you again. UNKNOWN MAN 5 (Suspected to be Russian General): My pleasure. SPURIUS TRICOSTUS CAELIOMONTANUS: So, our Russian friend has seen to it that numerous battlegroups are well stocked and prepared for the initial strike. Our fighters number nearly 10,000 in Narvik, 7000 in Sweden and another 3000 in Denmark, almost 20,000 in Americae Orientalis, 5000 in Quinaranum, nearly 2000 in Avaricum, 900 in Montarorium, 1000 in the Insulae Vulso, close to 14,000 in Araucanìa, 4000 in Viroconium, 700 throughout Polinesium, 8000 in Sumatra Malanensis, 12,000 in Sinae Australi, and about 4000 in Australia. Most exciting of all is our commitment among the professional ranks of the armed forces. My best estimate is that close to a third, if not more, of the Legions will defect. I am less optimistic regarding the aeronautical forces, but the naval balance of power should swing in our favor. MAJOR VALERIUS PUBLICOLA: What will be the primary armaments of the battlegroups? SUSPECTED RUSSIAN GENERAL: I can answer that...Most of the equipment purchased so far has been late Soviet and early Russian equipment. Your battlegroups will be fully supplied with AK-74s and Makarov pistols and will have complement shipments of machine guns such as the PK soon. This equipment has been fairly easy to obtain, but I have also been able to procure close to 400 T-55s, 100 T-64s, and 50 T-72s. Various artillery and anti-aircraft platforms have also been shipped already and more are being prepared. UNKNOWN MAN 3: Are you not afraid of being caught? SUSPECTED RUSSIAN GENERAL: [Laughter] His Majesty has much more pressing concerns than the location of old Soviet weapons. Besides, we are not even sure how many undiscovered stockpiles there are! I am able to continue selling weapons because I keep discovering them myself! MAJOR VALERIUS PUBLICOLA: Domine, as much I am grateful for the help we have been given surely I don't need to point out that we will require better armaments if we are to succeed. SPURIUS TRICOSTUS CAELIOMONTANUS: That is a well taken, but already considered point, Major. The General is providing us with the means to strike hard at our enemy in those first, crucial hours. I hope that even more will join us once our task begins, but I have also planned for a protracted conflict. ANDERS HALLERAKER: And where will you get these new weapons, as I assume our Russian friend cannot supply us? SPURIUS TRICOSTUS CAELIOMONTANUS: If necessary I will reach out to the Austrians or the Brazilians. However, I have full confidence in the capacity of our own legionnaires and fighters. ANDERS HALLERAKER: General, what will you do with all your millions? SUSPECTED RUSSIAN GENERAL: I am saving up for a luxurious vacation in Polynesia. Russian winters can sap one's soul, but those white beaches and crystal blue waters sound like just the cure. [Laughter] + + + Oleg suddenly reached out and stopped the audio on Paulina Attianus' laptop. "What is it?" she asked. "I can't take it any more. Has the file been transferred?" he replied. Paulina Attianus double checked before handing over the usb drive. Oleg wanted to forward this data to St. Petersburg as soon as humanly possible. Paulina Attianus spoke while Oleg moved quickly to the door and finished just as he exited. "Let me know what St. Petersburg's next move is. I'll try to have more info by tomorrow morning." |
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11:33 AM Jul 13