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| The Kursk Affair... | |
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| Topic Started: Mar 28 2016, 01:26 PM (164 Views) | |
| NRE | Mar 28 2016, 01:26 PM Post #1 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Kursk, East Draxis.... Posted Image The claiming spring air whisked through the window of the Chairman's office. Alexander Doroshenko, chairman on the East Drax government, was clearing some papers from his desk when he looked up to see his brother Marco entered the room. "Ah Marco, it good to see you" Alexander stated as he came from behind his desk to embrace his brother. "How are things at the trade ministry?" Alexander had used his influence in the government to get his brother a low-level job with the trade and economics ministry. Since that time, Marco had impressed his superiors enough to make him an official representatives to talks with big-business. Most of his work the last year or so had put him on not-stop trips between East Draxis and Russia, East Drax's biggest importer of jobs in the current market. "Things are good but then again I would be surprised if the Chairman of the country was unaware of this" he stated with a chuckle. "Ok you got me" Alexander confessed, "forgive me for the idle chit-chat but please, how are you?" "I am good, business is good, and I would not have imagined I'd have seen as much as I have so soon in my life. Plus, saving the Emperor of Russia's life has made me a bit of a celebrity up north. The women in particular really like my company once they recognize me if you know what I mean brother" Marco nudged his brother with his elbow as he finished his sentence. "Yes well I can imagine my little brother would be enjoying that the most" Alexander stated as he went back around his desk to finish cleaning up hi papers. "To what do I owe the visit?" "Can't a brother just come by to say hello?" Marco stated, to which Alexander replied with a less than convinced look. "Ok, ok I wanted to say good luck for tomorrow. I know it is a big day for you, a big day for all of Draxis. This new treaty with the Russian Empire will secure much needed economic aid as well as cement trade relations between our two countries for years to come. Plus it will certainly be an added boost to your poll numbers come the start of the election season next month." Alexander stopped momentarily from shuffling his papers to look up at his brother. "You are going to be there tomorrow are you?" Alexander asked with a look of concern on his face. "This is a big day for both of us and I thought I'd have you by my side..." "I've been called to Saint Petersburg for further negotiations, we've almost completed a major grain deal and I just can't say no" Marco said, his voice cracked a little with regret. "Besides, I will only be gone a day or two and when we get back I'll take you out to celebrate. I am sorry brother but you understand don't you? The business of the state is important, we're building a brighter future right?" Alexanders look of disappointment slowly melted away. After all, he understood that his brother wouldn't be leaving if he did not think the trip was important. Plus, it was nice to see that his quick-tempered, impulsive little brother was becoming a responsible, sensible young man. Their parents would be proud, he was proud. "Of course Marco, I understand and I am just thankful to still have you to share in these events. I should think mother and father would be proud of us no?" Marco nodded in agreement at both men looked at a family photo Alexander kept on his desk, faded a bit by time and war. "No I will indeed take you up on your offer as soon as you get back no less" Alexander stated half-jokingly to Marco. "So when do you leave?" "I leave this afternoon" Marco stated, "I have a late afternoon meeting which, afterwards, I have been invited to dinner with Prime Minister Kondakov....." Marco stopped mid sentence when he noticed to disapproving look that Alexander was giving him. "Now brother stop that this instance" he continued. "I don't understand why you do this ever time that Prime Minister is mentioned in a conversation between us." "You know how I feel about the Prime Minister" Alexander replied, somewhat harshly. "I don't like the man, I just don't think he is someone this family should trust as openly as you do. The White Guard party is very conservative, and very nationalist. I am sure if it were up to the Prime Minister and his party, Russian troops would be parading down the streets of Kursk this very moment and hoisting a flag up the flag pole outside my office." Alexander declared. "You know, it wasn't too long ago you were telling me that very thing and I didn't believe you and sure enough, it happened." "I was an impossible youth with wild ideas" Marco stated. "I was hot-headed and suspicious of everything but you taught me otherwise. You said we could trust the Russians so long as they worked with us, which they have. We still have our autonomy do we not Alexander? The Russians don't want to conquer us, they want to cooperate with us. After all, we still have the threat of terrorism from those invaders in the Crimea." "I imagine that's what the Prime Minister has been telling you yes?" Alexander retorted. "Oh now come on Alexander, you yourself believe it too or you wouldn't have our security forces working to help the Russians spy on them. We both know they are a threat and Russia has been more than willing to help us with that threat. You seem to think the Prime Minister is trying to play us against one another but need I remind you he became friendly with this family long before he became Prime Minister. He was a deputy in the Duma when we met him and wanted nothing of us but our friendship. He's a good man Alexander, a bit harsh perhaps, but that's what Russian politics do to you. He has never once asked me to influence you in any way when it comes to relations between Draxis and Russia." "Alright, alright Marco" Alexander stated finally, both hands half raised . "I don't mistrust the Russians, I am just cautious that's all. We have only now begun to create a stable government and I just don't want anything to jeopardize that, that is all." Alexander replied. "Drax and Russia have shared good relations in the past and I am not a fool. I know playing well with the Russians in good politically and economically for us. That is why I am signing the cooperation treaty with their Prime Minister tomorrow. Together, it will allow for easier trade between us as well as travel while at the same time, ensuring Drax sovereignty. I still have reservations for the man personally, but if you trust I can at least tolerate him, if only for you my brother." "Thank you Alexander" Marco replied, "now please let us not sour the moment any longer. After all I will be leaving to catch my train soon." "Can I take you to lunch before you leave?" Alexander questioned. "I would enjoy nothing more brother" Marco replied. Alexander filed the last of his papers away before patting his brother on the back and the two men exited his office. Later that night in Saint Petersburg, Russia.... Posted Image Marco Doroshenko entered the luxurious restaurant more than a bit tired. The only thing he truly loathed about his job was the meticulous attention to detail that all Russian businessmen seemed to adhere to. Picking a day was one thing but having to give complete assurances that a delivery schedule was adhered to, to the very minute, was a little absurd to him. Regardless, the meeting went otherwise as planned and he was thankful he only had one more day of it and could go home for some much needed rest. Tonight dinner was another pleasure he'd been looking for and after giving the man his name at the door he was quickly lead into the dinning room and to the table of Vladimir Kondakov. Rising from his seat the Russian Prime Minister greeted Marco with the most traditional of Russian hellos, with his thick and bellowing voice rising from his robust physic offering him the empty seat at this table. "Marco my boy its good to see you, can I take it that life is still treating you as it should?" Vladimir asked as the waiter poured Marco a drink. To the Prime Minister Marco was a bit of a son he'd never had and after meeting the young man shortly after having place himself in front of a bullet meant for the Emperor, Vladimir was confident that Marco was destined for greatness. "It is Prime Minister Kondakov, it is. My travel was a pleasant one and the meeting was a productive one. I am sure, though, you of all people can understand when I say I am thankful to finally be a dinner." "Of course, of course" the Prime Minister returned. "I know how Russian businessmen can sometimes be so....dull. An please, if I have told you once I have told you a thousand times to call me Vladimir." "With all due respect Prime Minister, you are after all the leader of one of the most powerful governments of Europe and I little more than a messenger to a ministry, the least I can do is afford you the respect you deserve in thanks to this meal and your company." "See Marco that is why you are a man going places "Vladimir stated with a smile as he took a sip of his drink. "You respect the honors of tradition and understand the proper time and place to use it. The Drax are lucky to have such a statesman as yourself, you will make a fine leader of your people some day and dare I say, a man history will account as a founding-father of the modern Drax people." "Though I appreciate the vote of confidence, I am happy to serve under the leadership of my brother. He is the chairman the Drax deserve and need. He has the leadership and foresight I dare say I simply do not have yet. I am more than willing to do my part under his government than fancy such illusions of creating my own." "You should not cut yourself so short my young friend" Vladimir stated cautiously. "Don't get me wrong, I respect your brother and the leadership he's afforded your people but I fear he doesn't have the vision of the future that you and I have. I have heard rumors he's been in talks with West Drax after all, that the two states could be working out a deal to one day become one again?" "I wouldn't know, my brother and I do not share such intimate details of state" Marco replied a bit taken aback. "If he were though, I'd imagine Russia of all nations would be thrilled to see the Drax people united once more would they not?" "Of course, but of course my friend. Russia would be more than happy to see the Drax united once more, strong once more to stand with us as an ally in Europe. My only hesitation" Vladimir stated softly, intimately, "is what such a Drax would look like. We are just fearful that West Drax has not been afforded the same autonomy that we have afforded East Drax. We are fearful that the inner circle of Quaon have infiltrated their leadership and pull their strings as puppets. We just don't want to see East Draxis absorbed into a greater Quaon state, to be subjugated by those that once believe Communism to be the perfect model of government. Perhaps if your brother were to form a party, to make his ideology more concrete it would ease concerns...." "Alexander does not want to get into party politics at this time" Marco replied. "He doesn't want to have our progress muddled down into a fight between parties. He doesn't want to see our hard work stuffed by partisans, to give an environment that could lead to yet abother civil war. We need to remain united if we are to continue forward and rebuild all that we have lost." "I agree Marco, surely you understand this. Still, you must also understand that your brother's populist platform won't last forever. Why even here in Russia we've heard word of parties forming for the upcoming elections. Communists, socialists, and even a party for the freedom and independence of the People's Republic of Taurica. If your brother doesn't pick a side and unite the people, his complacency will divide the people just as quickly as creating a party would. Divisions are already being made Marco but if you act quickly, you can minimize them, you can still unite the people as your brother wishes. Tell me, have you considered the offer I made the last time we met?" "My brother would not agree to becoming a member of a Drax wing of the White Guard" Marco stated. "It would not be a wing of our party, just an affiliation of the party" Vladimir continued. "We have the financial backing and specialists to ensure a successful campaign. Your brother would set the policy and platform of the party, not us." Vladimir paused, in the course of their conversation their food had arrived. The two men began enjoying the meal sat before them. It was only after several minutes of silence between them that Vladimir picked up where he had left of. "Do you not, yourself, support our party's belief? You told me once you admired what the White Guard was doing for Russia." "It is true I admire what your party stand for here in Russia" Marco said after clearing his mouth of food with a healthy gulp of drink. "Perhaps if I were Russian I myself would become a party member. I just don't think my brother can be convinced to create such a thing for our people at this time." "Marco my boy, and believe me when I say that I mean this with the utmost respect to you and your family, but your brother won't be around forever" Vladimir stated plainly. "He is a good statesman, a great statesmen but one day his number will be up and once that day arrives your people will need someone to take his place. I for one, believe that person should be you and I have since the day I met you. You have a vision and drive for your people's future that your brother never will. Your brother is a good chairman for the here and now, but you...you will be a good chairman for the future. God help your people if they choose anyone else....." The two men continued their meal, Marco saying little else but allowing the Prime Minister's words to really sink in and resonate with him. After the meal, Marco thanked his generous host. "Thank you Prime Minister for the meal and the company. I always appreciate the time you afford me with you and while we may not always agree, I am thankful that we share a friendship untarnished by such disagreements." "I as well my dear boy, I as well" said Vladimir. "Please think on what I have said but do not take it for little more than suggestion. I am, after all, not Drax and cannot say for certain the will of your people. More over, while I may have made illusions to your brother's demise do not take it as fact. After all, I cannot predict the future and in fact pray your brother remains chairman for at least my lifetime if not longer. Drax could do little better in their leadership save, for again, you yourself. I intend to tell your brother as much tomorrow when I see him. I know he and I have not always seen eye to eye nor is it a great secret that he does not highly regard me. However, I do feel he and I are wise enough to see the benefits of a working relationship and that it was I intend to foster." "I am confident my brother feels the same Prime Minister" Marco replied. "Please don't let me hold you up, I am sure you will wish to retire soon for your big day tomorrow." The two men shook hands before Marco excused himself and left. Vladimir then call for his car to be ready and he too left. On his way home for the evening he picked up the car phone to make one final call. "Director Beria, working late I take it" Vladimir stated to the man on the phone. "Good to hear it, I will make this short so I don't hold you from finishing and going home for the night. I just wanted to make sure all my security concerns had been dealt with for tomorrow? They have, good so everything is taken care of? Excellent, tomorrow is an important day for the Russian Empire and I just want to make sure everything goes as expected. You're a good man Director, I am holding you personally responsible for tomorrow. Yes, yes...well good night Director..." Edited by NRE, Jan 24 2017, 05:02 PM.
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| NRE | Jan 24 2017, 06:50 PM Post #2 |
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Map Tsar and Southern Gentleman
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Kursk, East Draxis.... It was a beautiful day as people from all across the city and indeed the country of Drax crowded into the center square. The people of Drax had gone through some much in such a short time that anytime good news came, everyone wanted to witness it first hand. Russia and Drax were signing a treaty of friendship and cooperation, a document that would not only help better streamline trade and other exchanges between the two countries but also confirm for the most hard line nationalists, a commitment from Russia to ensure Drax autonomy. Many felt this was a necessity as they were not interested in becoming Russian but instead preserving their on individuality and culture. The problem was, for this nationalist, they were slowing being matched with other groups, groups that either wanted to see Drax united as a single country, closer the Quaon, or even those that welcome Russia. This group in particular were monarchists for the most part. They were willing to encourage the Russian Tsar to acknowledge his own legitimate claim to the Drax throne. Irregardless to the various factions slowly growing today was not about politics, it was about prosperity. The stage was set and the people had gathered. Cameras were pointed at the podiums when both the Russian Prime Minster Vladimir Kondakov and the East Drax Chairman Alexander Doroshenko took to the stage. The crowds cheer, hundreds waving miniature flags of both nations in their excitement to see the two leaders. Like any good two politicians were, both the Prime Minister and the Chairman took their time waving at the crowd and expressing their gratitude to the overwhelming welcome. When the jubilation began to wane the two men took to their podium. Alexander was the first the speak, welcoming the people as well as the Russian Prime Minister to Kursk before turning over to the Russian Prime Minister. "Chairman Doroshenko, people of Drax, on behalf of the Russian Emperor, Russian Government, and Russian people I would like to say thank you for your hospitality. I am honor to share the stage with you Chairman on this day, a day that will undoubtedly be remember as a day which ensures future generations in both Drax and Russia great prosperity." the crowd erupted in cheer. "Today I have the privilege of signing with Chairman Doroshenko a treaty that will approve greater trade and cooperation between our two nations. Moreover, this treaty will affirm the generations of friendship and good-will relations that our two people have enjoyed. The Drax people have, in the last generation, suffered greatly through internal turmoil and strife. Many have gone without the most basic of necessities as various partisans have struggled for power. That era is, as I understand it, over and now as a new generation begins to take shape in your beautiful country we in Russia are eager to help it on its feet. For a prosperous Draxis is a prosperous Russia. It means a prosperous Eastern Europe and it also means wealth for all people. I sign this treaty today not only as a proud statesmen of my own country but as an honored representative of his majesty, the Emperor. It is is deepest wish that this treaty not only go to help the Drax people, a people for whom he shares blood, but also to ensure a new generation a life of prosperity, peace, and most importantly security. He hopes none will try and undo with guns and violence what we here shall make so through pen and paper." The crowd applauded again as the Prime Minster nodded in appreciation, scanning the crowd and the horizon for the dozens of faces and people before him. They waited for what seemed like an hour but in truth was only a few second before the Chairman took his time to speak his peace on the occasion. They would, once he was finished, sign the treaty. "Prime Minister Kondakov it is my own honor to stand on this stage with you as well, on this, a day that will be forever engraved in my mind as well as my people. Russia has, proven itself in these past few years, a true ally and friend to the Drax people. Your patience and respect for us has been as well received as your generosity and charity. East Draxis has grown as its own nation because of Russian understanding. However, we also understand that to continue forward our people need allies, we need...friends. Without such nations to cooperate economically and diplomatically with, we would be like a ship adrift at sea.... |
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| Whal | Feb 14 2017, 01:24 PM Post #3 |
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"Life is too short to be wasted on bad scotch"
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Kursk, East Draxis.. Jan Himmelsdorf moved briskly through the halls of the abandoned factory he had chosen as his "crow's nest." The old and decaying building which had formerly housed over a thousand workers was now traversed by a sole occupant. For Himmelsdorf, an Austrian, Kursk was a sideshow - a small distraction from the major focus of Europe's gaze. While everyone back home in his native Vienna was bending over backwards to secure information about the turmoil inside Porcu, Himmelsdorf was sent to the opposite side of the continent. "With the Republic falling apart, of course they'd send me to this armpit of the world," he mumbled. Had his mission not been so important, the young Austrian agent would have thrown himself from the nearest opening in the building's concrete facade. At that intrusive thought, Himmelsdorf stopped to question why this building was damaged thus in the first place? He had learned about the civil war which had plagued the Drax, but he had never truly cared enough to learn the specifics and scope of the fighting. Such thoughts returned him to the task at hand. Indeed, this city may see yet more bloodshed, he thought. In little time at all, the Austrian agent made his way from the lobby to the 6th floor of the immense structure. As he navigated the gutted and crumbling building, Himmelsdorf passed by several pieces of damaged heavy machinery that had obviously been too damaged to be re-purposed as scrap metal. He paused a moment to consider a bustling factory full of Drax workers eagerly constructing everything from cars to light-bulbs. Suddenly, the load noises of churning machines and yelling workers was replaced by the fervent cheers of a large crowd. Even slightly less than a half-mile away, the Austrian could hear the frenzied cheers of the denizens of the Chairman's speech picked up over the loudspeakers. "Shit, its almost time!" he cursed, as he ran up the dilapidated staircase leading to his chosen spot. The room Himmelsdorf had chosen was perfectly situated on the side of the building facing the ceremony in the city center. He entered the room quickly and found the large table he had set up in front of partially broken window. Wasting little time, the Austrian agent opened the large case he had since carried at his side and took out a disassembled 50 caliber sniper rifle. He assembled the large weapon deftly, a testament to his training and familiarity with the weapon. The weapon was heavy when assembled, but it was accurate and stable and was ideal for the mission he was to undertake. Once the weapon was propped up via its bi-pod on the table, Himmelsdorf joined it and laid out prostrate assuming the position of a sniper. He dialed in the weapon's sights and adjusted it for the proper parameters; minding the effects of the weather and the rotation of the earth. Once his settings were to his liking, he set the cross hairs over his target. The Chairman was very far away, but the zoom of his rifle made him appear quite clearly to the Austrian agent. A voice rang in his left ear from the headset placed snugly on his head. "Do you have the target?" came a gruff Austrian accent. Himmelsdorf sighed, "I do." "Await confirmation," the voice ordered flatly. Himmelsdorf took his gaze off the Chairman for a moment and whipped his brow from where the scope had irritated his skin. He had no primal desire to kill anyone, yet his skill as the RSD's highest performing sniper had made him an ideal candidate for such sensitive missions. Cold, calculated, and unquestionably loyal, Himmelsdorf was an ideal operative for the Special Activities Division - the Empire's most secretive and elite special forces outfit. For all his aversion to the mission, he was dutifully aware of the benefit of such practice especially considering his upcoming task inside Austria itself. Assassinating the chairman would be nothing in comparison to the Reichskanzler. "Domestic clearance granted," came a reply from the voice in his ear. "Proceed with mission." Himmelsdorf fired before the voice even finished the instruction. The boom from the immense round shattered any glass remaining in the window and left a slight pain in the Austrian's shoulder. A few seconds later, the Chairman's chest erupted in a huge puff of red mist and he flew backwards several feet. A second later everyone in the crowd heard the large boom of the rifle and its noise was beaten by the speed of the projectile. Back at the factory, the Austrian agent had already jumped from his perch and ran to the window. He made no effort to watch the impending chaos a half-mile away, but instead grasped at a string tied tightly to the side. He pulled it hard and the string gave way with sounds of unfurling fabric from above. In an instant, a large flag which had been tucked away on the roof was unfurled vertically and now draped over the windows of the 6th floor. On the side facing the ceremony, the flag of the Tauric Republic was displayed visibly and presumably proudly for all the world to see. Himmelsdorf then soon left the factory. While he was aware that it was the Russian's who had been working in tandem with the RSD, he was also aware that his capture by them would surely mean abandonment from his native Austria. After all, it was the prerogative of the SAD to operate without any insignia or traceable ties to Austria. Every agent was aware that he/she forfeited their right to legal representation by the state when conducting such missions. He had to escape to his safe house and then hopefully his contacts would spirit him away to a safe neutral country. Only time and his training would tell. |
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| NRE | Feb 18 2017, 02:07 AM Post #4 |
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Vladimir stood stoic as he listened to the younger Drax Chairman speak his mind on matters of relations between Russia and East Draxis. While he did not agree with the Doroshenko with whom he shared the stage, he unashamedly did admire the man as a great orator. Ever the patriot and statesmen it seemed Alexander could say whatever he wanted, could talk about whatever he wanted, and he'd have the masses eating ever word. Vladimir had that passion once, had the ability to captivate an audience with only the spoken word. It seemed time had tempered that once great fire that burned deep. Perhaps he'd become complacent in his order age, ahh who knows these things he thought to himself. Still he could help but fill inspired by the words, more the delivery than what was actually being said. After all, the Prime Minister of Russia had grand plans for his great Empire and would need that passion he seemed to have let slip if he was going to led the masses forward. Whether it was the splatter of blood or the faint sound of the gunshot he heard first was hard to say. They say time stands still in moments like this but for Vladimir it all happened in a rush and frenzy. Even before the Drax Chairman's body hit the floor, personal guards to the Prime Minister rushed the stage, covering him with their own person. A few seconds later he was off the stage. He looked back to see Drax security checking on the chairman, picking up his body and moving it quickly off the stage. The ambulance was brought around and he was put on a stretcher before the doors closed. This would be the last time the Prime Minister saw him that day as he himself was being forced in an opposite direction. "Sir we need to get you back to your personal train sir, back to Saint Petersburg." These were the instructions as they moved him back to his car but the chairman kept looking back. "The chairman....was he...." "Sir we don't know but we'll get you information as soon as we get it...." "Very well, but coordinate with the Drax security forces. I want the shooter found and I want them found now" he stated with great demand before entering the car. No sooner had the door close than the car sped away towards the direction of the train depot. It had been closed off to the public hours before the Prime Minister ad ever arrived, the Drax had given Russian forces the lead to securing and providing security for the facility during the duration of the Prime Ministers visit. While the Prime Minister left the scene, Russian and Drax security forces descended upon the crime scene. They first stormed the warehouse but as they suspected, the shooter was already gone. They also automatically took down the flag but not before reporters and other journalists got all the shots they needed to plaster it over the nightly news. Along with the flag the shooter did leave enough clues to give the both the Russians and the Drax somewhere to begin. The speech and festivities had been taken place a little after noon, but by late afternoon the city of Kursk had been almost entirely put on lock-down. All roads leading out of the city now had roadblocks and checkpoints setup as well as a curfew was put in place for all citizens. Schools, cafes, and other public facilities were closed early which would put a strain on the local economic situation but for the short term it put only the necessary people on the streets and that meant the soldiers and security forces. Neither the Russians nor the Drax had much to go on in terms of clues or information on the shooter. Still there were confident that their ability to lock down Kursk had prevent the individual from leaving. They'd search ever building and ever residence if they had to, but they would find him. ________________________________________________________________________ Aboard the Prime Ministers Train... The Prime Minister's train was not unlike the Emperor's own personal train. Heavily armored and armed, it was like a fortress on wheels. Within the interior, however, the personal car of the Prime Minister itself was anything but spartan. The seemingly spacious and luxurious interior had all the comforts the Prime Minister could want outside of his official residence and offices back home in Saint Petersburg. Returning to the train, Vladimir went straight to his office and shut the door, getting on the phone and requesting a secure line to Saint Petersburg. "Minister Orlova I need you to find Marco Doroshenko" "Prime Minister" stated the Interior Minister, "we've already located the representative and pulled him out of his meeting. I can have your call connect sir." "Please" "Prime Minister Kondakov" Marco stated with a panic voice, "my brother....have you heard anything?" "No Marco I have not" stated the Prime Minister "but that doesn't mean anything. I am going to dispatch a military helicopter to pick you up and bring you here as quickly as possible. You should be with your brother during this time." "Thank you Prime Minister" Marco replied with some relief to his voice, "Have you spoken to Deputy Avramenko yet?" "No I have not" stated Vladimir, "I have not had the chance to speak with him yet. I imagine he has his hands busy but I wish to speak with him soon." "You should" said Marco, "Roman is a capable man but he is not my brother. I fear he may need more help than he would be willing to ask for." "I will naturally give him any and all assistance that I can" the Prime Minister returned. "Marco....I know that your brother is your main concern and it should be. However, and I hope you do not take this out of place, but do not forget that the people of Drax need you as well." "I understand what you are saying Prime Minister but I cannot think of the people while I am uncertain about my brother. He is after all, the only family i have left." "I understand Marco, I will do everything I can to help you, your brother, and your brother's government." "Thank you Prime Minister..." ________________________________________________________________________ Kursk at night... Russian soldiers had been called from the border areas into Drax to help with the search. Within ours the city was flooded with them and along with Drax security forces, Kursk was now blanketed with personnel. Feeling confident they'd not allowed the shooter to escape, the two groups now worked in unison to search the city for the enemy. They believed the Tauric agent was hiding in an apartment or possibly a home. There was also a very real possibility he or she was working with others, possibly individuals from Kursk itself. City cameras had caught a few people of interest and most of these individuals had felt to apartment complexes just outside of the downtown area. These were where the soldiers would begin their searches, each taking a building on themselves they would work floor by floor, unit by unit. No one was safe and everyone would be forced to comply with their searches. After all, no matter if you were a single female or a family of four, if you had nothing to hide then you had nothing to worry about. Each building told a different story about the city of Kursk as they soldiers searched through them. One was a more affluent building, with many of the living units being some of the most luxurious living spaces the city had to offer. From the custom materials and furniture to the breathtaking views. It was clear that there was money to be made in the city and certain these individuals were taking full advantage of those opportunities. Most were compliant enough, they scoffed at the idea that a terrorist was in their homes or that they themselves were the terrorist. They let the soldiers in with only a little protesting and posturing. A few were a bit more bold, believed themselves a bit higher above the law. In the end, their actions only ended in them being beaten and handcuffed so that the soldiers could do their jobs. A few of the other buildings that were under investigation were more moderate building, housing the middle class of Kursk. There were more families in this building than the affluent apartment building. The differences in the units varied more as well. Some were very luxurious while others were a bit more spartan. Certainly the divide between the rich and the poor was more evident. There were also more individuals willing to stand up to the soldiers here than in the other building. Many more individuals embolden by the ideas of freedom and protection from an intrusive government. This delayed but did not interrupt the searches. The final few buildings that were targeted were the slums of Kursk, buildings that seemed to be trapped in time. These were buildings that didn't look much different from the time of the city war. Bullet holes, cracks in the siding, and boarded up windows were the primary decor of these buildings. Inside it was like stepping into a whole other world. The units in these buildings were occupied by extended families, many crammed into living quarters designed for little more than two people. It as these extended families that created the backbone or order or "civilization in these communities. The Russian units believed that they would receive the most resistance here given the gang-like environment they were entering. However, the Drax security forces provided a sort of truce between them and the locals. They might be drug dealers, pimps, and general thugs but they weren't terrorists and they refused to harbor terrorists. The searches went into the middle of the night before finally something was found. A few tips, random sighting, and eventually simply being in the right place at the right time got the search team what they were looking for. Hours latter the Russians would say that they suspected the heat was getting to him. Regardless the assassin broke cover when units were closing in on his location. Oddly enough, out of all the places he could have been hiding few would have believed it was one of the more luxurious condominium complexes. Firing on soldiers in the hallway he cut down two men as there was little in the way of cover. The entire fire-fight lasted little more than a few minutes but for those involved it seemed like forever. When the Russians finally stormed the room to capture the assassin they found him ready to jump out the window and they would have lost him had it not been for their own quick timing and thinking. When they began to take the man out of the building the Russians paused and instead turned the assassin over to their Drax counterparts. It was their chairman, their leader, and the country that had been shot and so to take this man into custody was their job not the Russians. The assassin was taken out of the building and put in a truck to be taken to a base camp outside of the city for interrogation. Deputy Chairman Roman Avramenko was informed. ________________________________________________________________________ Kursk General Hospital... The Early morning light began to stretch across the horizon of the city. Marco Doroshenko had spent the better part of the night in a Russian Mil Mi-24 that took him from Saint Petersburg back to his homeland. He'd never seen his brother look so weak, so helpless before in his entire life. Surgeons had done everything they could to help him, hours it seemed in surgery had done very little for the Chairman. Marco was told by the lead doctor to expect the worse and so he sat by his brother's side. He spoke of his mission in Saint Petersburg and how well the talks had gone. He spoke of the weather, he spoke of how much the people loved Alexander. He spoke of anything and everything he could think of to take his mind off the reality of the situation. At some point Marco found himself simply telling his brother that he loved him, that he was proud of him, and that he was thankful for him. If it wasn't for Alexander, Marco knew he'd have never survived the civil war in their youth. When clasped his brother's hand into his own it was cold but it didn't phase Marco. Holding it tight he swore to his brother that not only would he avenge him but that he'd make sure his work was not in vain. He'd make sure that his people, their people, would be prosperous. One of the doctors finally wanted into the room, even if Marco wasn't ready to say it out loud he knew why she'd come into the room. Alexander Doroshenko was dead and it was time that Marco faced that fact. He left the room, his head held low and a loneliness seemed to sweep over him. After all, Alexander was all that he had left in this life. Their parents had died in the early years of the war, the love of his life had died a few years earlier. Moving into the waiting room he took the first seat he could find, not noticing anyone else in the room until at last a familiar hand touched his shoulder. "Marco my boy, I was just informed of your loss" Vladimir stated with a tone of remorse. "On behalf of his majesty, Emperor Ivan VIII, his government, and whole of the Russian Empire I cannot express to you the sorrow we feel." "Prime Minister Kondakov what are you doing here" Marco stated in a somber voice. "It isn't safe for you to be about the city." "Not even God himself could keep me away Marco" he replied. "Your family's well-being is my concern and I came to see about your brother's condition." "I no longer have any family Prime Minister" Marco stated in a mater-of-fact way, in a much colder tone. "Alexander was all that I had left and now....now I am an orphan in this world." "That is not necessarily true my boy, not necessarily true at all" the Prime said as he pointed to the window. "There are millions outside there that would happily call you their own. You are a son of Drax, of this native land that is not unlike Russia herself. Yet more importantly Marco, I would happily call you my own and if you'll permit me to speak casually, I have look at you and your brother for some time now as the sons God has never permitted me to have. Alexander and I may not have always seen eye to eye politically, personally I had a great deal of admiration for him in much the same way as I would a elder son." Marco smirked a bit before rising from his seat. "Prime Minister I do appreciate your interest in my affairs but if you don't mind I would like some time to grieve by myself." "Of course Marco, of course" said Vladimir, "I will be available when you are ready. I have a meeting with Deputy Chairman Avramenko right away" "Chairman Avramenko" Marco stated, "he's our chairman now, has there been any progress on finding the..." "Yes actually, I am told that they have the man in custody and have been interrogating him for a few hours now" "I want to.." "Marco I don't believe that would be appropriate now" Vladimir interrupted. "I can imagine what you're thinking, what you are feeling,,,please allow the authorities to handle this" Marco nodded in compliance before stated "just promise me he will pay." "Of that I am sure Marco, of that I am sure.... ________________________________________________________________________ East Drax Government Building... Posted Image Prime Minister Kondakov entered the East Drax government building and shook hands with the man who would now lead the Drax, Chairman Roman Avramenko. "Chairman Avramenko I don't believe we've ever had the pleasure of meeting before." Vladimir stated with a slight grin. "I only wish we'd have been able to introduce ourselves to one another under much better circumstances than these" "I tend to agree Prime Minister" said Roman. "This is a most grave situation indeed for my people and more country." "Indeed" said the Prime Minister, "I have just been from the hospital." "Then you know" said the Chiarman, "Alexander was a great statesman, and a fine human being." "I agree Chairman, wholeheartedly and while I mourn his loss I also know we cannot allow his dream for the future to die with him." "I agree as well." "What have we learned from the assassin?" The chairman offer the Prime Minister a seat while he himself elected to continue standing. Roman was not yet ready to claim the chair behind the desk and Vladimir could see this in his posture and gestures. Roman picked up pictures and reports and showed them to the Prime Minister. "He's confess to the murder of the chairman" stated Roman. "We are not entirely certain why he did it or how he even got into Kursk." "I think the flag is motive enough wouldn't you agree?" "Perhaps Prime Minister and that is why I am preparing a speech. I am going to speak out against the Tauric Republic and demand that they admit to these crimes." "That is a sound course of action Chairman" Vladimir stated but Roman was not fooled. He could tell by the Prime Minister's tone he was not convinced it was the right course of action. "Do you not this that is the most purdent course?" "Please I do not intend to tell the Chairman of East Drax how to conduct his business." "Prime Minister you may very well know that I am not the same man as Alexander Doroshenko. If I may speak plainly sir, I never wanted such responsibility. I way happy helping Alexander, but now that I find himself in his enormous shoes I feel lost." "OF course Chairman, Alexander Doroshenko is a man that will never be replaced" the Prime Minister responded. "However, do not think that you cannot caste your own shadow in these affairs. Please, I was going to brief Alexander but now it seems only prudent to brief you. Russia has intelligence that Transcaucasia is moving towards the Crimean as you undoubtedly know. What we haven't released officially is that we believe it is a move to get weapons into the Tauric Republic. This assassination could be another piece to that puzzle, to destabilize East Drax so that the Dominionists can move against your government." "My god" Roman stated, leaning heavily against the desk. "What can we do?" "We must strike first" the Prime Minister stated plainly. "You must declare the Tauric Republic a rogue territory and invade." "Our defense forces aren't yet equipped for such an operation Prime Minister, it would be a difficult battle." "Not with Russian support, supplies, and logistics" the Prime Minister replied. "We would not dare allow you to do this alone. East Drax would lead the operation and Russia would assist." "With all due respect Prime Minister, but why help us?" "We for one we see the Drax as brothers, Russian cousins if you will. Additionally, with Drax forces in control of the Crimean, we'd have you then launch an attack into Kiensland territory. We'd launch our own attack from the North and together, we'd drive the Dominionists in Transcaucasia back to which they came, perhaps even into extinction." "Frankly Chairman, Russia needs your assistance more than you need ours." Roman straightened up from his limp posture on the desk. Vladimir's words seemed to have imbued him with confidence even he was surprised he had. "Prime Minister Kondakov I can only imagine that Alexander would met this challenge with great courage. Though I know I am not the same man as he was, I do share his love of country and his passion to see East Drax survive. I will do as you have asked and I will prepare our Defense forces to take the Crimean." "Chairman Avramenko I can see that the East Drax government is in good hands" the Prime Minister stated as he stood and shookthe Chairman's hand. "I will leave for Saint Petersburg immediately to coordinate our efforts there." "Of course Prime Minister, safe journey....." ________________________________________________________________________ On the train to Saint Petersburg... The Prime Minister state comfortable in his personal cabin on board the train. The armchair wasn't like the one he had back home but it was well enough for journeys such as these. It had been an interesting 24 hours and there was a lot to digest. A glass of his favorite vodka in hand, he gazed out the window and watched the landscape as it slowly changed. Drifting in his own thoughts he was vaguely interrupted by a knock at his door. "Come in" he stated plainly, barely looking away from the window. "Prime Minister" stated his aide as he entered the room, "he's ready to see you sir." Vladimir motioned for to the aide, ready to see his guest. The aide exited the room only to be replaced by another man whom Vladimir offer a seat beside him without even looking up. The man took the seat without even questioning it, said nothing and only waited for Vladimir to speak first. "Its funny you know" Vladimir stated plainly, "that a man with all the might of a great Empire cannot in a few years do what one man with a bullet has done in less than a day. I commend you sir, you Austrians are better trained than I gave you credit" Jan only nodded in agreement. "I'd ask you your name but the less I know the better off I am. I imagine you yourself were only told what you need to know for this mission. I will say when my superior told me of this possibility I was skeptical it would work. That is has so brilliantly is cause for celebration." Vladimir offer Jan a drink but he politely refused. "I am told hand our soldier not found you when they did, you'd have been picked up by the Drax. Luckily that didn't happen, you are here and some poor bastard has been tortured enough to tell the Drax what they wanted to hear, never mind how we accomplished that." "We will be arrived in Saint Petersburg within the hour" Vladimir continued, "and I will leave the train with my detail. You will be shown off through the attendant's exit. We've assigned one of our own agents to accompany you. He'll take you to a private airstrip out of town, there is a plane waiting to take you to....The Rif state I believe its call. Its in Africa, I am told from there you can get a connecting flight back to Vienna." Jan nodded "Until then, enjoy the ride for I know I will....." |
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| NRE | Feb 22 2017, 02:00 PM Post #5 |
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Foros, Crimea... Foros is the southernmost resort in Crimea, once the a resort location for the Russian autocratic elite, it was taken from the Empire by the Soviets and soon became a play yard for the Communist leadership. Though a luxurious location it was not a high priority for the new leadership of the Tauric Republic and instead the city enjoyed a descent amount of autonomy from the central government. There was only one official representative from the central government in the town and only a light contingent of "official" soldiers were stationed in the city. For Russian naval command it seemed like the perfect spot the establish a beach head. The attack came at dawn, just as the sun was rising over the horizon so too did the cannons of various Russian ships. Even before the morning birds began to sing the deafening sound of cannon fire rang through the city streets. The Russians spent almost thirty minutes softening the target before landing ships were launched from the ships in the black sea. Dominion terrorist forces were completely caught off-guard and most were killed still sleeping in their bunk houses which were utterly destroyed by Russian ships. Those that remained put up a valiant effort to defend the beaches but in the end it was a useless effort. They were outgunned, out manned, and soon overrun by Russian troops. The tanks came next and began rushing through the streets, up the rocky coastline to the outskirts of the city. The beachhead was firmly established by the time the news began catching wind of the operation and journalists began asking questions to those who matter. At the same time that the Russians were taking Foros, East Drax defense forces supplied by the Russian armed were crossing from the mainland and matching towards Armyansk. They found more significant resistance there than the Russians had in Foros but with Russians to the south, it meant they would now have the enemy fighting on two fronts. ____________________________________________________________ NEWS JINGLE Live from studio 7D, in the RBBC Tower in the Moscow International Business District, this is Russian Nightly News.... Posted Image Good evening everyone, I am Nikita Kulikova and here are our top stories from around the Russian Empire and the world.... Posted Image We have received breaking news from East Draxis, the autonomous state under the protection of the Russian Empire. Once a powerful duchy in eastern Europe, the state has been plagued by civil war and internal unrest since the death of the last serving Dax Duke. Yesterday Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Kondakov traveled to the East Draxis capital of Kursk to co-announce with sitting East Drax Chairman Alexander Doroshenko the signing of a new trade and defense agreement between the two states. However, during the public briefing Chairman Doroshenko was shot and killed, the assassin we are now learning an agent of the Tauric Republic. The Tauric Republic, situated in the Crimean, has been a difficult entity within East Drax, claiming independent sovereignty within East Draxis. Since its inception it has been rumored to be a heaven for a neo-dominionist government and a hotbed for growing terrorist groups aimed at attacking European cities. We have also receiving reports of military action in the Crimean. For the latest we are taking you live to Kursk where now acting Chairman, Roman Avramenko, is making an official announcement on Doroshenko's death and the East Drax government's response. [cameras go live to the hallway just outside the Chairman's official office in kursk, the much older Roman Avramenko stand behind a podium with the official seal of Drax on it. A black armband on his right arm and a somber look on his face.] "Ladies and gentlemen of the press, people of Draxis, and citizens of the world. I have the most somber and saddened duty to inform you that earlier this morning Chairman Alexander Doroshenko died. His death is the result of an assassin's bullet, a consequence the Chairman was always fully aware of but nevertheless determine not to stop him. The people of Draxis have had a turbulent history, one this generation has suffered through. However, with the intervention of Russia and Quaon our people have begun to rebuild. It is leaders like the late Chairman Doroshenko that taught us that something new can come from all the bloodshed and death. That we can pave a way forward without the use of tanks and guns. Only recently have we begun to benefit from the fruits of Doroshenko's labor. Unemployment is decreasing, schools are reopening, and people have begun to enjoy a new level of medical care not experience since before the civil war. A new generation is rising into an age where they won't have to worry about where to find food to feed their children, where to find shelter to raise their children, and where to find clothing to clothed their children. We can thank all of this on the peaceful efforts of Alexander Doroshenko." "Unfortunately for us, his life has been cut short, his work has been intentionally sabotaged and we know by whom. Thanks to the combined effort of our own defense forces and that of our Russian allies, the assassin was caught late last night and has already undergone several hours of interrogation. Though we have much more to learn from this criminal, we know that he is an agent of the Tauric Republic. We know that he was sent to intentionally kill Chairman Doroshenko in an attempt to disrupt the progress he was making for our people. We also have reason to believe that this attack is a coordinated effort with Transcaucasia in order to re-supply and strengthen the Tauric Republic for a renewed attack on Draxis. It is with this information that East Draxis has determined these individuals can no longer be ignored, we can no longer sit aside while a terrorist government operates on our border. We cannot allow Chairman Doroshenko's death to go unpunished. That is why with Russian support, East Draxis has officially declared war on the Tauric Republic government and have launched an immediate invasion. We will free the Crimean from the grips of these terrorist, this illegitimate government that has imposed itself upon the Crimean people. We will liberate them and bring the ring-leaders of this organization to justice for the crimes they have committed against us as well as the people they have subjugated. Thank you, God Bless you, and God Bless East Draxis." |
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| NRE | Mar 14 2017, 12:30 PM Post #6 |
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It was almost a week since Russian and Drax forces had invaded the Tauric Republic with the intent of evicting the Dominionst from the Crimean. Plums of smoke could be seen from almost every direction when one simply took the time to stand and look around. The air was dry and stale, the stench of war seemed to permeate everywhere and, like cigarette smoke, it seeped into everything from clothes to walls. It was an inescapable stench that imprinted on the mind almost from the first sniff and not something people would forget easily. Escaping this unforgiving battlefield was foremost on the minds of the people that once called this land home. Hundreds made the trek and fled the cities and villages, especially along the coast. They did it for themselves or for their families, great columns of people trying to leave. Their so-called government at first attempted to stop them, firing on people and buses that tried to leave. That stopped when fighting became more intense and they could not spare the ammunition for such ventures. Most were escaping to lands held by the East Drax as they felt some loyalty to that government while others felt Western Drax was a safer bet. Along the way the Russian soldiers were met with suspicion by these wayward travellers while they cheerd and commended the Eastern Drax forces. Operationally speaking, the push to free the Crimean was almost complete. Most of the Crimean was free, with only a few small pockets of resistance. The last significant strong hold for the enemy was the city of Kerch. Stalling the enemy near Feodosia, the Dominionst were able to fortify the city of Kerch and use it as their last stand. They had planned on using Kerch as a receiving point for much needed weapons and supplies from their allies in Transcaucasia but now it would be used to evacuate themselves and their plunder across the Kerch Straits. Regardless the whole of the operation was going to take time and that was not a luxury they had on their side. The combined might of Russia and Eastern Drax was enclosing towards the city and Russia black sea fleet was almost getting ever closer to the straits. If their passage way was to fall all would be lost so defending it and getting as many ships over it as possible would be their highest priority. |
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| NRE | May 30 2017, 01:41 PM Post #7 |
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East Drax Government Building in Kursk... Posted Image Marco walked into the office, a room he hadn't been inside for at least the past three months. It seems like only yesterday Marco Doroshenko had walked into the this room to find his brother hard at work only the raise his head and smile at the sight of his brother. Alexander's funeral had been attended by many, including several Russian politicals and the nobility, a fact that Marco believed would have made their parents proud. In truth Marco didn't believe he'd ever return to this office, especially not to sit behind the desk himself but it seemed fate had other plans for the young Drax. A month after his brother's death Marco found himself back into politics, being approached by several from within Drax's own political circles urging him to return to politics and stand up against Roman Avramenko. Though a capable politician in his own right, Roman had his own ideas about the future of the Drax people and while he shared some similarities to Alexander's vision, for most part he was far more radical. This had made him many enemies within the more moderate political circles that would rather have the status-quo kept in intact so long as it benefited the Drax people. So what if they relied heavily on the Russian Empire for financial support, for defense, and diplomacy. Drax's infrastructure was growing to heights not seen before since before the civil war and it was all thanks to aide they'd received from the Russian Empire. Roman threatened this peace and stability with subtle anti-Russian talk and that was what alienated him. Especially now given that the Treaty of Draxis was nearing its expatriation and soon Draxis would fall under the Russian Empire as a complete protectorate. Many of the traditionalist and moderates hoped this would mean that they could ask more from the Russian benefactors and enjoy even more economic success from their friendship. However, this could only be accomplished if they could get Roman out of the picture, out of the Chairmanship. So conservatives and moderates alike began flocking behind a familiar name, Doroshenko but this time it was Marco. Many saw the same greatness in him as they had experience through his brother. Some few were also keenly aware that the young Doroshenko had a personal relationship with the Russian Prime Minister. For conservatives and moderates this was seen as a plus. For the more radical in Drax they used it as a weapon against him, making him look publicly more like a puppet than a man in his own right. Though he'd have never asked for it himself, conservatives and moderates called for a special election. Avramenko had gained the Chairmanship through the death of his predecessor and they called a special election to determine the chairmanship. They used his own weak popularity with the people as proof that he did not necessarily carry the confidence of the people necessary to lead the nation. Roman agreed only the find out afterwards that the opposition was going to put Marco as their candidate to replace him. Marco, for his sake hated it as he had respected Roman. Roman saw it as insult to him personally from Marco, a man he too had seen as a friend and took an early opportunity to discredit the young Doroshenko. He went to far as the say that he was nothing like his brother and had no true political skills, a shadow of the Doroshenko the people truly deserved. Marco couldn't believe that this was the smae Roman he'd called a friend, the same Roman that had been a personal confidant to his own brother. It was slander like that which pushed Marco into the election with everything he had proving that he was just as cunning a politician as his brother had been and shared almost identical political beliefs. Just as Alexander had own over the people, Draz soon fell in love with Marco and in a great sweep he won the election. Now chairman of Eastern Drax he found himself in the same office he'd sworn never to return to as it brought many memories he'd hoped not to relive. He took a seat in the chair behind the desk, thinking so many times previously of what it felt like when he'd sit across from his brother during their talks. He felt heavy sitting in the chair, no doubt this was the weight of the people baring down on him, a weight his brother seemingly carried with ease in Marco's memories. Sitting thinking of his brother, his thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the phone. He picked it up, his secretary on the other line informing him he had a call from Saint Petersburg and he told her to put it through. "Marco, its Vladimir I just wanted to call and congratulate you on your election." "Prime Minister Kondakov its good to hear from you and thank you" Marco replied. "Marco please, you are now Chairman of Drax, I think you can afford to call me simply Vladimir from now on." "I will see what I can do sir" The Russian Prime Minister chuckled before continuing. "I told you before that your people needed you and I think this election only proves it. Nervous?" "Extremely if I can be so candidate" Marco replied, "this is certainly not what I had intended with my life a month or so ago." "I am sure Marco, I am sure. I also know this must be hard for you and I won't bore you with matters of state right off the bat. I had only intended to keep this a personal call to congratulate you and make sure you were still doing well." "I am thank you" Marco replied, "I take it one day at a time but am eager to do some real work now to help keep my mind off of things." "Of course, of course Marco and there is plenty of work do be done I am sure. Again I won't bore you with the details but I hope we can meet for an official visit soon as you undoubtedly realize the treaty is coming to an end soon and the future of East Draxis is a question we will need to answer." "Indeed, can I have my office call yours so we can schedule an meeting." "Of course Marco and please, take your time with it. Well I will let you go but again, if you need anything please don't hesitate to call" "Of course and thank you again" Marco stated, the two exchanging their farewells and Marco hanging up the phone. |
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11:35 AM Jul 13