Within These Walls

[Kialga]

Footsteps echoed across the chambers of the House of Assembly. The lighting was dim, being cast by a single row of ceiling light fixtures down the center of the hall. Here and there the occasional computer screen lit its seat, but that was few and far between. Turning on its heel, the faint shadow scurried between the two rows of desks, making for a darkened computer that sat midway down the row. The footsteps grew quieter as the shadow made it to its target, the faint sound of a jacket ruffling was all that could be heard. As the screen came to life, silence enveloped the entire chamber, the faintest sound of a breath could be heard if one stood close enough to the shadow. Soon, a sigh emerged from the shadow, and the tapping of keys soon filled the immediate area.

The rapid sound of keys being pressed became, soon, part of the background noise. A small click emerged from the shadow, as a USB stick was slid into place. Silence followed - the click startling even the shadow. Once it was clear that the shadow was alone, the air was filled once again with the tapping of keys alongside the occasional mouse click. The shadow kept still, only its fingers flying across the keys could be seen or heard.

Outside of the chamber, the click of a shutting door was soon joined by a clock striking midnight. As the final chimes played, the lights in the chamber completely shut off, leaving only the computer monitor as a light source. The light dimmed as the shadow realized the predicament, leaving a darker monitor still noticeable, but not as noticeable.

Minutes pass as the shadow continues its work, but soon the keyboard grows silent. The screen goes dark, and the room is left in complete blackness. A click can be heard as the USB stick is withdrawn from the computer and shut. Soon, the muffled sounds of footsteps can be heard... the sound moving from the darkened monitor towards the end of the room. A door soon spills light into the room, and the shadow can be seen sneaking into the doorway, closing the door silently behind it. The chamber falls silent, soon followed by the clock striking one.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is Alexina Sartre with Channel 32 News. Our top story tonight brings us to Mira, and a controversy surrounding members of the Hewitt Faction and their three delegates in the House of Assembly. Overnight, several emails were leaked from Delegate Adriana Daviau's account. Amongst the leaked documents included several emails between Delegate Daviau and a correspondent - Isador Seward of the Unification Party of Kialga-Lourti.

The documents revealed a shocking communication between the two politicians, one that has put shock into the hearts of those that live here in Baleine. From the documents, it has been determined that leaders in Kialga-Lourti have set a course of action that will affect the nation in the most shocking way. An invasion has been planned, from L'île de la Lune, to reconquer the lands of Baleine. Despite the resistance that eventually lead to the restoration of Baleine from Kialgan rule, these leaders have decided that Baleine is part of their nation and refuse to recognize the will of the people.
Amongst the documents, it was revealed that the Kialgan government has stationed troops in Qui-ve-Yion, a city which sits directly across the straight from Paltriq. It is unknown how large this potential force is, but it can be expected that this is not the only force that Kialga-Lourti hosts on L'île de la Lune. The Baleish Ministry of Defense has offered no comment to us here at Channel 32.

Prime Minister Simon DeForest has announced that an investigation will be launched today, covering all potential communication that may exist between Delegate Daviau and Mr. Seward. The Prime Minister also announced that, should any forces be discovered in Qui-ve-Yion, or any other part of L'île de la Lune, the Ministry of Defense and the Baleish Military will be activated. He has stated that, should these document be proven accurate, that we "must remove them before a rebellion begins to disrupt Baleine."

We will bring you more as this story comes together, but for now please be patient with the government, Baleine. They are the first line of defense in pushing the Kialgans back out of our home. This has been Alexina Sartre with Channel 32 News."

"What do you mean you lost it?" the irate Delegate growled. There were only three Delegates in the Baleish Assembly who belonged to the Hewitt Party - one of the most despised groups that maintains recognition in the Assembly. Dedicated to following the goal of the late Jasmine Hewitt - to bring back a republic to Baleine, and repairing relations with the Kialgans. Of the three, they went through one to keep in touch with the People's Council of Kialga-Lourti. Delegate Adriana Daviau was the line of communication between the Hewitt Party in Baleine, and the Unification Party of Kialga-Lourti - two parties who formed very minor representation in the legislature of both nations.

"I... I have no clue," Adriana stuttered, "It was locked inside of my email, there is no way someone should've been able to get ahold of it." Her eyes scanned across the screen, avoiding any contact with the Delegate who stood behind her - the head of the Hewitt Party, Caiden Rose.

"Adriana... this is why we use the private server, not this damned public shit that the Assembly 'allows' us to use." His hand made contact with the back of her head. The chambers were loosely filled, groups of Delegates here and there, but none paying close enough attention to the trio to notice. "It's all over the news, Adriana! Our goal has been ruined by this. Think with your head next time." Caiden turned on his heel in a huff, glaring back the rows of Delegates behind him.

"Caiden... it could've happened to any of us, regardless," the third Delegate began. He brushed back his hair and watched Caiden. "You, of all people, should know this. It happened to Adriana because you entrusted her to keep in contact with Seward. Had you entrusted me to, it would have just as easily happened. We must not let it get in our way. They have stationed their troops already, it's just a matter of time." He paused and glanced to the front of the chamber. "Besides, Caiden... just because the emails indicated Qui-ve-Yion, doesn't mean they know about the forces at Kian-de-Viu. Have faith."

Caiden turned to glare at the Delegate. "Victor, you of all people should know it doesn't matter. They'll scan L'île de la Lune until they have exhausted all possibilities. Annora and her goons have nothing better to do, especially since marrying that Marcus. We must tread carefully," he paused briefly, "And keep Adriana away from the communication lines." He sighed. "Get me Rebecka and Dorian, I have use of them again."

With that, Caiden turned on his heel and made for the exit of the chambers, forcing his way through a clump of Delegates. Adriana and Victor turned to each other, a pained look from her to him. Victor grabbed his cell phone and dialed a number. "Hello ... Victor Foster ... Send note to Dorian Aristide - I need to meet him tonight if at all possible ... Have him bring Rebecka."

 

[Kialga]

Rebecka sat cross-legged on the couch, looking curiously around the room. Dorian was supposed to have arrived with her, but he was nowhere to be found. Repeated phone calls had gone unanswered, leaving countless voicemails on Dorian's end. She was nervous in the slightest - Dorian had always been with her when they were called on these deals, and it was unlike him to abandon her with a client this prestigious. Something had changed in Dorian after the murder of Mathias Simonett, and she was scared to know why his attitude had changed.

The door to the room creaked open, causing Rebecka to turn her head. In the door frame stood a tall figure, his gray hair looking ragged. Behind him, two other figures stood, one male and one female. The gray haired man made his way into the room, taking long strides to the desk that sat across from Rebecka. The other two entered, flanking him on either side. The male had jet black hair falling nearly to his rear end, tied in a loose ponytail. The female sported a long braid, bright red in color, that fell to her middle back. Neither of them turned to look at Rebecka, but made their way to either side of the desk as the gray-headed man sat. He sat and stared at Rebecka, dull green eyes scanning her entirety. As she looked back, she noticed that his age was well hidden, but showed through regardless of how much he tried to cover up.

The man cleared his throat. "Rebecka?" She blinked and nodded. "Good. I'm Caiden Rose, head of the Hewitt Faction. This," he indicated to the male, "Is Victor Foster, the one who called for you. And this," he indicated to the female, "Is Adriana Daviau. I'm sure you've seen her damned face across the news recently." A small nod was all Rebecka offered in response. Adriana's head fell at the comment, which caused Rebecka to turn her gaze to the woman. "Ignore her, Rebecka. She's why you're here, but nothing more. You are here because you've been in use by us before. Now, where is Dorian? He was supposed to come with you."

Rebecka blinked and sniffed. "I... I haven't seen Dorian since we fled the cabin outside of Ori after the dual-assassination." She sighed and watched the trio. "We were supposed to meet with representatives from another nation, but they never arrived. It was a lost cause, and we fled the cabin before the Simonett's caught our trail. I fled to Maaki, but I have no idea where Dorian went."

Caiden's eyes watched Rebecka as she spoke. "Well, Rebecka, that's quite the shame. We need Dorian as well," he turned to face Victor. "Did they not tell you Dorian was AWOL when you called?" Victor shook his head with a grunt. Caiden turned back to Rebecka. "Well, I guess I can try to only use one of you. I'd prefer the full duo, but I guess we can avoid technology." Leaning back in his chair, Caiden looked into Rebecka's eyes. "So, my dear Rebecka, how much do you know about L'île de la Lune?

---

Simon sat forward, watching his minister pointing at the screen. The two had sat in this room most of the day, speaking of what had been discovered. The Minister of Defense, Wilfred Bancroft, had permitted a single drone to fly over Qui-ve-Yion. The flight, which originated in the heart of Paltriq, covered the 200 kilometer journey across the Strait of Einfer. Minister Bancroft had taken notes based on the pictures, which were being displayed on the screen. "The Kialgans have, we estimate, only a force of 4,000 or so in Qui-ve-Yion. We have a second UAV en route to Kian-de-Viu. We suspect that the largest force may be in Kian-de-Viu, or somewhere between the two. Prime Minister, we need to do something before they launch on us. We can easily activate the reserves and overrun the Kialgan force at Qui-ve-Yion. From there, launch across the entirety of L'île de la Lune. We might need some help from an ally, to lock down Kian-de-Viu from the sea, but that is dependent on the size of the Kialgan force."

Simon rested his face in his hands. "I do not want to go to war, Minister. And inviting any allies in would spark a war. I want to use the Baleish forces only, and only fall onto our allies should it prove futile." He lifted his head and looked at Wilfred. "Minister, activate the reserves and prepare two forces. Storm Qui-ve-Yion first, and recapture it for Baleine."

The Minister looked at Simon. "We capture Qui-ve-Yion, then we can fortify there. It would secure the Strait of Einfer, which would provide us with a way to support from the mainland and Paltriq. Once we secure Qui-ve-Yion, we could launch another assault from Paltriq. Send the secondary force down to Kian-de-Viu, and send part of the Qui-ve-Yion force across the land. It'll be tough, but we could down it. L'île de la Lune is pretty mountainous, so the land assault will be the hardest..."

Simon stood and turned to leave the room. "Get to it Minister. Activate the reserves and launch. I want Qui-ve-Yion as soon as possible. We will recapture L'île de la Lune from these damn Kialgans."

With that, the door slammed, and Wilfred was left alone. He shook his head and turned to the map. "That man is the stupidest I've encountered," he muttered before beginning to make plans.

 

[Kialga]

Bancroft had moved to Paltriq, following his forces as they made base at Fort Šianoc. The fort overlooked the Strait of Einfer, and to the coast below Qui-ve-Yion. A pair of binoculars increased the viewing distance, but not by enough to plot any major landings. The map that sat in front of Wilfred was the only sure way he knew where they'd land. He sighed, thinking back to the conversation he had with Prime Minister DeForest a mere three days prior. The man quite ignorant when it came to anything involving warfare. There was going to backlash for the invasion, it just depended on what the public knew and did not know.

A young colonel approached the office from the outside, tapping twice briefly on the door. Wilfred looked up and waved the colonel in before returning his eyes to the map. "Minister, our troops are as ready as possible for launch. The tide benefits us at the moment, but we await your call."

Wilfred looked up to the colonel . "Fabian, is it?" The young colonel nodded. "Viktoras Fabian... You've just been ranked haven't you?" This returned another nod from the colonel. "Let us get something across then. Those are your men out there. They look to you before they look to me. I want you to lead these men as a leader, not a messenger. Get in contact with Lieutenant Commander Maciej Sobol and organize the launch. The Lieutenant Commander will be your line getting across, so be careful to rely on his word in the water. Out of the water, you have your goals. Capture Qui-ve-Yion and exterminate as many Kialgans as possible. Once you are good there, send word back and we will begin phase two." The colonel nodded and saluted. Wilfred returned the salute and watched the colonel exit. He shook his head before grabbing his radio. "Colonel, the call is active as soon as you contact the Lieutenant Commander. Launch as soon as you two are ready."

---

The sound of running filled the halls as a tall, lanky figure scurried around the building. "She has to be here," the figure thought to itself as it rounded another corner. The figure remained in full sprint, looking for some source of light emanating from one of the offices. It was pitch black outside, but the occasional hall lights gave the figure all it needed. "Where would she be?"

He rounded another corner and slammed full force into an cleaning lady and her cart, sending them both spiraling to the ground. Picking himself off, the figure took off again, not even bothering to check on the young woman he just ran over. Shaking his head, he shoved through a stairwell door and began down the stairs. Rebecka never left the apartment when he was gone, what changed her this time. Slamming through another door, he stopped and bent over, gasping for air. The residential floor stood empty before him. Each door was closed with a name, yet the floor seemed deserted. He took off at a light jog to the end of the hallway - to a door marked with the name 'Aristide'. Shaking the doorknob, he scowled and scrambled for the key in his pocket. Shoving open the door, he was greeted to an empty apartment. At least, empty at first glance. The television was on, casting light onto the shadow sitting on the couch. "Rebecka!?" he said, louder than he intended. The shadow ahead of him gave off a laugh - not the laughter of a female, but that of a male.

"Rebecka is gone, Dorian. She's off completing a mission that you were to preoccupied to join her on. She's in Qui-ve-Yion, fulfilling her end of the bargain." Pain flashed across Dorian's face. He had just fled Qui-ve-Yion - the Baleish were preparing their armies in Paltriq. He began to speak, but the voice cut him off. "Yes, she's in a warzone, Dorian. And you weren't there to protect her - didn't even answer a call to come to her aid. But fear not, Dorian, she's in good hands. The Kialgans have her safe, especially since a carrier pigeon is good to send back and forth." The figure laughed again.

Hate filled Dorian's eyes and he lunged for the back of the figures head. "Why the hell would you send her there? She's as good as dead you fucking idiot! Why?" The figure stood and turned as two sets of arms reached out to grab Dorian mid-lunge. The figure glared at Dorian, who was pinned, kneeling, to the floor.

"She's doing the work she was paid for, Dorian. As you and I have always done. This time, however, she had to go on without her partner - her lover. Because he was too occupied with gathering information for the damned DeForests." Dorian was taken aback, and his face showed it. "Yes, Dorian, I know. That Prime Minister hired you to gather the files from Adriana's computer. Obviously easy for one of your skill. However, you left traces behind, Dorian. Quite sloppy this time around. And I applaud you for it, because it took several tries to pin it to you." The figure strode around Dorian and flipped the light switch on the wall. The room was illuminated, left in the exact condition Dorian had last seen it in. Dorian whipped his head around to stare at the figure. The pain of recognition flashed across Dorian's face. Caiden grinned, "Yes, old friend, it's me."

Caiden waved for the two guards to fling Dorian to the couch, and Caiden walked around to stand in front of the television. "She's going to die, Dorian. Any second. And she'll die right alongside you. Several thousand miles apart, the two lovers will take their final breath at the same time. It's quite the tragedy, you know? But quite romantic in the same way." He smiled as he watched the pain on Dorian's face. "Yes, Dorian, there is a way to save her... and yourself for that matter. But it's more than you could even provide me."

"Name your price, you bastard!" Dorian shouted, flinging spit across the distance between himself and Caiden.

Caiden smiled widely. His head cocked to the side, and a grin from ear-to-ear. "She is going to remain in Qui-ve-Yion throughout the siege, Dorian. Your goal... your goal is to travel to Kian-de-Viu and send word to the Kialgans about the attacks. Make sure they are prepared." Caiden laughed. "And maybe, just maybe, you can do this right... without switching allegiances again. And maybe you'll save her, Dorian." With a final chuckle, Caiden strode for the door. Stopping in the doorway to be flanked by the guards, he glanced over his shoulder to Dorian. "Stray from the path assigned, and you'll find her dead, Dorian. And you'll follow soon behind her."

With that, Caiden exited the apartment, followed closely by the guards. Dorian was left, staring at the television. Soon, an alert flashed upon the screen, announcing that the Baleish navy and army had begun a siege on Qui-ve-Yion. Dorian stood, and followed Caiden to the exit of the apartment. As he turned to exit the apartment, a tear flashed through the air and landed on the carpet as the door closed behind him.

 

[Kialga]

Bancroft was awoken with the sound of his office door opening. The lights had remained on, though he had no memory as to falling asleep. "Minister?" a voice approached from the doorway. Bancroft lifted his head and adjusted his glasses. Glancing to the clock on the wall, he noticed it was four. Judging by the darkness outside, he easily assumed four in the morning. Shaking his head and straightening up in his seat, he waved the unknown voice in. Brushing down the front of his jacket, Bancroft looked forward, hoping to soon identify the voice. He was soon confused, with a face unrecognizable to his memory. The confusion must've played clear on his face, as the young man ahead of him nodded. "They've been trying to reach you by phone for a couple of minutes, but sent me up here instead. I am Private Adam Zieli?ski," the young man said as he saluted the Minister. "We have received word from Colonel Fabian - the siege of Qui-ve-Yion has been a success. The Kialgans within the city surrendered around midnight and..." the boy was cut off by the ringing of a telephone.

Bancroft nodded to the private and held up a finger before lifting the phone and answering. "Yes?"

"Minister Bancroft, this is Colonel Viktoras Fabian. The siege of Qui-ve-Yion has been a success and we have just finished negotiating terms with the Colonel in command of the Kialgan forces here. The forces in Qui-ve-Yion have agreed to a surrender. Those forces are going to remain inside the city as prisoners until I have your word on continuing to Kian-de-Vu."

Bancroft raised an eyebrow. "Let me get this straight, Colonel. The siege was a success and you have taken the entirety of the Kialgan force in Qui-ve-Yion as prisoners of war?" A look of impression crossed the minister's face.

A long pause was held on the other end of the line. "Not exactly sir. According the the commander of these forces, they once held a force as strong as 5,000 men. According to recent counts, only 3,000 remain in the city with that number including wounded and dead." A long pause existed between the two lines. "Bancroft? Are you there?" came the colonel's voice again.

"Less then 3,000 remain in the city. That means 2,000 men escaped the siege and are damn near likely to be heading for Kian-de-Vu. Get in gear now, colonel. I want you to take half of the forces and march toward Kian-de-Vu. If they held 5,000 in Qui-ve-Yion, I'd imagine the same to be held there. Leave 15,000 of our men under a commander you trust to guard Qui-ve-Yion and the prisoners."

"Understood," the line was cut and Bancroft was left with a dial-tone. He returned the phone to the base and looked up at the private. "I assume that is what you were told to come and tell me." The private nodded and Bancroft waved his hand, "Dismissed." The private once again saluted and turned to exit the room. Bancroft swung his chair around the face the window and stared out of it for a long moment. The Kialgans surrendered after nineteen days, which left Bancroft highly suspicious of what could be awaiting them as they approached Kian-de-Vu. Assuming all went well, Kian-de-Vu would be under siege in the next couple of days and the soldiers would be able to return home within the next month. And under these circumstances L'île de la Lune would be returned to the control of the Simonett family, and Baleine as a whole.

 

[Kialga]

Bancroft entered his office, stifling a yawn as the door fell shut behind him. He approached his desk, setting his thermos onto the surface and looking at the blinds that covered the windows. Stepping around the desk, he tugged on the strings to draw up the blinds and watched them raise. Darkness accompanied the raising, casting no additional light onto the Minister. He stood and stared out of the window for a minute before letting out another yawn. Turning back, he re-approached his desk and moved the chair out of the way. He stood there, looking at the folder that sat in front of him. In a swift movement, Bancroft slammed his fist into the desktop. The items on the desktop shook and the thermos toppled into the floor, the latter bouncing with its lid coming undone and spilling the contents onto the floor.

Pulling his chair up and taking a seat, Bancroft flipped the folder open and glared at the contents. The report detailed the capture of Kian-de-Viu, to which the Minister was already accustomed to the results. It had been abandoned by the time Colonel Fabian and his men had reached it. Fabian had then decided to march to the small airfield outside of Kian-de-Viu - a tip that he had received from one of the muolis - and discovered that the Kialgans had fled once the forces from Qui-ve-Yion had arrived. There was nothing left in the airfield, or town for that matter, that indicated the Kialgans had ever inhabited the city.

Bancroft flipped the file shut and leaned back into his chair. Reaching into his overcoat, he withdrew a cigarette and lighter. Taking a draw in, he exhaled slowly and spun his chair to face the window. He shook his head and closed his eyes. It was already over. The invasion of L'île de la Lune resulted in the recapture of the island. However, it was far from the war he had been told to prepare for by Prime Minister DeForest. He took another drag of his cigarette before spinning around and grabbing for his phone.

He made a quick and simple phone call to PM DeForest - the invasion was over. L'île de la Lune was under Baleish control and the Kialgans were gone. He made sure to note he was going to return to Mira from Paltriq. Bancroft knew he was going to have to make more phone calls over the coming days to ensure the Kialgans POWs were returned to their homes. However, Bancroft had his mind set on getting back to Mira and making any future calls and discussions from his own office. He snubbed the cigarette on the bottom of his shoe before tossing it into the trash can sitting beside the desk. Sitting up, he scrapped the file and several other files into his briefcase before standing and leaving the office.