Island 35 (Open)

[Yalkan]

10:34 A.M.
Somewhere in the Phoenix Sea

The hundreds of screens illuminating the room washed everyone in a cold white light. Zlatousek watched each one in turn carefully. His staff worked silently observing others through the many cameras that populated that complex. There were even a few points that required a radio call in for verification. Certain parts of this floating fortress were off limits. For good reason. Zlatousek knew the risks involved with serving aboard this facility. The arsenal it harbored was the deadliest man had ever devised. A den of nuclear warheads and the ballistic rockets to carry them halfway across the globe.

Obviously the security of such a facility couldn’t be left to the meatheads in the army. Sure having bodies was nice, but their solution was to shoot everything. It was why A.P.б* was there. Why Zlatousek was there. He and his team were in charge of maintaining a constant state of alertness over the entirety of the floating fortress. Every man and woman was watched. Every second accounted for. Zlatousek prided himself on running a tight ship, despite there being a rushed deployment. Even better was that he didn’t have to answer to anyone except for the Secretary. It made it easier to incorporate the methods necessary for maintaining such diligence. Though technically there was the Marshal, but that was another matter. He could handle the rowdy man. It was all a matter of pointing out the advantages without pointing out the inadequacies of his ‘boys’.

A staff member entered the room and tapped him on his shoulder to tell him something discreetly. He leaned to hear them whisper and was handed a manila envelope. He tore it open only to see what he dreaded.

“Really? A test so soon? You confirmed with the Marshall?” he asked the attendant only to receive a shrug in response, reaching for a phone on the desk nearest to him. He dialed a number quickly. There was no tone.

“Get me Bealy, it’s Vishnyovsky,” he waited for a moment.

“Ah Mister Secretary. Is it true? A test now would be highly unorthodox. We’ve barely had time to secure-,” he paused.

“No, No of course we’re more than capable.” He paused once more.

“I’m glad you hold us in such high esteem. We will make her proud with our diligence.” He hung up the phone. He pinched his nose. The Marshall was going to have a field day.





*Агентство разведки и безопасности, Intelligence and Security Agency

 

[Prydania]

Lyst Hansen waved to his co-worker as he returned from one of the radar arrays...or at least Nikolai Mishkin waved to his co-workers as far as they were concerned. His cover was holding...at least he thought it was. He'd been working all day, clearing bugs from the radar system...at least that's what he'd been tasked with.

In reality the ÖSU Skuggi Agent had been using the system as a roundabout way to sabotage the base's ICBM silo doors. The scheduled test would fail- and it would serve as a test for his cover. So far he'd gathered information. Nothing else. Hell, the Fussians may have even let him do it, if they wanted the Luscova Pact to know about the ICBM capabilities. It was still possible the APб was onto him. Now though...they'd come for him if they knew. If not, and the tests failed without his capture? He'd be safe. At least for a little while.

 

[Vixen]

"Sir, advise you divert 25 degrees starboard to avoid a collision."

Captain Price looked up from the console, "Mason, we are literally in the middle of the ocean, and the radar is clear for the next 200 miles."

Ensign Mason looked surprised, but maintained his bearing as he reasserted himself. "There's no way sir...RAPTOR reported visual confirmation of a large obstacle dead ahead at 150 miles before they landed. See for yourself," he insisted, holding up a tablet.

After inspecting the photo, it was Captain Price's turn to look surprised. "What the hell is that thing? All navigation systems show open sea ahead. Let's try to make radio contact."

"Unidentified vessel, this is HMS Harmony, NC-1, 150 miles at bearing 350. Advise you divert 25 degrees starboard to avoid a collision."

 

[Yalkan]

12:23 A.M.
Somewhere in the Phoenix Sea

Private Reszke had reported the radio transmission. He had translated it to the best of his ability. His lieutenant stared back at him as if waiting for the obvious to happen. The private could only stare back in turn, unsure of what to do. He hated these sort of moments. It made him feel stupid.

“Well?”

“Well what sir?” he flinched.

“Did you tell them we’re not a ship?” the lieutenant stared him down.

“I was waiting for your order, sir.”

“Yes. Go tell them. Now.”

Private Reszke returned to his station quickly. He adjusted his equipment for broadcast. “This is Base O-35. HMS Harmony, Caution received. Be Advised. We are incapable of such action. Adjust your heading to avoid collision.”

 

[North Timistania]

Sunilda Rugen reveled in the sound as her light fighter screeched at full speed towards the mass of platforms and steel that bulged on the ocean like a cancerous sore. Island 35 beckoned, she resisted the urge to arm her missiles, no one would thank her for starting a war. The gift of steel wings had taken the chosen few who had aptitude into the very heavens, to be a 'Pilot' as the foreign instructors called it was to be one with the loftiest heights of creation.

The Essalanean's had a different name for their fighters 'Sky warriors' and they intended to show the world they could fly just as skillfully as any unhorsed. Behind her, a flight of three other M-346's trailed her as they kept in tight formation

'Sunilda, back in formation! this is a patrol not a game of chicken!' Flight officer Hurg barked over the radio

She eased back on the acceleration and the jets roar began to soften, soon she was back in a tight V alongside her fellow comrades. The flight shrieked past just outside of radio range. Below them, tankers and cranes worked busily.

'Devious buggers, they built this whole thing right under our noses' Hurg muttered in a patchy voice

The M-346's swooped past, close enough to see but far enough away so as not to provoke the Fussian's. The message was clear, the pact knew about island 35 and they would be watching.

 

[Vixen]

Captain Price was less surprised, now. He had heard about Island 35, but had never read too much into it. Now that he had stumbled upon it, he had to suppress his frustrations. The base was a hot topic across Craviter, and its existence intimidated citizens, much to the Princess' dismay. He looked up from his console and called forward his Ensign.

"Mason, tell the shooters to get RAPTOR on the catapult stat. I want a better look at this place, but tell them not to get too close. We don't know what these guys' M.O. is."

"Yes, sir."

Captain price then turned to the ship's driver:

"Adjust heading 30 degrees starboard."

"Thirty degrees starboard, aye, sir!"

--

RAPTOR (Radar-Assisted Priority Targeting and Optical Reconnaissance) made it's climb to 48,000 feet and entered an orbiting pattern around the island, The copilot raised concerns:

"Sir, do you think they can see us?"

"With how fast they put this thing up? Probably."

"Do you think they're hostile?"

"Who knows? Our goal here is recon, and nobody in this situation wants conflict. Not that we know of, anyway. Now lower the focus on that cam, we can't see shit."

 

[Prydania]

Kalety, Syrixia

Babcia's Pierogi sat just outside the city of Kalety, an unremarkable establishment with remarkable potstickers.

Max Heveiti was munching on one as he waited for the guest he was planning on having lunch with.

"Delicious" he muttered to himself before taking a sip of water.

He chuckled to himself, taking a moment to appreciate the absurdity of the situation. There was a structure to their south, in the middle of the ocean, that could rain utter destruction down on everyone. And everyone was going about their day. Himself included. It was a testament to just how stubborn society could be, and yet how close to crumbling it always was.

He sipped more water and munches on another potsticker before checking his watch.
"Subhash shouldn't be much longer" he said to himself.

 

[Syrixia]

Subhash Gopala Das was one of the most powerful men in the Empire, though such a status was not one he particularly cared for. As Pramukh, or President, of the Darshak, he presided over one of the most extensive intelligence networks in the world, and had done so since 1998. Yet despite all that, at the end of the day, he was but a grisly old man who did his job, and was quite particular in doing so. He had served two emperors in his time, first as an operative during the Iterian War, then as a strategist, and finally as Pramukh starting just two years before Surendra II's death from old age.

Naturally, therefore, he had known about Island 35. The Darshak had conceived of the possibility that the Socialist People's Effort Party would construct such a station. Sense was not a strong suit of communists, he had said. The Darshak had been observing the station extensively with the best technology it had available, however despite all this it was deemed too risky to infiltrate. Needless to say, therefore, he was impressed when, only two years after a bloody civil war, the ÖSU of all agencies waltzed in and did it.

Impressedness, however, was not the same as surprisedness. He knew about the ÖSU's history and about his equivalent at its head, Max Hveiti. They were in many ways two peas in a pod. Like him, Hveiti was a veteran intelligence operative. Like him, he was very particular with how he went about his job. And, most importantly, like the Darshak, his ÖSU enjoyed great amounts of autonomy, which Hveiti most definitely utilized. Subhash knew that, in the end, raw resources and power do not matter in the end, but rather, what does matter is how what one has is used. This was an art, and one they were both highly proficient at.

And yet, Hveiti was able to do it with significantly less resources than he was. Needless to say there was only one man Subhash knew he had to talk to about this Island 35 business, knowing just as well that there was only one man Max Hveiti knew he had to talk to about the same. Babcia's, a small family restaurant on the outskirts of Kalety was a perfect meeting point, and plus, these two titans of knowledge could get a fine, rustic Kasov lunch out of it as well.

Despite all he knew of Hveiti, Subhash did not know whether the head of the ÖSU liked pierogi. Today he would find out, he thought to himself cheerfully, then opening the door.

 

[Yalkan]

4:56 A.M.
Somewhere in the Phoenix Sea

The sun hadn’t risen yet and the waters were calm. The Colonel couldn’t ask for more perfect conditions. From the lookout in the command tower all looked well. He sipped his coffee while watching the clock. Most people back home would be waking up for work right about now. He had been up for much longer. One of the perks of being a base commander, everyone needed his attention. He turned to eyeball the suit standing next to him, Zlatousek. The man looked like a walking corpse.

“Colonel Perlich it is almost time, the orders if you would,” Zlatousek piped up, returning his gaze.

“I am well aware of the time Mr. Vishnyovsky, ” the Colonel replied. He disliked working with these A.P.б goons. It was bad enough that Zlatousek held a code key, but he also had to contend with the fact that he and everyone on this facility was under suspicion at all times. He looked again at the clock. 4:59 a.m. He was going to make that walking skeleton wait every second. Then came a familiar voice from behind. “Mornin’ boys. Good day to play with rockets isn’t it?”

Everyone in the control room turned to be greeted the High Marshal, Jasenov Isaacs. A giant grin was painted on his face.

“Attention on d-”

“Oh we’ll be having none of that now,” he interrupted before walking forward to shake hands with Perlich. “These sorry devils treating you right here Pearly? Sniffing your buttocks when you're sleeping?” Nodding in the direction of Zlatousek. Perlich laughed in response.

Zlatousek seemed more perturbed than ever. First the rushed testing. His team couldn't even run the standard checks. Now interruptions. Interruptions he obviously did not foresee. He kept his demeanor and offered a hand to the man, “High Marshal what an honor to have you here. When did you arrive? I was not informed of-”

He only received a condescending look in return. “Indeed you were not. How would you feel if you knew that you were bein’ watched while answering nature’s call? I intend on shitting in peace during my stay. Now then, how are we looking,” he replied now staring out the windows of the tower.

“I was about to conduct the orders sir,” replied Perlich.

“Well then get on with it. Came for the fireworks I did.”

 

[Vixen]

"Tower, Raptor."

"Go for Raptor."

"We've done a few laps and the place looks pretty squared away. Nobody in or out without heavy security checks. Looks like it's capable of launching aircraft and missiles."

"Can you identify weapons types?"

"Negative."

"Hard copy. Return to Harmony and report your findings to the Captain."

--

While Captain Price was bothered by the island's missile capabilities, he was far from surprised. Perhaps what scared him most was the possibility of a cold war.

After making his way up to the comms tower, he was greeted by Lieutenant Skye. She saluted him the moment he turned the corner, and he returned in kind.

"Attention on deck!" She shouted as she lowered her arm.

"Carry on," Price returned, "Lieutenant, we have some natural concerns over this island, yes?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well, glad we're on the same page. I need intel, and I need it now. Get me a line with anyone who's anyone that can tell me about this island. Make it a conference call."

"Yes, sir!" Skye turned to repeat the order.

"Oh," Price added, "Get me the Princess, too."

 

[Yalkan]

5:27 a.m.
Somewhere in the Phoenix Sea

“What do you mean they won’t open?” The Colonel asked his lieutenant with growing impatience. He could feel the Marshal’s eyes boring into him from where he stood.

“The system detected over 600 radar contacts. All registering as fast moving anti-ballistics. The doors have locked to protect the payload, Sir” The Lieutenant was visibly nervous. Perlich nearly dropped his coffee at the mention of missiles launched at the installation.

“Have you confirmed with towers three and four?” Perlich reacted quickly, heading over to a red phone near his chair.

“They have not confirmed the contacts sir. They report only a handful of radar contacts. None of them appear to be missiles sir. Only normal surface traffic for the region. I’m … I’m not sure what I’m seeing on the scope,” the Lieutenant said turning back to his station. “One moment they were there. The next they dropped off.”

“Son are we under attack or not. Is this an instrumentation error?” Perlich asked, now too hovering over the lieutenant’s station. He saw nothing but a few blips as the Lieutenant had said. He could tell the Lieutenant was struggling to piece something solid together for report.

“Contact towers three and four again. I want updates on this. For now the test is over. Get someone to see what’s going on with the array. In the meantime run diagnostics on your end,” Perlic ordered as he came up to the High marshal. “Sir, I apologize for this. I’ll have this sorted out shortly.”

High Marshal Jasenov grunted in response before turning to the colonel, “This is what tests are for. Do keep me informed. I’ll be in one of the dining halls.” And with that the man walked out the room. Perlich breathed a sigh of relief. He looked to Zlatousek who had just been standing in the back. His face was expressionless. Perlich assumed it hard for the man to form facial expression when one looked undead.

“Sir, I think I might have something,” the Lieutenant said behind him. “The diagnostics test has returned something. Not sure what to make of it, but it’s not normal.”

Today was going to be a long day thought Perlich.

 

[Illderia]

A STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF THE JOINT GENERAL STAFF​

0102
15 December 2019
FROM: Kaiserhall
TO: Air Force Base Metternich

TO ALL RELEVANT PERSONNEL ASSIGNED TO STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND

His Majesty's Most Honorable Chief orders Strategic Air Command to begin Operation Wild Phoenix.
Expeditionsgruppe 29 'Falkenberg' will deploy to Cimmeria to help Luscova Pact efforts in the Phoenix Strait. In addition Polizeistaffel 189 and Luftpioniergruppe 93 will also deploy along with the expeditionary group. Stand by for further instructions.

Godspeed,
Kaiserhall Cental Command​

 

[Iraelia]

3:01 AM, At port in Beaune
Gilles Joubert sat on the edge of his cot, red circles beneath his eyes. He let the phone hang loose from it's perch in the wardroom. The table below him displayed one token from home, a picture of his wife and son. He was used to early mornings but this was different. The officer staff on CTS-101 had just received a call from the Grand Admiral of the Navy. On the direct orders of the Directorate, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wolf Packs, including the CTS units of each, were to be mobilized and kept on red alert, submerged, in the middle of the Phoenix Strait.

Details were spotty, but from what he could gather Callisean military installations picked up radio chatter between Fussian military installations in Iteria and what appeared to be a permanent installation in the center of the Phoenix Strait. Fisherman had seen Fussian ships in the Strait in the weeks prior, but the Grand Command dismissed the information as freedom of navigation operations. But the radio transmission painted a far more serious picture.

Supposedly, the Fussian's had created a permanent installation in the center of the Strait, between Callise and Ceretis, and had several thermonuclear warheads stationed there. Their mission was to station a number of leagues away from the Fussian artificial island, remain submerged, arm the thermonuclear warheads and torpedos, and await new orders from Fontaine.

Joubert exited his quarters and exited the submarine. On deck, he saw several tired sailors making their way to the vessels of the 1st Callisean Wolfpack. He took a long breath of the ocean air, and descended into his metallic sarcophagus. He made his way to the torpedo chamber, sliding his key into the first of three ignition chambers. As he exited the room, his First Mates entered and did the same for the remaining two. Before making his way to the Control Room, he glanced at the missile silos, carrying six nuclear weapons. In a matter of hours these devices could wreak havoc on an entire city. Joubert did his best to banish these thoughts. He pulled out his cross and said a prayer for peace. Then, with bated breath, he entered the Control Room.

"Wake the crew. We've got work to do."

8:00 AM, The following declaration is issued to international media

An Official Communique from the Department of Foreign Relations​

It has come to the attention of the Grand Command of the National Defense Force of Callise that the Fussian Military has constructed a permanent military installation in the Phoenix Strait.

In addition to this being a complete violation of the sovereignty of all entities adjacent to the Phoenix Strait, this decision directly threatens commerce among the free nations of Craviter.

Last night, after an operation by Fussian military which shall remain classified, a unanimous decision of the Grand Command and the Directorate mobilized three Callisean submarine wolfpacks armed with thermonuclear warheads and nuclear torpedos. These wolfpacks are now in place at an undisclosed location within striking range of the installation.

Fuss has 180 days to completely disarm the installation. If they fail to do so, Callise will launch its nuclear arsenal. If a single Callisean vessel is damaged, Callise will launch its nuclear arsenal. If Fussian ships approach a Callisean Vessel, Callise will launch its nuclear arsenal.

The decision lies with Fuss.

Before the publication of the above statement
Dupont smiled as he read the finished statement. He handed it to a press secretary for dissemination to the public before returning to his private study. The General Court would meet within the hour, but before he could preside, he needed to send one final letter. Something personal and something private. Something away from the prying eyes of the media. As he finished the message and sent it to the press secretaries for dissemination, he smiled to himself. If this could work, it would be the defining moment of his Directorate. And with that, he put on his coat and made his way to the General Court

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Comrade Buschyemi,

You must forgive my antics in the press. I understand the concerns your great nation have and the interests you must protect in the Phoenix Strait, but I cannot allow any harm to come to Callise or her people. However, I believe that it is in both our nation's best interests to settle this matter behind closed doors. We redacted information from our public statement for a reason and we'd like to discuss those very operations as soon as possible. We have contacted members of the Esroniet government who would be happy to host us and our respective delegations for deliberations. The Callic Crusher, Callisean heavyweight champion, is scheduled to fight Armand Gallouis on the 10th of December in Esroniet. Perhaps we could attend the fight and then begin deliberations? I hear the Callic Crusher would even be willing to see us personally before the show. Regardless, the decision lies in your hands. Do the right thing.

With Regards,
Leopold Dupont
State Director of Callise

 

[Vixen]

10:13 AM
Royal Palace Throne Room
Royal Palace of the Equestrian Commonwealth

-----

"Princess!" A shout was heard across the throne room after somebody had come barreling through the doors. "Please pardon my lack of professionalism, but I have urgent information. Royal ears only."

Princess Lustre Dawn looked up from the paperwork she was completing. It was a lovely morning and she didn't have any meetings scheduled for this morning. At least, she didn't think so. She wasn't late for something, was she?

"Miss Lily? Please, come forward. Whatever is troubling you this much must be important."

Lily, the personal advisor and and secretary to the Princess, stepped forth. "There....there has been an urgent development regarding Island 35, your majesty. Callise issued a statement this morning regarding nuclear-based deterrence. Here, I brought a transcript," she continued as Princess Dawn began to read it, "we are still working to establish communication networks with nearby intelligence agencies, but this threw a few wrenches into the works."

"Quite troubling, indeed... if Fuss is brash enough to create a military base on open waters, then they may be brash enough to test Callisean resolve. Nuclear launches would plunge all of Eras into dark times, so something must be done."

The Princess stopped for air and time to think.

"See if you can get in contact with Syrixian intelligence. They may still be upset about the Phoenix Union, but I hope they can still help us. We'll need the backing of multiple governments to force Callise to back down and attempt a more diplomatic approach."

"What about Equestrian ships? We have multiple vessels in that area," inquired the secretary.

"The Callisean Navy ought to leave them be. We've been quiet observers thus far, and I don't intend to change that any time soon. The quieter we are, the easier it is for us to gather information. Notify the Council and Department of Defense immediately, and have them issue a statement. Dismissed."

-----

Spoiler: Official Statement from the Equestrian Commonwealth

Royal Order to Cease and Desist
​

It has come to the attention of the Royal Council and the Department of Defense that the Callisean military has deployed to the military installation known as Island 35 with nuclear payloads on board. Given the context of the statement issued by the Department of Foreign Relations of Callise, it is of high concern that these payloads may be deployed.

Due to the civilian safety risk imposed by the deployment of nuclear payloads, the presence of civilian and foreign military vessels in the affected area, and the apparent willingness to utilize a nuclear payload in a peacetime situation, the Royal Council has found it necessary to request that the Callisean military reconsider their approach to this situation, and begin diplomatic talks with affected nations in an attempt to reach a peaceful solution.

In the event of combat, all Commonwealth reserves will be activated.

 

[Yalkan]

11:56 a.m.
Fraada*, Ozky, Fuss


Buschyemi read the letter over again once more. It was a surprise to be sure, but he knew this would eventually happen. The statement made by the Callisean Government was one of notable concern. A concern that had dominated conversation within committee. This letter however painted a new picture and presented an interesting opportunity. One that avoided conflict. One that could forge a new relationship. One that could end with Callic Crusher’s personal phone number. So many positive outcomes.

Buschyemi stood from his leather chair to stare out of the window. He held the letter tightly in hand. The committee would not agree to such backdoor dealings. They would also not understand his need to attend such a meeting. He could hear their comments now.

“We should release our own statement!”

“I told you this project was a bad idea!”

“Who the hell is the Callic Crusher?”

This would have to be done on his own. And without their knowledge. He returned to his desk and picked up the phone. He dialed the Foreign Secretary's office hoping that the man wouldn’t actually be at his own desk. It rang until someone answered.

“Hello, this is Mr. Palisnky’s office for the Foreign Ministry. He is currently in a committee meeting. This is his assistant Lana Sholokhov. I can take a message or schedule a callback,” a soothing woman’s voice answered.

“Ah good, just the woman I wanted to hear from. It’s Stephan,” the Premier Chairman responded. “Where is he really Lana? Still passed out drunk on his own doorstep? He wasn’t in the meeting you speak of,” He chuckled at the thought.

“You know I won’t say. I already share enough about the poor man. Leave him alone will you. You make him a nervous wreck. Anyways what can I do for our most esteemed chairman. The news is abuzz with your name. How very modest of you.”

Buschyemi could hear the thick sarcasm in her voice. He always liked that about her. She was bold and daring. Most people hardly ever told him a joke. Then again most people aren’t ex-A.P.б agents. If she wasn’t half his age he would have tried to marry the woman. He cracked a smile as he stared at the letter still in his hand.

“I need someone of your skill set and subtly to accompany me to a wrestling match in Esroniet,” he said, barely concealing his excitement. “For protection of course.”

“Of course Premier Chairman…and did you say wrestling?”

“Yes there will be match that I will attend whilst meeting with a certain head of state”

“Ah yes yes, but… the wrestling. Is it the real kind or the fake kind,” said Lana pushing her questioning further.

There was a clear pause for noticeable period of time. Buschyemi finally broke the silence,

“It’s all real Lana. Clear your schedule for the next week.”

He hung up the phone. Making peace and meeting stars. He sat down in his chair and leaned back. All things considered not a bad start to his term.

---

*Fraada is the large Fussian government bloc the holds the congress and committee buildings.

 

[Prydania]

Max had set his drink down while he picked up a newspaper. He scanned the sports section- Imperial association football was always an exciting affair- while he waited, occasionally glancing up at the door as people entered. Soon enough Subhash Gopala Das came through. He unassuming in appearance, like Max would have been had he not worn one of the Skandan shirts he was so fond of.

"Subhash!" he said with a smile as he set the newspaper down. He liked his Syrixian counterpart. He understood him.
He munched on a potsticker as he approached the table. He knew exactly what Subhash wanted to discuss. What intrigued him was how. Talking about Island 35 was one thing. He suspected Subhash, however, wasn't interested in merely sharing notes on Island 35. He wanted to know how. How the ÖSU got in. He smiled to himself about that. Subhash was going to be disappointed.

Sill, he was looking forward to the meeting. And the day seemed to invite it. The country sky outside was calm, if just a bit overcast. And with a wind blowing across the landscape, ominous enough to make one thing of some distant yet approaching danger.

 

[Vixen]

0630
Vanguard Intelligence Center
Undisclosed Location

Chase was tired.

Scratch that.

He was exhausted.

After the morning briefing with the Princess, he had been tasked with assembling Vanguard and getting to work on Island 35. All they knew was what they found via HMS Harmony and public statements. They didn't have a man on the inside, but they had friends in high places who may be able to help them.

Chase wondered if they would, but it couldn't hurt to make the phone call, nonetheless.

He sat down at his terminal - here, he had encrypted connections with the intelligence agencies of every Equestrian ally - and began to type.

Spoiler: ENCRYPTED MESSAGE TO THE DARSHAK

Dear Mr. Subhash,

Good morning, friend. Surely you know why I am writing you.

Tensions are only rising in the Phoenix strait, and doubtless the location of Island 35 is as concerning to you as it is to me.

Vanguard would like to collaborate with the Darshak to learn more about Island 35 and steps we can take towards its dismantlement. While our nation is officially neutral, we are open to all avenues. This includes sabotage.

I eagerly await your response.

 

[Yalkan]

4:05 p.m.
The Iron Bowl, Cate De Vatre, Esroniet
95 hours after test


Buchyemi could feel the vibrations of the crowd even in the box seats that he currently sat in. This sport always endeared him to the excellence that man could achieve. Whether it be in the ring or in the pages of history. He personally would opt for the ring, but he’d settle for history. His lack of youth had left him with no choice anyhow. The Callic Crusher was making his way to the ring. Buchyemi attempted to play it cool in front of Lana, but his giddy excitement was starting to leak forth. How could one remain calm when The Crusher himself was about to get sweet sweet revenge on Armond Galloius. They had been close once. One of the best tag teams of the arena. The Callise Violence Connection was unstoppable. It all changed in October, when Armond abandoned his long held brother in arms. And for what. Money? The idea made Buchyemi almost spit in disgust, but he noted he was in the presence of a lady. Lana did then speak up.

“So why are they talking to each other, shouldn’t they be...wrestling now?,” she asked, trying to understand the spectacle before her.

Buchyemi chortled in response, “No my dear. He is letting Armond know in front of everybody that he will be finished. That way nobody roots for him. That is their power. The people. Take it away, they fail!”

“Uh huh, right.”

---

4:45pm
Cate De Vatre, Esroniet


“I wish you took an actual detail instead of just me,” Lana told the Premier bluntly, as she piled into the taxi. She gave the driver the address whilst the Premier himself also struggled with a seatbelt.

“No, no, that would take weeks of scheduling and besides we’ve had good time have we not? I thought the ferris wheel ride yesterday was pleasant! The views!,” Buchyemi responded as he had his own wrestling match with his seatbelt.

“You gotta pull it really hard,” the driver said in a thick Esroniet accent.

Buchyemi did so and ripped out the belt and broke the strap. He stared at the driver’s reflection in the rear view mirror. The driver coughed and put the tiny taxi into gear and started making his way.

“Let’s hope this meeting goes better than that match and this ride,” Lana said with a wide smile on her face.

---

5:00 p.m.
The Grand National Hotel, Cate De Vatre, Esroniet


Buchyemi tapped his foot as they rode the elevator. He had a bottle of fine Esroniet wine in one hand and a bouquet of white magnolias. The tall security guard in the elevator made him nervous, but Lana made him feel a bit more safe. All the security had always made him feel like an attack was about to happen. Just nerves about the meeting he supposed. Meeting with Leopold Dupont the Director of State for Callise alongside Marc Levett the Director of Foreign Relations for Callise, these two men would determine the future of Fuss. The elevator ding made him flinch out of his inner dialogue. The tall man in a black suit spoke into his radio, probably to announce his arrival. Both Buchyemi and Lana made their way to the end of the hall to a double door. Two more men in black suits stood at the entrance.

“Well I suppose this is where you stay Lana, now don’t misbehave and break these fine gentlemen,” the chairman. Lana scoffed and took a post in the hallway. One of the security detail opened the door and allowed Buchyemi inside.

---

7:23 p.m.
The Grand National Hotel, Cate De Vatre, Esroniet


Buchyemi came out of the suite rather quickly, power walking towards the elevator and signaling Lana to join him immediately. She quickly put her cigarette out on the glass-like marble floor and rushed to catch up.

“So? How did it go?” she asked as the premier mashed the elevator button.

“Good news is that we get to avoid thermonuclear war for another day,” the Premier responded bluntly. He was still tapping his foot staring at the ground as if lost in thought. The doors opened in front of them.

“That’s...good, you make it sound bad,” Lana responded as she leaned on a railing in the elevator. “What’s the bad news?”

“Their ultimatum still stands, I thought they were bluffing with their evidence, but no. They are willing to go public and better yet stand their ground. We need to get to the airport immediately.”

“Sounds like building a fortress off their coast was a bad idea then,” she quipped whilst shrugging.

“Enough of that! I tried explaining the circumstances. That it was for deterrence only! My charm was clearly lost on them.”

“Oh yes it was your charm they failed to see,” Lana stifled a laugh before it consumed the elevator.

“They have been generous however. If we hurry we can make the best of this. Reality is what you make of it as they say,” Buchyemi said with a firm voice.

“Who says that?”

“Enough of the commentary Lana!”