Thomas Grimshaw

While some may be of the belief that promoting Balder for this position is "for the lulz", I sincerely think that, despite his affiliation with another alliance, he would only benefit LoSS by taking this position. Think about it, we've got a man who is skilled in both warfare and diplomacy, and who gives one hundred percent and then some when he is dedicated to something. Balder is a man who takes his commitments seriously, he doesn't get into something as serious as this "for the lulz" or to flake out. No, Balder is like a Swabian, he won't engage lightly, but once he is in, you'd have to kill him to get him out. If you want a man who will stick with you, back you up, and provide years worth of experience in CN politicking and war managing, you only have to do one thing, Vote Balder.

The sleep Tamburlaine fell into was quiet and uninterrupted. No monsters lurking around every corner tonight. The bouncing of the limo nudged him a few times, but the alcohol managed to sustain his slumber. Her sister’s insistence upon his drinking was irksome, it always had been her problem, difficulty seeing the world from other viewpoints even when the evidence was right in her face. He was still a little hung-over when she woke him upon their arrival in Barcelona, he abstained from a response; morning did not make him a very happy person. Still groggy, he did appreciate her more down-to-earth monologue on the political and military situation of the area; it was less condescending than before. The meeting was mostly the formality of being introduced to the new boss. Tamburlaine learned a bit more than he would have liked to about local agriculture. As for military, he ignored most of the information unrelated to function… …he had plans of his own. By the evening the alcohol had fled from his system and Tamburlaine was more than ready to wrap up the evening’s ceremonies. The city hall was well decorated up until the moment an explosion rocked the building. He honed in on the comments of the General "Your Highness, the Insurgents haven't struck in a long while, this attack totally comes at random. I swear we will get to the bottom of this as soon as we possibly can." “You call this random? Are you some sort of moron? Two members of the royal family arrive and suddenly an explosion rocks one of the most important events they just so happen to be present at? Let’s just pray you have your retirement plan in order General!” That said he found his way to the limousine, following behind his sister. "I hope that your plans for the country do much better than these generals can do. I apologize Tamburlaine, I'm very embarrassed." He didn’t respond. This was too convenient for his liking.

“Loyalty loyalty loyalty, are you afraid I’ll turn into a Rasputin? I can handle myself, but being shot three times in the head after drinking cyanide really is not my thing. I’ll behave. Though, if you could provide a bunch of Swedish doctors and some appropriate prescriptions, that might put both you and I at ease.” Tamburlaine took his sister’s hand and stood, orienting himself with gravity once more. It surprised him, for a revolutionary ultra-nationalist who ran her government with about as much leniency as the fascists, she had a delicate touch. He listened to her final comments and decided, “Ok, ok I’ll be the goddamn king for a few years, get blown up by terrorists and at least the historians will lie for me.” With that, he let her lead him to the back of the armored and outfitted limousine she’d come in, and waited for her to order the driver. He noticed the telephone, television, air-conditioning, radio and yes, bar. “Wonderful, more alcohol, I’m going to be as much of a plastered !@#$%^& in Barcelona as I am right now.”

Tamburlaine let his hand fall from his face as the pain dulled again. Here and gone, like everything else. He pushed aside the issues of his sanity and tried to entertain the idea, kingdom. “So, Spain has some autonomy, which I assume extends legislatively and militarily. This being true and all things being equal, I saw your ceremony on the television. Very pretty, dresses and guns and salutes and sabers. We drive up to Barcelona, or wherever, I put on a nice little uniform and get crowned. Then what? I have free-reign to deal with this insurgency as I please? Or I get to be the,” he spread the fingers on his right hand and tilted it to both sides, "little marionette to my sister the Empress?" he smiled. Though it was beyond his memory, Therese had hated it when he had called puppets anything other than their proper name, the marionette.

He followed her out to the veranda. It wasn’t what he would have chosen, but he and his sister had seriously different ideas of comfort. Upon arrival he managed to attain some form of relaxation by leaning back into his chair. He ignored the liquor for the moment, it hadn’t done him any favors before and it wasn’t going to do him any favors now. He decided to at least try and listen. In a conflict between his followers and his sister’s, he knew the only possible victory for him was martyrdom. And despite her earlier tone, despite the sickness coursing through him, he was not lost; he did remember a time when there had been things he loved. As he listened, he fought through his feelings on any one thing Therese said. Finally, he understood that as his hatred was a confession, so was her guilt. “It’s funny. The sacrifice you made was me, and look where we are. If Aquinas is right then someone has a very sick sense of humor. Even if we hate each other, even if we have no moral legitimacy, we both want a French France. Give me a sword and some 16th century fashion and we’re relics of a by-gone era.” Then she asked the question. “I am sick. In a lot of ways. We can talk all afternoon and not do a thing. I imagine before I nearly murdered someone in front of you, that you had something to show me. Show me what you want, and we can talk then.” Tamburlaine gripped his forehead, migraines again. He just couldn’t tell if it was from drinking, or something else.

Tamburlaine had expected retaliation, though not so much the literal and figurative slap in the face that came with his sister’s entrance. Her surrogate matriarchy was another surprise, though it made sense. After all, she had left him to his own devices for years without correspondence in person or otherwise, guilt was the result. He let his rage subside and shut the door; Therese always had known just how to make him feel like a schoolboy. Ambling into the foyer, he fetched two shot glasses and a bottle of emerald-green absinthe. With the drinks placed at a glass coffee table near several lounge chairs, he waited for his guests to sit before following suit. “Help yourselves,” he gestured to the glasses, “I’ve had a little much myself.” It was upon this comment, that yet another of Therese’s tirades arrived. Pestilence positions and power blocs oh my! My poor sister, self-centered, ego-centric little…his thoughts trailed off into decidedly more unpleasant places. He put his forehead in his hand and rubbed the skin together. Then his head snapped up as she said Bastille. “I am going to make this very clear. I am no moralist. However, you come here with a list of grievances plagues, power blocs, and an offer of power. Yet, you treat me like a dog. You offer the bone, and pull it back. You slap me around, and you threaten me with the gulag. Tell me dearest sister, if this is all because of my supposed moral transgressions, than what is your punishment? You speak so voraciously of conquest, and so proudly of your ethical fiber. Yet, I’ve heard what is happening in Brittany, executions and quarantines without fail. The extent of your morals is that of your power, when you’re backed into a corner you’ll do what is necessary…just like me; remember that.” “Paris was not the extent of my education, Sister. You wouldn’t know that of course. When was the last time we spoke? Fourteen years I believe. Fourteen years in a hell of narcotics and sycophants and ghosts around every corner. I am not the [i]boy[/i],” he spat the word out like poison, “that you remember. I am not kind and I have no qualms about that. The only reason you are here now is because you need me, because I am the only man who can get the job done the way it needs to be. If you wanted me in Bastille, I would be, and the next day it would be under siege. I may not be a king Therese, but as far as my milieu is concerned, I am to be treated as one.” “As for drinks and civilized customs, if you would like, we can take this conversation where you feel most comfortable, but we are hardly civilized.”

Typically, Tamburlaine’s morning routine was an intensive upper body and abdominal work out followed by running to the extent that some of his aides considered him a masochist. It was on the day of his sister’s visit he deviated from schedule; out of ignorance rather than awareness. Seated in favorite chair, wearing his favorite suit—a slate blue smoking jacket and slacks combination, complemented by one of many white dress shirts—he surveyed the aide before him; Gregor Dragan. “Gregor, do you hate me?” “No sir of course not; you took me off the street, gave me home and education! I would be without vocation were it not for your philanthropy, how could I hate you?” Tamburlaine sipped at a glass of wine, peering up from it at Gregor every so often. He tilted the glass here and there, swirling the wine around. “Gregor, deep down inside I know you’re telling me the truth. But, I assign you one simple task, one [i]very simple task[/i],” he let the words hang for a moment, “you are to handle my correspondence, quickly and efficiently. Never before have you failed me, yet now, on the very day of my sister’s arrival, you notify me nonchalantly that ‘oh, she is on her way down’? This is something I cannot tolerate.” “Sir, please if you would allow me to expl-” Tamburlaine slung the glass into the marble wall behind Gregor. He rose and stepped towards him, one by one. He grasped his shoulders and grinned, “Maricón.” Then came the blow. Gregor clutched his stomach as it met Tamburlaine’s fists. He slid on the marble as he fell back, Tamburlaine in pursuit. He drew a switchblade from his pocket and knelt by Gregor, the blade at his throat. He recoiled against the steel, desperate to maintain face yet scared out of his wits. “I could kill you right now…and everyone that matters would lie for me. How does that make you feel?” As he was about to draw the blade across Gregor’s throat, the knock came at his door. He paused, and put the switchblade back in his pocket. He dragged him by his collar to the door and opened it to reveal his sister and company. “Therese my dearest sister, meet Gregor. Gregor, beg the Empress for your life.”

You know, when you find yourself in a hole, it tends to be best to stop digging.

***Classified*** In the UCS, a The 1st Special Forces Regiment was put on alert, and one battalion prepared for immediate mobilization.

If someone could change USET to UCS, I'd appreciate it.

This was the day. For so long they had fought, and finally it had arrived. Thomas stood in front of a podium, flanked by guards on both sides. As the applause of thousands subsided, a projector turned on and displayed a document on a gigantic screen. "Friends, men and women of the Unified Commonwealth of Seraphim...oh yeah, that's the new name by the way," a grin slid across his face as the crowd applauded. He held up a hand and once again, the cacophony ceased. "As I was saying, the document you behold on that screen is your constitution. It is the lifeblood of this nation, and it is the pinnacle of the values which we have fought and bled for, for so long. As you all know, my wife, your former Diarch, was...assassinated, upon her return to this country. She is only one of the thousands of casualties in our struggle for emancipation. But she was dear to me, as I am sure many who were dear to you, my countrymen, have suffered and died. Today, we are reassured in our faith, our struggle has meant something. Today you have found freedom my friends, bask in it, and become familiar with it, for as long as I live it shall not leave this shores." The crowd cheered as the document began scrolling slowly down the screen. The Constitution of The Unified Commonwealth of Seraphim Part 1: The Rights of Citizenship Preamble: In the belief that humanity of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexes, productive* creeds and cultures, and identities are egalitarian, and are intrinsically enabled with certain sacrosanct rights, and that the goal of any civilized society should be to advance the practice of and respect for these rights, with all of mankind as a witness to this event, it is hereby declared that the sovereign body known as “The Unified Commonwealth of Seraphim”, shall on this day come into formal existence and further more shall be dedicated to the advancement of such rights as detailed within the confines of this document. *For the purposes of this document, productive is hereby defined as “Promoting the greater stability, economic, sociological, scientific, and general advancement of humanity as a whole, through means of ratiocination, with an emphasis on pacifistic methodology if available to the given situation.** **Those of non-productive cultural backgrounds, such as those that promote radicalism, sectarianism, bigotry, and similar creeds, may not be discriminated against, harassed, or have any systematic action taken against them by the government, although legal recourse shall be available against them on an individual or group scale if actions taken by them in the practice of their belief systems violate national or provincial laws. Article 1: Representation of Citizens With the acknowledgement that the government derives it’s authority directly from it’s citizenship; all citizens shall have the right to representation in their Legislative and Judicial branches, as well as within the Monarchy, in the forms of elected and appointed officials, with the means of which they gain authority dependent upon their position and the responsibilities therein. Within the Legislative branch (The House of Parliament) elected representatives shall serve on a provincial basis, and there shall be no more than one elected representative per fifty-thousand individuals until the number of said representatives reaches three-hundred, at which point the number of representatives shall not fall, and may increase in number by the order of the Monarchy or an official serving in their capacity or in the official capacity of their representation. Within the Judiciary branch there shall be as many higher and lesser officials elected within provincial rule as is deemed necessary for the adequate function of bureaucracy by the viceroy of the region. Within the Monarchy, which serves to execute daily and long term administrative duties of the country, the citizens shall be represented by the election of Viceroys whom govern on a provincial basis, and also serve to represent their peoples to directly to the Monarch, similar to the function of the legislative representatives. Article 2: Freedoms in Relation to Thought and Speech Understanding that the greatest manner in which to serve humanity is through the spread, creation and debate of various philosophies and practical sciences, it is hereby officiated that no laws shall be passed, nor any movement taken against the peaceful and free private practice and properly stipulated public practice of speech, religion, political dissent, civil assembly, and freedom of publically available press. Furthermore, no laws shall be passed in respect to the establishment of any religious or philosophical doctrine in any official capacity of the state. Article 3: Defense in Thought and Action against tyranny With provisions made in the above article to defend against tyranny with thought, it must be acknowledged that in certain times, thought is irrelevant. In certain situations, thoughts, words, deeds, and the law, are inadequate in performing their functions in preventing all forms of tyranny. In these extreme situations, an armed and trained citizen populace will be necessary to defend against threats to freedom both foreign and domestic. That said, the people’s right to possess and maintain arms*, and to be trained in the proper usage and care of said arms, shall not be violated by any government agency for any reason whatsoever. However, in order to maintain civil stability, ownership of such material and documentation of such training shall be knowledge of the government; there shall be certain regulations also set aside so as to ensure that such rights are not abused by those who might take light of their nature, and misuse them for purposes that are in antithesis to the preservation of freedom and the rights of the civilian populace. *For the purposes of this document, arms is defined as purpose built melee weapons, semi-automatic handguns, rifles, pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-open shotguns, revolvers, bolt action rifles, pump-action rifles and semi-automatic rifles. Article 4: Surveillance, Search, and Seizure of Property. The citizens shall have the right to expect security in their homes and in their property, and shall not have either searched or seized without a warrant having been issued by a proper judicial authority upon probable cause by oath of a credible person, affirming committal of a crime by the person being searched and having such property seized. Such a warrant shall also detail the locations in which to search and what items or persons in particular to be seized. Any form of electronic surveillance, audio, visual, or computer based, will require a warrant with the same requirements as a similar document of search and seizure, specifying the places and persons to be surveilled, the type of surveillance, and the length of the surveillance. Article 5: Judiciary Rights All citizens accused of a crime shall have the right to a quick and public trial by a jury of their peers in the jurisdiction in which the offense was committed. They shall have the right to legal counsel in their defense, and shall be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against them, shall have the right not to incriminate themselves in any manner, nor shall they be twice in jeopardy of life, limb, or property, for the same offense. They shall also have a compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in their own favor. Cruel and unusual punishments such as those involving humiliation, torture, psychological manipulation, and general exploitation, shall not be inflicted, nor infeasible bail be ordered. All such applicable rights shall be maintained in a suit between two or more citizens. Article 6: Conclusion of Citizen’s Rights This document shall not be infringed upon for any reason by any agency of the government; it is the highest law of the land, greater than that of the Monarchy or any of the branches of government. As a final note, let it be known that none of these rights apply to non-citizens (illegal immigrants, temporary workers, those with political asylum but without citizenship, and all others within such a group.) [b][center]Part 2: The Application of Government[/center][/b] Article 1: Parliament Section 1: All legislative powers granted shall be vested into the House of Parliament, which shall be broken up into The National House of Parliament, and the Coalition of Parliament, which shall service legislative aspects nationally and locally respectively. Section 2: The House of Parliament shall consist of members chosen by popular vote every third year, from citizens of all provinces on a provincial basis. All those taking vote shall be of legal adult age and shall not have any mental illnesses or a criminal record. No person shall be a representative that has not been a citizen for ten years, has not attained the age of thirty years, and that has a mental illness or criminal record. Representatives shall be proportioned between the provinces in a manner reflecting their numbers as dictated above. When a vacancy of a representative official takes place, a writ issued by the Monarch shall replace such a vacancy until the next election. The Houses of Parliament may with four/fifths of consent, be dissolved by the Monarchy in times of national crisis such as war to expedite the end of such a conflict in a successful manner, which shall be reformed as soon as such crisis comes to an end. The Houses shall also have lone power of impeachment of Government members with four/fifths consent of both houses. Section 3: The times, places, and manners of holding elections for representatives shall be dictated in each province by the legislature thereof; but each provincial legislation may at any time make or alter such regulations excluding the time period in which such elections take place. Section 4: Representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the treasury of the country. They shall in all cases, excepting treason, felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at the session of their house, and in going to and returning from the same. Section 5: The National House of Parliament have the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the country; but all duties, imposts and excises shall be uniform throughout the country. To borrow monies on the credit of the country To regulate commerce with foreign nations To establish an uniform rule of naturalization, and uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcies throughout the country To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures To provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the country To establish national infrastructural projects such as post offices, roads, hospitals, and the like To promote the progress of science and creative arts, by securing for authors and inventors the exclusive rights to their respective writings, discoveries, and inventions To constitute tribunals inferior to the High Council To define and punish felonies committed within the maritime holdings of the country, and offences against the laws of foreign nations To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of funds to that use shall be for a longer term longer than four years To provide and maintain a navy To provide and maintain an air force To make regulation for the conduct of the military forces, with the direction and permission of the Monarchy To make all national laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this constitution in the government of the commonwealth; or any such department or office of the government. Section 6: All duties related to provincial law, duty, and order, including but not limited to the voting and drafting of local legislature, shall be invested into the duties of The Coalition of Parliament. Article 2: The Monarchy and its Functions Section 1: The powers relating to the administration and authorities of the bureaucracy of the state shall be vested into the Monarchy and the officials therein. Section 2: The Monarch shall retain his position for life, and shall choose an heir, if he is not impeached. If an heir is not chosen, one shall be chosen by The National House of Parliament. If the Monarch should be impeached, he shall be tried by The National House of Parliament and shall be sentenced accordingly with the verdict, with an heir chosen in his stead in the manner proscribed above. Section 3: The Monarch shall fulfill the roles of Head of State, Chief Executive, and Commander of the Armed Forces. He shall be compensated for his services with the protection all government officials receive and with the necessities for living, including but not limited to provisions and lodgings, as well as fiscal and other benefits as determined by The National House of Parliament. Section 4: The Monarchy shall be composed of the Monarch, his Viceroys, his Diplomats, the Chief Legislator (whom shall also be a member of The House of Parliament, and shall be elected via unified vote of both houses), the High Council (which shall be the highest court in the land, and will perform trials that are deemed of sufficient importance to be heard by them), the Chief Diplomat (whom shall have been a diplomat for no less than four years, and shall be elected by the people) and each of the Field Marshals who oversee the branches of the armed forces. Section 5: The Monarch shall be the ultimate authority on all things related to the military of the state, although he may call upon The National House of Parliament to draft legislation in those regards, which shall be overseen by himself and the Chief Legislator, and which shall then be sent for voting. Field Marshals shall also serve as his direct plenipotentiary agents in military matters unless stated otherwise. Section 6: The Monarch shall in conjunction with the Chief Legislator and the Chief Diplomat; decide on matters regarding any and all international agreements in the form of a semi-official triumvirate, with Article 3: The Judiciary Powers Section 1: The judicial power of the state shall be endowed into the High Council and in such inferior courts as the Viceroys shall ordain and establish when necessary. The judges both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their offices honorably and shall at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished nor increased during their continuance in office. Section 2: All inferior judges shall be elected by all eligible citizens every four year period, and shall serve such a period unless criminal conduct or health reasons prevent them from serving out their term. Should an inferior judge be incapable of serving his term, another election shall take place at the discretion of the Viceroy or those serving in his representation. Section 3: The judiciary powers shall extend (with each situation falling under it’s proper court) to all cases, in law and equity, arising under this constitution, the laws of the state and treaties made or which shall be made, under their authority;--to all cases affecting ambassadors, other public officials and consuls, to controversies to which the state is a party, controversies between two or more provinces, and between a province, or the citizens thereof, and foreign states, citizens or subjects. Section 4: The judiciary powers* shall not violate the rights underlined in the first part of this document in any manner, for any reasons whatsoever, and should such a situation arise, those in violation shall be considered criminals and will be treated as such. *For the purposes of section 4, the judiciary powers are defined as members of the state’s court system, or those associated with its functions, such as law enforcement officials. This includes judges, jury members, litigation officials, detectives, patrol officers, administrative officials, court secretaries, magistrates, and all those in such a category. Article 4: Conclusion Let it be witnessed that this document be unanimously ratified by the first government of UCS. Thomas Grimshaw – Monarch Michael Christensen – Viceroy of the region of Eire Zhanna Nadezhda – Viceroy of the region of Seraphim Rikke Edith – Chief Legislator Bishop Earnhardt – Chief Diplomat Anton Lennox – High Council Oskar Kazimir – High Council Daniel Wallenstein – High Council Liam Sullivan – High Council Riley Gibson – High Council Jean Paul – High Council

Yesss...brilliant! Now we must find whether he takes Earl Grey or otherwise.

Ok ok ok, enough with the chit-chat and riff-raff. Now that we're all here, we have a matter of the utmost seriousness and importance to discuss, gentlemen... How do we kill Superman?

Yeah, I'd like to come over and have some tea. If that's okay with [s]your overlords[/s] Greene. Seriously though, are you guys set?

Shady behavior? By an (e)politician? WHY I NEVER. I have the utmost faith that this [s]hostile takeover[/s] assistance towards Facepunch will certainly end with them in full control of their facilities and will not result in any sort of misuse or cloak and dagger influence on them. After all, what possible ulterior motives could UPN have?

"Well, there was this one time when the entire country almost got wiped out, that was fun," Matthias acknowledged his colleague's sentiments, they would have plenty of time to get to know each other. "Have you seen the Obsterleutnant's psych profile? I've not gotten the chance, I was unsure if it was classified or not."

"Perhaps politics or religion...if we wish to incite a riot. Perhaps a more gentlemanly subject...literature, the arts, perhaps?" Matthias said. He took a swig of his drink, pleased at the stock the ship carried. "Or if we want to get straight to the chummy part, there is always the interesting personal experience department, otherwise known as story telling."

((OOC:I'm assuming this ship has a recreation and relaxation area.)) The speech was typical. Nationalism, bravado, military chest thumping, the reason Matthias had preferred to distance himself from the normative soldier. "I prefer inspiring action to inspiring words. Why tell a man you will win the war, when you can merely shoot the enemy's general from a mile off? No disrespect to the Oberstleutnant, but speeches fall on deaf ears in my case. Let's find the lounge, shall we?" Matthias turned and consulted a wall-mounted map. With that guidance he led the way to the lounge. It was well-furnished, sterile and white, but well furnished. He selected a drink from a refrigerator, sparkling blood orange juice. He gestured to Haresh and sat at one of the many identical tables.

"Nice to meet you Harseh. Though I must say, you're pretty concerned about causing offense for a psychologist. Is it a defense mechanism? Perhaps you've spent too much time with schizophrenics?" Matthias grinned. "That's the genius of 'insanity'. It explains everything, attempts to prove one's self sane become defense mechanisms, reluctance to cooperate with an incorrect diagnosis, and the irritation resulting from it, becomes paranoid delusion. It’s the cheapest trick ever pulled by a storyteller. That, is why you and I exist, for both diagnosis and the prevention of misdiagnosis." He released his grip on Haresh's hand, "But business discussion is for business time, if I'm not mistaken it is five o'clock somewhere. What say we find a lounge and some club soda and get acquainted?"

Earth. Astronomically it was a planet, but in the eyes of Matthias, it was the king of stars. Though, the only thing that made it ruler of was the dead. [i]The dead and the dying[/i] Like so many stars, he was dying. It was a condition he had experienced since the day he was born, one all humans shared. [i]Fifty years left Matthias, then you're off to whatever god you please. Fifty years...barring the possibility that some mathematician misplaced a decimal, or confused metric with standard. Though in that case, it'd almost be worth laughing over.[/i] Matthias chuckled. One of the men responsible for ensuring the mental stability of the crew was a black humor aficionado, go figure. As he stared into space he caught his own reflection. His chin was squared off, with his jaw running back at a slight elevation. His cheekbones were subtle, lingering above gaunt cheeks. Crew-cut blond hair, navy blue eyes and a rough complexion made him a paragon of the "Freud Shrink" stereotype. He zipped up his black leather jacket. Dress code had never been a big thing in his unit. Besides, in his experience casual attire was a boon to his work, it was less imposing. He took his leave from the room amongst a group of others, clandestine analysis was another boon. Idle chit-chat said more about a person than most people believed. It was in the exit of the observation room that he bumped into his colleague to be, Haresh Sharma. "Lots of technology, specialists, everything at stake...reminds me of my days in Special Forces. Nice thing about it, loose dress code," Matthias extended a hand, "Matthias Erchenbald, the other psych officer for this mission."

We echo the sentiments of our sister-nation, we (UCS) will not be associated with oppression.

"Peacekeeping? Why do I not like the sound of that? A necessary evil I suppose." Thomas followed suit as Melissa sat back in her seat. He had never heard the name "Subtleknifewielder", especially uttered as one syllable. He decided it was some sort of pseudonym, perhaps their nation had once been led by a league of spies who did their own dirty work, he chuckled for a moment at the thought, he'd have to ask Anthony about that later, maybe play a joke...he needed the humor. ---- "I really don't think you get it. By now, he's had time to set up shop. Wherever he is, he's got an identity built so well that even you might think you're making a mistake. He'll be dug in, he'll have friends in high places and low ones, he'll be a respected member of the community and he'll contribute to it, but never on paper. He'll be ready for a siege, and to disappear. Unless you're ready to drag him out of his home and execute him like a dog in the middle of the street...YOU WILL NEVER CATCH HIM. Can you [u]live[/u] with that?" Shane fidgeted with his wrists, the redness on his skin evident of the cause.

The UCS is opposed to this extension on cultural and pragmatic (resources and defense) grounds.

"The greater good, the propaganda of tyrants and patriots everywhere." said Thomas. A silence passed as there was not much else to say. Thomas had always wondered the speed of the Australian aircraft, and their military capabilities in general considering the advanced level of their technology. "How long till we reach the LZ?" ---- "You won't catch him. Not a chance in hell. Even if you went after him you wouldn't catch him for two reasons. One," he stood and tossed the handcuffs to Violet, who caught them and nodded her approval. Michelle simply gave a blank stare. "I don't want you to. Two, you couldn't catch him out in the open, he's like me. Right now, he's in the wind, he's an enigma, a ghost. It takes [u]kin[/u] to catch kin, doesn't it?" Shane interlocked his fingers and popped them, his face a mixture of stoicism and grimace.