Politics and Power

[Ioannes]

Two groups were present at the former Grand Master's Palace in the city of Rhodes. One consisted of well over four thousand individuals, clenching in their hands various Rhodean paraphernalia; flags, banners, portraits of the king. They were assembled outside of the palace, looking up at the second group, which stood atop the battlements of the palace. This group was much smaller, only about ninety or so in it; the King, the Queen, the Crown-Prince, the fifty members of Parliament, the Chancellor, the Royal Court, and about forty to fifty Rhodean soldiers. The flag of Rhodes flew proudly from each of the palace's towers and at regular intervals along the battlements. Cameras were positioned all around to broadcast the event to the country and the world.

King Ioannes I Komemnos sat on a tall, high-backed wooden chair at the center of the group, staring out across the crowd assembled before him, a smile on his face. This, he reflected, was his crowning achievement. Bringing together a nation, and establishing Rhodes as an independent power.

Ioannes was, by now, aged 43. Flecks of gray were now visible in his raven black hair, but that was one of the few signs of aging he displayed. His light blue eyes had the look of one who understood the situation, and knew everything that was going on around him. He was no less alert now than he had been as a young man. His skin was tanned to the point that one might, wrongly, believe he had Eastern blood in his veins. The king stood now, drawing himself up to his full, six feet two inches. He nodded to his son, Andronikos, and his wife, Irene, and approached the podium on the edge of the wall.

"Citizens of Rhodes," he said into the microphone, his voice booming across the crowd and bringing quiet to the audience. "Today, I stand before you, alongside fifty-one individuals, who were chosen by your own hand. Every representative in your government. This, my people, is another step for our nation. We now have every person necessary to establish a Rhodes for the populace, as willed by the populace. As King, I have already sworn to you my commitment and loyalty to you. We have gathered here today for these elected officials to do the same."

With that, Ioannes beckoned to the first member of Parliament to step forward. He did so, and when he reached the podium, he placed his fist over his heart and looked directly at the king.
Ioannes held out a bible to the MP, and the man placed his other hand on it. "Nomiki Photios," the king said, turning to face the man a he approached, "The people of your district have seen fit to elect you as one of our grand parliament. In light of this, do you swear, by your honor and by your actions, to remain loyal and faithful to the Kingdom of Rhodes and her people, through peace and war, through ease and difficulty?"
"I do, Your Majesty," Photios replied.
"And do you swear, by your honor and your actions, to put your loyalty to your people before any other, be that loyalty to a party, a man, or yourself?"
"I do, Your Majesty."
"Then, by the will of the people, take your place amongst parliament, and remember your oath; remember it to your dying breath, for with that oath stands the trust of a nation."
Photios and Ioannes shook hands, and the newly-inaugurated official sat himself down in a designated chair to the side of the podium.

Ioannes repeated this oath with each of the other forty-nine members of parliament, and then, finally, it was time for the new Chancellor to take his place.

Chancellor-elect Nicolaos Aniketos stepped before the king, a smile on his lips, and a look of disdain in his eyes. Aniketos was in his late fifties, with a worn and weathered face, rather pale skin, and his hair had grayed completely, save for a few specks of brown. He walked with the assistance of a black cane, but those that knew him well knew that he could walk well enough without it.

Aniketos placed his fist over his heart and his left hand on the bible, a hint of a smile twitching at his lips.
"Nicolaos Aniketos," King Ioannes said, not missing the disdainful glint in the older man's eyes, "The people of the Kingdom of Rhodes as a whole have seen fit to elect you to the illustrious office of Chancellor of Rhodes. They have chosen you to help lead and guide them through the difficult stages of establishing a nation in its fullness. With this in mind, do you swear, by your honor and by your actions, to guide and protect the populace, as the populace wills, and to remain loyal and faithful to the people, through thick and thin, through war and peace, through prosperity and through troubles?"
"I do, Your Majesty," Aniketos said in his oily voice, uttering the honorific sarcastically.
"And do you swear, by your honor and actions, to put your loyalty to the people before any other, be that loyalty to yourself, your party, or another?"
"I do, Your Majesty," Aniketos replied.
"Then, by the will of the people, take your place alongside me as the first Chancellor of Rhodes, and remember your oath; remember it to your dying breath, for in that oath lies the trust and faith of an entire nation."
Aniketos's lip twitched with what might have become a sneer as he and the king turned to the assembled crowd and waved as cheers erupted across it.

And though he smiled broadly as he shook hands with the new chancellor, King Ioannes I knew that working with Chancellor Aniketos would be a constant hardship.

[Ioannes]

*Private*
"Ah, Nicolaos, I'm very glad you could join me," the king said warmly, smiling and offering his hand to the older man.
Chancellor Aniketos regarded the hand for a moment before grasping it. "Good morning, Your Majesty," he said in his oily voice, an insincere smile flashing across his face.
"Please, do sit," King Ioannes said, gesturing towards a cushioned chair and sitting down in one across from it. Nicolaos looked at the chair before lowering himself into it with a groan.
"Are you alright?" the king asked.
"Just my old bones, Your Majesty," Nicolaos replied, leaning his cane against the low coffee table.
Ioannes raised an eyebrow. The chancellor was in much better physical shape than most people his age, he knew. Why bother pretending? "Well, would you like something to drink? Tea, coffee, something a bit stronger?"
"Whiskey, please, Your Majesty," Nicolaos replied.
The king wanted to ask why he wanted to drink alcohol at only nine in the morning, but held that thought back. He didn't want to irritate his elected counterpart so early on in his term. Ioannes snapped his fingers at an attendant. "Pavlos, would you bring a glass of whiskey for Mr. Aniketos? And a pot of coffee for myself."
"Yes, Your Majesty," the attendant said, bowing his head and exiting the room.

Ioannes adjusted in his chair. "So, Nicolaos, have you found your living arrangements satisfactory? I know it is difficult to adjust to a new city so quickly."
"They have been fine, Your Majesty," Nicolaos replied, a possibly-derisive smile touching his lips.
"Where is it you are from, if you don't mind me asking?"
"Ialysos."
"Wonderful town. I've visited it numerous times since I moved here."
"Fascinating," Nicolaos said.

Pavlos returned with the whiskey and coffee. He set a mug in front of Ioannes and a glass in front of Nicolaos. He poured coffee in the king's mug and left the pot next to it, then poured whiskey into the chancellor's glass and left the bottle nearby.
"Anything else, Your Majesty?" he asked.
"No, thank you, Pavlos."
"Chancellor?" the attendant asked.
"No," Nicolaos replied, casting a cold look the attendant's way.
Pavlos, not wanting to annoy the chancellor further, withdrew from the room.

"So, Chancellor, shall we get down to business?" Ioannes asked, setting down his mug and clapping his hands together once.
"By all means, do," Nicolaos said in his smooth voice. "I have yet to even understand the purpose of this visit, aside from a time-squandering formality."
Ioannes felt the sudden urge to backhand the older man at that point, but suppressed it. It wouldn't do for the King of Rhodes to assault the Chancellor. "Well, Mr. Aniketos, the people expect us to meet and discuss the policies we will attempt to impose."
Nicolaos noticed that the king no longer addressed him by his first name. His lips twitched. [i]Perhaps[/i], he thought to himself, [i]the fool has finally gotten the hint.[/i]
"Well, Your Majesty..." Nicolaos paused to down his first glass of whiskey. He didn't even wince at the liquid's burn as it poured down his throat. "I can tell you my policy right now. It's the opposite of yours. I find your views on everything, from security to healthcare to narcotics to you-name-it to be too little for the country's good. You are a figurehead who's power depends entirely on my cooperation and that of Parliament, and you will get little enough of it from me. This country needs a strong leader to get it through the initial stages of establishment, and the people need a strong leader to protect them from any threat, potential and real. You think that if we let the people do what they want, when they want, with whatever they want, things will turn out fine. I'm a realist. I know that people are idiots. They will only destroy themselves if they do as you recommend."
Ioannes was slightly taken aback. He had no idea that Nicolaos was that opposed to him and his policies. It was even worse than he'd thought possible. "Well, Mr. Aniketos, what would you do, for the good of the nation?"
"Father knows best, Your Majesty. CCTV, national IDs, narcotics control, increased police funding, air transit security increases. We can only serve the people if we know what they're doing."
Ioannes stood from his chair suddenly, looking down at his counterpart. "Mr. Aniketos, your policies would bring us to economic ruin and destroy the lives of our citizens. We needn't tell our people how to live their lives. We needn't create scares over a slight possibility. The government exists to protect our citizens, yes, but not by forcing them to live a life to our standards. Do you not remember your inauguration? You swore to govern the people as the people will."
Nicolaos chuckled derisively. "Empty words for a pointless formality, Your Majesty. Are we done here?"
Ioannes's hand twitched as the urge to backhand the chancellor resurfaced. He fought it back, and said, "Yes, remove yourself from my sight."

Chancellor Aniketos stood, throwing back a second class of whiskey. He started for the door, but stopped when he reached King Ioannes. "Your Majesty?"
"What?" the king snapped.
"I look forward to a fruitful and cooperative relationship," he said, voice dripping with sarcasm. With that, he patted the king on the shoulder and exited the room.

[Ioannes]

*Private*
"Numerous companies across Rhodes are being established to wean the economy off the teat of foreign corporations," said Iason Yiorgos, the occupant of the newly created office of Councilor on Economic Affairs. "Naturally, this is going to cause a problem as the interests of the domestic companies conflicts with those of the corporations. We need to decide who to support in that crisis."

"Support the local companies," King Ioannes I replied immediately. "Foreign corporations, any corporations, are a plague upon a society. They suck the money and life out of communities and then defend it by saying it creates jobs. If any corporations are to exist in Rhodes, they will be strictly regulated for the good of the economy and people. Yiorgos, draft a law that will make this happen."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Councilor Yiorgos replied.

The five members of the King's Royal Court, and the King himself, were seated around a rectangular, mahogany table. Ioannes I sat at the head of the table, with Councilor on War and National Security Dionysios Photios to his immediate left, and General Theodoros Serafeim of the Rhodean Ground Forces to his immediate right. Down the table, next to Dionysios, sat Councilor on Foreign Affairs Lefteris Ioannis. Across from him, and next to General Serafeim, was Councilor on Internal Stability Stelios Yannis. Next to Yannis was the now-seated Councilor on Economic Affairs Iason Yorgios.

"Lefteris, have you anything to report from your department?" the king asked the councilor on foreign affairs.
"Nothing major, Your Majesty," Lefteris replied. "The neo-Prussians in Alaska have attacked Ursalian forces in Anchorage, but reports indicate the Prussian army is a fraction of the size of the Ursalian army, and their weapons are of older designs and effectiveness. I anticipate that Prussia will lose, unless their enemies have mercy on them. Elsewhere, Ceuta has been reoccupied by its former owner, and a new regime seems to have arisen in Norway. Should we send recognition?"
"They are out of our sphere of interest," King Ioannes responded. "No. Simply take note of it and move on. Anything major on the Mediterranean?"
"No, Your Majesty."
"Thank you, Lefteris. Stelios?"

Councilor Stelios Yannis shuffled a few papers around. "Your Majesty, as we never signed any act or declaration, we currently have nothing more than a de facto national police force, and the numbers are too few for comfort. I recommend officially establishing the Rhodean National Police Force and launching a recruiting campaign to fill in the ranks."
"A mere formality, then? Very well, draft the National Police Act and bring it to my office later."
"Yes, Your Majesty. That is all."
"My thanks, Stelios. Now, Dionysios?"

The councilor on war and national security stood and cleared his throat. "My King, you are aware of the current state of the Rhodean Armed Forces, and you know for yourself it is below expectations. We have a mere skeleton force to protect Rhodes, we haven't started conscription yet, we're getting a tiny trickle of volunteers, and the training is such that you'd expect from a part-time militia or riot police. We also lack an air force and a navy. General Serafeim and I have both agreed we need to fix this. We are in no way ready to defend our people right now. We need to establish a system of discipline that makes our soldiers stronger, more resilient. We need to make the most fit military in the world. We don't have many soldiers, we don't have grand technology, but we will make up for it with troops that can run farther and longer, shoot straighter and better, and do anything. On a more domestic note, since conscription is universal, the vigorous exercise programs will keep the public healthy. Anyways, Your Majesty, just give the general and I the okay, and we'll start building you an army that puts others to shame in its morale, discipline, and strength."

King Ioannes surveyed Dionysios for a moment. "Very well presented, Councilor. Draft me a full report of proposed changes and I'll make it happen, with you two at the head of the operation."
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Theodoros, have you anything to add to what Dionysios said?"
"No, sir," the general said with a shake of the head. "Councilor Photios said it all very nicely, sir."

"Does anyone else have any final remarks?"
Stelios cleared his throat. "Your Highness, I have something I'd like to say."
"Yes, Councilor?" Ioannes asked.
"Well, sir, Rhodes is a small country. We don't have a large population. Yet we have a government that is suited for a larger country, just on a smaller scale. It feels like having a Parliament and Chancellor is just a waste of time. They can go on for hours on a simple part of an idea, arguing over the tiniest, inconsequential points in the idea, trying to tweak it to fit their own taste. Few of them have the good of the country at heart. Wouldn't it be better for all involved if we just...did away with that part of the system?

King Ioannes sighed and leaned back in his chair, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Stelios, I agree completely. However, we have to look at the current reality. Yes, it is true we could fulfill the needs of the nation with just a small number of people centered around a monarch. However, democracy is loved by the people. It gives them the feeling of freedom, having a say in government. Many don't realize that what they have to say rarely makes it all the way through government. It usually falls deaf on the ears of their representatives. They still feel it is in their interests to have a parliament. They would oppose centralization to the king and his court, and many would rally around Parliament in the event of a power struggle. Now, on our side, we would have our de facto national police force and our militia-like military. We don't have the popular support or the martial power to seize control of the government in full. At the very least, we must wait until the national police are established, and for the reforms of Theodoros and Dionysios before we can even consider that possibility."
"What about Chancellor Aniketos?" Stelios pressed on. "He is a snake. He serves no purpose but to bring us misery. We must remove him. We can, can't we? The Chancellor is generally viewed as just a bonus to Parliament."
"I'm not so sure," Ioannes replied. "Aniketos is rumored to have links in organized crime at home and abroad, and it's possible he has the personal backing of something, criminal or political, outside the country. He could cause us tremendous problems if we tried to remove him."
"So we're stuck as it is?" Stelios asked, somewhat downhearted.
"For now, Stelios. Does anyone have any problems with the discussion we just had?"
"No, Your Highness," Lefteris said. "We'd been discussing it before the meeting."
"Well, good. That discussion does not leave this room, understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," the councilors and general said.
"Good. Carry out your tasks and resume your duties as you had been before the meeting," Ioannes said. He pushed his chair back, stood, stretched, and exited the room.

[Ioannes]

*Private*
"General, I am quite interested in the progress of yours and Councilor Photios's reforms so far," King Ioannes I said, turning his spinning chair to face General Theodoros Serafeim. It had been two weeks since the Photios-Serafeim Military Reforms had passed through Parliament.
Serafeim cleared his throat. "Well, sir, we've begun an overhaul of everything. Diet, fitness, medical care, and training. Which are you interested in?"
Ioannes threw his hands in the air and then rested them atop his head, signaling he was indifferent. "Give me everything."

"Yes, sir," Serafeim said. He cleared his throat again and drew some papers out of a folder. "Diet. Previously, all recruits had a flat diet, regardless of their weight or health, with the only rule being they must clear their plate of everything they had been given, to prevent squandering of rations. However, we now adjust rations in boot camps depending on health and weight. Underweight recruits are given double rations to bring them up to a healthy weight. Overweight recruits receive lower-calorie meals and lower-fat foods to bring them down to a healthy weight. Average recruits still keep the normal rations, but now have a strict limit on the number of calories they can consume. By doing this, we ensure that all of our recruits are in good health and are in good shape for training."
He flipped to a new page. "Fitness-wise, we now have strict requirements for recruits to fulfill. They must maintain good physical fitness and pass physical fitness tests every other month. This continues on into standard service. All personnel outside of boot camp must pass these tests every three months. Previously, these tests were every 6 months, and required personnel to perform 5 pull-ups, 20 push-ups, 25 crunches, and a 2-mile run that must be completed in 19 minutes. Now, personnel are required to perform 20 pull-ups, 50 push-ups, 75 crunches, and a 5 mile run completed in 45 minutes."

"General, isn't that far higher than what the average man can do?" Ioannes interrupted.
"Yes, sir, that's the point. We want our men to be better than the best."
"Will it not be difficult for new recruits to pass the first few tests?"
"It would, sir, but we accounted for that with the new training program. Boot camp is now broken into two segments. First, fresh recruits are sent to a military fitness camp. Here they will receive their physical training uniform, and their heads will be shaved. At the camp, recruits will spend two to six months advancing their fitness under drill instructor guidance. The drill instructors will maintain order amongst the recruits and teach them proper discipline there. Each month, recruits will have the option to take the Physical Fitness Test. If they can pass, they are certified as Fit for Military Service and advanced to the next segment of boot camp. This is the more traditional camp we all know. Here, recruits receive their utility uniform, and begin their traditional training; marching, discipline, marksmanship, the like. They'll learn to know their rifles and equipment like the backs of their hands. Requisites for marksmanship qualification are now more strict. They must pass two rounds for qualification; first, fire a full clip into a radius, the size of which will be determined once our weapons experts determine the full capabilities of a well-cleaned and maintained rifle. Second, the recruit must fire a full clip, firing to a specific position on a target as the drill instructor calls it. 90% or better is required on both tests."
"Very good. Anything else?"

"Yes, sir. We will be establishing a Ground Forces Martial Arts Program. There is little point in having strong, muscled soldiers if they don't know how to effectively use their strength. There are five parts to the program. Every soldier is required to complete them. First, the White Belt, teaches the basics of unarmed and melee combat. This covers all rudimentary fighting techniques. Punches, kicks, upper- and lower-body strikes, bayonets, knives, weapons of opportunity, chokes, joint locks, throws, counters, and unarmed and armed restraints and manipulations. Recruits must master every aspect of every move before moving on to the next round.
"When a recruit receives his white belt, he will continue to move up. They will begin training on their tan belt. They must master all of the techniques taught in this time. Then they go on to their gray belt, red belt, and finally black belt. By the time they attain their black belt, they will essentially be weapons in their own right. While this will serve us well against our enemies, it could also be a problem on the home front. We'll need to update our disciplinary and judicial codes regarding this." General Serafeim paused and handed a sheet of paper to the king. "Those are the details of the GFMAP. In addition to physical training, there will also be mental, physical, and character development."
Ioannes scanned the list over and nodded his approval.
"And...one more thing, Your Majesty. An idea I received from Colonel Bastian Jochem of Twelfth Regiment, Fifth Division."
Ioannes raised an eyebrow at the name. Colonel Jochem was a foreign immigrant, German by birth, who had volunteered to join the Ground Forces the same day that the Kingdom of Rhodes had been founded. He joined as an officer, and after the rudimentary training then offered by the Ground Forces, received the gold bars of a second lieutenant. However, a superior quickly noticed Lieutenant Jochem's skill in organization, administration, and maintaining order in his platoon. While other fresh recruits struggled with the older, more experienced non-commissioned officers (many of whom were veterans of the Athenian Ground Forces), Lieutenant Jochem almost immediately gained the respect of his subordinates. After a few subtle tests, the superior decided it would be a waste to have Jochem commanding a small unit like his platoon. Just a few months after becoming an officer, Jochem was promoted two ranks and given a company. This company's discipline was horrible compared even to the rest of the army, having deteriorated under its previous CO. General Serafeim had once said the discipline of Jochem's new command was in the cesspool under the gutter. Within three months, that had changed. Captain Jochem overcame his troops' doubts, and instilled discipline in his troops. By the time he received his next double promotion a few weeks later, the company was back on its feet and often outdid other companies in shooting competitions. Captain Bastian Jochem became Lieutenant Colonel Bastian Jochem, and was given his current command of the Twelfth of the Fifth. That had been four months earlier. He'd been promoted to full colonel recently essentially as a formality. His 5,000-man regiment was steadily improving in quality as his leadership spread to even the lowest levels of command. Though his commander had protested his methods at first, now, Major General Filippos Emmanouil of the Fifth Division allowed Colonel Jochem a nearly free hand in his leadership, as long as it did not interfere with the rest of the division.
Having recalled the colonel's entire military history, King Ioannes said, "I know of the colonel. I'm very intrigued about this suggestion."

"Well, sir, it's moderately unorthodox. Or severely, take your pick, sir." Ioannes's eyebrow rose again. "Colonel Jochem has recommended that, as an extension of the GFMAP and the training program, we make it mandatory for every soldier to select and master a melee weapon."
"I thought that was covered in here," Ioannes said, looking at the sheet he'd been handed. "Bayonets and knives."
"No, sir, not like that. As in a new weapon. A sword, axe, mace, things like that."
Ioannes's eyebrow once again lifted. "Do explain, General."
"I'm afraid I can't, sir. If you'd like, I can summon Colonel Jochem to do so. He is currently stationed here in Rodos."
"Please, do," the king said, gesturing to the phone on the table. Serafeim took the phone and dialed a number, went through a government-employed operator, and connected to Ground Forces command. He asked for Colonel Jochem to make his way to the royal palace. The message was passed on, and Jochem would make his way with all haste to the palace.

When General Serafeim had placed the phone on the cradle and nodded, Ioannes turned to the rest of his court. "While we await the colonel, let's take care of the rest of our departments. Councilor Yannis?"
Each of the other councilors spoke their minds. They had little in terms of pressing matters to report. The biggest news was that the National Police Force was now fully up and running, and the already-low crime rate was already dropping. As the last presenter, Councilor Ioannis, sat down, there was a knock at the door.
"Enter," the king called.
An attendant poked his head in the door. "Your Majesty, Colonel Jochem has arrived."
"Ah, good, send him in," Ioannes said with a smile.
"Yes, sir." The attendant pushed the door open and nodded to someone out of sight.
Bastian Jochem entered the room. He was dressed in his officer's dress uniform, which was black with red trim. His insignia, three vertical gold stars with a red-and-gold crown at the top, was displayed on his shoulders, with smaller replicas on both sides of his collar. He wore a small number of ribbons on his chest, mostly basic things like his expert marksman one, but with the Ground Forces Commendation Medal also in the mix. He was extremely tall, about six and a half feet, and so was a few inches taller than the king. Though he was mostly covered by his uniform, it was obvious that he had thick arm muscles and extraordinary leg muscles. His blue eyes, blond hair, and somewhat pale skin made him dangerously close to being a stereotypical German. He stood straight, as was right for a military man, staring six inches over the kings's head.
Jochem saluted. "Good morning, sirs!" he barked in thickly German-accented Greek.
Ioannes turned in his seat and returned the salute. "Good morning, Colonel." He spun back around. "Can everyone present, excepting Councilor Photios and General Serafeim, please leave?"
The councilors filed out of the opposite door without complaint.

Ioannes turned around once more to look at Jochem. "At ease, Colonel." Jochem complied; at ease meant looking just a little bit less tense, apparently. Ioannes had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Military people were annoyingly stiff in his opinion, and that would get worse with the reforms.
"First of all, congratulations on your swift advancement through the ranks, Colonel," the king said. "You must be proud of yourself. Less than a year of service, and only 24 years old, and you're a Colonel in the Ground Forces. Very commendable."
"Thank you, sir," Jochem replied.
"To business. General Serafeim told me you had a recommendation for the reforms we are instituting. Is that correct?"
"Yes, sir, that is correct, sir," Colonel Jochem replied.
"Would you like to elaborate them?"
Jochem looked surprised. "If you'd like me to, sir."
"Feel free to actually move, Colonel. I know you're a military man, but when you're presenting, it does help to do more than sit there with your hands behind your back."
"Yes, sir." Jochem paused a moment to gather his thoughts. "Has the General told you the basics already?"
"He has."
"Well, sir, there is much to say for the idea. There are so many positive effects to be had from equipping our men with those sorts of weapons and training. With the current idea, a soldier runs out of ammunition in his weapons, or somehow is disarmed, and he is immediately down to a knife and his fists. While our soldiers will be able to defend themselves well enough that way, it wouldn't hurt our own men to have another weapon. Additionally, in a combat situation, that sort of sight can be demoralizing for an enemy. Paint yourself a mental picture. A Rhodean soldier is disarmed in the heat of battle. He draws a broadsword from his back and continues his charge, blood and sweat dripping down his red face as he shouts a defiant battle cry to his enemy, sword held ready. Less disciplined soldiers will see the crazed warriors of Rhodes as something to be feared, something insane, that does not care about death, that doesn't care about pain, and his only goal is to make the other !@#$%^& die for his country. Practicing with these weapons will also increase their endurance, strength in their arms, and make many of our troops more agile."
"This adds extra weight onto our troops, though. How would that be overcome?"
"As they go on, our troops will become used to the feeling of a sword at their belt or an axe on their back, and carrying and wielding them will become second nature."
"I see," Ioannes said, scratching his chin. "Colonel, I have no problem with your idea. I'd encourage General Serafeim and Councilor Photios to implement it." He turned and looked at Photios and Serafeim.
"Yes, sir, I support it," General Serafeim replied.
"I have no objections," Photios agreed.
"Very good," Ioannes said. He stood from his chair and approached Colonel Jochem. He stopped about a foot from him and looked up to his face. "Colonel, I am very glad to have met you. From what I've heard, you'll soon enough be threatening the good general's job." General Serafeim shifted from foot to foot nervously. King Ioannes didn't pay any mind. "I may call on you in the future, Colonel. Thank you for coming in." The king extended his hand to the German-born colonel, and the latter accepted it.
"Thank you, sir."
"Dismissed."

[Ioannes]

Nicolaos was worried. The feeling gnawed at his gut, demanded his attention, ordered him to rectify the situation. He was the greatest political enemy of the King of Rhodes and his court, and his position was far less advantageous than it had been at the start of the situation. Whatever connections he currently had were no match for the growing power of the Royal Ground Forces, which were already entering the first phase of the reforms. Current soldiers were being sent back to basic training, and the first batch of fresh, ready-to-kill warriors of Rhodes would soon be ready. And it was the Twelfth of the Fifth that would be out first; that was Colonel Bastian Jochem's unit. It was already the pride of the Ground Forces, and when it went through the new training system, it would be beautiful or terrible depending on what side you were on.

And Nicolaos was worried about the side he was on. The King now had the National Police Force and the Royal Ground Forces under the direct control of members of his court, which answered directly to the king. Chancellor Aniketos and Parliament had been elbowed out of the way, and General Serafeim and Councilor Photios given complete control of all military matters. Nicolaos silently cursed his luck and cursed Parliament. The fools had hardly read the decrees before voting on them. They didn't know at the time that they would be forfeiting all say in military matters present and future when the bill passed. They thought that Parliament had just gotten a beautiful new killing machine as a present from the King and his court.

Nicolaos was walking down a side street in Rodos. He was wrapped in a wool coat and had a fedora atop his head. His head was bowed low, his chin tucked against his chest, and the collar of the coat up to ward off the wind. He did not carry his cane with him, and walked freely and swiftly without it, both hands shoved in his pockets. Nicolaos had a purpose for being out in the winter cold, and it was not to enjoy the weather and stretch his legs.

He turned casually into an alleyway, and continued down the alley until he reached a door with a green dot above a line. He knocked once, and returned his hand back to his pocket.
"Who is it?" a voice called from inside.
"Delivery boy. You order Chinese?" Nicolaos said in a horrible imitation of a Chinese voice.
The dot moved, revealing a peephole and an eye. "It's Aniketos," the voice called to someone out of sight. Nicolaos heard an indistinguishable reply, and the owner of the first voice disarmed a few locks and opened the door.
"Welcome, Chancellor," the doorman said, moving to the side, a neutral look on his face.
"Thank you, Vangelis," Nicolaos said, entering the building. "Have you been well?"
"Well enough, Chancellor," Vangelis replied. He closed the door and turned, gesturing for Nicolaos to follow him. The chancellor did so, and Vangelis led him into a room to the side of the former warehouse. This had once been owned by a Greek shipping company, but it had closed down its operations in the area shortly before going bankrupt. So, a new criminal organization, Rhodes's Shadow, had moved in, built a few extra rooms inside, and made it a home away from home for some of the members. While the name may not sound as impressive as the [i]Cosa Nostra[/i], what they did was. The Shadow smuggled weapons in and out of Rhodes, mostly in, dealt in illegal narcotics, and had enough connections in the RNPF to get away with murder on most occasions. If they couldn't get away with murder, the person who committed the crime was killed for not having done it cleanly enough, their body taken across the island, and thrown into Glyfada Bay.

Vangelis opened a door to one of the added rooms and jerked his head towards it, indicating that Nicolaos should go inside. The chancellor did so, and the door was shut behind him.

Sitting at a desk inside the well-furnished room was a man, leaning back in his chair with his feet on his desk. He wore a black suit with a white shirt and a red tie, and his black shoes were meticulously shined. He was clean shaven, with green eyes, olive skin, and black hair. As Nicolaos entered, he lifted his arms to the side and smiled. "Nicolaos, my friend, how good to see you."
"And yourself, Stephanos," Nicolaos replied to the Shadow lieutenant. In the hierarchy of the organization, lieutenants like Stephanos Spiros were amongst the highest ranking people. They answered directly to the Overseer, who was the overall leader of the Shadow. Nicolaos and Stephanos had already had business dealings in the past; Stephanos's expert snipers had dealt with an overly problematic business partner before Nicolaos was elected to office. The sniper had successfully gotten away without leaving any evidence, and ultimately, the whole thing was blamed on a homeless man. That homeless man received accommodations better than those of the average inmate, because the governor of Rhodes at the time had taken pity on him and decided to let him live decently instead of force him to have intimate moments in the showers. Nicolaos chuckled at the memory. Everyone had won, except his business partner.

Stephanos stood from his chair and walked around the desk to wrap Nicolaos in a brotherly hug. Nicolaos returned it halfheartedly. Stephanos released him and laughed heartily. "Ah, I forget, you conservatives don't like it when men touch each other," he chuckled, returning to his chair and reassuming his previous foot resting position. "So what can Rhodes's humble shadow do for you this fine evening?"

"I'd asked to speak with the Overseer directly on this matter," Nicolaos said tersely. "This is a matter of utmost security and it is probably the most dangerous, difficult job that you will ever be asked to do. Considering it is also a matter regarding politics and the very foundations of the Kingdom, I think it would be prudent for me to speak with the Overseer."

"Nicolaos, you know that the Overseer is a very busy man," Stephanos replied. "He has much business to deal with, and little time with which to do it. Anything you must say to him can be said to me, friend."

Nicolaos slammed his hands down on the desk and glared at Stephanos, eyes throwing daggers and nostrils flaring. "I am the !@#$@#$ Chancellor of Rhodes! I could have every single one of you scumbags arrested and hanged before the very gates of the Royal Palace. Your bodies will be symbols of what happens when you $%&@ with Nicolaos Aniketos."

Stephanos raised his eyebrow and laughed, unperturbed. "Nicolaos, you are not in a position to bargain like that. You're threatening me, and there are no less than fifty soldiers in this warehouse that could kill you without a second thought, and this is our territory, so we can kill you and have your body in a place and circumstance that will in no way incriminate us. Outside this building, you have leverage. Inside, you're just another man. I'd advise you to calm down, have a seat, and tell me what you ask of the Shadow."

Nicolaos calmed himself. Stephanos was right; even with the .44 in his coat, he was outgunned. The Shadow's members tended to have decent firepower, ranging from civilian AR15s to military M16s and AK47s. Their arsenal was impressive, and if he did anything foolish, by the time he hit the ground, he'd fit the description of a lead pencil more than a human being.
He sat down, not taking his eyes off of the criminal lieutenant across from him.
"Good," Stephanos said with a satisfied smile. "Now, honored guest, what can the Shadow do for you?"

"I want you to kill the King," Nicolaos stated flatly.

Stephanos blinked. "Come again?"

"The political climate is becoming too focused on the King and his court. Ioannes is a strong-willed leader who inspires loyalty in his followers, and he is about to have a potent military force at his disposal. If the King is removed from the picture, his son, Andronikos, will take to the throne, and while he struggles to establish himself as the rightful King and gain the loyalty of his subjects, I will be free to increase my own influence over the government."

"Nicolaos, this is some heavy !@#$," Stephanos said, dropping his feet from the desk. "You want us to kill the King of Rhodes? For the love of God, do you not understand the risks involved? The Shadow operates well because it keeps a low profile, doesn't call attention to itself. The Italian mafias made the mistake of making everything they did common knowledge. That's why their influence was curbed. That's why the police caught on to them. Christ, Nicolaos! He'll have RNPF and RGF all over the place wherever he goes. What if we got caught? This entire operation would crash down around us. All of us would get killed, jailed, or be forced to flee the country. The Shadow would dissolve within a month."

"I'll pay handsomely," Nicolaos said, smiling at the fact that he'd gotten his criminal counterpart off guard.

"And we'll die quickly," Stephanos countered. "But this kind of thing...I can't make the call myself. This !@#$ really is Overseer-level."

"I'm a politician, Stephanos," the chancellor said with a smile. "Did you not think I knew when I brought this in? We may be heartless, but we're not mindless."

"Sometimes I wonder," Stephanos muttered. This man wanted him to kill the [i]King[/i]! "I'll pass your request on to the Overseer. He'll contact you when he's made a decision."

Nicolaos stood and offered his hand to the Shadow lieutenant. "Thank you, Stephanos. You have been most helpful. Until next time."

Stephanos winced. He didn't know if he actually wanted there to be a next time, after this job. But he shook the chancellor's proffered hand and bid him farewell. When Nicolaos had exited the building, escorted by Vangelis, Stephanos picked up a phone and dialed a number.
"Vassilis? Connect me to the Overseer. This is important. Tell him it takes precedence over whatever he's doing." He paused to listen to the reply. "You mean that cute blond from the docks?" Pause again. "Okay, then it takes precedence over whatever he's doing after her. Have him call me when he's done, and tell him it could make or break our organization for the rest of our natural lives. Thanks, Vassilis."

[Ioannes]

When man finds himself thrust into a position of responsibility, he begins to long for simpler times, King Ioannes I reflected. With the first regiments of the Royal Ground Forces ending their training, many people, both in the government and amongst the general populace, had begun speculating on the next step. Rhodes was an island, and therefore vulnerable on all sides, save for the few places where the terrain offered a natural barrier. The people wanted to ensure that the Kingdom was an iron fortress that could weather any storm that may come from the outside, and were pressing their representatives in Parliament to make that a reality. Since the military was under the control of King Ioannes and Councilor Photios, Parliament was now pressuring the two to make it happen.

And thus a dilemma presented itself. Rhodes lacked a navy, and their technological capabilities were far from astounding. This meant that Rhodes would have to rely on stationary artillery batteries all across the coasts. The numbers required would reach the hundreds, and perhaps even the thousands. The question was, could Rhodes afford to build that many artillery pieces? Already, a large portion of the budget had been spent on the military reforms, more than the original projected military expenditure. To start pumping out hundreds of artillery pieces could well bring the country to the brink of bankruptcy.

Ioannes sighed and rubbed the sides of the bridge of his nose with his forefinger and thumb. There was no easy way to satisfy the public. They wanted defense, and Ioannes had to deliver, but there was no easy way to do it. If he waited, the people would grow annoyed, and begin electing representatives who would oppose the king. And Chancellor Aniketos would likely use this opportunity to expand his own power and popularity at Ioannes’s expense. If he did it immediately, he would have to either increase minting or change the budget. If he did the former, inflation would quickly rise and the value of the Rhodean phoenix would plummet. If he did the latter, he would upset some political party or fringe group and have to deal with the repercussions of that.

There was a knock on the door. Ioannes looked up, an eyebrow lifted. Usually, his secretary announced his visitors immediately. He instinctively reached into his suit and grasped the handle of a P2000 pistol before calling, “Enter.”

The door swung open, and Crown Prince Andronikos I Komemnos entered the room, a smile splayed across his face. Ioannes relaxed and moved his hand away from the handgun. His wife and his son were the only two people allowed to enter his office without formality. Ioannes did not consider a meeting with either to be an audience, and his secretary knew that. The king had only been suspicious because this was the first time either had come to his office. Nothing important enough had ever come up.

“Morning, dad,” Andronikos said, plopping himself down in the recliner in the corner to Ioannes’s side. He was dressed much less formally than his father, wearing a leather jacket, blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a black T-shirt. He closely resembled the king, with black hair, tanned skin, a bright smile, straight posture, and above-average height, but his honey colored eyes came from his mother. He was about two inches taller than Ioannes, and was about the same build, but more muscular. This was owed to the fact that, if he wasn’t studying or at a party, he always worked out. He wasn’t burly, but he had toned himself to the point that no fat remained on his body.

“Good morning, Andronikos,” Ioannes said, turning a page on a report as he spoke. It was a joint statement from the councilor on economic oversight and councilor on internal stability regarding the recent increase in illegal arms and narcotics smuggling, More and more NPF personnel were becoming necessary to combat the shipments, but the groups in charge of the smuggling often seemed to be one step ahead of the police. Not a single major bust had been made, though not for lack of trying. The smugglers seemed to be able to predict every move that the national police made and act accordingly. Just as the police began to close in, the target would vanish, or they would find a decoy. Recently, police had tracked a shipment of illegal assault rifles to a shipping container in the docks at Kamiros. The shipment was worth at least two hundred thousand Rhodean phoenixes, and so was a high priority target for the police. However, when a raid was conducted and the shipping container seized, all the police found inside were radishes and a dead end. The problem was growing, and now the police were asking for more funding to combat it, as if Ioannes needed the extra annoyance.

“I see you’re having a most wonderful morning,” Andronikos said, still smiling widely. “Nothing like a report on the current and potential problems of a clearly-organized smuggling ring of two to start off the day, is there?”

“I preferred the day when I started it with a report on the duel in Rodos,” Ioannes said with a chuckle. His son also laughed at the memory. After a speech in Rodos, Chancellor Aniketos had walked amongst the people, shaking hands and listening to concerns. One old man, who the police reported was approaching his hundredth birthday, had walked up to Aniketos, with the assistance of a walker, and proceeded to whack and beat the chancellor with the walker. The speed and strength of the elderly man had surprised Aniketos, and he was quickly on the defensive, trying to deflect the walker with his cane. Police were able to detain the old man, but not before he left a few wicked bruises all over Aniketos’s body. Even as police took him away, the old man managed one last strike at the chancellor, smacking one leg of the walker directly into his groin and leaving Aniketos lying on the ground clutching at his genitals. When the official report found its way to King Ioannes’s desk, he read it, laughed, and had it filed away to look at later when he needed to cheer up.

“Why are you so happy?” Ioannes asked, finally noticing the prince’s grin.
Andronikos thought of describing the college party he’d attended the night before and the numerous happy endings to it, but decided against it. It’d only lead to a lecture on how he needed to get a more serious attitude soon. “Life is just good,” he replied.
“Are you high?”
“What?” Andronikos asked, frowning. “No. Not right now, at least. Why, is that an offer?”

“You know damn well I don’t smoke anymore, Andronikos,” Ioannes said, turning to the next report. “There’s too much to do as king, I don’t have time to relax like I used to. I get an occasional drink, and that’s it, and that’s how it’ll be for you, if you intend to keep Rhodes strong when you become king.” He put down the report and sighed. “You won’t be a student forever, son. Life is going to come knocking eventually, and if you’re not ready, you’ll be on your ass and the vultures will move in."
Andronikos held back a groan. [i]That was a miscalculation[/i], he thought. "I'm very much aware of that, dad."
"Good. Why are you here, anyway?"
"I was going to see if I could borrow some of the political literature you have in your library," Andronikos lied. In reality, he'd hoped to get into the liquor cabinet and mini-fridge. Ioannes had bought a crate of vodka directly from a distillery in Sweden and a few crates of various beers from breweries across the Germanic Union. Ever since a few of Andronikos's college friends had gotten into the office, drank half of the alcohol in the refrigerator, and passed out on and around the king's desk, the crown prince had been barred from the 'royal alcohol supply.' Andronikos had come in with a plan to get Ioannes out of the office, but that possibility had slid into the drain.

The king raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised. "Since when have you been interested in politics?"
"Always," Andronikos said, not quite honestly. "But there's not many places in Rhodes to get political doctrines and texts that haven't been tampered with by the publishing companies. Your library is one of the few exceptions." This, on the other hand, was quite true. Over the years, Ioannes had gone through great pains to build a collection of accurate books, from the historical accounts of Livy to the political texts of Otto von Bismarck and others. But while the king was extremely proud of this library, his son had usually found it mind-numbingly boring. He'd read a few books, but not of his own volition.

Ioannes put the paper he was reading down and surveyed Andronikos up and down, as if scanning him for dishonesty. He determined that Andronikos hadn't come in here for that reason, but he had no excuse to deny his request. And he could twist this in his favor...
"Fine," he said, nodding to the door to the library. "Take as many as you want, just make sure they get back to the shelf in the same condition it left. And when you're done, perhaps we should have a discussion. In fact, I'd insist. It's been far too long since we've matched wits."
Andronikos winced. He really hadn't intended to read the books, but when his father insisted, he won almost by default. The prince forced a smile and said, "That'd be great." He rose from the recliner and walked across the room to an ornate door. When he had entered the room beyond and closed the door, he turned around and uttered a string of curses under his breath.

On the other side of the door, Ioannes laughed to himself. He was very much aware that his son was still interested in going to parties at his college instead of learning to govern, but willing or not, Andronikos would be educated in the art of governance. The king glanced at the door again, smiled, and returned to the report he'd been reading.

About half an hour later, Andronikos emerged from the library bearing five books; a compilation of the history of the Byzantium, a book on Victorian era monarchs, Karl Marx's [i]Communist Manifesto[/i], a collection of ideas and memoirs of several Founding Fathers of the United States, and a treatise on the relationship between the government and the governed. As Andronikos began to traipse from the office, Ioannes called him over. The crown prince reluctantly moved to the desk and sat the books down.

Ioannes looked at each of the books and smiled at his son. "A rather odd assortment, but a good one. Tell me, why'd you choose the [i]Manifesto[/i]?"
"Because it pays to know something about political ideologies beside your own," Andronikos replied, this time being truthful. The king nodded his approval, taking it as a sign that the numerous lessons over the years hadn't just bounced off of Andronikos's hemp-riddled mind.
"Why don't you come in next Saturday and we'll have our little discussion," Ioannes suggested, pushing the books back towards Andronikos.
"Sounds good," his son replied, picking the books back up and marching out of the room. The king realized he'd just ruined his heir's week, but in the long run, it was worth it for both of them.

--------------
"Chancellor?" Nicolaos Aniketos's secretary asked tentatively, poking her head inside her boss's office.
Nicolaos looked up from a report on smuggling and asked calmly, "Yes, Agape?"
"There's someone on the line for you. He wouldn't tell me his name, but said he was an acquaintance of yours."
The chancellor frowned. He hadn't been expecting a call. "Transfer the call to my office."
"Yes, sir," Agape said, withdrawing from the room.

Nicolaos picked up the line. "Hello?"
"Good afternoon, Chancellor," a smooth voice greeted him.
"Who is this?"
"A close...'friend,' I suppose you could say, of Stephanos," came the reply. "Are you on a secure line?"
"Yes, but...hold on." Nicolaos covered the mouthpiece with his hand and called Agape in. The secretary returned with an inquisitive look on her face. "Agape, take a break. Leave the door to your office locked when you leave."
"Sir?" Agape asked, confused.
"Just do it," Nicolaos snapped. "I told you to do something, not ask for clarification."
"Yes, sir," the secretary replied, and she rushed to comply.

Nicolaos returned to the phone. "Who exactly are you?" he asked coldly, not in the mood for games. He was still sore from that confrontation with the man now called by the public the 'Walker Warrior,' and bruises were visible on his balding head; those were just the start.
"Matthias Panagiotos," the smooth voice answered. "I'm the Overseer."
Nicolaos didn't need any further elaboration. "Have you made your decision?"
"I have, indeed, Chancellor," the Overseer said with a chuckle. "A very difficult one to make, indeed."
"And?" Nicolaos demanded impatiently.
"We will help you with your...problem," Panagiotos said calmly, then added, "IF the payment is worthwhile. What is your offer?"
"Full amnesty for any and all Shadow members caught by law enforcement in the future, increased backroom assistance on my part, and 35% of my annual income from my old business's retirement benefits."
"Equaling?"
"My annual benefits equal over twenty million phoenixes," Nicolaos supplied.
There was a pause. "Make it 60% and you have a deal," Panagiotos said.
"No. I'll give you 45%."
"50%. Final offer, take it or leave it."
Nicolaos cursed silently before saying, "Fine. When can I expect the...delivery?"
"Within three to eight business days," the Overseer replied. Then the line went dead.
The chancellor swore as he hung up. He thoroughly hated working with criminals. Even when he worked with them, he wound up getting robbed.

[Ioannes]

Andronikos rubbed both hands down the length of his face and groaned before propping himself up on his elbows, staring blankly at the large book on the desk before him. By his standards, the week had been ruined. Usually, the young prince spent a few hours completing assignments from school and spent the rest of the time making the most out of life. Or !@#$@#$ around, as his father often described it. This week, however, he'd spent hours and hours poring over these old books and regretting his decision to try to get into the liquor cabinet.

The crown prince stretched and peered down at the book again, a compilation of the Byzantine Empire's history, from the division of the Roman Empire to the Fall of Constantinople. He was finally nearing the end of the book, currently reading a chapter over the Byzantine Resurgance from the eights to twelfth centuries and the start of the Seljuk invasion. Andronikos realized that he found the text interesting, but not to the same extent as his usual pastimes.

It was Wednesday now. He had two more days to finish this history and the other remaining book, one about Victorian monarchs. Then he would have his discussion with Ioannes, and finally be freed from his scholarly bonds. Andronikos couldn't wait. But he would have to, he realized, glancing back down at his book. With a sigh of resignation, Andronikos took a drink from a glass of water and dove back into the pages of the book.

-----------

"Any luck?" Matthias Panagiotos, Overseer of the Shadow, inquired of the agent standing before him. They were in the overseer's private estate, specifically within the confines of his study. Matthias sat in a chair behind a desk, and one of his subordinates stood across from him.

"More than I'd hoped for," the agent answered. "I'd originally hoped that our good king would have some sort of public appearance, but he's sticking to his work for now. However, a chat with the king's secretary revealed something almost as good. This Saturday, King Ioannes and Crown Prince Andronikos will be having a father-son/king-heir bonding discussion...thing." He paused awkwardly as the words stumbled out, then continued. "The king wants the prince to begin learning governance in earnest, and so he gave him a few books to read, and they will be talking about them this weekend. Ever since the palace's renovations, the king's office has had a window, which is at roughly the same level as a new tower constructed by the Rhodean Historical Foundation. A small payment will get one a ticket inside the tower, and a bribe will get one to the top, thus giving someone a remarkable view of the palace and some of the rooms."

"And I assume you intend to use this as your vantage point?" Matthias asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Yes, I do. I'll gain entry to the tower and the roof, set up my position, and wait for the right moment. Then bam, one shot, one king, and I make my escape down the side of the building."

"What of the guard?" Matthias asked. "He will become a witness. He will tell investigators that a man went onto the roof of the tower, alone, and never came back down."

"Ah, yes, my apologies, I skipped that part," the agent said. "Shortly after going up, but before taking my shot, I'll tell the guard that there's something up there he should see. When he begins to follow me up, I'll overpower him and permanently remove him."

"Gregorios, I expected better of you," Matthias scolded. "Another body will just make it easier to track us."

"Ah, but not if the body overdosed," Gregorios answered with a sly grin, drawing a syringe from his pocket. Matthias knew what was inside.

"An interesting idea. How much is in there?" he queried.

Gregorios returned the narcotic to his pocket. "Three times the limit for a healthy human being."

Matthias shuddered at the thought of that injection. "I see no reason to deny your plan. But, as insurance, and as is policy, you will keep a cyanide capsule with you at all times. If capture seems imminent, you will swallow it."

"Of course," Gregorios said. "But it tends to be difficult to capture a dead man, doesn't it?"

The overseer smiled at the statement. According to all records, Gregorios Anargyros did not exist anymore. He'd been killed in a fire six years earlier. At least, that's what officials believed. This, coupled with Gregorios's unusual talent at getting away with murder, made the middle-aged agent one of the Shadow's trumps. Forty-three kills over the past three years, and no investigation had come close to finding Gregorios. "Indeed," Matthias said. "Prepare your equipment, and when the time comes, go, with my blessing."

"That's some [i]Godfather[/i] !@#$ right there, boss," Gregorios snickered.

"Watch your tongue," Matthias snapped. "You are expendable, and insolence can have an expense." It was an empty threat, they both knew. Gregorios was the best agent in the entire Shadow of Rhodes, and to kill him would be to ruin a good thing.

"I'll be going, then," Gregorios said, bowing somewhat sarcastically and backing out of the study.

Matthias growled as he exited. The assassin was skilled, but that didn't mean he wasn't a pain in anyone's ass. At times, the overseer almost wished that the cocksure agent would overlook something that led to his being killed, or forced to swallow the cyanide capsule.

He reached into the minifridge under his desk and took out a beer. Matthias cracked it open with a bottle opener and took a long pull. He realized at this point he was guilty of treason of some sort, conspiring to kill the king. Failure would mean an end to everything he'd ever accomplished and any dreams he still held. Matthias truly hoped that the benefits would outweigh all these risks.

[Ioannes]

"Oh, good, Andronikos," King Ioannes said with a smile. He walked around the desk and wrapped his son in a hug. "I'd almost expected you not to come."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, pops," Andronikos said, patting his father on the back. He grimaced as his father turned around.

"Did you get through all of your reading?" Ioannes asked as he sat back in the leather office chair behind his desk. He gestured for Andronikos to take a seat in the recliner in the corner. The prince did so, taking off a messenger bag and placing it next to him, and the king turned to face him directly.

"I did," Andronikos said. "I started out with the [i]Communist Manifesto[/i] and ended with the Victorian monarchs."
"Which did you find most interesting?" Ioannes asked, leaning back in the chair a bit more.
The crown prince thought for a moment, then said, "Probably the Byzantium's history. Magnificent history, wonderful culture. Pity how it ended."

Ioannes nodded. "I find the Eastern Empire's history very intriguing. I often let my mind...roll off into what ifs as I read about it. How could these emperors have fixed the Empire, I ask myself. And I work through an entire scenario that would happen. What about you?"

Andronikos shrugged, saying, "I had a few moments like that. Mostly concerning their military and some of their warfare."

"Ah, I've been down that road often," Ioannes said. "What would you have done?"
"Well, around the time of Justinian, the Byzantine Empire had the strongest army and navy in the world. They reconquered Rome with it. But poor choices and bad ideas in the future led to them having an army of almost entirely mercenaries. They are unreliable, and not as trustworthy as soldiers born and bred of the nation. A mercenary fights for money, but the local fights for his home, family, and current life. Thus, the homegrown soldier will have a better motivation to fight well and listen to orders." The prince paused for a moment, then plunged on. "I believe that Byzantium could have greatly improved its situation had it dismissed the mercenaries and created an all-Byzantine, highly disciplined and skilled army. They should have encouraged military service to ensure the development of better officers, and ultimately, generals. New tactics would've been created and adopted to better counter their enemies because of our military tradition."

"You're speaking a general timeline," Ioannes said, waving his hand. "At a specific event or time, what would you have done?"
"After Justinian, if a better, more loyal army had been present, and improved administration applied, then the Byzantine recapture of Rome would have been much longer lasting, if not permanent. So, they should have reformed the army to be more disciplined, like ours, and encouraged young men to become soldiers and officers in the army. When the Seljuks invaded during the Byzantine-Arab Wars, the Byzantium should have closed the Arab front and confronted the Turks with his excellent army."

"And how would you have prevented the Fourth Crusade?"
Andronikos launched into another explanation.
-----
Gregorios Anargyros entered the new towering museum of the Rhodean Historical Society. He waited through a short line and bought a ticket for eleven phoenixes. The assassin then wandered around the museum for a short bit, scanning the exhibits absently. After awhile, he approached an elevator marked 'Employees and Authorized Personnel Only.' A brown-shirted guard stood outside the door, a taser and 9mm at his belt.

Gregorios approached the guard. "Does this lead to the roof?"
The guard surveyed him suspiciously. "RHS employees only. Why do you care?"
"I have an appointment with someone up there," the agent replied, showing the guard a small stack of money.
The security guard took the money and flipped through it. "Right then, sir, right up you go," he said, pressing the button to open the elevator.
Gregorios nodded his thanks to the guard and entered the elevator. He pressed the button to the third floor and exited when the elevator reached its destination. He walked down the hallway to the fifth door and opened it with a key. The door swung open, and he entered, closing the portal behind him. Under the desk, a long, narrow case was stowed.

The assassin opened the case, revealing a .308 sniper rifle and five rounds. Satisfied, he closed the case again and pulled it out, then slung it over his back. He paused to put another stack of money in the drawer of the bureaucrat who had agreed to help him. Pity the fellow would have to be killed soon, but a deal was a deal. Gregorios rushed back to the elevator and returned to the bottom floor. The elevator opened, and the assassin called to the guard, "Sir? There's something on the second floor I really think you should see. It looks like a narcotics violation."
The guard sighed and got on the elevator, grumbling about doing the job of two other guards. He didn't actually pay attention to the man who had told him about the narcotics, and was now describing something to him, until he asked, "Do these elevators have cameras?"
The guard raised an eyebrow. "No..."
"Oh, I suppose that's good," Gregorios said. "It lets you take care of your addiction."
The security guard frowned and stared at the strange man. "What addiction?"
"Well, you just overdosed on heroin."
"What're you on about, you creeper?" the guard asked.
Before the guard could react, the swift assassin had something in his gloved hand. With great accuracy, he slammed the syringe into the man's right arm's main artery and pushed down to inject it. The guard made a strange hiss in pain and made for his taser. Gregorios released the syringe, leaving it stuck in his right arm, and snatched both of the man's hands, pressing his victim against the wall and pinning both hands. The guard struggled, but began to fall limp as the deadly drug seeped through his veins. Darkness closed in, and soon, the security guard saw nothing.

Gregorios left the man propped up against the wall of the elevator as it arrived at the roof. Gregorios quickly located the palace's position. He moved over to the castle-like wall and put the case down again. He opened it and withdrew the rifle, the clip, and a bipod. The assassin set up the bipod in between two of the battlements and rested the rifle on it. He crouched and adjusted his sight and focused on the third window from the left on the palace, the king's office. He looked through the scope and waited; however, as he waited, his mind began to whirl into fear-fueled possibilities.

-------------

"What if-"
Andronikos interrupted. "Dad, can we get out of the hypothetical situations? Asking what if is a waste of time. One needs to look at the reality."
The king smiled knowingly. "Pragmatism. Good. I'm impressed that you took all of this in so well. Which book did you read?"
The younger man drew a blank on the title. "The purple one."
"May I see it?" Ioannes asked.

Andronikos stood up from the recliner, retrieved the book from his bag and walked towards the desk. At the window, though, he stopped and held the book up to the light. "My favorite part about this one is the gold sparkly writing on it." The prince had said that more to annoy Ioannes than anything else.
Ioannes groaned.


------------------
By the time the distant figure had stepped into view, Gregorios's usually-calm mind was overwhelmed by nerves. His fingers had grown twitchy with the anxiety of the situation. When the person who looked so much like the king, his target, stepped into sight, his fingers twitched immediately.
One shot. Two.

------------------
Glass shattered. Andronikos grunted heavily as something thudded into his chest and sprayed blood on the glass window. Before he could fall, a second missile flew in, breaking through the glass, breaking through the book, and grazed across his cheek, leaving a thin line of blood and searing pain. The crown prince crashed to the ground, and the book was dropped away.

Now it was Andronikos that groaned.

------------------
"$%&@," Gregorios whispered to himself. He had no way of confirming the kill. He just had to hope he'd hit something vital. He placed the rifle and bipod back into the case and ran around to the opposite side of the building. A window cleaning platform was there near the top, as he'd planned. He got onto the platform, placing the case down and out of sight of anyone inside. He lowered the platform, and it began its slow drop to the bottom of the building.

His car, a simple Volkwagen, was waiting for him about ten feet away. He picked up his case, put it in the back, and sat down in the driver's seat. He turned on the car and entered the road heading back to the outer edges of Rodos.

-----------------
"Andronikos!" Ioannes cried, leaping forward to assist his son. Had the assassin waited, he would have had a perfect shot to kill both the king and heir of Rhodes. He placed his hands on the wound in his chest, putting pressure to stem the bloodflow. "Spyros! Get an ambulance! Call the guards!"
The king's secretary burst into the door. "What happened, Your Majesty?" he asked, seeing the fallen prince and the blood around him.
"He's been shot! Get a !@#$@#$ ambulance!" Ioannes shouted. The blood was continuing to flood, covering the king's hands with Andronikos's blood.
By this time, a half dozen Royal Guards entered the room. They quickly understood the scene and moved to help. One radioed his superior and informed him that an attempt on the prince's life had been made and that an assassin was on the loose. One went to the window, knees bent slightly and rifles readied, peering out the window. One collected his comrades' bandages and moved to assist the prince and king. The other three took up positions in the secretary's office and watched for anything unusual. Spyros called the nearest hospital and had an ambulance sent to the palace.
The secretary informed Ioannes that assistance was on the way. Ioannes nodded grimly. He and the Royal Guardsman had dressed the prince's wounds as best they could, but he needed medical attention.
The highest ranking Guardsman, a lieutenant, the one who had radioed his superior, stepped forward to the king. "Sir, we are extremely vulnerable right here. The bullets came through the window, meaning any room with a window is now a dangerous place for you to be. I think we can risk moving the Prince into the library, where the shelves will shield us."

Ioannes nodded again. "I agree, lieutenant."
One of the Guardsmen opened the door to the library, while Ioannes and one of the soldiers carried Andronikos's body inside. The lieutenant asked Spyros to knock on the door two times when the ambulances arrived, and the king's secretary agreed.


Within minutes, the palace and the surrounding area were crawling with Rhodean National Policemen, Royal Ground Forces, and the Royal Guard. Everyone who was within a mile of the palace was detained in the area, and no one else was allowed in, while the RNPF, RRGF, and Guards swept through every building in the area, looking for clues. A police- and military-escorted ambulance took Ioannes, Andronikos, and three of the Royal Guardsmen to a hospital, where the top surgeon was ordered to prepare for the situation. Upon arrival, the crown prince was placed on a gurney and pushed into the hospital. Two Ground Forces soldiers and the three Royal Guardsmen cleared a path through the crowded hospital, to the surgical room. Ioannes went with them, squeezing his son's hand until he was taken behind the curtain in the operating room. After a moment of standing still, dazed, Ioanes went into the hall and sat down on a bench, waiting. His guards took up positions around him, while the hospital bustled as the police and soldiers secured the building.

Twenty minutes later, the guards let a single woman and her escort through the door. Queen Irene I Komemnos, the wife of Ioannes and mother of Andronikos, rushed down the hallway towards her husband. She was wearing a deep red, full-length silk dress and red shoes. She had tanned skin, eyes the color of honey, and bond hair that was tied in a bun. Though she was nearly forty-two, only the faintest signs of aging had come upon her, making her appear to be in her thirties to many. She fell into Ioannes's arms when she got near.

"What has happened to my son?" she asked, demanded.
Ioannes looked away sadly. "He was shot by an unknown assassin. He's in surgery right now. They have the best doctor they have operating. Only time will tell, darling."
Irene choked back her tears. "Why did this happen? What could anyone gain from my son's death? He's not important enough to get assassinated!"
The king sighed. "He is my son. That makes him important enough. I don't know who would do it. Maybe a relative who wants the succession for themselves or something. Maybe a power move. I don't know."
"Have they caught the one responsible?" Irene asked.
"No, but they've sealed off the area and are searching for him as we speak."
The queen nodded. "Of course. They will catch them?"
"Easily," Ioannes replied, more surely than he felt. For the first time in so long, King Ioannes I Komemnos was confused and unsure.
"Good," Irene said. They sat down on the bench, holding each other tightly, waiting for the news to come.

--------------------
Gregorios cursed his horrible luck. He was stuck in heavy traffic, and an RRGF tank and some unarmored vehicles blocked the road. Rhodean soldiers and national police were searching trunks, doing full body and cavity searches of all drivers. Now, a group of four soldiers approached his vehicle, hands on their rifles and watching him carefully. Gregorios swore. He had nowhere to drive away. He looked around for a possible escape route. He saw an alley off to the side, with another alley that branched off perpendicular to it. Gregorios was sure there was a fire escape down that other alley, and he could get to the roofs and escape from there.

One of the soldiers, with the insignia of a sergeant on his uniform, gestured for Gregorios to get out of his car. The assassin didn't, waiting for the sergeant to say, "Sir, please step out of your vehicle."
Gregorios decided not to irritate the soldiers by arguing, and exited his Volkswagen. Three of the soldiers fanned out and surrounded the car, while the sergeant stepped up to face Gregorios. "We have to search your vehicle, sir. It's a matter of national security."
"What is it, sir?"
"Nothing for you to worry about," the sergeant replied, not wanting to explain to this middle-aged, graying man. He started to turn away.

Gregorios made a break for the alley. The sergeant, however, reacted immediately, reflexes honed by months of grueling training. He lashed out low with a foot, crashing hard into the back of the assassin's knee. The assassin went sprawling, and slammed his head into a nearby car. The owner blew the horn angrily. Gregorios ignored him, staggering back to his feet and turning to face the sergeant. The soldier eyed him up and down and pointed his rifle at him. "Get on the ground and put your hands on your head, sir," he ordered.

Gregorios examined the situation. He was at the gunpoint of an elite Rhodean soldier, after having just shot a member of the royal family, and with the guilty weapon in the back of the car he could easily be connected to. And he'd arrogantly forgotten the cyanide capsule, meaning he had to either escape or die fighting. With four alert soldiers, escape wasn't an option. But Gregorios was fast in his own right, and he lashed out at the sergeant with a right hook. The soldier reacted quickly, ducking the blow and slamming his rifle into his assailant's stomach. The assassin's stomach screamed out in pain, but he forced his way through it, drawing a long knife from inside his jacket, he lunged for the soldier with it.

The sergeant, recalling his mixed martial art training, caught the hand guiding the knife and twisted it, then forced the knife from the grasp with one hand, while slamming the rifle down on Gregorios's toes. He let his rifle fall to the side, and slammed his fist into his foe's stomach four times, then twisted him into a headlock and flipped him onto the ground. He rolled him over onto his back and pinned him down with his knee. "It isn't your day, buddy," he said, locking Gregorios's hands in handcuffs.

[i]It really isn't,[/i] Gregorios thought to himself.

[Ioannes]

A doctor came through the doorway to the operating room that currently held Crown Prince Andronikos I Komemnos. Outside, King Ioannes and Queen Irene anxiously awaited news. Six Royal Guardsmen blocked both ways down the hall to the bench on which they sat and Andronikos's room. The king and queen stood when the doctor came up.

"Your Majesties," the doctor said formally, bowing. He opened the clipboard he held and continued. "The Prince has stabilized. The bullet in his chest has been removed and sent to forensics. We'll soon be transferring him to the intensive care unit, where he will remain until he has fully recovered. You're welcome to see him when he's settled in."
"Thank you," Ioannes said. "Which room?"
"Number 348."
The king nodded his thanks and gestured for two of the guards to escort Andronikos to the ICU.

-------------

Andronikos was placed in the room in the ICU, with the two guards that had been sent with him staying inside, and another six arriving with Ioannes and Irene. These were posted at the door and hallway while the king and queen entered the room.

As the two sat down next to the bed, Andronikos turned a bleary eye on the two. "That hurt," he understated.
Irene sank her head down on the side of bed, crying softly. Her son placed a hand on her head. "It's alright, mom," he said, as firmly as he could. "I'll be fine. It's not a soap opera, there's no dramatic twist to await."
The queen laughed despite herself, but the change in mood was temporary. "How could this happen?" she cried.
Andronikos and Ioannes exchanged glances, and the former rolled his eyes as if this were all no big deal.

One of the exterior guards knocked and entered. "Your Majesty, the Commandant is here to see you."
"Let him in," Ioannes ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the Guardsman nodded, and he exited the room. A moment later, Jakob Poldi, Commandant of the Royal Guardsmen, stepped through the portal into the room.
He bowed to the royal family. "Your Majesties," he said, turning his eye over the king, queen, and prince.
"What is it, Jakob?" Ioannes asked, standing to face the commandant.
Commandant Poldi glanced at the queen and prince again before replying, "We've...found the perpetrator, sir."

King Ioannes raised an eyebrow. "You have?"
"Yes," Jakob confirmed. "At a Ground Forces checkpoint, a man driving a black Volkswagen was arrested for avoidance of search and assault on military personnel performing policing duties. In the trunk of the car was a .308 sniper rifle, with two of five rounds missing, and a bipod. The bullet found in the Prince's chest matched up with the gun, as did the one in the wall of your office that had grazed your cheek. After a...vigorous interrogation, the man we reprimanded admitted to being the assassin, a man by the name Gregorios Anargyros, supposedly dead six years ago, in a fire when Rhodes was ruled by Athens. So far he hasn't said whether or not he was working with anyone, but we'll find out soon enough."

"Good work," Ioannes said. "I want a report on the situation every day until we find the root of this attempt."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Jakob replied.
"Dad," Prince Andronikos said suddenly. Jakob and Ioannes turned to face him. "I have an idea...mom, can you leave, please?"
Irene was taken aback. "What? Why?"
"Just...please, mom, go for a few minutes," Andronikos pleaded. Irene turned stone-faced, and marched from the room.

Ioannes sat back down, and Jakob remained at the foot of the bed as Andronikos began to speak again, slowly and laboriously. "This is an opportunity. The general public doesn't know we've captured the assassin or anything about the situation. This is a chance to create the nation that the people need. An expansive government isn't necessary for a nation as small as ours. A direct, absolute monarchy would be the most effective way to govern. All of us know this. However, the people like believing they're making a difference, and so there's no chance we'll have the support of the populace in making this happen. Show them that you know what is best for Rhodes, show that this form of government will not work. The Royal Guardsmen can assassinate the more...unsavory members of Parliament, and we can have power ceded to the crown by Parliament in the belief that we will stop the problem."

The king surveyed Andronikos for a long moment. "I'd never thought I'd resort to that sort of politicking," he mused, turning to Commandant Poldi. "Would you have any problems going along with this?"

Jakob shook his head. "I and my men are sworn to defend and serve you and your kin in whatever way commanded. We will support you unconditionally."

Ioannes smiled. "Let us make the preparations then."

[Ioannes]

"Look, Aniketos, your proposed bill is idiotic," Dimitrios Leonidas, a member of Parliament and the Conservative Party, said into the phone line. "It has absolutely no possibility of making it through the Royalists and Nationalists, and if any of our supporters reads the fine print, they'll wonder why they support us. I'm not going to go down with such a foolish endeavor."

"Have it your way, Dimitrios," Chancelor Nicolaos Aniketos replied coolly. "I will see you in parliament tomorrow."

"Indeed," Leonidas replied. "Good bye, Chancellor." He placed the phone back on the cradle and sat down on his bed, staring blankly at the wall, puzzling over his course of action.

------------------------

"I have visual," Major Eleftherios Stefanos of the Rhodean Royal Guard reported into his radio.
"Do you have a clear shot?" Commandant Poldi asked in response.
"Affirmative. Awaiting orders."
"Take the shot."
"Yes, sir."
Major Stefanos took aim for his target's head, then dropped the angle a little, steadying on the neck. He flicked off the safety...and pulled the trigger.

---------------------
Dimitrios Leonidas was dead before he even heard the shot. A cloud of blood puffed out of the entry wound as the bullet tore through his windpipe and thudded into the wall across the room, but Leonidas could not react, sprawled as he was on the bed, in the realm of death.

----------------------

"Target down," Stefanos reported. "One shot to the neck."
"Clear the area."
"Yes, sir." Stefanos disassembled his rifle, stuck it in his case, and collected the shell casing in his gloved hand, and left the area.

[Ioannes]

"With Leonidas dead, we have eliminated a major Conservative influence in Parliament," Councilor Yannis said, drawing an X over a photograph of Dimitrios Leonidas on a board. The board displayed numerous circles surrounding other circles. Chancellor Nicolaos Aniketos was in the very center of the circles, surrounded by various Conservative Party members and their allies in Parliament. Leonidas had been on the second circle out, due to his influence over the independent incumbents of the Rhodean Parliament. "Because Leonidas was a member of the Conservative Party, our next target needs to be one of their allies, either Nationalist or Independent. And we also need to take note of the shift in political alliances now that Leonidas is dead. Several independents supported Aniketos and the Conservatives purely because of their relationship with Leonidas. They could easily be swayed over to our Royalist allies' side, thus saving excess bloodshed."

"We can target someone with a connection through Athanasios," King Ioannes I suggested, referring to the only other Conservative MP. "The independents, Gerasimos and Kyriakos, are both connected to Aniketos through him. We should start with one of them."

"I concur, Your Majesty," Yannis said. "I would recommend Gerasimos first. He is a recent addition to the Conservatives' alliance, and used to vote along Nationalist or Communist lines. It'll make it appear as though these alleged terrorists are targeting the government as a whole, instead of just the Conservatives."

"Soundly reasoned," the king said. "Commandant, can you make it happen?"

Commandant Poldi leaned forward to a stack of folders in the center of the table and took the one labeled 'Pavlos Gerasimos, Ind.' He thumbed through the known intel about the MP, and said, "Of course I can, but I'll need a little more info on his schedule. We need to get him while he's alone."

"Simple enough," Councilor Photios said. "Gerasimos is rarely at the forefront of anything, so he'll be in his private abode unless Parliament is in session."

"Easy," Poldi said. "I suppose it's not always dramatic."

"Leonidas wasn't dramatic either," Ioannes pointed out. "One shot while he was at home. No speech, no dramatic reaction, just happened. In all honesty, it's better that way."

"Agreed," the commandant said. "I'll assign a few men to monitor his actions and we'll make our move when we get an idea of when it's best to strike. Gerasimos will not be a problem by the end of the week, I guarantee it."


----------

[i]Two Days Later[/i]
"Chancellor, I understand your concerns," Pavlos Gerasimos said into his cell phone as he locked the door to his home behind him. He turned and walked up the stairs, continuing, "However, there is no notable evidence to support your theory. You just look crazy. The Conservatives, overall, are a minor power in Parliament. The idea that someone is trying to eliminate them looks like paranoia, and it'll put you on the fast track to getting voted out of office."
"Damn it, Pavlos," Aniketos snapped through the phone. "I'm not a fool. I know what's going on."
"Yeah, well, that's nice," Gerasimos said, opening the door to his room. "Do you happen to have any evidence to bring to light?"
"In a way, yes, but not the type of evidence I'd like to have," Aniketos replied uneasily.
"Chancellor, I would be more than happy to read any evidence you have. Simply bring it by my home sometime this week and I'll have a look. Until then, I bid you good day."
"Pavlos, if you hang up on me now, I swear to God-"
Gerasimos clicked the end call button on his cell phone and tossed it on his bed, rolling his eyes. He'd made an agreement with Athanasios to support the Conservatives in exchange for some under-the-table funding, but the side effect was dealing with Chancellor Aniketos on a regular basis; a fate worse than death, the leftist politician sometimes thought. Wearily, he began to unbutton his jacket, wanting nothing more than to take a nap.
He removed his coat, trousers, and his dress shirt, placed them on the dresser, and slipped into sweats and a white undershirt. Gerasimos rolled his head around on his neck, working out the tension of a day of working with his new conservative allies. This would be a long rest of his term, he realized, if he had to work with them every day.

Gerasimos laid down in his bed, and reached over to set his alarm clock for five PM, three hours from now. When the alarm reached the destined time, he clicked the button to activate it. Instead, the simple action triggered an explosive device planted under his bed and inside his bedside table; enough C4 explosives to disintegrate the bed and envelop Gerasimos in the inferno, killing him instantly.

Gerasimos felt no pain beyond a quick feeling of heat. He didn't know what happened. He didn't know he was dead. He merely passed from the realm of the living into darkness.


-------
Across the street, a Royal Guardsman noted the explosion. "Explosive triggered," he stated flatly into his radio.
"Good. Get out of the area, blend in with the civilians," Commandant Poldi replied.
"Aye, sir," the guardsman replied, sticking the radio into his jacket and exiting the alley. The Rodos Fire Department had also noted the explosion, and already, he could hear sirens as the fire engines made their way toward the scene of the crime, accompanied by the lesser sirens of ambulances and RNPF patrol vehicles.
Another victory for the monarchy.

[Ioannes]

[i]Two Weeks Later[/i]

Nicolaos Aniketos was afraid.

It was a peculiar feeling, to the man of iron resolve, a man used to using terror, blackmail, and murder to his own designs. In the past month, someone had been assassinating members of Parliament with connections to his party, and both of the Conservative delegates had been killed. His remaining allies were unfaithful at best, and several of them were leaning away from his sphere of influence, towards the Royalist-Nationalist alliance. Six were dead, one hospitalized, and four now drifting toward the chancellor's enemies.

Nicolaos was fairly certain that the King was somehow involved in this. For all his flaws, King Ioannes I Komnenos was not a fool, and Aniketos knew this all too well. Matthias Panagiotos, the Overseer of Rhodes's Shadow, had informed him the day after the attempt on Crown Prince Andronikos's life that Gregorios, the agent charged with the death of the prince, had not returned, and that he feared the worse. Nicolaos knew that the assassin had been captured, and was most likely in royal custody now. Yet, no charges had been filed against him, and not even a whisper of the successful arrest had been reported on the news, and since then, many of King Ioannes I's [i]de facto[/i] and [i]de jure[/i] enemies in Parliament had been killed, but in such a way as to move suspicion away from the Crown. The dead politicians were all over the political spectrum, ranging from capitalists to communists, libertarians to authoritarians, brought into the Conservative Party's alliance more for personal gain than any common political interests. Therefore, no one would believe that anyone, especially the king, who was, publicly, at least, working so hard to bring the terrorists to justice, was working to destroy the minor Conservative Party's political influence.

But there was no other possibility as to why Nicolaos's allies kept dropping like flies, and no one was being brought to justice. He knew damn well that the King was behind this, but to bring any evidence forward to support that would prove his own guilt for the attack on the Prince. Throw in the fact that all of his evidence was fairly weak, and his hands were tied.

And he now feared for his own life. After a month of holding Gregorios in custody, the King more than likely knew of his involvement in the incident, and his life would soon come to a bloody end.

He could not let that happen. Nicolaos realized that his backup plan would have to be put into action. The original plot to kill the king and take power for himself had failed miserably, and now he would have to reopen his old connections, and wrest control of Rhodes from the Komnenos by force.

During his years as a businessman, Nicolaos had lent vast sums of moneys to militant minded clients and partners, many of whom established successful contracting companies across Europe and Asia, with some even managing to spread into the Americas. He had never called in the favors owed to him, and now seemed as good a time as any. And he could contract Panagiotos and enlist the Shadow's assistance on the covert and logistical branches.

It'd be most convenient for him to go see Panagiotos first, but the Overseer was unlikely to commit his vast array of criminal resources to his cause unless there was something tangible for him to commit them to. Nicolaos opened his cell phone and accessed his phonebook, then the Private Military Contacts sublist, which pulled up a list of about a dozen names, all the CEOs of private contracting armies. A smile came to his lips. "Oh, my eventful little life. It's about to get even more eventful."


---------------------
"My King, Parliament is clamoring for action," Councilor Yannis said, taking a seat at the conference table. "But the multitude of voices rising with suggestions and complaints makes it impossible for them to establish a decisive course of action, and Aniketos can't seem to bring order to them. The Royalists are now looking to us to bring security to the nation, and I believe it is time to act."

"And I have acted," King Ioannes I replied, dropping a packet of papers onto the table. The papers held the royal coat of arms of the King of Rhodes, and was titled, 'Royal Security and Defense Act.' "This, gentlemen," Ioannes continued, "is the next step in consolidating our power. This act officially gives all control of the Rhodean Armed Forces and Rhodean National Police Force, and grants the Crown power over all security measures; as King, I will be allowed to impose laws and decrees for the safety of the people and the nation. The powers are undefined, and the inability of Parliament to ever agree on a Constitution gives us massive leeway with this. This is going to vote this afternoon, and we already have massive support from the Royalists, Nationalists, Socialists, Communists, and several independents. Aniketos's party now lacks the grip to hold it off, and we have as good as succeeded."

"Do not celebrate until it passes," Councilor Photios warned. "Let's see how it turns out first."

"I am no fool," Ioannes said. "But gentlemen...our break may have soon arrived. We may now wash the blood from our hands and start afresh."

[Ioannes]

Royal Decree III: Royal Security and Defense Act passed through Parliament far easier than the king and his court had expected, with 47 For, 2 Against, and 1 abstaining. The overwhelming success of the RSDA removed the power of Chancellor Aniketos's veto, and the king signed the act into law immediately after signing.

King Ioannes I Komnenos placed his signature on the bill he had authored on live television, broadcast live to the entire nation, sitting behind his desk in the Royal Palace, with his Royal Court assembled behind him, with the rather unremarkable exceptions of Commandant Jakob Poldi and General Theodoros Serafeim. Crown Prince Andronikos I Komnenos, finally out of the hospital, was also in attendance. Chancellor Aniketos had declined to attend the signing. The king signed the bill with a flourish, and then addressed the nation, stating, "People of Rhodes...today, the terror that has gripped our nation comes to an end. Our unknown assailants succeeded in their efforts because of our inability to centrally define ourselves. Now that our security forces and agencies are all working together, they will find a unified, iron wall where they once found disunity. I pledge to you, citizens of Rhodes, that I will do all in my power as King to bring our enemies to justice, and make our nation secure for years to come. Those who attacked us will find no mercy from us, and they can count on receiving the harshest penalties possible."

-------------------------------
While Ioannes addressed the nation, General Serafeim and Commandant Poldi were at work carrying out his first orders under the RSDA. Poldi was organizing the Royal Guards, stationing them in and around Rodos and the Palace, while Serafeim was sending out deployment orders for each RRGF regiment, stationing them in and around the five biggest cities in Rhodes. RNPF personnel were deployed across the island in all cities, equipped in riot gear, with nightsticks and rubber bullets.

All of this was in preparation for the King's next decree, which would undoubtedly be unpopular with the common folk.

-------------------------------
Similarly, Chancellor Nicolaos Aniketos was busy while the king addressed the nation. He had driven himself to Ialysos, the second largest city in Rhodes, where Overseer Matthias Panagiotos had fled after the failed assassination attempt on King Ioannes. Matthias had determined that Rodos was no longer safe for him, and had opted to move his personal headquarters to his second home in Ialysos.

Now, he pulled into the lavish estate of the crime lord, which could almost be described as a compound. It was enclosed by a wrought iron fence, with numerous Shadow 'soldiers' posted along the boundary and gate. Two of them, armed with AR15 rifles, had stopped Aniketos's car as he entered, confirming his identity before allowing him to enter the Overseer's estate.

Nicolaos parked in the driveway, behind Panagiotos's Corvette, and locked the doors to his vehicle as he walked toward the house's entrance. It was a beautiful building, built in Victorian style, doubtlessly with money earned on the black market, and looked more like a home in New England than Rhodes. The entrance was locked, so Nicolaos rang the doorbell and waited, leaning on his ornamental cane and peering around impatiently. A guard opened the door and ushered him inside, closing and locking the portal behind him. Nicolaos gave the guard an inquisitive look, and earned the response, "Upstairs, fourth door on the right."

The chancellor nodded his thanks, and ascended the stairs at a brisk pace, turned a corner, and approached the fourth door. He found Matthias inside, behind a teak desk, feet propped up and reading a book. He glanced over the top of the text at Nicolaos as he entered. "Chancellor, so good to finally meet you! How may I help you?"

Matthias Panagiotos was a muscular, blond-haired man of average height, with piercing green eyes and olive skin. A soul strip of hair decorated his chin, and he would have looked like a surfer, were it not for the suit and the pistol on the desk.

"A pleasure, Overseer," Nicolaos began.

The criminal waved his hand and put the book down. "Please, call me Matthias."

"Then call me Nicolaos," his government counterpart replied impatiently. "Matthias, I am here with a new proposition for you."

Matthias held up his hand to stop him. "If this has anything to do with the last proposition, then two things. One, no way in hell am I risking that again, and two, no, you can't have your money back. No refund policy and whatnot."

Nicolaos chuckled. "Worry not, Matthias, that is not why I am here." The overseer relaxed visibly. "But it is still a pressing matter."

"Please, do share," Matthias said. He stood and walked over to a liquor cabinet situated in the corner of the room. "Would you like a drink, first?"

"I would enjoy that, actually," Nicolaos said with a smile. "Do you have absinthe?"

Matthias scratched his goatee as he scanned the cabinet. After a moment, he uttered, "Aha!" and reached to the top shelf. "I have a few bottles of green fairy, yes," he said, taking a bottle down. "Lucid Absinthe Supérieure, imported from France."

"I prefer Hausgemacht style absinthe, but that will do," Nicolaos said, reaching for the bottle and examining the label.

"Alas, it is rather difficult to get decent quantities of Hausgemacht," Matthias replied, taking down a bottle of vodka and two glasses. "It's typically not sold on any market, black or otherwise."

"I understand," Nicolaos said with a smile, pouring himself a glass of absinthe while Matthias did the same with the vodka.

The overseer sat back down, taking a sip of vodka, and looked intently at Nicolaos. "So, what is this proposition of yours?"

"Well, it is a bit of a grand scheme, I would say," the chancellor began. "Over the years, in my business dealings, I created quite the network of military contractors, or mercenaries, or whatever they call themselves. They each promised me one favor in exchange for interest-free funds to establish their companies. Now, about a dozen companies owe me these favors, and I have called none of them in. In all, the twelve companies' personnel numbers around 130,000, with armor and artillery support. Recently, I've had them prepare to return my favors."

"And you tell me this why, exactly?" Matthias asked, sipping his vodka again.

"Because the King is now in a position of power, Matthias," Nicolaos said, leaning forward. "This new act that he pushed through Parliament gives him utter control over the Rhodean military, police, and all security actions. Those powers are undefined in the act, and I know that Komnenos, being the sly son of a !@#$%* he is, will use that to consolidate royal power and remove his enemies...and we are amongst those enemies."

"And how do you know that our glorious king considers us enemies?" Matthias inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Common sense, friend," Nicolaos responded. "Gregorios has been in custody for nigh on a month, and with the interrogation tactics that the king's Royal Guardsmen use, he has doubtlessly betrayed us."

"Then why are we not dead or imprisoned now?" Matthias shot back. "The King would doubtlessly have come after me, thirsty for blood, after what we did to his son."

"Because it did not serve his interests to do so," the chancellor explained. "The deaths of those MPs over the past few weeks? Those have all been Komnenos's doing."

"How do you know this?"

"Each of the dead MPs were my political allies," Nicolaos continued. "By killing my allies, the king would both weaken my already-feeble grip on Parliament, while instilling fear and paranoia in the representatives."

"I'm confused, none of this seems to be interconnected," Matthias interrupted. "The contractors and the assassinations have what to do with this?"

"There's not a doubt in my mind that our 'beloved' king is attempting to establish absolutism in Rhodes," Nicolaos said. "With the utter backing of his military and police force, and the potential power to abolish Parliament, he now has the means. I intend to lead a revolution, one that will overthrow the king, and install myself as the benevolent despot of Rhodes, with a weak, figurehead Parliament to give the pretext of choice."

"A civil war?" the overseer asked, surprised. "Are you sure that would be wise?"

"It is our best option," Nicolaos said firmly, putting emphasis on the word 'our.' "I don't know about you, but when I am faced with death, every option is preferable."

"Chancellor, this is one of the riskiest things I've heard in all my years as Overseer of the Shadow," Matthias said. "I have had businessmen, CEOs, rival crime lords, and even a few politicians killed, but a revolution? What in the hell could you want me for?"

"You and I both know that the Shadow is amazing with logistics and covert operations," the chancellor said. "You can ship thousands of weapons through heavily guarded ports without any trouble or any suspicion. I need individuals capable of handling the logistical needs of a massive coalition army of contractors, and committing espionage if need be, and your organization is the primary candidate."

"Why should I risk all that I have built for this scheme of yours?" Matthias asked, leaning back and folding his arms over his chest, eyebrows forming a V-shaped frown.

"Why shouldn't you?" Nicolaos countered. "It would seem to me that you have every reason to. First of all, my faction has an advantage over the king's: Numbers. The entire Rhodean military numbers just under 40,000. My forces could swell to 130,000. That's a 3 to 1 superiority. And then let's see what happens if we lose. No matter what, the King's forces will come for you. He will seize your assets, your money, your trade. He'll strip everything, right before he executes you. Do you really want the man whose son you ordered shot to come after you, when he has absolute power?"

Matthias averted his eyes. "No..."

"And if we win...you will be one of the most powerful men in Rhodes, my leading official. You will bask in power, your organization will flood you with more wealth than you've ever dreamed of. All you have to do is put your bet on us."

Matthias took a deep breath to steady himself. He was unsure if he should throw his lot in with Aniketos. Nicolaos had a valid point, but his punishment would be much more severe if he outright turned against the king. But then, for all intents and purposes, he had already turned against the king by attempting to have him killed.

Swearing softly to himself, Matthias turned back to Nicolaos. "Fine, Aniketos. You have a deal. The Shadow is at your service."

Nicolaos smiled broadly. "How wise of you."

"When does it all start?" Matthias asked, downing the rest of the half-cup of vodka in one swallow and gasping at the burn.

"Events have already been set in motion, Matthias," Nicolaos said. "My contractors are en route to Chalki and the other minor islands near Rhodes. That will be our base of operations for the war to come. I will need you to assist in the movement of the troops, supplies, and weaponry to the main island when the time comes."

"It shall be done," Matthias sighed. "Now get out of my sight. Send me a message when it begins.

"I will," Nicolaos said with a smile. "Until next time." With that, he stood, swallowed the rest of his absinthe, took the bottle, and exited the room.

Matthias groaned as he heard the chancellor's car start. He now answered to someone, a concept that was foreign to him.

He didn't particularly like it, but, as Nicolaos had said, every option was preferable to death.

[Ioannes]

The next couple of months were tense for officials on both sides of the coming conflict. King Ioannes I dealt with the problems of mobilizing an army in such a way that would not draw attention to his plans. Chancellor Aniketos and Overseer Panagiotos had to suffer the nightmare of landing over a hundred thousand soldiers on a chain of tiny islands while keeping the peace between rival contractors. They managed to keep Rhodean attention away from the island with the help of Shadow plants and informants that diverted Rhodean resources away from the sub-islands on the coast. Yet, the Chancellor made not a move; Ioannes would have to make the first move.

-----------------------

The first move came just over three months after the RSDA was passed. The King chose to make a statement on Friday afternoon, when everyone was getting home and people out and about at work were an exception rather than the rule. When the time came, he walked up to the wooden platform in the Rodos plaza and came to the podium bearing the royal seal. The stage was surrounded by Royal Guardsmen, and the plaza was surrounded by RRGF troops and snipers from both the Guardsmen and the Ground Forces. K9 units were deployed at all entrances, sniffing down all entrants into the plaza.

"People of Rhodes," King Ioannes I Komnenos began, shuffling a few papers and gazing out into the crowd. "It has been over two years since our islands declared independence from the Federation. Two years of a limited monarchy, governed by a multitude of rulers. In that time, we have come far, but not nearly as far as we as a nation are capable. We are held down by a weight, a weight that brings us down and prevents us from breaking the surface. It has blocked educational funds, rejected research proposals, and maintained ideas that cripple our economy and might. What is this insufferable cancer, feeding off the life of Rhodes? The answer may not come easily to you; it is Parliament. In a small society, a young nation, a multitude of rulers arguing over the slightest detail of a plan is not an advantage; it is a curse. The people's will has not been solidly translated into governance. The people want free speech? Parliament censors entertainment. The people want privacy? Parliament tries to strip that privacy away. The people want change, jobs, and prosperity? Parliament gives them the same; overly high unemployment and economic stagnation. We are not helping ourselves by electing men of false promises to govern ourselves.
"Homer once said that a multitude of rulers is not a good thing; let there be one ruler. One King. And so Rhodes shall be. By the power vested in me by the Rhodean Security and Defense Act, I hereby disestablish Parliament and place all functions of government under the authority of the crown." Gasps of shock rippled across the crowd, and some people began cheering or hissing. King Ioannes I continued to speak over them, raising his voice. "On that note, royal officials will be appointed in each region of Rhodes. Citizens may voice concerns and complaints to the official in their region. The officials will take note of high-concern issues and have them forwarded directly to my desk. Other than that, while a document is drafted organizing the official responsibilities of those in this new government, a curfew will be set at ten PM and last until five AM. Exceptions will be granted to those who obtain Night Passes from their local official to work on a night time job. No one is permitted on the streets in between these times, and police may take anyone breaking curfew into custody for up to, but not more than, three days in the local prisons.
"These measures are all in effect as of now. May Rhodes shine upon a new horizon."

The crowd exploded into action, some pressing forward against the line of soldiers defending the stage, others turning on other people in the crowd.
"Freedom crusher!" one voice cried above the noise.
"Glory to Rhodes! Glory to the King! May he lead us on to greatness!" another roared, as if in retort. This served to send the crowd into a frenzy, as the king's supporters and opponents began to turn on each other. Ground Forces tried to break up the fights, but in return had the opposition taking swings at them. Under the RSDA, soldiers on policing actions were permitted to arrest people for crimes, and striking a soldier was an offense equal to or greater than assaulting a police officer. RRGF personnel began arresting violent members of the crowd, using nightsticks where necessary. They made a point of arresting supporters on the same terms as opponents, though they'd been given orders to release supporters without pressing charges.

While this was going on, the Royal Guardsmen took up positions around the King and ushered him back to his car, which, protected by armored cars, would return him to the palace.

After a half hour of intense battle between the two groups, the military and police succeeded in breaking up the crowd. Suspects were loaded into police cars and military transports to be taken to Rodos City Penitentiary, but those carrying supporters would slip off the path to the prison and release supporters in various points around the city.

------------------------

Similar scenes were seen in several cities across the nation. In Archangelos, anti-royal forces seized the plaza and clashed with supporters of the King and his police forces. In Kamiros, a small minority of oppositional protesters took to the street, only to be driven away by throngs of royal supporters. As conflicts brewed across Rhodes, it became apparent that the opposition and pro-royal sides were roughly even; about 42% of the population supported the King's decree; 39% did not. Almost a fifth of the population was undecided on whether the King's creation of absolutism was a good thing or a bad.

------------------------

While National Policemen fought dissidents across the country, Chancellor Nicolaos Aniketos didn't miss a beat. When the country broke into chaos, he issued an order to his contractor coalition.
"Begin the Revolution."

[Ioannes]

Protests and small riots continued to occur throughout the nation, and were contained by the RNPF detachments. A dozen people were arrested for violent action at protests in Rodos and Kamiros. Two suffered severe injuries when a man lobbed a Molotov cocktail into a pro-Royal rally in Archangelos. One man died in a scuffle with police in which a nightstick struck him in the temple after drawing a knife on an officer.

The newly appointed royal intendents posted in the regions were overwhelmed with the opposition's complaints, almost all of which demanded the reestablishment of Parliament. Because the king refused to budge on the issue, these complaints were thrown out without consideration.

----------------

King Ioannes I kept his Royal Court in session almost continuously after his decree. The Royal Guard presence at the palace was doubled, and another hundred were posted on security efforts in nearby areas of the city. The Court was primarily concerned with National Police reports on the protests around the country.

"Every member of the Royalist Party that was formerly in Parliament has declared their support for you," Councilor Stelios Yannis said, sitting in his chair near the edge of the table. It was about two in the morning, and many of the councilors were drifting off in exhaustion. "Many Nationalists have also come to view this move as a potential to further the power and prestige of Rhodes. The minority parties have denounced your decree as an authoritarian power grab and have attempted to organize the opposition. Fortunately, the political differences divide the protesters more than the parties can organize them."

"How has Aniketos responded to being removed from power?" King Ioannes asked.

"Well, Your Majesty, that's what has me worried," Yannis answered uneasily. "We haven't heard a think from Aniketos since yesterday. We'd expected him to be our most outspoken opponent, but there's been naught from him since this began."

"Yes, we have," Councilor Dionysios Photios interrupted. He held up his phone. "I just got a message from the Military Security Operations. They sent a plane over Chalki and the islands around it and saw something that...quite frankly, scares me. A massive number of armed individuals, with artillery and armor support. They're moving. And I don't think that's good for us."

Ioannes paused, taken aback. "What?" he growled. "You're telling me that an army has been gathering within our country...and we were none the wiser?"

"That about sums it up, sir," Photios replied. "And I fail to see how it can be anyone but Aniketos. I recommend moving troops into defensive positions near Atavyros. He is likely to launch an invasion soon."

"Do it. Now. Raise our Defcon level to 1, equip RNPF personnel to act as auxiliary forces to the army," the king ordered. "Yannis, I want the penalties for breaking curfew made more severe and efforts increased to enforce laws. Penalties for resisting arrest and assault on military and law enforcement personnel are to be doubled for the duration of this conflict."

"But what of the peoples' rights?" Yannis asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Their rights will be restored once they're not in danger of being subjugated to the will of a power-hungry sociopath with an army of hired guns," King Ioannes I snapped. "Now get to it. We're in a state of emergency."

Yannis, Photios, and General Serafeim stood from their chairs and rushed out of the room to carry out the king's orders.

The RRGF and RNPF would be deployed as ordered, but they would have just four hours to get in position before the first battle began., though they were unaware of it at the time.

[Ioannes]

The Chancellor's attack came at six that morning. Four regiments launched from Chalki and made for the southeastern corner of the island. A small RRGF defense force had taken up positions in strategic defensive positions near the expected assault area. Auxiliary RNPF personnel equipped for a supporting combat role were posted in towns and cities in the area. Artillery had been drawn up on the hills and RRGF positions.

[img]http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/3036/initialstrike.png[/img]

Only one regiment, 5000 men, was stationed in the area, but this regiment was Second Regiment, First Division, under the command of Colonel Bastian Jochem. The regiment had occupied ridges and hills near the coast, plus the foothills of the Attavyros mountain, and had worked constantly since receiving orders to fortify their positions. Sandbags, machine gun posts, and artillery batteries had been erected along the lines. Armored units supported by infantry had been positioned where they could reach hotspots on the battlefield quickly. A large number of RRGF personnel and artillery pieces had been deployed near a small port town in the area, which was expected to be a primary target. A squad of snipers equipped with M82 rifles had been deployed within the town to take shots of opportunity at the enemy as the enemy marched.

Because of Colonel Jochem's remarkable abilities in leadership, ordnance operations, and supply acquisition, the Second of the First had some of the best weapons in the best condition in the entire RRGF. Every soldier was equipped with an M16A2 assault rifle, due to Jochem's emphasis on accuracy over spraying bullets, whereas most of the RRGF was equipped with AK47s. A series of M2 HMGs had been placed along the sandbag fortifications and in buildings on the edge of Atavyros, supplemented by the PK and MG3 MGs deployed to the weapons squads. A number of soldiers had been equipped with M72 LAW anti-tank rockets, and others with M79 grenade launchers, usually in addition to an MP5 SMG. And, because of the king's approval of then-Lieutenant Colonel Jochem's proposal, each soldier had a sword or axe strapped to their back or belt.

Twenty D-30s and ten Mod 56s were positioned in sandbag-enclosed batteries near the fortifications. Twenty heavier M110 and Giatsint-B howitzers were deployed in the center and rear of the hills and fortifications. Twenty pieces of TOS-1 rocket artillery were stationed in the area, behind the lines in supporting positions. The regiment's 55 Leopard 2A3 tanks and nine Marder 1A1 IFVs had been divided between the defensive positions, in positions that would allow them to reach hotspots quickly without being in danger fighting straight out.

Colonel Jochem had set up his headquarters in Monolithos, with a mid-sized defense force. His command tent was set up near the center of the town, and RNPF personnel had been tasked with keeping any dissenters away from the military forces until they were called upon to fight. Jochem had been ordered to prepare for the attack in all ways possible, so he spent just as much time calculating various strategic options as issuing orders. He knew he had 5,000 RRGF soldiers with artillery and armor support, plus about 7,000 RNPF stationed in Siana, Monolithos, Agios Isidoros, Atavyros, Lakkio, Kamiros Skala, and Mandriko. The RNPF, with their Kevlar and MP5s, were intended to be used in support of the military, but would not last in a prolonged engagement with most of the contractors. They would be facing at least 25,000 mercenaries and their armor support in the initial confrontation, and there was at least four times more back on Chalki. They were vastly outnumbered, but they had the advantage of terrain, fortifications, and superior training and discipline. And it was entirely likely that the sheer size of the enemy attack would overwhelm the RRGF before reinforcements arrived.

Jochem leaned back in his chair from the map on his desk in the command tent and sighed. There were so many variables and risks in the battle to come. He was doubtful that even his well-trained regiment could defeat these odds.

----------------------------

As the mercenary boats came within range of the RRGF artillery, the long-range artillery opened fire. Scores of artillery shells flew through the air towards the approaching fleet, which appeared to be mostly sorts of armored civilian boats. Many shots splashed harmlessly into the water, doing nothing more than getting the mercenaries wet, but a considerable number hit targets, sinking and shattering ships, killing soldiers, and even taking out a few mercenary IFVs. About fifteen minutes after entering the range of the Giatsints, S-23s, and M110s, already sustaining steady fire, the invading force came within range of the Mod 56 and FH-70s, which also opened fire. With eighty pieces of artillery raining constant fire as they advanced, the leading force suffered severe casualties. Numerous ships were damaged or destroyed in the incessant barrage; the artillery crews staggered the shots to ensure that there wasn't a quiet moment as they approached.

By the time the five rebel regiments reached their destinations, more than three thousand of their troops and a dozen IFVs had been lost, due to the typically feeble construction of the ships and lack of long-range armaments to counter the artillery. Two of the regiments, nicknamed Aniketos's First Wing landed near Lakkio, where they had been expected, meaning they took the brunt of the casualties. Fifteen hundred RRGF personnel and about a third of the artillery were located there, positioned to contain the assault there as long as possible. The artillery on Attavyros Mountain fired on the First Wing in support of the troops there.

On the peninsula, two more regiments, called Aniketos's Second Wing, landed with less casualties than the First, but had to march through a hail of artillery to reach the RRGF position, on a large hill. Their IFVs were divided into two five-vehicle groups; one, with its infantry, was sent to attack the rear of the RRGF post that was encircling the First wing. The other was to circle around to the flank of the hill and try to locate a weakness.

The IFV pincer effort was held off by the swift movement of the Marder 1s, followed by RRGF squads armed with LAWs. The Rhodean soldiers and IFVs held the mercenary force at bay, but neither could push the other back, until a trio of Leopard 2s arrived, destroying the IFVs and sending the surviving soldiers retreating back to the main force.

Near Lakkio, the First Wing suffered severe casualties as they tried to organize themselves on the beach, but they also began to spread out, making each subsequent volley less deadly than the last. The mercenaries advanced into the port town, setting up a base camp in one of the larger houses. The squad of snipers wreaked havoc on the contractors as they occupied the town, taking shots at anyone who appeared to be giving orders. Their efforts helped delay and slow the mercenaries, but they couldn't be halted immediately.

The man in charge of the First Wing gathered together the two regiments he had at his disposal, totaling around 7,500 men and fifteen IFVs now, and launched a concentrated attack on the southernmost RRGF position. Their plan was to strain the thin line as much as possible on the one spot until it shattered, weakening the Rhodeans' position and compromising the position.


---------------------
"Colonel, the Second Wing has reached our frontier position after severe casualties and are now trying to attack our forces there and overwhelm them with numbers," Major Alexandros Akakios, Colonel Jochem's direct subordinate in the regiment, said, pointing out the position on a map. "About 9,000 infantry remain there, against our 1,000. The defenses should be able to hold them for the time being, but it may not be wise to leave them unsupported for too long."

"Dispatch 1,500 national policemen to the location, and divert five more tanks and two IFVs to the area," Colonel Jochem ordered his aide, Captain Georgios Stathis. "Have them standby and remain in contact with the officer in charge there for when they're needed." Captain Stathis nodded and relayed the orders through the radio.

"Meanwhile, the First Wing is applying all their efforts to one part of the defensive ring there," Major Akakios continued. "The enemy there has taken more casualties than the other wing, but our limited forces in the area cannot contain the invasion, and if that part of the line breaks..."

"There's too much valuable equipment there to allow the enemy to break through," Colonel Jochem decided. "Tell the men there to fight to the last breath, and that reinforcements are on the way. Move a company of soldiers and ten tanks from HQ to the front line to reinforce that area, and deploy an additional 3,000 police to support them and further secure the artillery. If they can't hold it when they arrive, then have the artillery and ordnance withdrawn from the area while the infantry and police hold them off, then have them retreat, supported by tanks and Marders. Have them resupply at Atavyros and rendezvous with the forces at the mountain."

Again, Stathis nodded and relayed the order.

---------------------------

The front line action was bloody. Elite Rhodean soldiers mowed down scores of mercenaries advancing on their position, but they were taking casualties too. For every three mercenaries killed, a Rhodean fell, and each loss hurt Rhodes more than the rebels. In some areas, infantry engaged in hand-to-hand fighting, almost always ending in the Rhodeans' favor. The soldiers fought like men possessed up close, swinging their blades swiftly and furiously, and physically overwhelming the mercenaries with their raw strength. As the battle raged for the next two hours, neither side gained the upper hand. The contractors' tactical options had been seriously limited by the stout Rhodean resistance, troop repositioning, and artillery, and had been forced into a slug match.

Mercenary forces suffered severe casualties whenever they made an attack on the RRGF positions. The numerous howitzers, mortars, and machine guns on a height advantage blocked the enemy from taking advantage of their numbers. However, the Rhodeans knew they had a limited amount of ammunition; once it was gone, they stood no chance, and there were more mercenary bodies than there were Rhodean bullets.

In the northern part of the invasion, the First Wing at last succeeded in pushing part of the Rhodean force back. Following orders, the Rhodean soldiers withdrew all artillery from the area, while the Leopard 2s and Marder 1s advanced to support the infantry as they delayed the enemy. The six-man sniper squad managed to extract itself from the port, but two of the snipers were killed by mercenaries. The First Wing established the port as their base and posted their troops to defend their toehold.

Just as Colonel Jochem began to worry about the artillery shell stockpile (for the unit had originally been deployed for security reasons, and had a relatively small stockpile), the PMCs ended their offensive. The Second Wing withdrew to a more tactically sound position on the peninsula, while the First Wing continued to hold their own position. Jochem ordered his artillery pieces to cease fire, in the interest of saving ammo. In the meantime, they would count their losses and reorganize to better face the next assault...and potential reinforcements.

The regiment had won a temporary victory for the morning, but it was likely not over for the day. In the meantime, they would count their losses and reorganize to better face the next assault...and potential reinforcements. Artillery crews were ordered to be on standby, but to begin firing if they saw a major shift in the enemy's position.

The Second of the First had lost 453 men, two Marders, seven artillery pieces, and 11 Leopard 2s; all very painful losses for the isolated unit. The mercenaries had lost around 6,750 men and most of their armor in the initial battle, but still had the means to defeat the defenders. If more RRGF forces didn't arrive soon, the unit was as good as gone and the battle as good as lost.

[Ioannes]

The next two hours were tense. Both sides adjusted and readjusted their forces, and tried to get a better understanding of their enemy's strength. Both sides were forced to rely on intel gathered by scouts, as neither had aerial drones or satellites to deploy, and the use of scouts led to the deployment of patrols along the lines. An hour after the assault ended, Rhodean snipers located a mercenary scouting unit of four men near Atavyros, and eliminated them with four shots to the heads before they could radio back. When this report reached Colonel Jochem, he ordered four of his own, best men to take the contractors' uniforms and weapons and infiltrate the First Wing's camp. They were to gather as much intelligence as they could while feeding misinformation to the invaders. Meanwhile, headquarters made radio contact with nearby RRGF forces, informing them of the situation and requesting support in the form of munitions and manpower.

-----------------------------

Major Akakios returned the salute of two guards before ducking into the command tent in the RRGF field headquarters. Inside, he offered a salute to Colonel Jochem, who was poring over maps of the terrain in the area and reports by scouts. Jochem looked up and returned the salute.
"Sir," Akakios said, holding up an official RRGF Communications Report, "We've made contact with the First Regiment, First Division. They have acknowledged our situation and have sent a battalion under Lt. Colonel Yavuz Can, but with their armor, they will not be here until tomorrow. As for military, a convoy has been sent with ordnance for our artillery. Colonel Silas has also made contact with General Serafeim, so the situation is now known to the entire military. We expect extensive support to back us up soon."

"'Soon' is not soon enough, Major," Jochem replied, taking the report from his hand. "Our reports estimate that the enemy still has at least 15,000 troops left, and God knows how many more are on Chalki. We're but a single regiment against an army, and if support doesn't arrive before the next attack, we're $%&@ed."

The radio on the side of the tent crackled to life, and a voice on the other end frantically shouted, "This is Major Zayn of First Battalion. Our position is under attack on three sides, and our outer lines are on the verge of breaking. Requesting additional support immediately! We'll take whatever we can get, just help us! Now!"

"Sir?" Captain Stathis said, looking to Jochem.

The colonel snatched the microphone away from Stathis and broadcasted, "Readjust all artillery and target the enemy; scatter, disorganize, and demoralize them. I want the 2,000 RNPF personnel at HQ to mobilize immediately and attack the southern flank of the enemy. Third Battalion, launch an attack on the opposite side. Stave off the enemy and prevent them from encircling First Battalion; Zayn, I want you to hold onto your position until relief arrives, then begin a steady withdrawal from your position towards HQ."

-------------------------------

Third Battalion, located at Attavyros Mountain, responded immediately, launching an all-out attack on the eastern flank of the PMCs. Meanwhile, the RNPF unit, supported by two companies of Rhodean soldiers, organized and lashed out at the mercenaries' Second Wing as they tried to wrap around the southern end of First Battalion's hill. Third Battalion engaged in fierce fighting with the mercenaries, preventing them from allocating troops to the southern part, with the Leopard tanks launching successful counterattacks alongside the infantry, and the RNPF succeeded in halting the flanking maneuver, but could not push the enemy back further.

Mercenaries swarmed the hill, undeterred by the barrage of artillery on their ranks, using their overwhelming numbers to take the Rhodean position. They reached the sandbag fortifications and engaged in bayonet fighting with the Rhodean soldiers, who drew their various melee weapons and began hacking down contractors with abandon. But all the quality in the world could not have saved them from these overwhelming odds. They killed hundreds of mercenaries, but each individual soldier would wind up surrounded by enemies. While the perimeter struggled, Major Zayn had the artillery withdrawn from the hill, then tried to extract his troops from the bloody situation. A company of Rhodean soldiers from Third Battalion reached the hill and offered much-needed support for First Battalion's withdrawal.

The RNPF and Third Battalion launched a renewed assault on the mercenaries, allowing Zayn's soldiers to remove themselves from the hill. They began to withdraw in good order towards HQ and Attavyros Mountain. Then, the artillery pieces captured by the contractors in the last battle were turned against their former owners. Shells began to rain upon the withdrawing Rhodeans, enough to disorganize them, especially the RNPF. The PMCs launched another attack, focusing on the less-trained policemen and demoralized First Battalion. A bloody struggle ensued, ending with the shattering of the RNPF and decimation of First Battalion. The Rhodeans grew increasingly disheartened; no matter how many mercenaries they mowed down, more were ready to take up the fight.

First Battalion withdrew to HQ while Third Battalion formed a defensive line at the front. Auxiliary RNPF personnel were deployed to reinforce it, and three more companies were deployed alongside them to delay the enemy. They had no hope of holding off the mass of contractors, but they could hold them off long enough for a clear escape route to be formed and the artillery evacuated. Colonel Jochem had already begun to withdraw his artillery, as it seemed very likely that the mercenaries would ride their momentum to headquarters. He radioed Lt. Colonel Can and informed him that the Second was being forced to withdraw, and told him to return to First Regiment. He then adjusted his remaining reserves to hold off the enemy as long as possible. Third Battalion was under extreme pressure, and was losing ground to the onslaught.

------------------------------------

"Colonel, sir, we have a broadcast from General Serafeim himself," Captain Stathis reported. Colonel Jochem grabbed the headset from him and put it on his head.

"Colonel Jochem, this is General Theodoros Serafeim," a voice said on the other end. "I have been made aware of your dire situation, and I need more eyes-on intel from your unit."

"General, things are looking bad. The enemy is approaching headquarters and is battering Third Battalion as we speak. My artillery has begun to withdraw to prevent the enemy from capturing it. I still have 1,500 men with artillery support on Attavyros Mountain, but they are cut off from HQ. We're outnumbered and losing ground fast. Once Third Battalion breaks, Headquarters itself will be under attack."

"How many personnel do you have at your HQ?" General Serafeim asked.

"About one thousand soldiers with two thousand national police, but I wouldn't rely too much on the police, seeing as they're not professional soldiers," Jochem replied. "Sir, it pains me to say this, but I don't see any way for us to hold our position. We don't have the manpower to hold off a continued enemy attack, and our forces at Attavyros Mountain are too meager to hold out forever; even if they could, they don't have enough supplies to last them a week. Each of my men are willing to fight and die to the last man for Rhodes, but I don't believe that to be the best option here. Have you any orders for us?"

Serafeim paused for a moment, then replied, "Yes. Colonel, I want you to begin an organized withdrawal from the area. Do what you can to thin their ranks as you withdraw, but don't get bogged down in a prolonged engagement. Extract your forces and head east; rendezvous with First Regiment and establish defensive positions, and I'll need you to hold the enemy there. We're doing what we can to relieve you, but this time, we need you to hold them as long as possible. Can you do this for me?"

"Yes, sir," Jochem replied. "Without question."

"Very well. Carry on." Serafeim cut the connection before Jochem could say anything else.

No sooner had the link been destroyed than Major Akakios burst into the tent. "Colonel, Third Battalion has been removed and is now on the retreat towards headquarters. What are your orders?"

Jochem handed the headset back to Captain Stathis and said at length, "Continue to withdraw the artillery from the camp. Send three of our available companies to support Third Battalion's retreat." He tapped Stathis on the shoulder and said, "Contact the CO at Attavyros Mountain and tell him to begin a withdrawal, but send some of his forces to launch a diversionary attack on the enemy's flank. Tell them to make their way toward the First's position to the east."

"Are we retreating, sir?" Akakios asked, visibly surprised.

"Of course," Jochem replied. "We're outnumbered and in danger of being outflanked. I know my men would die for their country, but I'd rather not throw lives away in a futile defense." He whistled. "Dorotheos!" A soldier with the insignia of a captain on his shoulder entered the tent and saluted. "Begin withdrawal protocol. Load up the trucks, put everyone on high alert, and deploy the engineers to plant mines as we retreat."

"Yes, sir," Dorotheos said, darting back out of the tent.

"Sir, if we're retreating, you need to get ready to leave now," Akakios said.

Jochem shook his head. "No," he responded. "I needn't."

Akakios stared at him, frowning. "Sir, with all due respect, you're our commanding officer. You need to leave with the initial convoys to avoid your death or captu-" He trailed off at the icy glare cast his way by Jochem.

"Major," he said coldly. "I may be an officer, but first and foremost, I am a Rhodean soldier. My rank does not entitle me to safety where my men are dying. I will withdraw when every last Rhodean soldier has left this headquarters. Dismissed."

"But, sir-" Akakios protested.

"Dismissed," Jochem reiterated firmly.

-----------------------------

The contractors pressed their advantage, pursuing Third Battalion as they withdrew back to Headquarters. The RRGF continued to give ground and inflict severe casualties on the enemy, while engineers took positions throughout the area, equipped with anti-personnel frag mines. As the RRGF withdrew, they would place the mines in the path of the enemy advance and link up with the soldiers, repeating the process as they went. A few fougasse mines were also placed wherever any surviving mercenary IFVs were expected to move. The mercenary advance was greatly slowed by the minefield the RRGF left behind, but it wasn't stopped.

Second Battalion, one of the units on Attavyros Mountain, launched a diversionary attack on the flank of the attacking force. After some initial success in pushing the mercenaries back and stressing their lines, they were slowed down and held their position in order to inflict more casualties on the enemy; their lesser numbers and more spread out positions allowed them to take shots at the enemy without exposing themselves to significant return fire, except whenever the Leopards made an attack, in which case it was the mercenaries that tried to keep their heads down.

The engagement lasted for a further two hours, with the RRGF and RNPF units being pushed steadily back as HQ's valuable assets were evacuated from the field. As the last of the artillery and sensitive reports were carted away, Second Battalion cut off its attack and began to retreat. Headquarters' units continued to stave off the attack, until, at long last, they broke into the camp.

The retreat was fairly organized, considering the contractors were nipping at the RRGF's heels the entire time. The surviving Leopard 2s and Mardar 1s formed the rear guard of the convoy as it extracted itself from the battle. The mercenaries pursued the soldiers out of the camp, but broke off unexpectedly, likely due to a shortage of anti-tank rockets.

The Second of the First finally succeeded in escaping their unsupported position, and Aniketos's hired guns finally managed to gain his foothold on the territory. Over the next two days, the small, unsupported RNPF garrisons in Atavyros and other small towns would be wiped out by superior numbers, and more contractors, with more armor and artillery support, would land in the beachhead. The mercenaries would be reorganized, and prepare for a second attack on the Rhodeans.

[i]Battle of Atavyros[/i]
RRGF: 5,000 (lost: 2,786)
RNPF: 7,000 (lost: 5,942)
Rhodean Total: 12,000 (lost: 8,728)
Artillery: 120 (lost: 14)
Leopard 2s: 54 (lost: 13)
Mardar 1s: 9 (lost: 4)
BTR-60s: 6 (lost: 5)

Mercenaries: 25,000 (lost: 15,943)
Artillery: 11 (lost: 7)
IFVs: 26 (lost: 19)

Pyrrhic Victory for the Chancellor's Forces
-----------------------------------

News of the defeat at Atavyros reached the Royal Court by way of General Theodoros Serafeim. He informed them of the dire situation in that area of the country, and elaborated on the current situation.

"Our forces inflicted severe casualties on the invaders," he said, standing before a map of the battle. "But this was purely because of their terrain advantage and fortifications. Had they been stuck in an open battle, we would have lost. The enemy on Chalki is reported to number at least 100,000, and our standing army consists of merely 35,000 men. They are well trained, but quantity can overwhelm quality in many circumstances. As it is, we will be sucked into a straightforward, ground-based slug match with the mercenaries, and I don't know if we can win a war of attrition. Our best bet would be to expand our military immediately, and I'd also recommend exploring weapons options to give us an edge over the enemy."

King Ioannes I sat at the edge of the table, quiet. He had his hands clasped together and was leaning on his elbows, mouth covered by his hands. He set his arms down in his lap and grimaced. "I want the size of our army doubled; target veterans specifically, and give them the same training as any standing unit; I won't let war degrade the quality of my soldiers." He paused for a moment, considering the situation a bit more. "And I believe we'd be better off as a nation if we established an air force. It'll give us a definitive advantage over the rebels, and it'll serve us well in the future." He looked down the table at the Councilor on Defense and General Serafeim. "Photios and Serafeim, I want you two to look for fighter and bomber craft within our budget, durable, quality aircraft that we can afford."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the two said together.

"Report back to me when you have recommendations," Ioannes said. "Serafeim, keep in mind that your primary objective is managing the war effort and swelling our ranks. Do not let this task cause our defeat."

"I won't, Your Majesty."

[Ioannes]

As per orders, the Chancellor's mercenaries began to establish a series of bases throughout their beachhead. The main headquarters was built in the town of Atavyros itself, with smaller ones across the region and defensive strongholds on Attavyros Mountain and the large hill previously occupied by RRGF troops. Advance parties had already been deployed to root out any straggling Rhodean soldiers, with larger forces being organized behind to sweep in and occupy the territory. Thirty thousand reinforcements were sent from Chalki, and ten thousand more were marshaling to launch a supporting coastal attack further up the Rhodean coast, leaving about sixty thousand more on Chalki, in cramped and rather insecure conditions.

Rhodean troops were in retreat, offering no resistance at present to the Chancellor's army-for-hire, save for the occasional diehard or straggler with a machine gun or mortar. Such individuals would cause a little damage, usually killing a few mercenaries or damage supplies, or both, before a patrol pinpointed their location and eliminated them, save for one sniper that seemed to appear for a shot, then melt away without being detected. Despite an increase in patrols, the sharpshooter always seemed to be a step ahead of the mercenaries, and had already claimed eleven victims, ranging from a few senior NCOs to the commander of an entire company of Fenrir Global employees.

The Chancellor's army was made up of fourteen different companies, originating from several different regions; the Heirs of Achilles, Fenrir Global, Northwind, Marx's Marksmen, Jurgen's Legion, Paradigm Arms, Gottorp Grenadiers, Warhawk International, New Crusaders, Stormrange Worldwide, Vanguard Global Security, Phoenix Defense and Security Corp, Emerald Snake Military and Security Company, and Guardian Security Firm. It was a multicultural coalition of individuals from across the world, all brought together by money and thrills. One would expect a severe language barrier between each group, and that's exactly what Chancellor Aniketos had anticipated in his business days. When he lent the funds to each CEO-to-be's, part of the contract signed required each employee to be taught fluent English, at the company's expense if necessary. This proved fortunate, as it allowed different nationalities to speak in a common tongue and prevented confusion through translators or language barriers, though each group often reverted to their native language when speaking with their fellows.

The compilation of PMCs was headed by one Mikhael Thanos, a member of Rhodes's Shadow and a former field commander for the Athenian army, who was styled Grand Commander Thanos. He was aging, but he was still a capable and strong leader, and that's what Aniketos needed to keep his various mercenaries under control. The detachments from each company were led by officers trained and appointed by the CEOs of their respective companies, and each one answered directly to Grand Commander Thanos. Problematically, since they had not been incorporated into a single, coherent military structure, a lesser soldier did not have to obey a superior's orders if the superior was of a different company. For instance, a Fenrir Global NCO was not obligated to obey an order from a Northwind captain, unless the order went through Thanos and came through a Fenrir Global officer. Existing rivalries also did little to help maintain the status quo; fights had been barely prevented between several different groups. In response, Thanos broke up each PMC and assigned them a different camp, and filled his headquarters with heavily armed Shadow members, as the alternative had been to call a contingent from each PMC, and that was a situation he sought to avoid.

While Grand Commander Thanos tried to keep the peace in his mercenary army and advance their gains, Chancellor Aniketos was building his own ideal government, to legitimize his efforts to take the throne. He had already enlisted the assistance of many of his old Conservative Party allies, and was in private contact with several former members of Parliament, trying to buy their support by posing as the republican savior of Rhodes. This had resulted in several more leftist and centrist MPs joining his cause. He and Overseer Matthias Panagiotos had been writing a constitution for a 'Republic of Rhodes,' which would have power centralized around a president, with an ornamental parliament. The basics were in place, and holes in the emerging government were being filled by political defectors. Aniketos was also working on swaying the populace to his side, and had local broadcasts sent to Atavyros and the surrounding countryside, explaining the cause of the invaders and denouncing the King. He appointed one of Panagiotos's men as a recruiting officer in Empona and other villages, looking for volunteers for a future Republican army; the rather limited population meant that only about 1,000 men and women had volunteered, hardly enough to make up for the almost sixteen thousand lost in the Battle of Atavyros. Technicians managed to breach national television and transmit their message throughout the nation, stirring dissent against the King and favor for the Chancellor.

Aniketos continued to deal with affairs of his 'state' from Chalki, deciding that Atavyros was still too close to the frontline to transfer his base of operations. Overseer Panagiotos remained busy with the logistical branch of an invasion, coordinating ammunition, food, fuel, and other materiel between camps and units, and Grand Commander Thanos ordered the next phase of his invasion to begin.

Four different ten thousand-man units, plus a fifth arriving from Chalki, launched follow-up attacks all along the beachhead's perimeter. With their frontier regiment pushed back and little manpower with which to hold the border, the RRGF was powerless to hold. The regiments set up defensive positions in and around the larger towns of Rhodes, waiting for battle and hoping to weather the storm.

-----------------------------------------

In Rodos, a constant session of the Royal Court continued, with reports from the field in the combat zone and retained provinces, both good and bad...but mostly the latter.

"Latest intel suggests that Aniketos is launching another wave of attacks," General Serafeim said, pointing to a few locations on a blown-up map of Rhodes. "He has reinforcements from his little base of operations on Chalki, and we don't have the firepower or manpower to hold them back right now." He pointed at the area around Notia Rodos. "All of First Division, which, at this point, is only about 8,000 personnel, has entrenched in this area. A significant portion of Second Regiment, which was present at the initial Battle of Atavyros, has been positioned here-" Serafeim indicated a road that led from the southeastern coast of Rhodes to about halfway into the island. "-to prevent the enemy from strolling down the road and isolating Notia Rodos. The odds are more favorable toward them now than they were at Atavyros, as only about ten or fifteen thousand mercenaries are being sent against them, and one to two odds are better than one to five odds, especially with our army's training." He shifted his attention up towards Kamiros. "In the north, however, the situation is considerably more bleak. We only have 5,000 men there; Fourth Regiment, Second Division, under Colonel Dimitrios Spiridon. They have the ten thousand coming by land, and reports indicate that another ten thousand have departed Alimia and are making their way to Kamiros for a beach landing." Serafeim waved his pointer at two more enemy units in between the two. "As for these two, they are largely unopposed at present, and appear to be angling toward Lindos and Afantou, yet no force seems to be marching for Archangelos, which is larger. We suspect that they intend to seize Lindos and Afantou, cutting our nation into three pieces, centered around Rodos, Notia Rodos, and Archangelos, which would allow them to conquer each one at leisure."

"Worrying," King Ioannes I Komnenos muttered, flipping a page in a file. "How goes the search for recruits?"

"Well, it has been made difficult by Aniketos's broadcast," Councilor Photios answered. "But many veterans of the RRGF are more than willing to reenlist at an equal or lesser paygrade. We're seeing a rather high retention of RRGF combat skills, so the veteran units should be battle-ready within the week. The rest, up to four months, at our current training standards."

"Do you have a solid number in terms of veterans?" King Ioannes asked.

Photios glanced at his clipboard and said, "About twenty thousand, Your Majesty, far more than we expected, and so quickly. I suppose its good that we promoted loyalty to the monarchy in training."

"Indeed," the king mused. "And what of your investigation into aircraft?"

Photios and Serafeim exchanged glances, and Photios cleared his throat. "Well, Your Majesty, in ideal circumstances, I...we, would recommend F-15 fighter aircraft and F-111s for a support role, but if we buy F-15s, then it'd be more economical for us to purchase MiG-23s instead of F-111s, for the time being. We have been able to determine that the United Federation of the East has surplus of both F-15s and F-111s, so we should see if we could strike a deal with them."

"I'll contact the UFE," Ioannes said. "Anything else?"

"Our citizens are getting a bit uneasy, with the invasion and all," Councilor Stelios Yannis mentioned. "With so many RNPF personnel deployed in an auxiliary combat role, we're a bit undermanned to handle the protests in the city. Considering their low effectiveness on the field of battle, I recommend redeploying a portion of our combat RNPF units to cities to keep the peace."

"Agreed. Redeploy the Rodos RNPF Auxiliaries to peacekeeping roles in Rodos, Petaloudes, and Afantou," Ioannes ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Councilor Yannis replied, dipping his head.

"I must sleep soon," Ioannes said, rubbing his eyes and looking at his court. "I will contact the UFE and sign the paperwork for my orders. Photios, I want you to create a structure for an air force. I'll officially establish it tomorrow. Everyone, carry out your orders."

"Yes, Your Majesty," most of the advisers said simultaneously.

"Good," Ioannes said. He yawned, stretched, and stood from his chair. "Do not wake me unless something truly urgent occurs." He turned and strode from the conference room, and the advisers rushed to do their part before it was too late.

------------------------------------------

[quote]
Official Message
Sender: HRH Ioannes I Komnenos
Recipient: Chairman Jia OR Whomever It May Concern
Sub: Military Purchase

Msg:
Dear Chairman Jia,

As you may or may not know, my nation was recently attacked by contractors hired by our former Chancellor, Nicolaos Aniketos. His troops currently outnumber my existing ground forces, and we require an edge to turn back the tide. We have determined that the best course of action is to establish a Rhodean Air Force, but the problem is that, with our conflict with Aniketos and the efforts to expand the royal ground forces, we are low on excess funds. We were hoping to strike some sort of bargain with you, in exchange for thirty F-15 Eagle and twenty F-111 Aardvark aircraft. Would you be willing to make an agreement?

Sincerely,
Ioannes Komnenos
End Msg
[/quote]

[Triyun]

The United Federation of the East shall provide the planes which you've requested.

[Ioannes]

King Ioannes was asleep in his quarters in his palace when the reply from the Federation arrived. He was broken abruptly from his dreams by the insistent shaking and hissing of another. As he woke, he squinted at whoever it was that was interrupting his slumber.

"Your Majesty," Councilor Lefteris Ioannis whispered. "I hate to wake you, but we've received a response from the UFE."

"Already?" the king asked, rubbing his eyes. "Let me see it." Lefteris handed him the missive, and he raised an eyebrow. "Odd. I was expecting terms of some sort, or at least a price tag."

"As was I," Lefteris said. "What do you want to do?"

Ioannes groaned sleepily and yawned. "Uh...ask them about delivery and see about getting some flight trainers to get us started."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I'll wake you again when they give their reply."

----------------------------

[quote]Official Message
Sender: Councilor on Foreign Affairs Lefteris Ioannis on behalf of HRH Ioannes I Komnenos
Recipient: August Imperator Jia OR Whomever It May Concern
Sub: Re: Military Purchase

Msg:
How and when will the aircraft be delivered? What is your price? Would it be possible to negotiate for UFE flight trainers to get the air force off the ground, figuratively and literally?

-Councilor Lefteris Ioannis
End Msg[/quote]

[Triyun]

$10 million for the F-15 SE and $5 million for the F-111s individually. We will fly them over when they are ready for your usage. We've forwarded you contact information about UFE military advisory companies which employ former pilots who flew the craft.

[Ioannes]

King Ioannes was once more awoken by Councilor Ioannis, who this time held the response from UFE and a form authorizing the transfer of $400 million from the treasury to the UFE. The king read the reply, signed the authorization, and rolled back over in his bed. Lefteris took the form and searched out Councilor Photios, who was working with some of his underlings to create an organizational structure for the Air Force.

"What is it?" Photios asked without looking up from some notes on his desk.

"We're about to wire the money for the aircraft to the Chinese," Lefteris said. "They gave us the information we'll need to contact flight instructors to teach our pilots. Since that falls under your authority, and also because His Majesty will probably shoot the next person to wake him up, I need your signature to authorize their employment."

Photios glanced up at his FA counterpart. "Me? Why not Theodoros?"

"Because he is in charge of the ground forces," Lefteris explained. "His jurisdiction does not extend to anything to do with any other branch, existent or not."

"Ah." He beckoned with his hand, and Lefteris handed over the paperwork. Photios scanned it for a moment, signed it, and handed it back. "When will they be here?"

Lefteris shrugged. "When they get here," he replied. "I've got no idea what sort of schedule to expect from the UFE."

The war councilor rolled his eyes. "Alright, whatever," he said, returning to his notes. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have important matters to attend to."

"Of course, of course, don't let me keep you," Lefteris said, rushing from the room to complete his next task.

----------------------------------
[quote]Official Message
Sender: CoFA Lefteris Ioannis on behalf of HRH King Ioannes I Komnenos
Recipient: August Imperator Jia OR Whomever It May Concern
Sub: Re: Military Purchase
Msg:
$400 million have been wired to you. Please let us know when the aircraft are en route. They can land on the military-administered air strip in Rodos.

-Councilor Lefteris Ioannis
End Msg[/quote]

-----------------------------------


[img]http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7977/overallpicture1.png[/img]
The second phase of the conflict began after dawn the next day. Ten thousand Paradigm Arms and New Crusader mercenaries launched a coordinated ground attack on RRGF fortifications near Kamiros, while another ten thousand Northwind contractors, arriving from Alimia, began a beach landing just behind the frontlines of the Fourth Regiment positioned there. The Rhodean forces at Kamiros were more prepared for an attack than the ones at Atavyros had been; they had larger ammo stockpiles, more extensive fortifications, minefields, and snipers posted throughout the municipality. The mercenary advance was far less steady than it had been at the Battle of Atavyros, and even the coastal strike met significant defenses. Despite superior numbers, the mercenaries were bogged down fighting a dug-in enemy at Kamiros, which bought the Rhodean armed forces valuable time.
[img]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3760214713_4811ce49e6_o.jpg[/img]
[size="1"][i]Rhodean soldier of Fourth Regiment fires a machine gun near Kamiros[/i][/size]

Near Notia Rodos, a more even engagement began. Ten thousand mercenaries from the Heirs of Achilles, Warhawk Int., and Stormrange WW clashed with around 7,500 soldiers from First Division, including the troops of Colonel Bastian Jochem, who had left an impression on the enemy after their bloody struggle to hold them back. After an initial attempt to overwhelm the RRGF in a blitz failed, the mercenaries withdrew and began to work out a new strategy. Although defenses in and around Notia Rodos were inferior and more hastily erected than those at Kamiros, the larger garrison meant that the Rhodeans had a good chance of turning the enemy back.
[img]http://www.military-today.com/apc/marder.jpg[/img]
[size="1"][i]A Mardar 1A3 of First Division moves to support infantry northeast of Notia Rodos[/i][/size]

In the central part of the island, the two ten thousand-strong army groups, composed of ESMSC, Vanguard Global, PDSC, and Jurgen's Legion contractors, faced comparatively less resistance. Only about one thousand men blocked each one's advance, sent from Archangelos and Lindos to delay the enemy's march. They would hold their fortified defensive positions for a time, then withdraw the armor and artillery and engage in guerrilla warfare to thin out the mercenaries. As the two mercenary forces attacked and encountered resistance, their advance slowed considerably, as they were unable to discern how many soldiers they were facing.
[img]http://wapedia.mobi/thumb/9ac5499/en/fixed/470/305/Royal_Thai_Army_soldiers_in_woods_2006.jpg[/img]
[size="1"][i]Rhodean soldiers of Third Regiment await the mercenary advance[/i][/size]


----------------------------------------

As his soldiers fought their way towards Kamiros, the second largest city in Rhodes, Nicolaos Aniketos decided now was as good a time as ever to officially declare his new nation. After adding some final touches to the national constitution and his appointees, he released a statement to the global community.

His televised appearance showed him sitting behind a desk, with a neat stack of papers, and an unnecessarily lit lamp. Before beginning, he took a swallow of water, cleared his throat, shuffled his papers, then looked directly at the camera.

"People of Rhodes, leaders of the world, good morning," he began. "I am Nicolaos Aniketos, former Chancellor of Rhodes. As you may or may not be aware, the minuscule Kingdom of Rhodes is now embroiled in a conflict, and fighting has broken out across the country between Rhodean military and another, larger force. Allow me to recap the last few weeks, for those who are unaware of the current circumstances. In response to a series of deaths in the Rhodean Parliament, His Royal Highness King Ioannes I Komnenos proposed the Royal Security and Defense Act, which passed through Parliament via the majority Royalist and Nationalist parties. Not long after, King Ioannes cited the RSDA and dissolved Parliament and the office of Chancellor, deploying military and police forces to contain any protests. Just a day after, this other army launched an invasion in the municipality of Atavyros in southwestern Rhodes. This army answers to me; in the weeks before the dissolution of Parliament, I and my associates had grown wary of the King's intentions, and pooled our monetary resources together to contract the services of various private military companies and gathered them on the isles of Chalki and Alimia. And now I see that we were right to do so.

"King Ioannes seeks to strip all forms of democracy from Rhodes, centralize power for his own gain. He does not speak for the people, only for his own interests. He has denied us our ability to elect our own governors, and I fear more of our rights will be taken away if this continues. That is why I wage this war; to restore democracy to our nation, and free it from the oppression of the Komnenid monarchy. To further this fight for freedom, I hereby declare the sovereign Republic of Rhodes, with the following government.

"I, Nicolaos Aniketos, have been elected by my peers to be the first President of the Republic of Rhodes. My Vice President and Secretary of Defense is Matthias Panagiotos, a former businessman from Rhodes. My cabinet consists of three individuals; Secretary of Defense Panagiotos, Secretary of Foreign Relations Thomas Paraskevas, and Secretary of the Interior Nomiki Gregorios. A 50-seat Parliament has been established, largely out of former members of the Royal Parliament. For the duration of this conflict, all matters of military nature will be handled by the President and his military advisers, but Parliament may vote on civilian issues.

"My first act as President of Rhodes is to establish the Army of the Rhodean Republic. Volunteers may enlist in the Army at local recruiting stations; they will be trained by instructors provided by Fenrir Global and the Heirs of Achilles military companies and deployed to reserve policing duties and in support of the contractors.

"Secondly, I ask for the support of the global community in our fight for democracy, implore your compassion. We do not seek military assistance, only financial and humanitarian aid. It could be the difference between a republic and a dictatorship in Rhodes. Thank you for your time."

Aniketos's image was replaced by a black-and-red striped flag, the one that would represent the Republic as a nation.

[center][img]http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/6366/parliamentaryflag.png[/img][/center]

[Triyun]

With the money received the planes would be taxied over to the Island of Rhodes. Flight instructors would arrive with some of the planes whereas with most, pilots would move onto Crete for an exercise with the Athenians. Ships were dispatched from Singapore with the spare parts and ammunitions for the planes.

[Ioannes]

The Fourth Decree of the Rhodean Monarchy, or Royal Decree IV, was issued by King Ioannes I in the wee hours of the morning after the renewed attack by Republican forces. The decree mandated that all Rhodean citizens with a pilot's license were to be conscripted into the newly-established Rhodean Royal Air Force, effective immediately, and were to report to government-chartered buses in their town to be taken to Rodos Military Base for a rigorous, fast-paced basic training in infantry and aerial combat, with the focus being on the latter. Exceptions were granted to individuals hospitalized for serious injuries or illnesses, or who were currently attending university; anyone else who failed to reach the base by the next morning would be tagged AWOL, and anyone who was absent by the end of the week would be labeled deserters and tried by court martial upon detainment.

There were two thousand licensed pilots in the Kingdom of Rhodes; two hundred of them were in territory firmly under the control of Aniketos's Republic, and another 150 were in active combat zones and would require heavier military escorts to reach Rodos. An additional four thousand citizens were also conscripted into the RRAF for ground security and logistical operations. A panel of retired Athenian HAF officers and senior NCOs were called upon to provide an experienced officer corps to help get the air force up and running.

When the UFE planes and trainers arrived at the airstrip, they were greeted by King Ioannes, General Serafeim, Councilors Photios and Ioannis, and a detachment of Royal Guardsmen. They were given a meal in the base's officer's club cooked by the king's chefs. The instructors were given spacious quarters in an unused barrack by the airstrip, separate from where the newly recruited airmen were situated, and the UFE pilots set up in a quality hotel in Rodos until their ships arrived.

The new RRAF airmen would receive basic training in a T-41D aircraft, and after attaining a certain number of hours, would graduate to a PC-9 for intermediate training, and then a T-2 for jet training. Only after reaching a set number of total hours in training aircraft and proving an ability to fly capably would any of the airmen be allowed to fly an F-15 or F-111. In the meantime, those aircrafts would be flown by the most skilled of the HAF veterans now serving in the RRAF, after a re-familiarization course.

------------------------------------
Corporal Vassilis Anastasios, RRGF sat in a tall oak tree, some distance from the village of Empona, peering down the scope of his Dragunov SVD. The small, mountainside town had been occupied by mercenaries in the employ of the Republic of Rhodes, and was being used as the headquarters of Grand Commander Mikhael Thanos. The men in the camp did not, however, bear the insignias of any of the PMCs in the employ of President Aniketos; they wore no distinguishing marks, and appeared to be far less formal in their business than any of the companies; apparently, they were a former criminal group known as the Rhodean Shadow. Only when a select few individuals walked among them did they have any semblance of discipline, which worked in Vassilis's favor; according to a squad of Rhodean soldiers that had infiltrated the republic's ranks under Colonel Bastian Jochem's orders during the Battle of Atavyros, Grand Commander Thanos had banned the use of salutes in response to numerous casualties caused by what he thought was a 'squad of elite Royal Guard snipers.' Now, Vassilis could use the demeanor of the enemy soldiers to determine when an officer was walking among the troops.

What Thanos thought was an elite unit of the king's personal guard was, in fact, Corporal Vassilis Anastasios. The son of an Athenian army veteran and a low-level bureaucrat before independence, Vassilis was conscripted into the RRGF when he was 19, and was chosen to be a sniper for his extraordinary talent on the firing range. He served for the mandatory two years, attaining the rank of private first class, and when it came time for him to be discharged, he opted to volunteer for a four-year term because he was offered a two-grade promotion to corporal. Two months after reenlisting, King Ioannes I had dissolved Parliament, and Aniketos had attacked at Atavyros. Vassilis had been assigned to the Second of the First, posted near Atavyros, and had been deployed with his sniper squad to the port town that had initially fallen to the mercenaries. When orders came to withdraw and regroup with his platoon, Vassilis was trapped in the port, and had to sneak his way through enemy-controlled territory after his squad had already left. By the time he reached the rendezvous point, the battle was over, and Second Regiment was making a retreat toward Notia Rodos.

This had left Vassilis behind enemy lines with just his SVD, thirty rounds of ammunition, a 9mm pistol with a few clips, his Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife and a few MREs. He briefly considered destroying his gear and blending in with the locals, but dismissed the notion, instead deciding to take as many of those traitorous !@#$%^&* with him as he could. And so, over the first two days, he fired eleven bullets and killed eleven mercenaries, all of them at least a squad leader. He'd evaded capture by taking his shot, anticipating the path of the next few PMC patrols, and moving to another post without crossing any enemies.

It had been seven days, twenty-two bullets, and twenty-three dead mercenaries (the excess had been one he'd caught taking a piss near his post, and he couldn't resist, so he'd slit his throat with his Fairbairn and taken his rifle, ammo, and rations) since he'd fallen behind. He had no doubt that he was officially missing and presumed dead, but that didn't bother him. He'd be found eventually, dead or alive.

Vassilis scanned over a cluster of the soldiers standing near a tent in the village, rifles slung over their backs and a clearly relaxed air about them, a feeling brought about by a decrease in rogue RRGF attacks and the fact that the frontline was much further away. The first three days after Second Regiment withdrew, a diehard Rhodean soldier launched an attack of some sort on a Republic camp, ranging from a few mortar shells to a sniping spree, but after about two score of them had been killed, the attacks were now few and far between, and most of them were his shots.

He watched the village for another fifteen minutes, cursing in his head. Officers were much more wary these days, and it had gotten to the point where he was lucky to find an important NCO among the soldiers. It made him paranoid; the longer he stuck around here, the higher the chance of being caught. He'd been sitting on the tree branch for so long that his ass was numb to the point that it hurt. Vassilis lowered his rifle and yawned, wondering idly if he should go ahead and move.

The thought was blown away by a shrill whistle followed by an explosion in the distance. Vassilis quickly raised the Dragunov back up to his cheek and peered down the scope back at Empona. The cluster of soldiers had scattered, taking cover behind buildings and sandbags, shouting orders, unshouldering their weapons, and trying to find out what was going on. Another whistle pierced the air, followed by another explosion, which hit a tent directly, sending one mercenary flying out of the tent flap, with large splinters of wood impaled in his back. Vassilis guessed it was one of the HQ tents, and a desk had been fried.

He found the culprit before the republic mercenaries could; he was further up Attavyros Mountain, obscured by some shrubbery, with a light mortar and a barely-visible brown box next to him. Vassilis could guess it was full of mortar shells. The Rhodean soldier continued to fire shell after shell down on the mercenaries in Empona, inflicting numerous casualties and causing significant damage to fortifications and several military-occupied buildings. Eventually, the mercenaries managed to spot the man, likely through the use of binoculars, and Vassilis saw one man making authoritative gestures and shouting at others through a slim crack in between two houses. He adjusted his aim and fired a single shot at the man's head. A cloud of red shot from the doomed mercenary's head, and he fell over dead. Only then did the other soldiers hear the Dragunov's report and duck for cover. The next minute was tense; Vassilis could identify no other officers, and the soldier with the mortar continued to rain explosives down on Empona. While he could find no more leaders, Vassilis did spot a mercenary sniper, leveling his own rifle to take aim at the mortar man, so he fired once, pegging the man in the temple and sending him toppling off of his rooftop position.

Thirty seconds and two mortar shells later, another sniper took a shot at the soldier; Vassilis adjusted his view to see the Rhodean clutching a wound in his chest, then fall over, and he waited a moment to confirm whether or not he was dead. He saw the mortar's trajectory adjust slightly, then a blood-stained hand dropped another shell into it. This shot flew true; it arced over its former target area, and landed directly through the blown-open wall of the building being used as an ammo dump. The building erupted into a ball of flame, and a massive explosion dwarfed the sounds of gunfire directed at the Rhodean. Empona vanished in a cloud of smoke for a few moments, and when it cleared, the ammo dump was utterly obliterated, and many of the buildings around it were also destroyed. Smoldering corpses dotted the area, at least fifteen of them.

It was then that Vassilis noticed the five-man squad of mercenaries rushing up the mountain path towards the Rhodean soldier, who had readjusted his trajectory and was now firing at the [i]de facto[/i] mess hall, with considerably less effectiveness. He was still on the ground, dropping the shells in with bloodstained hands. As the mercenaries left the path and started wading through brush to get to him, the shelling stopped, causing the squad to slow cautiously, wary of what he may do next. After an eerie moment of silence, Vassilis heard the rapid-fire popping of an assault rifle in the distance; two of the mercenaries dropped abruptly to the ground, dead or taking cover. The other three ducked behind trees, pinned down by this one wounded Rhodean.

One of the mercenaries broke cover and fired two shots at the Rhodean soldier, receiving three in the shoulder as a result. They appeared to have been victorious, as the three approached the mortar cautiously, then stopped and stood in a semicircle. A sword suddenly drove through the torso of one of the unwounded men, somehow breaking through the body armor and mass of the man. The other two fired a half dozen bullets each into Rhodean's prone form. When the body stopped moving, one of them inched closer and prodded it with his rifle. One of them sighed in visible relief, and pushed the soldier's corpse over to collect its rifle. Vassilis couldn't determine what was going on when one of them leaned in, then shouted something and started to run; apparently, not fast enough. There was another massive explosion, igniting the remaining mortar shells and sending the two men sprawling. Vassilis watched for another minute, and they never stood back up.

Vassilis smiled grimly to himself, making a mental note to mention this to his CO when he got out of this to see if the man could be identified. But for now, the men down in Empona were reorganizing themselves, and he had no doubt they'd be sending a patrol in his direction soon. He slung the Dragunov over his shoulder, slid off the branch, and landed heavily on the ground. He glanced about to determine his location, and sprinted off to the southwest, away from the town.