"Mr. Cain, your honesty is refreshing and, I think, unusual in Eutopia. Your house arrest is lifted. Go find your family, try to keep the peace. I do not want violence, and I will protect the country. If anyone attacks me or the troops, we have overwhelming firepower with which to respond."
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The clouds suddenly disappeared as Roger Forbes, on board the last flight out of Eutopia, descended from the calm Indiana stratosphere and downwards to Gary Municipal Airport.
Home, thought Forbes, well... close to it at least. This Indiana countryside is nice, but, it's just not the same. I haven't been back here in years, that damned restaurant took up all my time. Well, I suppose it's good to be back. The place was just too--
His thoughts were cut off as the plane jolted against the runway and came to a screeching halt. Roger exited rather quickly, but took care not to push anyone around too much. It wasn't a bad ride, but stop-offs in Atlanta and Evansville had made it quite a long one. An hour or so later, after an incident with baggage check, Roger climbed down into the front seat of a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
"An import?" inquired Forbes, "What the hell are YOU doing with an import?"
"It's not an import, Roj, it's American-made," came the friendly reply from Mr. Andras Sarkoszy.
"Fine, if your conscience can bear to support the makers of the Zero, then I suppose it's your right." Obviously to Andras, Roger was being sarcastic, a trait they both shared. As Roger closed the door, Andras demonstrated the car's speed. Japanese or American, the car was damned fast. Still, after the initial quick drive through the highways of Northwest Indiana, they hit Chicago traffic. This was why he had gone to Eutopia, Roger remembered. The horns, the noise, the stop and go driving... but it was all worth the experience of Chicago. Wrigley Field, Lakeshore Drive, the celebration of life that was the streets of Chicago. Ever since he had seen the film The Blues Brothers, Roger had been proud of his Chicago lifestyle and the fact that he had grown up here.
Andras, pulling up to the curb, went around to the trunk to help Roger with his luggage. Through the doors, up the elevator, Roger was breathing in the fresh urban air. Finally he arrived at his welcome home present courtesy of the US Army and his family and friends. It was a penthouse suite on Lakeshore Drive. How he had gotten such a low price, Forbes didn't know. He didn't want to know either (some of his friends had connections and not-so-subtle ways of using them), he was just glad to be home. After Andras had left, Roger took a long-awaited rest.
The next day would be different. Awakened by a knock at his door, Roger slowly stumbled towards the noise. Opening the door, he stumbled backwards as his friend, Chris Longham, burst through the now-open portal.
"Roj, how the hell did you make it out alive?!"
"Well, quite frankly, I was just a better shot than the other guy," smirked Forbes, but saw that Chris was serious, "What the hell are you talking about? Get out of where?"
"Eutopia! The UPE! How did you get off of that insane island?"
"I took a damned airplane, as opposed to the usual Eutopian way of travel, Topa Root."
"Damnit, Roj, I'm being serious. You were probably on the last flight out, a few hours later and you'd be dead or in jail. The coup, for God's sake, haven't you heard about it?"
"Why no, I suppose I'm the only one in this town dumber than you, Chris. There wasn't any coup in Eutopia, when I left things were pretty quiet. In fact, that's why I left."
"Roj, there WAS a coup! Military led it, there's chaos everywhere, politicians are being arrested and shipped off at random."
"Military? Probably Admiral Tulp... never really knew him much, but I never trusted him quite either. Well, Eutopia's behind me, I'm in Chicago now. Let those fools kill each other, they stole enough of my cash and spirit to fund a nuclear war and start a religion."
Home, thought Forbes, well... close to it at least. This Indiana countryside is nice, but, it's just not the same. I haven't been back here in years, that damned restaurant took up all my time. Well, I suppose it's good to be back. The place was just too--
His thoughts were cut off as the plane jolted against the runway and came to a screeching halt. Roger exited rather quickly, but took care not to push anyone around too much. It wasn't a bad ride, but stop-offs in Atlanta and Evansville had made it quite a long one. An hour or so later, after an incident with baggage check, Roger climbed down into the front seat of a 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse.
"An import?" inquired Forbes, "What the hell are YOU doing with an import?"
"It's not an import, Roj, it's American-made," came the friendly reply from Mr. Andras Sarkoszy.
"Fine, if your conscience can bear to support the makers of the Zero, then I suppose it's your right." Obviously to Andras, Roger was being sarcastic, a trait they both shared. As Roger closed the door, Andras demonstrated the car's speed. Japanese or American, the car was damned fast. Still, after the initial quick drive through the highways of Northwest Indiana, they hit Chicago traffic. This was why he had gone to Eutopia, Roger remembered. The horns, the noise, the stop and go driving... but it was all worth the experience of Chicago. Wrigley Field, Lakeshore Drive, the celebration of life that was the streets of Chicago. Ever since he had seen the film The Blues Brothers, Roger had been proud of his Chicago lifestyle and the fact that he had grown up here.
Andras, pulling up to the curb, went around to the trunk to help Roger with his luggage. Through the doors, up the elevator, Roger was breathing in the fresh urban air. Finally he arrived at his welcome home present courtesy of the US Army and his family and friends. It was a penthouse suite on Lakeshore Drive. How he had gotten such a low price, Forbes didn't know. He didn't want to know either (some of his friends had connections and not-so-subtle ways of using them), he was just glad to be home. After Andras had left, Roger took a long-awaited rest.
The next day would be different. Awakened by a knock at his door, Roger slowly stumbled towards the noise. Opening the door, he stumbled backwards as his friend, Chris Longham, burst through the now-open portal.
"Roj, how the hell did you make it out alive?!"
"Well, quite frankly, I was just a better shot than the other guy," smirked Forbes, but saw that Chris was serious, "What the hell are you talking about? Get out of where?"
"Eutopia! The UPE! How did you get off of that insane island?"
"I took a damned airplane, as opposed to the usual Eutopian way of travel, Topa Root."
"Damnit, Roj, I'm being serious. You were probably on the last flight out, a few hours later and you'd be dead or in jail. The coup, for God's sake, haven't you heard about it?"
"Why no, I suppose I'm the only one in this town dumber than you, Chris. There wasn't any coup in Eutopia, when I left things were pretty quiet. In fact, that's why I left."
"Roj, there WAS a coup! Military led it, there's chaos everywhere, politicians are being arrested and shipped off at random."
"Military? Probably Admiral Tulp... never really knew him much, but I never trusted him quite either. Well, Eutopia's behind me, I'm in Chicago now. Let those fools kill each other, they stole enough of my cash and spirit to fund a nuclear war and start a religion."
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aussieboy said:
*Talbott sends off a note to Habsburg*
Well, I, for one, won't attend any meeting where Fourgéres is. If we're trying to set up some sort of plausible alternative to Levarge here, we should keep our distance from him as far as possible. He got us into this entire mess--ordered the bombing of Cuba, shipping arms to the Iranians. If the choice of the world is between Levarge and Fourgéres, they're going to pick Levarge, and with good reason.
As for the entire who-is-President-issue--well, it was never my idea in the first place, so I don't really mind if I'm not officially hailed as President. Although I don't really buy the constitutional arguments against it, there's absolutely no reason why we should be torn apart by petty squabbles about who should be titular President of a country we don't even control. I hereby officially recognize O'Floinn as President, if I hadn't made that clear enough already. And if there are any people who are that partisan in their support of me (although I'd certainly be surprised if I had enough friends left for that to be possible), I officially appoint O'Floinn (my MERL) as my Vice-President, and hereby resign the office of the Presidency, effective immediately.
Now, let's get to the matter of the meeting. Atlanta's fine with me, but it might be too inconvenient for our European exiles. Buen Puerto is just a bit too close for comfort in my opinion--until things calm down a bit, I think we should stay off the island altogether. Things could get messy if they start blaming us for losing half their navy to the Cubans. So I think...London...would be a great place for us to assemble--rather centrally located, convenient for everyone. Or if we want to pick a more symbolic location, we can meet in Bermuda. It doesn't really matter to me.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
"Give me the keys, Maria" shouted Roger Forbes as Maria Sarkoszy stepped out of the brand new Hummer. Again, Forbes didn't ask questions about how his friend had obtained this top of the line all-terrain vehicle. It was to be Roger's transport once inside Eutopia.
Forbes took the driver's seat, instructed Maria to hop in, and sped off down Lakeshore Drive. After a particularly sharp right turn onto Lower Whacker Drive, Maria shouted at Roger, "What are you doing? You just got back, don't get us both killed already!"
"I've got to get back to Eutopia, I have some matters to... attend to. Now, I don't expect or want any of you to come with me. Your brother (he was speaking of Andras) must not know until I'm out of this country. I have to ask for one more favor from your family... I need your cargo plane in O'Hare. I simply need it, please Maria, don't ask questions."
Maria sighed. This was Roger alright. Well, she had to help him, it was simply the right thing to do, and she knew it. "Alright, Roger, but remember my family's generosity when you become a rich businessman." Maria, in a hurry, called her father and negotiated with him, but it took a short while. As Roger pulled into the service entrance to O'Hare, the authorization went through, and the cargo plane was readied. Roger drove straight into the back of the plane.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
"Give me the keys, Maria" shouted Roger Forbes as Maria Sarkoszy stepped out of the brand new Hummer. Again, Forbes didn't ask questions about how his friend had obtained this top of the line all-terrain vehicle. It was to be Roger's transport once inside Eutopia.
Forbes took the driver's seat, instructed Maria to hop in, and sped off down Lakeshore Drive. After a particularly sharp right turn onto Lower Whacker Drive, Maria shouted at Roger, "What are you doing? You just got back, don't get us both killed already!"
"I've got to get back to Eutopia, I have some matters to... attend to. Now, I don't expect or want any of you to come with me. Your brother (he was speaking of Andras) must not know until I'm out of this country. I have to ask for one more favor from your family... I need your cargo plane in O'Hare. I simply need it, please Maria, don't ask questions."
Maria sighed. This was Roger alright. Well, she had to help him, it was simply the right thing to do, and she knew it. "Alright, Roger, but remember my family's generosity when you become a rich businessman." Maria, in a hurry, called her father and negotiated with him, but it took a short while. As Roger pulled into the service entrance to O'Hare, the authorization went through, and the cargo plane was readied. Roger drove straight into the back of the plane.
***TO BE CONTINUED***
St. Brendanstown
Think! Think! What the hell is John's cell phone number? Oh! Wait you moron! It's probably bugged by Levarge. My Sat phone wouldn't be, but John's cell phone might be. Wonder where the hell he is? My sources tell me that Levarge hasn't found him yet. Cain is still in the country supposedly. Josephus is dead. Everyone else important has been shunted out of the country! What a bloody mess!Amric thought to himself.
He paced furiously, thinking hard.
There must be a way to get in touch with Lundgren, O'Floinn and some others. I'll try Moonbucks and see if the corporation can get me in contact with Michael.
Amric dials the Moonbucks/Lundgren Corporation number and asks to speak to Michael Lundgren.
Think! Think! What the hell is John's cell phone number? Oh! Wait you moron! It's probably bugged by Levarge. My Sat phone wouldn't be, but John's cell phone might be. Wonder where the hell he is? My sources tell me that Levarge hasn't found him yet. Cain is still in the country supposedly. Josephus is dead. Everyone else important has been shunted out of the country! What a bloody mess!Amric thought to himself.
He paced furiously, thinking hard.
There must be a way to get in touch with Lundgren, O'Floinn and some others. I'll try Moonbucks and see if the corporation can get me in contact with Michael.
Amric dials the Moonbucks/Lundgren Corporation number and asks to speak to Michael Lundgren.
*secretary*
"We are sorry but Mr. Lundgren is not at his office right now. He did leave a note in the office for you but it has instructions to only be delivered in person, IF you can reach us that is? If not there is a part of it we can tell you, if you can reach the shore it would be of some use."
"We are sorry but Mr. Lundgren is not at his office right now. He did leave a note in the office for you but it has instructions to only be delivered in person, IF you can reach us that is? If not there is a part of it we can tell you, if you can reach the shore it would be of some use."
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Erc said:
How about my initial proposal, meeting here in Vienna? After all, it is in a strictly neutral country. And they won't assasinate any of us there. Especially me or you. Last time they downed a Hapsburg in Europe, WW1 began. By the way, I would have been partisan for your side. And it does not really matter if Fougeres comes or not. If you drop out, it's a race between O'Floinn and Fourgeres, and O'Floinn's going to win big time in a GA vote..
Off the Coast
"You know, I always figured your father had more tricks up his sleeve than we knew. He was a good man. But, sneaking back in? It's risky, to say the least. It's been confirmed to me that Levarge has secured the support of the intelligence agencies, meaning they're probably watching us. SAW doesn't kill people, but I've no doubt an OSO operative would shoot you without a second thought if he was ordered to.
"When things are back to normal, I think we should play the experience card, but not form a second UP. I liked what you said, keep it small. Instead of trying to recruit everyone, we should just get a good core of experienced politicians, then take the attitude of 'if anyone wants to support us, they can.' For now, I'm thinking, you, me, and Amric if we can track him down. If Talbott starts a more center-right party, I'd suggest an alliance, but only if Talbott's in charge.
"Now, if you're committed to sneaking back in...I might be able to help you. I know you have your security company, but Levarge will be keeping a very sharp eye on them. My men can get you into the country pretty quietly, then your men can handle things from there. During my Presidential campaign, Jack Teano and I feared an assassination attempt, so we formed an off-the-record group for security. You've probably heard of them....they became slightly infamous when they starting killing criminals.
O'Floinn takes out a pair of untraceable, pre-paid cell phones.
"I picked ten of these up this morning." He hands one to Lundgren. "The first number on speed-dial will get you in touch with the Wlaks, the second is me.
"Now," he says casually as he picks up the second phone. "Shall we see how Amric's been biding his time?"
jacob-Lundgren said:"So all the players are scattered ehh? Well I suppose the first thing is dealing with restoration of democracy but that is not something we can actualy do at this time. I will see if I can get my guys in my security company to get clean cell phones to anyone we need to. Levarge likely won't shut down a company hundreds of business are working with on security issues, besides some of his officers houses might be running on my equipment security wise, doubt he wants all those to suddenly stop working and some shady people to find out."
"Other then communication we can't do anything though as that would cause problems."
*whispered* "I am thinking of sneaking back in, my estate has a few rooms and a small complexe under it that is not in the blueprints. No one knows about it and it was set up many years back by my father, he never did trust the socialists all the way. None of the equipment is of any use but it is a 100% safe place to be. They would never dream of me hiding in such an obvious place and sending out reports over the net and distributing video tapes to the press that way. Besides a search would show nothing. If you want back in the country thats our best route."
"Once everything cleans itself up though, and it will, individuals will matter more then parties at first. Building a small party and refusing to grow is actualy best as it will show we don't intend to run the whole show. I think the best course of action for now is to show the people that there are other ways and to keep the military from being the only side telling their story. They won't let anything print they don't agree with but a video tape? How can they control if those leak.
(ooc hope that was not too out of sinc with reality, still waiting on that master explanation post
"You know, I always figured your father had more tricks up his sleeve than we knew. He was a good man. But, sneaking back in? It's risky, to say the least. It's been confirmed to me that Levarge has secured the support of the intelligence agencies, meaning they're probably watching us. SAW doesn't kill people, but I've no doubt an OSO operative would shoot you without a second thought if he was ordered to.
"When things are back to normal, I think we should play the experience card, but not form a second UP. I liked what you said, keep it small. Instead of trying to recruit everyone, we should just get a good core of experienced politicians, then take the attitude of 'if anyone wants to support us, they can.' For now, I'm thinking, you, me, and Amric if we can track him down. If Talbott starts a more center-right party, I'd suggest an alliance, but only if Talbott's in charge.
"Now, if you're committed to sneaking back in...I might be able to help you. I know you have your security company, but Levarge will be keeping a very sharp eye on them. My men can get you into the country pretty quietly, then your men can handle things from there. During my Presidential campaign, Jack Teano and I feared an assassination attempt, so we formed an off-the-record group for security. You've probably heard of them....they became slightly infamous when they starting killing criminals.
O'Floinn takes out a pair of untraceable, pre-paid cell phones.
"I picked ten of these up this morning." He hands one to Lundgren. "The first number on speed-dial will get you in touch with the Wlaks, the second is me.
"Now," he says casually as he picks up the second phone. "Shall we see how Amric's been biding his time?"
Amric is important yes, lets get him out here some how and finish our plans, long and short term. My men can't do much but the company does a lot of mail, we should have no problem slipping in a few extra items if needs be to places, they can't check everything.
"A lot of mail....interesting," O'Floinn says absentmindedly as he dials the number to Amric's sat. phone.
"Armic, still alive? It's John."
"Armic, still alive? It's John."
Tapes are send to various International newsgroups, tv-stations and newspapers. A tape is also send to General Levarge with a note: "If you think the Eutopian People should know this be my guest to air it...." Every Eutopian Naval Base receives 2 or 3 tapes.
When the receiver puts the tape in a VCR and presses the play button he (or she) sees a long table. Behind it sits a man of average age, he can't be much older then 40, he wears an Admirals Uniform. After a moment he starts to speak.
"Goodafternoon, I am Admiral Henry John Tulp, Chieff of Staf of the Eutopian Navy.
A few days ago the Eutopian Army took control of the United Provinces of Eutopia. I am here to explain the position of the Eutopian Navy.
1. The Eutopian Navy takes a neutral stand in the matter of the military take-over. Though I think that the Army acted ouside the Constitution, something had to be done and the Legislative nor the Executive Branch acted.
2. To maintain this neutrality the Eutopian Navy is taken out of the Military Chain of Command. However General Levarge, as Chairman of the Joint Chieffs of Staff, is still my superior officer. All orders to naval units must thuse be given by General Levarge to myself.
3. The Eutopian Navy will not allow any power, institution or person outside the United Provinces of Eutopia to destabilise the UPE. Any attempt to do such will be met with absolute force.
4. Any vessel wanting to enter UPE Territorial waters, either to enter a port or just sailing through, must request the permission of the Chieff of Staff Navy, that is me. Without permission it is also prohibited to ship weapons to the UPE. Anyone that does not obide to these rules will be arrested, all vessels will be boarded to see if they abide to these rules. As these boardings will take place quite far from the the coast it is not expected that there are any delays.
5. As the High Court has not made a ruling on Eutopian Soil that makes it clear who is the current President of the UPE nor has the full Council of State dismissed General Levarge, General Levarge is seen as the most superior Military officer in the Eutopian Military.
To make this possible I am cancelling all leave for Eutopian Naval Personell, including the Marines. An exception is made for all personell that took part in the Carribean Operations. They may request and receive up to three days of leave. I wish I could give more leave however the situation unfortunantly doesn't allow it. The Naval Command is still discussing other measures to ensure the safety of the Eutopian People. Thank you for your time."
When the receiver puts the tape in a VCR and presses the play button he (or she) sees a long table. Behind it sits a man of average age, he can't be much older then 40, he wears an Admirals Uniform. After a moment he starts to speak.
"Goodafternoon, I am Admiral Henry John Tulp, Chieff of Staf of the Eutopian Navy.
A few days ago the Eutopian Army took control of the United Provinces of Eutopia. I am here to explain the position of the Eutopian Navy.
1. The Eutopian Navy takes a neutral stand in the matter of the military take-over. Though I think that the Army acted ouside the Constitution, something had to be done and the Legislative nor the Executive Branch acted.
2. To maintain this neutrality the Eutopian Navy is taken out of the Military Chain of Command. However General Levarge, as Chairman of the Joint Chieffs of Staff, is still my superior officer. All orders to naval units must thuse be given by General Levarge to myself.
3. The Eutopian Navy will not allow any power, institution or person outside the United Provinces of Eutopia to destabilise the UPE. Any attempt to do such will be met with absolute force.
4. Any vessel wanting to enter UPE Territorial waters, either to enter a port or just sailing through, must request the permission of the Chieff of Staff Navy, that is me. Without permission it is also prohibited to ship weapons to the UPE. Anyone that does not obide to these rules will be arrested, all vessels will be boarded to see if they abide to these rules. As these boardings will take place quite far from the the coast it is not expected that there are any delays.
5. As the High Court has not made a ruling on Eutopian Soil that makes it clear who is the current President of the UPE nor has the full Council of State dismissed General Levarge, General Levarge is seen as the most superior Military officer in the Eutopian Military.
To make this possible I am cancelling all leave for Eutopian Naval Personell, including the Marines. An exception is made for all personell that took part in the Carribean Operations. They may request and receive up to three days of leave. I wish I could give more leave however the situation unfortunantly doesn't allow it. The Naval Command is still discussing other measures to ensure the safety of the Eutopian People. Thank you for your time."
"John? I've been wondering where the hell you disappeared to! I take it Levarge isn't close to capturing you yet? I'm at my home in St. Brendanstown at the moment. I have all my businesses locked up tight and trying to figure out what to do to get this situation handled. I despise coups. I want Levarge's balls on a rusty nail!
I have plenty of vehicles and some firepower with my internal security teams. How do I reach you? Or more accurately, where are you?"
I have plenty of vehicles and some firepower with my internal security teams. How do I reach you? Or more accurately, where are you?"
jacob-Lundgren said:
"Ma'am, I'm already on shore. I'm still in Eutopia. Where would you like to meet?"
*Secretary*Amric said:
"There was a series of times we decoded in a fax we received from Mr. Lundgren using a new program in development, there are 3 different docks, one of which is only an hours drive from you that were listed. I can only assume there is someone or something waiting there if you can make it there in the right times. If there is anything else I can do please ask but much of the fax was of a personal nature of questions Mr. Lundgren needed answers to regarding the current situation."
(the times and locations were provided but making up dock names and times would just complicate things unneccessarily unless the mods really want me to make up names
)
"Just tell Michael that I will be there at the appropriate time. Thank you for all of your help."
Buen Puerto
The man cocks his head to one side and thinks for a moment. "Well, you sure don't start with the easy ones, do you? Levarge is an extremely intelligent and cunning man, military to the core...not to mention one of the most prominent non-political members of Eutopia's only Monarchist party." He pauses, watching O'Floinn's reaction with just a hint of enjoyment. "Oops."
Leaning forward on the table, the man folds his arms and rests his elbows on the table. "He's very professional, and we have no idea when he started hatching this plan. Whoever he coordinated it with, undoubtedly would have been in person or through means he knew were secure. In fact, he didn't tip his hand until somewhere in the vicinity of that latest Emergency Powers Authorization Bill, or whatever it was called. With the troops moving around, he had no choice. Still, he was very careful, we initially missed it. Clever bastard. See, he's spent his life learning and operating in environments where you want to cloak your every movement and thought from people you know are watching. He expected eyes on him, and guarded against it. Of course, as you know, he also had important friends who could screen his actions from your view.
Whether he knew about us or not, he probably counted on the fact that we wouldn't say a word. Good bet. Which leads to why we didn't tell you." He chuckles. "It is espionage, after all. Not exactly the sort of thing you tell your neighbor about. For example, your SAW felt no real compunction to talk to us about the whole Neuva Cordoba arms shipment fiasco, but of course they are around. If we had said something about it, you'd want proof...and to do either would jeopardize our assets in the field. I'm not about to do that. Besides, there is that certain...sensitive political issue just off our collective coasts.
Lastly, Tilly. I must confess, you've got me there. Total blind spot. Still, that doesn't mean he's involved. Course, it doesn't mean he's not either. The Council of State was going to happen anyway, it's a marvel that de Fourgeres guy didn't get impeached...you do know about all his shenanigans, don't you? Levarge could have planned for the Council, then struck as soon as it convened...or have Tilly plan it then and strike at a pre-arranged time. As for where he is now...not really in my dragnet, not to mention the general disarray in-country now preventing a lot of work from proceeding safely. You haven't tried...oh, calling him? I thought you two were friends."
Phalanx said:
The man cocks his head to one side and thinks for a moment. "Well, you sure don't start with the easy ones, do you? Levarge is an extremely intelligent and cunning man, military to the core...not to mention one of the most prominent non-political members of Eutopia's only Monarchist party." He pauses, watching O'Floinn's reaction with just a hint of enjoyment. "Oops."
Leaning forward on the table, the man folds his arms and rests his elbows on the table. "He's very professional, and we have no idea when he started hatching this plan. Whoever he coordinated it with, undoubtedly would have been in person or through means he knew were secure. In fact, he didn't tip his hand until somewhere in the vicinity of that latest Emergency Powers Authorization Bill, or whatever it was called. With the troops moving around, he had no choice. Still, he was very careful, we initially missed it. Clever bastard. See, he's spent his life learning and operating in environments where you want to cloak your every movement and thought from people you know are watching. He expected eyes on him, and guarded against it. Of course, as you know, he also had important friends who could screen his actions from your view.
Whether he knew about us or not, he probably counted on the fact that we wouldn't say a word. Good bet. Which leads to why we didn't tell you." He chuckles. "It is espionage, after all. Not exactly the sort of thing you tell your neighbor about. For example, your SAW felt no real compunction to talk to us about the whole Neuva Cordoba arms shipment fiasco, but of course they are around. If we had said something about it, you'd want proof...and to do either would jeopardize our assets in the field. I'm not about to do that. Besides, there is that certain...sensitive political issue just off our collective coasts.
Lastly, Tilly. I must confess, you've got me there. Total blind spot. Still, that doesn't mean he's involved. Course, it doesn't mean he's not either. The Council of State was going to happen anyway, it's a marvel that de Fourgeres guy didn't get impeached...you do know about all his shenanigans, don't you? Levarge could have planned for the Council, then struck as soon as it convened...or have Tilly plan it then and strike at a pre-arranged time. As for where he is now...not really in my dragnet, not to mention the general disarray in-country now preventing a lot of work from proceeding safely. You haven't tried...oh, calling him? I thought you two were friends."
Amric said:
"I'm able to tell you with great pride that I eluded Levarge's OSO thugs. Slipped over the border to the relative safety of Tilapia.
"Where am I? I'm currently meeting with Michael Lundgren. Did you know he has a yacht?"
_________________
O'Floinn chuckles at the mention of simply calling Tilly.
"That's quite an idea. I'd only recently found out he wasn't deported with the rest of my colleagues, and the last official records from the Council show that he called everyone in, then ordered the building secured and disappeared himself. A bit strange.
"As to Levarge being a monarchist...I can't say it's not entirely unexpected, but I never thought it was a particular threat. A number of perfectly reasonable politicians have supported the monarchy.
"I must admit, though...I think Levarge is serious about restoring some kind of democracy. If he simply wanted to seize power, he had a spectacular opportunity a few terms ago when half the government went into hiding after the Friends of Durruti popped up. Would have had no trouble with the people either if he used the pretext of defeating the terrorists...."
O'Floinn suddenly pauses as he puts two and two together.
"...Unless of course, he installs a monarch. Which of course brings up a question. What does Tilapia do if Levarge puts Maria on the throne?"
The Eutopian Today! Internet Edition
Government Collapses
Since all media has been put to pasture due to the decrees of General Levarge this edition is going out via the internet and cell phones. FREE to everyone. I will not let the press be stifled, even by a military coup! So what happened? President de Fourgeres starts adventuring in the Caribbean against Cuba, where we get our tails thwacked quite handily.
Chaos erupts in Eutopia due to a variety of reasons. The Council of State was going to convene. De Fourgeres names Talbott as his official successor, after already naming O'Floinn as acting President. The council of state is likely going to try to impeach de Fourgeres. Something that has never happened before in Eutopia.
But before that can happen, General Marcus Levarge stages his coup. Government officials are snatched up and taken away. Where? Who knows for certain. Some think they may have been murdered. Others think they were forcibly ejected from Eutopia. Levarge states the latter. But can he PROVE it?
Levarge claims he is trying to save democracy in Eutopia? By ridding Eutopia of it's duly elected officials? Yes, there are problems in Eutopia. I cannot deny it. The fiasco with Cuba is devastating to our military, mostly the navy of course, but still devastating. Cuba, arguably a third world nation, has trounced us, and Tilapia quite handily.
This is proof that our military, INCLUDING the navy, is in MAJOR need of modernization and revamping. No argument from me on that score. In fact during my term as President Hawkton Tilly worked hard to revamp the military. There are those who now feel he might have been in league with Levarge. I don't know. I have my doubts. But I campaigned hard for him when he made his run for President. I thought I knew the man as a very hard working and honest person.
I cannot, in my own mind, jibe that image with him plunging Eutopia into a military coup situation. I can't do it. I would certainly HOPE he had nothing to do with this. He was right there when de Fourgeres tried to shut me up by arresting me on trumped up charges. Honorably, along with Hedgar Joover, he made sure those charges were eliminated as I hadn't and wouldn't do anything treasonous against the nation I love.
Levarge has called for martial law and seems to be planning to stop the riots and such through brute force. He might even be successful. But let me remind him, and my fellow Eutopians, of this little tidbit. This is a grand way to ensure the complete collapse of the rest of Eutopia. A situation that would find not just Tilapia and St. Esprit as nations on this island, but a WET independent and under a "Queen". Where each province was an independent nation. A 'Balkanization' of this island is to be avoided at all costs.
I am not advocating guerrilla warfare against Levarge. I believe such would only cause many more of my beloved Eutopians to be killed. Yes, Levarge might, and I repeat, might be toppled in this manner. But how many people have to die to do it? If EVERYONE rose up, then yes, he would not be able to resist forever. But that is an unlikely scenario.
So what can be done? Peaceful resistance. Don't work for a military government. Help your neighbors as you can. Help each other, but don't help, sell, succor, or otherwise interact with a military government or the military. Show them that you cannot be bullied. I DO suggest keeping to the curfew. I wouldn't like to see my beloved Eutopians killed by trigger happy military personnel.
Eutopia is for all of us. It is a democracy, not a military dictatorship. Levarge says he wants to return democracy to Eutopia. Eutopia already HAD democracy. I call on Marcus Levarge, renegade General, to stop his illegal and dictatorial actions and step down to be tried for his actions. I call upon the military men and women following him to lay down their arms and refuse to follow the orders of Levarge. He is giving you unlawful orders and such should always be questioned and in this instance disobeyed.
Marcus Levarge. You know what you ought to do. Turn yourself in and accept the consequences of your actions. Democracy, no matter how poorly run you believe it to be, is for the people, by the people, and BELONGS to the people! It's that simple.
Government Collapses
Since all media has been put to pasture due to the decrees of General Levarge this edition is going out via the internet and cell phones. FREE to everyone. I will not let the press be stifled, even by a military coup! So what happened? President de Fourgeres starts adventuring in the Caribbean against Cuba, where we get our tails thwacked quite handily.
Chaos erupts in Eutopia due to a variety of reasons. The Council of State was going to convene. De Fourgeres names Talbott as his official successor, after already naming O'Floinn as acting President. The council of state is likely going to try to impeach de Fourgeres. Something that has never happened before in Eutopia.
But before that can happen, General Marcus Levarge stages his coup. Government officials are snatched up and taken away. Where? Who knows for certain. Some think they may have been murdered. Others think they were forcibly ejected from Eutopia. Levarge states the latter. But can he PROVE it?
Levarge claims he is trying to save democracy in Eutopia? By ridding Eutopia of it's duly elected officials? Yes, there are problems in Eutopia. I cannot deny it. The fiasco with Cuba is devastating to our military, mostly the navy of course, but still devastating. Cuba, arguably a third world nation, has trounced us, and Tilapia quite handily.
This is proof that our military, INCLUDING the navy, is in MAJOR need of modernization and revamping. No argument from me on that score. In fact during my term as President Hawkton Tilly worked hard to revamp the military. There are those who now feel he might have been in league with Levarge. I don't know. I have my doubts. But I campaigned hard for him when he made his run for President. I thought I knew the man as a very hard working and honest person.
I cannot, in my own mind, jibe that image with him plunging Eutopia into a military coup situation. I can't do it. I would certainly HOPE he had nothing to do with this. He was right there when de Fourgeres tried to shut me up by arresting me on trumped up charges. Honorably, along with Hedgar Joover, he made sure those charges were eliminated as I hadn't and wouldn't do anything treasonous against the nation I love.
Levarge has called for martial law and seems to be planning to stop the riots and such through brute force. He might even be successful. But let me remind him, and my fellow Eutopians, of this little tidbit. This is a grand way to ensure the complete collapse of the rest of Eutopia. A situation that would find not just Tilapia and St. Esprit as nations on this island, but a WET independent and under a "Queen". Where each province was an independent nation. A 'Balkanization' of this island is to be avoided at all costs.
I am not advocating guerrilla warfare against Levarge. I believe such would only cause many more of my beloved Eutopians to be killed. Yes, Levarge might, and I repeat, might be toppled in this manner. But how many people have to die to do it? If EVERYONE rose up, then yes, he would not be able to resist forever. But that is an unlikely scenario.
So what can be done? Peaceful resistance. Don't work for a military government. Help your neighbors as you can. Help each other, but don't help, sell, succor, or otherwise interact with a military government or the military. Show them that you cannot be bullied. I DO suggest keeping to the curfew. I wouldn't like to see my beloved Eutopians killed by trigger happy military personnel.
Eutopia is for all of us. It is a democracy, not a military dictatorship. Levarge says he wants to return democracy to Eutopia. Eutopia already HAD democracy. I call on Marcus Levarge, renegade General, to stop his illegal and dictatorial actions and step down to be tried for his actions. I call upon the military men and women following him to lay down their arms and refuse to follow the orders of Levarge. He is giving you unlawful orders and such should always be questioned and in this instance disobeyed.
Marcus Levarge. You know what you ought to do. Turn yourself in and accept the consequences of your actions. Democracy, no matter how poorly run you believe it to be, is for the people, by the people, and BELONGS to the people! It's that simple.
Docks 1 hour away from St. Brendanstown
Incognito Amric waits at the dock. He had just finished his internet edition of the Eutopian Today and was certain the moment Levarge saw it the order for his arrest would be going out to FLEA, LIRA, the military, and everyone else to arrest him or make him disappear. Somewhat nervous, but determined, he waited for the signal.
He had no intention of going quietly in to the night. He would trumpet the truth from the rooftops if he had to. Levarge wasn't going to keep him quiet. De Fourgeres couldn't do it, and he wouldn't give Levarge the opportunity.
Incognito Amric waits at the dock. He had just finished his internet edition of the Eutopian Today and was certain the moment Levarge saw it the order for his arrest would be going out to FLEA, LIRA, the military, and everyone else to arrest him or make him disappear. Somewhat nervous, but determined, he waited for the signal.
He had no intention of going quietly in to the night. He would trumpet the truth from the rooftops if he had to. Levarge wasn't going to keep him quiet. De Fourgeres couldn't do it, and he wouldn't give Levarge the opportunity.
Phalanx said:
"You don't say? Explains why I'm at a dock. What did you think of my internet ET? Wasn't as long as I would have liked, but by God, I'm not going to let that tinpot dictator tell ME I can't publish!"
- Status