[Jagera]

Victory River bridge, 0500h

Kristina Heikier stands on the bridge of the Victory River, looking out at the flares of light on the horizon as Seismos' island is slowly pounded ever closer to sea level. The air echoes with the unnatural thunder of explosions. As she watches, an airplane, silhouetted by the blasts, suddenly bursts into flames and begins to fall. Grimacing, she wonders if the pilot was a citizen of Pagemaster, or if they were a pilot of the Jageran Air Force. No one had expected Seismos to have so much AA on the island. He had even mounted an aerial counterattack with several squadrons of planes apparently scavenged from the UMA days. Two Jageran destroyers and a Pagemaster frigate now rested on the bottom of the ocean as a result, and the FS Primordium would need a good stay in dock to repair the damage done.

As the synchronised clock ticks over to 0500, the blasts suddenly stop, excepting a few aircraft-launched missiles and bombs. As Heikier turns to walk to the communication equipment, she is joined by Acting-President Saxon and Secretary Carter. All three bear grim expressions knowing the danger to which they are about to commit their troops.

The screen flickers to life, showing the still-more-weary face of Amiral L?nroth. Crewmen of the Ni?hogg are seen scrambling around the dimly lit bridge behind him.

"Amiral, report," states Minister Heikier.

"Minister, we took a beating, and to a far greater degree than we expected. As previously reported, the destroyers JWS Oldar and Go?holm were destroyed by enemy aircraft, along with a Pagemaster frigate. The missile cruisers JWS Krigare and Sv?rdfisk as well as several other Pagemaster vessels and the FS Primordium, suffered damage from the attacks, as well as several 300mm gun batteries concealed on shore.

"As for our aircraft, the Ni?hogg has lost 11 and the Bonaventure 15 at last count. Reports from the Pagemaster forces suggest similar losses on their end. I am pleased to report the FSC Nimbus came through without a scratch, and performed their duties most valorously. Quick decisions by Air Commodore Murphy got other aircraft out of tight situations on a couple occasions.

"Despite the losses we suffered, stage one was a clear success. We destroyed about 95% of Seismos' anti-air weapons and artillery. We also busted all of the obvious bunkers guarding the north shoreline, and secondary explosions suggest we got six hidden ones, as well. Surface barracks for Seismos' troops have been leveled; no one has been able to get clear counts of the dead at this point, but we expect as many as 20% of Seismos forces were killed in stage one. Furthermore, attacks on supply and transport routes mean Seismos' forces should have extreme difficulty manouvring to oppose our landings.

"Preliminary reports suggest the southern end of the island is only lightly defended at this point, though we did lay down a bombardment there as well. We have identified landing sites for the Night Whistlers and Specialv?pen that should be least vulnerable to exposure, so that we can hopefully get this over with as soon as possible.

"Minister, Secretary, President. With your permissions, I would like to commence stage two, and get this operation finished."

Heikier turns to Saxon and Carter, an inquisitive look on her face. Once each has returned a determined nod, she turns back to the screen, and says in tones leaving no doubt to her decisiveness, "Commence stage two, Amiral. Best of luck to you and all your troops."

L?nroth turns and begins speaking to someone offscreen in rapid-fire Jageran. He then returns his gaze to the screen and returns to English for the benefit of the others.

"Stage two has been given a go at 0504, and will officially commence at 0505h. The SOR and Jageran 26th Division are en route to the northern coast of the island as we speak, and will be landing in full force. The Night Whistlers will be deployed at South LZ One, on the south-south-west of the island, and the Specialv?pen will come ashore at South LZ Two, at the east-south-east coast. I've promised bragging rights plus a one-month leave and one month's salary as bonus to the unit that takes Seismos; Secretary, I hope Pagemaster can accommodate this if the Night Whistlers win.

"I will report once Seismos is taken or if anything untoward arises. If you would excuse me until then, Minister, Secretary, President, I have a battle to direct."

His face fades from the screen. Small flashes of light consistent with small arms fire can be seen sprouting on the faraway coast of the island as the sun begins to rise.

[Ferveo]

Victory River bridge, 0640h

Saxon looks across the water towards the island. The huge frame of the Nimbus is visible, hovering over the island, occasionally letting fly with a series of cannon shots and rockets. She smiles painfully.
"So that's where the defence budget went."

Without warning, the screen on the comms equipment hisses to life, displaying a few seconds of static. Saxon walks over slowly and is joined by Heikier and Carter. A low laugh emanates from the speakers.
"Oh God..." says Saxon. She goes rather pale. "I know that voice."
The screen clears, showing a fuzzy image. Seismos is visible, standing up. A pair of soldiers can be seen in the background, weapons at the ready. A single light bulb swings gently from the ceiling, giving the entire scene a rather macabre quality.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman."

"For God's sake, Gabriel, what do you want? Can't you just accept defeat and surrender?" asked Saxon, frustrated.
"As a matter of fact, I was just calling to let you know the battle will be over shortly," he replies matter-of-factly.
Saxon smirks. "Indeed it will. We have you surrounded, wherever you are on this godforsaken place."
"I'm a bit underground, you know. Heavily guarded. It's a good thing your forces won't get the chance to come down to meet me. They'd be torn to shreds."

Saxon clenches her fists. "What are you getting at?"
Seismos smiles, a smile that shoots dread into all the onlookers. "I'll show you in a minute or so."
"Why are you doing this? Why now?"
"Isn't it obvious, Jennifer?" he says with a hint of malice. "I'm doing this for you."

Saxon stands silent.
"Shall I explain?" He steps a little closer to the camera, and steadies himself as an explosion rocks the room. "As soon as Bishop picked you I had privately earmarked you as the very, very best to succeed me. You're a strong, powerful woman. Can't you see how noble my ideals, and those of the Unseen Master are? Think about it!" His voice rises to almost a shout.
"Think of it, Jennifer! A completely pure Ferveo, wiped clean of all foreign filth! Returned back to the good old days of centralised government! No democracy, for the sake of stability! Isn't that worth fighting for?"

Saxon presses her face very close to the screen. "No. I would never support you or your ideology. You murdered my colleagues, my friends. You, and all who follow you, make me physically ill."
Seismos' face collapses into an ugly glare.
"Very well, Jennifer. I'm sure you'll see the light eventually." He chuckles. "You will indeed see the light." He turns to his left and gives a terse order. Moments later, a strange device is wheeled into view. It is at least twice as tall as Seismos and is a rough cube. Saxon then sees a symbol that strikes fear into her heart.

A circle. Surrounded by three blades. A trefoil. The nuclear trefoil.

"Oh...God..." she whispers. "A nuclear bomb..."
"My time on this earth is done," continue Seismos unconcernedly. "Yours, however, is just beginning. We need a grand gesture to mark this event." He indicates the device. "This thermonuclear bomb has an estimated yield of fifty-five megatons. It's the single most powerful nuclear device constructed in the history of the Unseen Master. It's enough to vaporise this island and a large amount of sea surrounding it." He crosses to the device and places his hand on a scanner. He then types in a very long code on a ten-digit pad beside it. Lastly, he flips up what looks like a countdown timer, and presses 3, 0, 0. Three minutes.

"I had hoped it wouldn't have to come to this. Farewell, Jennifer. See you on the other side. He smirks, and as the picture fades, he strikes a red button, starting the countdown timer."

Saxon reacts immediately. She seizes a radio and begins contacting all Fervean forces. Carter and Heikier do the same.
"All forces, retreat. Seismos has triggered a fifty-five-megaton thermonuke. If you don't get off the island within three minutes you will all die."

Aircraft react immediately, firing at full throttle to get away from the island. The fireball alone would be over four kilometres in diameter.
"Nimbus, do not go horizontal, go upwards. Get above cloud level, then go horizontal. Make sure the mushroom cloud doesn't touch you," orders Saxon.
Like a great bird, the Nimbus hurtles upwards and soon cannot be seen, save for a tiny speck.

Saxon turns to the other two, who have just finished giving orders.
"Batten down the hatches. This is going to get heavy."

[Jagera]

JAS Ni?hogg command centre, 0640h

Amiral Henrik L?nroth stares closely at the situation monitors, his face bathed in an eerie green glow by the light from the screens suffusing the room. Before him is a topographical map of Seismos' island, with troop formations marked and slowly moving forward.

As he watches, a unit on the centre-west of the line, identified as the 2C company of the 5th regiment, begins surging forward, only to have several distress markers begin flashing as they meet resistance. Amiral L?nroth turns to the man beside him, Bakgeneral Jan Grundvig, commander of the 26th Division. His eyebrow raises in question.

Bakgeneral Grundvig turns to the microphone on the panel, and depressing the button, issues orders for two other companies to move in to support. As soon as confirmations roll in, one of the monitors overhead flickers to life. It's the one receiving all communications going to the CPN Victory River. Seismos' face fills the screen, as he begins taunting President Saxon.

Several of the command staff are having obvious difficulty understanding the rapid-fire English used by Seismos and Saxon. L?nroth grabs an aide, and grumbles, "Get me an English translator, now!"

Suddenly, the need for translation becomes moot as Seismos unveils as nuclear weapon. A major adept in English suddenly stammers, "He said it's a fifty-five megaton thermonuclear device..."

The bridge erupts in chaos. Klaxons begin blaring at loudest volumes, and officers are bellowing into communication systems to the various departments on the ship. L?nroth grabs a loudhailer and begins yelling loud enough to drown out the din. "GET ALL THE AIRCRAFT AWAY FROM THE ISLAND. Order our troops to pull back to extraction points. Signal the Hlidskjalf ballistic missile submarine to begin launch cycle with its bunker-busters. All ships of the Jageran, Pagemaster, and Fervean Navies, begin withdrawing to a safe distance from the island. How long do we have?"

The same major pipes up, but in a quiet voice that only L?nroth can hear, "He set three minutes. That was twenty seconds ago."

Bakgeneral Grundvig grabs L?nroth's arm and says urgently, "Sir, I have reports from the Specialv?pen and the Night Whistlers. Both units are inside Seismos' bunker. They think they can make it to the bomb before it goes off. They'll have to execute Seismos now; there's no hope of taking him alive. The SOR are also refusing to withdraw. They feel Seismos is just bluffing, and this is a ruse to allow him to escape the island. They are going to continue on to his bunker."

L?nroth turns back to the screens. "Let's hope they can do it. After all, they're gambling with their own lives as well." The screens show landing craft pulling away from the island as fast as they can go. Despite this, only about one-third of the Jageran soldiers are away. Indicators also show the Hlidskjalf's missiles are away and on course for the island, to impact 15 seconds before the nuclear detonation. "Order all ships to brace for impact. The likely tsunami from the nuclear blast will be enormous." The amiral settles in to wait for the flash of thermonuclear destruction.

[Federalist]

CPN Victory River
0643h

Long looked up from his comm unit on the bridge and smiled at the others.

"I just recieved word from Major Ripley of the Night Whistlers. His unit was able to disable the bomb. We're safe from the nuke. Seismos was killed in process of storming the bunker though several members of his command staff have been arrested. Hopefully their interrogations will provide some information as to how this was all accomplished. All that's left now is to mop up any other resistence that there might be."

Carter and the others smiled in relief. Carter turned Saxon.

"Well President Saxon it would seem your nation is safe once more. I'll have Admiral Jackson remove the quarentine from Ferveo ports. Unfortunatly this still doesn't resolve the issue of the Data module. I'm afraid of what will happen if our governments continue to debate over what will be done. As such Iam of the opinion that the module should be destroyed once and for all. The longer it exists the more lives that will be in jeopardy. Minister, Madame President?"

[Ferveo]

"Madame President..." murmurs Saxon. "I like that." She snaps her head up and looks Carter in the eye.

"Mr Carter, I heartily agree with you. We can't keep it around anymore. If the Minister..."

She is interrupted by a cellphone playing a low, four-beat staccato rhythm. She reaches into a pocket and flips it open. "Hello?..This is she...What?" Her eyes widen. "Yes...I...Very well. Evacuate as many people as possible, there's no telling what's left...Yes, I remember what happened...Thank you, councillor. Goodbye." She looks up, ashen-faced.

"I'm afraid it will have to wait. I have just been informed by none other than the capital's chief councillor that a series of devastating explosions have ripped through downtown Ferveo City. Death toll is unconfirmed, but it is believed to number in the thousands. My citizens need their leader. How can I tell them that it was probably him who ordered the placing of those bombs? Remember what he said? I'm doing this for you? This is what he means. It's a baptism of fire. Checking if I'm up to the job..."

A tech speaks up timidly. "Um...Madame President? We, um, detected a signal leaving the island at roughlythe same time as Seismos was killed. Think it's connected?"

"Jesus..." whispers Saxon. "A cardiovascular detonator. He must have set those bombs long ago. They'd only go off if he was killed --specifically, if his heart stopped."

[Jagera]

"A literal dead-man switch..." murmurs Heikier. Then she suddenly perks up slightly.

"President, this may seem a little underhanded, but is there some way we can capitalize on this? Would it be possible to say Seismos was killed in the blasts, and that a terrorist cell connected to the bombings executed the other government leaders in Ferveo? You may need some fast talking to convince the people that you are not involved, considering the "convenience" of your absence from the country, but couldn't this ease the transition. Sure, it's giving Seismos more honour than he actually possessed, but what is most important right now is the stability of Ferveo."

[Ferveo]

Saxon shifts visibly. "You may be right, Minister, but I'm not comfortable with keeping secrets that large," she says, looking pointedly at Carter. "Not to mention the media. They'll be all over this. Hell, the Fervean Observer's taken it upon itself to report events in real-time!"

After a moment, Saxon smiles. It could almost be mistaken for triumph. "I could always say it was the Fervean Values Force, the same bunch of nutcases who triggered the last bombs in Ferveo City. After all," she says thoughtfully, "Seismos did refer to them as 'brothers' in that message of his..."

[Jagera]

Heikier nods. "That could be used. Whatever the case, something should be done quickly. After all, the longer you wait, the more panic there will be in the streets."

She turns briefly to consult a monitor, then looks back at Saxon with a hint of something in her eye. "President, we've had Seismos' remains brought to a Jageran destroyer about halfway between us and the island. They've been searched, and are clean of any other explosives or traps. Would you like his corpse brought to the Victory River for you to view?"

[Ferveo]

Saxon looks impassively ahead. A moment passes. "No," she says finally. "I don't want to look at his face until the state funeral." She turns and picks up a radio. "Nimbus. Requesting immediate transport. Saxon. Presidential authorisation zero-one-niner-Foxtrot-Charlie-Tango." A crackly tone of assent comes through. Saxon faces Heikier.

"The - my - people need me, Minister. The sight of a fully-operational Nimbus descending upon the city in their hour of need will raise their spirits. I may need Jageran and Pagemaster backing, however. Inspirational as I am," she says, letting out a small, bitter laugh, "I doubt the public will take every word as gospel truth."

[Federalist]

Carter looks at his colleagues, despite the hardships he still radiates confidence.

"The Commonwealth of Pagemaster will be with you. Our soldiers died to help your nation retain its independence, you have our support. Just tell us what you need of us."

Carter looks to neaby sailor

"Arrange a transport to the Nimbus for President Saxon." The sailor salutes and leaves.

"If Jagera and Ferveo agree, Pagemaster would like to arrange an "accident" for the data module so that its information or existence can never cause this sort of debalacle again."

OOC: Sorry about not responding for awhile, my internet's been out. Damn Charter

[Ferveo]

Saxon nods. "Thank you, Secretary. I think that would be the best course of action." She walks towards the door, and stops for a moment. She turns on her heel, and wordlessly salutes Heikier and Carter. She smiles, and leaves for her transportation.

[Jagera]

Heikier smiles as Saxon leaves the bridge. Something about the Acting-President's demeanor tells her she will do very well to lead Ferveo through these trying times. She turns to Carter.

"Secretary, the government of Jagera will fully support the destruction of the data module. Get rid of it as soon as possible, and scatter its remains. I hope we never face a calamity of this extent again. Now I, too, must take my leave. I wish you the best, and that our relations in the future may be more forthright and honest than they began this time around." She sketches a short bow. "Secretary."

***

Minister Heiker steps onto the bridge of the JAS Ni?hogg, her eyes searching. She quickly locates Amiral L?nroth conferring with the ship's captain, ?veroverste Soderberg, and Bakgeneral Grundvig. Murmuring a thanks to her escort, she quickly steps across the bridge to join them.

"Ah, Minister," L?nroth says as she approaches, "we were just discussing the withdrawal of troops from Seismos Island."

"Well, let me know," replies Heikier. "Until this operation is declared complete by the Bevakare and Marshal-General, I retain command over this operational sector."

"Yes, Minister. The 26th Division has been almost completely extracted. Leading elements are already back at their bases in Njordheim. Just the regiment escorting the Fervean SOR remains, and they have orders to remain on station until we complete the transfer of the SOR to the Nimbus per Fervean requests. The Specialv?pen are en route here, and they will be housed on board the Ni?hogg until the operation is complete. All ships have also been recalled to the main fleet."

Heikier nods in approval. "Excellent, Amiral. As soon as the last of the 26th Division is extracted, the Carrier Group is to set course for Ferveo City. We may need to support President Saxon in the coming days. Until that point, I have taken quarters on board. Gentlemen, if you will excuse me."

She turns to leave. Suddenly she stops and turns back. "Amiral, did Pagemaster come through on the reward you promised the Night Whistlers for getting to Seismos first?"

L?nroth smiles. "Minister, I haven't heard back yet. All I know is that the Specialv?pen are very upset. Apparently, they reached the central room of the bunker a mere fifteen seconds after the Night Whistlers; just in time to hear the shooting, in fact. Their officers are threatening to have them running the length of the decks as long as they are on board, as punishment."

Heikier returns the smile. "Pity."

[Federalist]

Carter and Long stand on the Victory River's bridge together. They stare at the ruins of the island fortress that so many have died for. Carter looks at Long.

"Have our forces been extracted from the island?"

Long looks back at him. His eyes show the long hours and pain of the last few days.

"The Night Whistlers are all back aboard, their CO's are asking about a reward that Jagera ows them right now. Nowhere Island is being towed back home also. I've already sent our most heavily damaged vessels home."

Carter grins a little.

"And the Data module?"

"Destroyed when its transport exploded over Hamilton Trench just west of New Atlantis. Extracting the remains will impossible due to the five mile depth of the ocean."

Carter turns back to the island.

"Pity"

[Jagera]

Epilogue

To: Jennifer Saxon, President of Ferveo
CC: Jack Carter, Secretary of State, Commonwealth of Pagemaster

Dear President Saxon,

Well, Jennifer, it's been an eventful few weeks, hasn't it? I am happy to see you safely ensconced in Ferveo City again, and that the unrest following the Exordium Crisis has largely subsided. I have been glad to stay with you for the last while, but I am afraid that my duties as Jageran Regional Minster call me away once again.

I am pleased to report that both of the main Jageran officers involved in these recent events have received promotions: Amiral L?nroth to Amiralmajor and command of the full Jageran East Fleet, and Bakgeneral Grundvig to full General and charge of the 2nd Corps of the Jageran 3rd Army. In addition, the JAS Ni?hogg is to be designated Jagera's flagship for its part in the Exordium Crisis and its successful resolution.

A bill has recently been introduced into the Landsr?d both recognising your government, and pledging to Ferveo any aid it may require, of any type, to help in the transition. We understand Ferveo's pride and that this aid may not be desired, but if it is, we are more than happy to provide it. Guardian Mikael and the rest of the primary ministers, including myself, also extend an open invitation to you and your government to visit Jagera with whatever government officials you may desire in the near future; we would be more than pleased to show our hospitality to such as strong ally.

I truly hope our nations may continue on this great path of friendship we have begun to forge, and that we may move forward into the future together.

With warmth and friendship,

Kristina Heikier,
Regional Minister of Jagera

PS. Jagera is currently attempting to advance its space program, and we feel information on the AREV would aid in the construction of our next generation of spacecraft. Are you able to spare any design specifications or examples of the AREV for our research?

Addendum: TO: Jack Carter

Dear Secretary Carter,

I would like to add to the previous communication that all the sentiments expressed are equally applicable to the interaction we have had with the Commonwealth of Pagemaster during these events. I feel our two Commonwealths can achieve great things together in the future, and that we must continue to forge this bond between us.

As well, the invitation to visit Jagera is open to yourself, President King, and any other member of the Pagemaster government who would like to experience some Jageran hospitality.

With warmth and friendship,

Kristina Heikier,
Regional Minister of Jagera