[Ferveo]

Foreign Secretary Timothy Bishop stands and, arms behind his back, begins to speak.

"On behalf of the government of Ferveo, I would like to reassure Guardian Mikael, and the higher offices of Jagera, that we had never intended the hysteria of the Exordium Island Object to reach its current level. One of the prerequisites to having a free nation is to have a free press -- who are indeed no strangers to hyperbole.

"The Fervean government had, from the start of this fiasco, known that there would be something of an international response to its secrecy. The amount of secrecy involved over the Exordium Island Object was, I believe, a grievous mistake. However, no nation can prosper if its citizens are exposed to every single detail of government. The problem is knowing where to draw the line, and I -- and we -- believe that we took it to a greater extent than necessary.

"But to business. Mr President, has any data of any kind come in yet from the Pagemaster Near-Earth Object Tracking System? Research Site 19 has not, as far as I am aware, yet opened the AREV."

[Federalist]

President Robert King stands up and addresses the room:
"According to the scientists at NEOTS the Object was tracked by our stations when its orbit began to degrade severely three months ago. Our people were not concerned with it at the time as they projected its landing in the ocean and they also believed it to be an old communications satillite. The Objects fall from the heavens was apperently the result of the planet's gravity according to our people at NEOTS as well as corroborating theories from several top observatories and university astronomers. The fact that it came down near the territory of its former owners is one of coincidence I'm told. I have made their data and theories available to both parties for review by your own scientists."

"This entire business with the EIO is simply one of fear and misinterpretation. We should look upon this as an opportunity to locate any other AREVs that might be in orbit and take the necessary steps to neutralize them lest this should happen again. With that said, I believe that it would be safer not to open the AREV and in the presence of members of our nations we drop the Object into the deepest part of the ocean and let the past go. What do you say to that gentlemen?"

[Ferveo]

Bishop stands once more, with a small smile on his face.

"Mr President, I think that would be an excellent idea. However, I believe we have yet to-"

He is cut off by a flustered-looking secretary knocking at the door of the conference hall. President King bids her to enter.

"Mr President? An urgent conference call is coming in over the satellite linkup. It's from President Seismos of Ferveo and Dr Sylvie Honneur of Research 19. Do you wish to have them speak? Dr Honneur says she has vital information regarding the AREV and that it would not be prudent to say any more."

Bishop looks at President King, and says, "It's your call, Mr President, but I think the more we know about the Exordium Island Object the better."

[Federalist]

King confers with Secretary Carter brieftly before standing.
"While I have reservations about looking into the Object any more than is necessary to resolve this issue, if the honorable delegates from Jagera agrees than we shall hear this report."

[Jagera]

After several quick glances between the Jageran delegation, Guardian Mikael nods. Regional Minister Heikier rises, and begins speaking without waiting for a translator.

"We share opinion of Statesecretary Bishop. The more known about these AREV, och this one particulary, better prepared we be for futures landing. We wishes to know information of Doktor Honneur. I speaks for entire Jagaran delegacy."

[Ferveo]

A video screen on the wall activates, split in two between the gaunt face of President Seismos and a worried-looking Dr Honneur.
"Mr President. Doctor," says Bishop, inclining his head towards both images. "Why so urgent?"
"I contacted the President first, as I thought it was important enough to warrant his attention. He told me to make the link to here, with him as mediator," she replies. Seismos shifts in his seat.
"This is no time to procrastinate," he says. "Dr Honneur has finished opening the Exordium Island Object." Bishop looks at the screen, wide-eyed, and casts a glance at his delegation.
"So what's inside, Doctor?" he asks, fighting to keep his voice level.
Her youthful face creases in a frown. "The AREV contains what appears to be an Unseen Masterite Data Module, an unbelievably durable item of great import. They had an enormous storage capacity and could easily hold the fruits of an entire nation's research. THe Unseen Master used them to store sensitive information in an encrypted form." Her face lights up with feverish anticipation. "The Unseen Master, even fifteen years ago, had technology still beyond us! The data in that module could revolutionise the region!"
"Or start a war," says President Seismos gravely. "But the main reason we called isn't because of the Data Module."
"No," agrees Honneur, getting herself under control again. "The AREV also contained a tracking system."
"You mean..." says Bishop slowly.
"We've reviewed its data," she continues. "It received its last transmission on April 19th, a week before it hit the sea. We haven't tried to trace it yet, but we think someone within Ferveo gave that AREV an order to descend near Exordium Island. Evidently it had enough fuel left to set itself on course."
"With the speed and weight of that thing we should be damn happy it didn't hit a city," says Seismos. "One thing's for certain; the splashdown of the Exordium Island Object was no accident. Somebody wanted that thing down."
Bishop stands still as he absorbs the information. The other delegations are in a similar state. Finally he speaks up.
"Can we read the Data Module?"
"No. Not at Site 19," replies Honneur. "These things were specialised. The only remaining machine that could read this is in the Museum of National History, in Ferveo City."
"We're loading it onto a Stratos Armed Transport shortly," President Seismos says, taking over. "Frankly, the less the public knows, the better. Mr Bishop, I want you to make sure the Fervean press doesn't get ahold of this. Particularly that damn Fervean Observer; they've got a knack for finding things out that they shouldn't."
"I presume I can count on Guardian Mikael's and President King's support in this matter?" he asks, looking at the two from the screen.

[Federalist]

King looks worried and confers with his cabinet before speaking:
"I dislike all the secrecy surrounding this. It was this form of secrecy that brought us to this conference in the beginning. While knowing more about the the Unseen Master would satisfy a number of questions that surround him, I doubt the information held within this Object will bring about anything good. The Unseen Master was a dictator and sadist, the list of atrocites and broken promises associated with him and his followers makes them wanted in every nation within the IDU including my own. However this module may contain information on military technology and/or a list of operations carried against nearby nations. Allowing such information to be revealed, even just to the people in this room would jeopardize a peaceful future. Mr. Bishop, your nation is the successor power to the Unseen Masters dominion, if this information proves more damning to a government that doesn't exist who do you think people will come after. They will come after your nation Mr. Bishop, it does not matter that Ferevo's democratic government did not exist at the time, you rule the places and the people that were once ruled by him, as such you are accountable for him now. I do not like it anymore than you or President Seismos but that is the world we live in today. I maintain that this Object and its cargo be sunk or destroyed immediatly without the secret of its data being revealed and upon revelation of who brought it down. As I said before Mr. Bishop, we should let go of the past and look to the future."

King sits down appearing exahusted by the effort of his speech. He looks at the Ferevo and Jageran delegations who sit in absolute silence now and waits.

[Jagera]

The Jageran delegation turns from where they have been conferring quietly but urgently. Guardian Mikael calls over an aide, and hands her a sheet of paper with several notes jotted down. He then turns to the other delegations, and calling over a translator, begins to speak:

"Gentlemen and Ladies, the Commonwealth of Jagera fully supports the Fervean government in these actions. We must know the information on that data module, especially if the splashdown was intentional, as we have feared. We will also restrict access to the information in the Jageran and Jontadain presses, though I can make no promises if the information gets out through some other press source. However, the government of Jagera must know truthfully, once and for all: did the government of Ferveo have any suspicions that the AREV crash was intentional, and, if so, why was it kept secret?"

As the Guardian takes his seat, First Minister Skepskj?ld rises.

"As I am sure the delegations are aware, the Jageran and Jontadain navies each have an aircraft carrier in an undisclosed location. We would like to offer their services to Ferveo should they become necessary; if, say, another AREV starts decending. I am now at liberty to say that these are anchored about 500km north of Ferveo, with an aircraft response time of about 15 minutes. If possible, and with the permission of the governments of Ferveo and Pagemaster, we would like to temporarily pair these to information from the Pagemaster NEOTS in case anything else begins descending.

"Of course, we will not take any action unilaterally without permission. We definitely do not wish to have a repeat of the incident which brought us to this conference in the first place!"

[Ferveo]

President Seismos smiles tightly. "I wish to thank the Jageran delegation for their support. President King, I find your attitude..." He pauses, choosing his words carefully. "...archaic. Guardian Mikael, the Fervean government had no formal suspicions about the AREV. However, many of the higher offices -- including Mr Bishop and myself -- found it difficult to assume the crash could have been sheer chance."
Dr Honneur speaks up. "The Stratos transport is taking off now. It should arrive in Ferveo City tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, doctor. You're dismissed," says Seismos.
"Sir." Her side of the screen fades to black, and President Seismos' expands to fill the gap.

"I cannot deny the need for vigilance. If the final transmission did come from within our nation, as I fear may be the case, then we could be facing a dangerous game indeed. There are many groups within Ferveo that would like to see my government fall.

"President King, I feel your treatment of the Data Module as simply a detestable piece of Ferveo's past somewhat worrying. Whatever's contained inside that thing be assured it will be shared with the region. I believe we can use the fruits of the Unseen Master's research in ways he would never have imagined -- ways of freedom, liberty, and peace.

"Gentlemen, ladies. I will keep you informed if anything turns up. No doubt news will reach me first." With that, the screen turns black. Bishop talks quietly with his delegation for a few moments, then turns to face King.

"Mr President, I think my delegation should remain in this city tonight. President Seismos will try this conference hall first if anything urgent happens."

[Federalist]

King is silent for a brief span of time before standing:
"Given that it is the wish of the two nations involved directly in this matter to examine the data of the AREV we will wait to hear the results. In the mean time I suggest we adjourn for the time being, it has been an exausting day and I'm certain a nights rest will do us all some good. You will be escorted to the Pagemaster Plaza Hotel under the protection of the Pagemaster Marine Corp. Let's resume our discussions tomorrow. And one minor note Mr. Bishop.."

He looks directly at Ferevo Foreign Minister with a very burning stare and his voice takes a much stronger tone,


"I would remind your President that my nation is going out of its way to prevent further escalation in this area of the world and insulting me and therefore my nation will not do him any good. If I were you I would remind President Seismos that any further insults will only serve to hamper the progress of this conference. The Commonwealth has endured for over two hundred years on these "archaic" ideas and besides Mr. Bishop, it is not very polite to insult your host."

With that King turns and walks from the room leaving Secretary Carter to make arrangements for the Jageran and Ferevo delegations.

[Jagera]

The Jageran delegation's reactions to this news has been a second delayed, as they wait for the translations. The expressions on the members faces have gone from interested as they hear President Seismos' admission of suspicions, through general surprise at the vehemence of President King's response, and finally general inscrutability as the President left the room.

First Minister Skepskj?ld rises after discussing with Guardian Mikael, and turns to Secretary Carter, speaking through a translator:

"Shall we wait for the results, then? I do not see what else we can do until we have the latest, most complete information."

[Federalist]

Secretary Carter looks worried but remains calm.
"Yes First Minister we will wait, hopefully when we return tomorrow we will have more information as to what is going on. The Marines behind you will escort you to your rooms at our finest hotel, we have setup a secure communications room within the hotel for use by both nations and manned by communications techs from both of your nations around the clock. First Minister, Guardian good night. Secretary Bishop sleep well."

[Ferveo]

Pagemaster City, 0307 hours.

The doors to the communication room hiss open as Bishop marches through, with a look of concern on his face.
"Get me the Jageran delegation, and our diplomats." One of the technicians protests quietly. "I don't care what time it is! Do it now!"
The most important members of each delegation presently assemble inside the comms room. "Could I have your attention please?" says Bishop loudly to quell the tired muttering. Quiet falls. "Thank you. The President has highly urgent information on the Data Module. I just received a call from him some minutes ago -- he told me he wouldn't say more until he could speak to the Jageran delegation."
"What about President King?" pipes up a voice from somewhere in the Fervean diplomatic wing.
"President King will find out in the morning. For now, the only people who need to know are us and the Jagerans, who have pledged their support in this matter. I'm going to open up a link to President Seismos in Ferveo City." He motions to a tech, who hurriedly stabs at a keyboard. Seconds later a large screen displays the face of President Seismos at his desk. He is surrounded by folders and looks deadly serious.
"I'm afraid this is no time for formalities," he says gruffly, clasping his hands together. His knuckles are white. "About an hour and a half ago, the Stratos armed transport carrying the Data Module vanished off our tracking systems. The airbase on Terminus Island was receiving a transmission at the time." He presses a button and crackly audio comes over the speakers.

"Shifting path by bearing three three niner, over."
"Copy, Stratos One. From there it's clear skies all the way to Ferveo City. Over."
"Routine transport mission, ground control. I can't really say..." (knock) "Yes?" (pause. Door opens, then clicks shut. Screams. Two suppressed shots heard.)
"Stratos One, do you copy? Stratos One, come in!" (static)

"The pilots are dead. Evidently our transport's been hijacked, and the GPS locator is off. We can't track it. I won't lie, ladies and gentlemen, our situation is extremely dire." There is a beeping noise from Seismos' end. "Excuse me," he says, pressing a small button. Dr Sylvie Honneur's face fills half the screen, compressing Seismos'. She is beaming.

"Mr President, Foreign Secretary, First Minister, Guardian. I have great news!"
Bishop speaks. "What is it, doctor? Please tell me you know where the Data Module is?"
"Yes and no. You see, before we put the Data Module onto the transport, we noticed it was sending out some sort of radio pulse every fifteen minutes. Last we checked it was over a small island, some 200km west of Terminus Island, in the middle of nowhere. The next signal is due...now." A bleep comes from an electronic source, and Honneur looks left for a few seconds. Eventually, she faces the camera again, looking exhilarated.

"Yes! It's in the same place! It's landed!" She pushes her long hair out of her eyes.
"Thank you, doctor. You have perhaps performed an invaluable service to us," replies the President.
"Anytime, sir!" she smiles excitedly as her uplink deactivates. Seismos expands once again.
"We cannot allow the Data Module to fall into the hands of terrorists. God knows what's on that thing. Knowing the Unseen Master, plans for experimental weaponry, or some sort of cybernetic program, or a revolutionary fuel system. Any one of these things could -- and would -- destabilise the IDU and the rest of the world.

"So, gentlemen and ladies," he continues. "What do you suggest?"

[Jagera]

First Minister Skepskj?ld turns from discussions with Guardian Mikael and Minister Heikier to speak:

"President Seismos, the Jageran delegation agrees that such information cannot fall into the wrong hands; indeed, I would not be surprised if that was the reason it was brought down in the first place. If possible, the device should be recaptured; barring this, it should be destroyed.

"Firstly, the government of Pagemaster should be informed. After all, with the exception of Ferveo itself, they and the Baranxtuans are the closest to the site, and are in the best position to render assistance if necessary. Admittedly, they will probably want the object destroyed, but they still should be made aware of current events.

"Secondly, a response must be made to the terrorists that seized the module. Jagera stands ready to assist should this become necessary. The JAS Ni?hogg and FBJ Bonaventure have been heading towards North Capitus since 2200h yesterday; which puts them between Nimali and the island west of Exordium. We apologize for not relaying this earlier, but we could not be certain of any leaks in any of the delegation; even our own delegation is only learning this now. The planes carried aboard have a range of 2500km. Once again, we will wait for any request from Ferveo before direct involvement.

"Even though this matter concerns the entire IDU, it is an essentially Fervean situation within Fervean territory, so the final say rests with you."

(OOC: Which one is Terminus Island?)

[Federalist]

0930
Pagemaster City Peace Conference room.

Secretary Carter enters the room flanked by Vice-President Lily Stark and Secretary of Defense Henry Long and their staff. They are followed by Secretary of Science and Technology Dr. Benjamin Jacobus. Secretary Carter looks at the Jageran and Ferevo delegations with a great deal of sleep deprivation and worry in his eyes as he speaks.

"Ladies and Gentlemen welcome to day two of the peace conference. I'm afraid President King will not be joining us for the rest of this conference. Last night after leaving the conference he collapsed from a stroke. Our doctors attribute this to a great deal of stress that he has been under recently. He will recover as it was a mild episode and there will be no permanent damage. I will be officating over the remainder of this conference with Vice-President Stark."

He motions to the woman on his right with dark brown hair and gentle eyes that survey the audience.

"Now then, Defence Secretary Long whould like to make some opening remarks."
Carter sits as a tall, middle aged man with deeply tanned skin and dark brown hair and goatee that was starting to show signs of grey stood up and spoke.
"Thank you Mr. Carter. Last night a Ferevo Startos air transport that was moving the interface device for the AREV Data module disappered enroute to Terminus Island."
He looks at Secretary Bishop who was showing signs of shock that word was out.

"Do not be so surprised Secretary Bishop, you should realize that given our nation's proximity to your own that we would not miss an aircraft as massive as a Stratos vanishing completly from our radar system and your own military's readiness level jump up a notch. Give us some credit Mr. Bishop, we're not idiots. The island you're aircraft was last spotted over is known to us, in fact if your government had been wise enough to trust us with this information 6 hrs ago when this first began we might have saved you some embrassement. Fortunately the Pagemaster Navy's 3rd Fleet is approximatly 200 miles from the island in particular, they are returning from a training mission with the Antrium Navy in the Gulf of Keesland. I have already dispatched orders for them to launch a rescue mission to the island. Their orders are to secure the island, elimating any hostiles with the approriate amount of force while securing the aircraft and its cargo and protecting it from harm at all cost. Yes Mr. Bishop despite my government's position on the use of the module we are putting the the lives of our soldiers and sailors in harms way to protect it. We won't receive word on the outcome of the mission for about five to six hours. So in the meantime I will hand this back over to Secretary Carter."

Long sits down, a small smile of satisfaction on his face. Carter stands up.

"Now then, Secretary Bishop before you attempt to protest our actions I would like to say that we did attempt to contact the Ferevo government both directly and through our embassy in Ferevo. However it would appear that President Seismos is not taking our calls. We also contacted the Jageran government through our embassy there, your government should be fully briefed by now First Minister. With that said does anybody else have anything to add?" he asks a silent room of shocked delegates.

[Ferveo]

Bishop stands, blanching. "This is...I...had..." He composed himself again. "I, and the President, believe that this situation warrants the highest concern. As such, the FSC Nimbus, a very large prototype assault aircraft, is en route to the small, presumably uninhabited island. The Nimbus will assist Pagemaster and Jagera forces and transport the Data Module from the Island back to Ferveo City. The finest ships in the Fervean Navy are also on their way, including our flagship, the FS Primordium." He sits again and begins to consort with a few members of the delegation. Mild curses can be heard.

Presently, an attractive young woman stands. "The information from Research Site 19 indicates that the Data Module has been moved about three kilometres inland. Preliminary satellite data indicates that the place is a veritable fortress.

"This is no time to stand on protocol. For all we know, whoever has possession of the artifact is decrypting it right now. We need to get in there, take back the Module and make sure it reaches our capital safely. As such, the President has placed our forces on secondary alert. Our city garrisons are ready and at their posts in case of terrorist attack. All air travel within a 100-km radius of the island has been suspended."

She sits. Bishop, seeming to remember something, stands hurriedly.
"Twenty minutes ago I received a call from the President. It seems the most organised terrorist group in Ferveo, the Fervean Values Force (FVF), has claimed responsibility and is threatening to leak details to the press. This group, disillusioned with the newfound freedom and liberal values in Ferveo, has set itself up recruiting religious fundamentalists and right-wing zealots alike. They are extremely dangerous and were responsible for the deaths of almost 150 Fervean citizens last year after a series of explosive attacks on Ferveo City's highways. If the police hadn't received an anonymous tipoff, the death toll could have been twentyfold.

"We are dealing with a highly dangerous enemy. I don't know how our satellites and suchlike missed this island, but it was an oversight that we may pay for with the data of the artifact, and our soldiers' lives."

Bishop sits, highly shaken. He looks at his notepad, poises a pen, then drops it and looks at Long with barely disguised malice. He excuses himself to go to an ante-room "to contemplate". One of the diplomats asks quietly if he would like to be accompanied. Bishop snaps an emphatic "NO!" back, and leaves with haste.

OOC: Jagera, Terminus Island is the very southernmost island under Fervean control. Incidentally, sorry for the dreadful radio-sequence-thing. Military terminology isn't my strong point.

[Jagera]

First Minister Skepskj?ld stands quickly as Secretary Bishop leaves the room. His face is surprisingly calm, given the unfolding events and emotion running high in the room.

"Fellow delegates, please. We must not allow the severity of the events to overrun our talks. Secretary Carter, Vice-President Stark, we are saddened to hear of President King's condition, and wish him a speedy and full recovery. But now, to the matter at hand.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we all want the same thing, here. We wish to have the data module recovered intact, and with a minimum of casualties and damage. I realize that events here may have run faster than we anticipated, and that some reactions have been unexpected, but let's deal with the urgent matter first."

Suddenly, a cellphone ring cuts off the First Minister's speech. The tones of the latest Jostein Timb?l?k hit ring out through the room. An embarrassed Guardian Mikael pulls his phone out of his pocket and answers it. "Mikael. Ja? Ja? God. Du har en g?! Adj?."

The Guardian stands. "Thank you, First Minister. That call was from Generalmajor Thorgeir Helstr?m, commanding Jageran forces in Jonquiere-Tadoussac. We have 200 members of the Specialv?pen, the Jageran Special Forces, now en route from the ?les Jontadains to the island where the module is being held. They are using two armed G-A t343/m suborbital transport planes, and are under escort by Jageran f302 fighters. These planes have the highest operational speed in the Jageran Air Forces, and should complete the trip in just over 1 hour 30 minutes. We have also dispatched 20 Jageran f214 fighters, 40 f/b247 fighter-bombers, and 125 Jontadain JAF-n4 fighter-bombers from the Ni?hogg Carrier Group. They are operating at the extreme limit of their range, and have an ETA of 1 hour 45 minutes.

"If the government of Ferveo wishes these forces to withdraw, please say so now and I will give the abort. Otherwise, I request the ability for the Jageran forces en route to communicate with their Fervean and Pagemaster counterparts, so that we may create a coordinated plan of action, and not a 4-way firefight.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the fate of Ferveo, perhaps of the entire IDU, rests in the balance. Let's not screw this up."

The Guardian sits, bringing a round of nods around the Jageran end of the room.

[Federalist]

Vice-President Stark stands and asks that Secretary Bishop return to the room. As he enters she address the room:

"I agree Guardian Mikael that we coordinate our efforts as best as we can. However I'm afraid I must make a confession on behalf of my nation. First I must ask that all the room be cleared of all lower officials and non-essential personnel, what I have to say is to be kept here in this room between our heads of government."

The personnel stream out of the room and the heavy doors are closed and locked, guarded by heavily armed Pagemaster Marines.

"There is a reason President King wished to have the data module destroyed Secretary Bishop, it contains information about the Commonwealth of Pagemaster."

She let's the words settle over the room before continuing.

"Please understand Secretary Bishop that we did not realize this until your officials at Research Site 19 disclosed photographs of the AREV and its cargo to us yesterday during the conference. The alphanumeric ID number on the AREV outer shell confirmed our fears when President Seismos called the video conference in this chamber yesterday and displayed it in the background. The Commonwealth of Pagemaster sent that AREV into orbit with the module in the hope that it would not return to the ground for many, many years. During the reign of the Unseen Master over your nation Secretary Bishop the Commonwealth was involved in a conflict known to us as the Raiders War. The Raiders War took place prior to our involvement in the IDU and its details are not known outside our borders. The Raiders War was one of the most brutal conflicts to have ever taken place in our history. More death and destruction is assoicated with it than that of the Pagemaster Civil War. The Commonwealth was not without allies in this time period, the neighboring nations of the Empire of Malakie and the Longsword Republic joined us in the fight against the Raiders Alliance. We know little about the Raiders Alliance outside of their tactics and their technology, they refused to be captured alive. The Raiders War lasted nearly ten years and when it ended the Commonwealth was the only remaining power. The Third Alliance was a single, battered nation that held all of the secrets of the war."

She paused to take a breath and dab a tear from her eye before continuing.

"It was this conflict which brought about our decision to ban weapons research on nuclear, biological, chemical, laser, land mine, fusion bombs, and a number of others. Because all of these weapons were used in the war, first by the Raiders and then by us. It was through these means tha we ended the Raiders War when we activated the Shiva Protocol. The Shiva Protocol was a Senate order to undertake the complete extermination of the enemy by any means necessary. Our government at the time however didn't fully grasp what this meant. We used every weapon at our disposal and annilated any trace of the Raiders homeland. The Commonwealth Senate later realized what it had authorized and swore that it could never happen again, the Shiva Protocol was revoked and the constitution amended to prevent it from being enacted again. All known blueprints and research into every illegal and unethical weapon used in the war was downloaded into the Data module which was sold to us along with the AREV by the Unseen Master, though we did not tell him why we wanted it. The AREV was then launched into space in an orbit which should not have brought it back down for another three hundred years. Our government of thirty years ago had hoped that by that time our desendents could learn to forgive their country for what it had done and used the research to create a more peaceful future. Guardian, First Minister, Secretary Bishop you are the first outsiders to have this information discolsed to. President King asked that I relay this information to you and then ask you to forgive us for putting your nations at risk for our sins. Mr. Bishop, I beg you to have President Seismos reconsider his decision to have the Data Module downloaded. Please."

She sits down with tears in her eyes and is comforted by Secretary Jacobus and Secretary Long. Secretary Carter stands,

"Gentlemen, the decision is yours to make. The Commonwealth will abide by your decision whatever it may be."

[Jagera]

The Jageran delegation sits dumbfounded. Finally, First Minister Skepskj?ld stumbles to his feet.

"Secretary Carter, Fervean Delegation, we wish to transmit the basics of this information to the Specialv?pen. They don't need the full historical details, but they do need to know what they are up against.

"Does the Pagemaster Delegation have any other little secrets they would like to share? Does ANYONE have any other secrets to share? We've all kept them: Jageran fleet movements, Fervean suspicions, Pagemaster data. Now is the time to put them into the open. If anyone is holding back information that is important to the situation, NOW is the time to come out!"

[Ferveo]

Bishop stands slowly. He is very pale. After a few seconds swaying gently on his feet, he says, "No, First Minister. We have given you everything we know, and now we hear this from the Pagemaster corner?" He shakes his head and swallows.

"You realise what will happen if this gets out? Our people are already on edge -- if they hear that one of our closest neighbours had been keeping secrets as large as their ownership of the AREV and data module from us, there will be a nationwide panic. We're already having trouble keeping our citizens calm. Now we've got a terrorist threatening to leak details to the press. And, to top it all, Herman Ikari, the leader of the Fervean Front -- a militant far-right group -- has vanished."

He looks around, then continues. "I didn't mention it earlier, but in light of recent developments we need to take it as a possibility that he is involved in this somehow." He gulps once again. "Is that all? If so, then I'm afraid I must excuse myself. I believe I'm going to be sick. My deputy, Miss Saxon -" he motions to the young woman who spoke earlier "- will speak on my behalf."

Before he leaves, he casts a dark look around the room. "I admit that our government has kept secrets. But none so monumental as this. I hope you're pleased with the political quandary you've managed to create. Our President is a man of staunch ideals. If you don't want the data downloaded, you can explain the situation yourself. I for one would show no remorse over anything that comes out over this. And don't be surprised if relations between our countries become somewhat frostier.

"First Minister, Mr Carter...I'm terribly sorry," he says, covering his mouth with his hand and walking briskly from the room. Slight retching noises can be heard. A few moments pass. Suddenly, Jennifer Saxon, Deputy Foreign Secretary, gets to her feet. "I'm afraid I must apologise for Mr Bishop's comments. He's not been feeling himself since...well, since he came to this city.

"I am not in a position to speak for the President. All I know is that he will be most displeased with this turn of events. The operation proceeds as planned until the President says otherwise. This is now at the highest level of Fervean government. The decision lies with President Seismos, and only him. I, and my colleagues, cannot take responsibility." Her voice quietens, and she leans forward and props herself on her hands on the desk. She looks straight at the Pagemaster delegation and speaks again with a note of steel in her voice.

"Ms Stark. I am so, so sorry for the losses suffered by your nation in this 'Raiders War'. But the fact remains that the Object came down before the time it was meant to. Why on earth did it contain a tracking system capable of receiving orders and acting on them?"

[Federalist]

Stark confers with the others and Secretary Jacobus stands to speak.

"Ms. Saxon we were not aware of the tracking system until today. My department has been examining the information we have on the module and the AREV and can conclude only one thing. It is possible that when the Unseen Master sold us the module and the AREV he probably suspected what we were going to do. Besides you can't hide a war of the magnitude which we had been waging, especially given the WMD's involved. The Unseen Master probably had the system installed in a hidden compartment so he could bring down the module and then use the information inside it. Why he never did is unknown to us. The tracking system in the data module is probably an automatic system which comes on once the computer system authenticates a successful re-entry."

Jacobus sits down and Secretary Carter stands. Vice-President Stark still appears to be weeping.

"Ms. Saxon, please understand we never meant any harm by this. We never suspected that we would have to disclose this information in the course of the conference. I....."

Carter is cut off by an aide who rushes in escorted by the Marines, he speaks quickly to Carter and Stark in hushed tones for a brief few minutes before leaving.

"I apologize for that, we are receiving a vid link from Admiral Timothy Jackson on board the carrier CPN Invincible who is in command of the Pagemaster 3rd Fleet and is overseeing the operation to recover the Stratos and its cargo. First, Ms. Saxon if you could have Secreary Bishop rejoin us he will probably want to know about this"

Once Secretary Bishop had re-entered the room, noticibly paler, and sat down did Carter activate the vid conference. The large viewscreen flickers to life and displays a middle age officer in the midnight blue of the Pagemaster Navy.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Admiral Timonthy Jackson. I am reporting in on our operation against the terroist island. With support from the Ferevo and Jagera units we began a bombardment of the island coasts and defense structures. Most of it was carried out by aircraft and I must compliment the Jageran pilots. They are among the finest I have ever had a chance to work with. Anyway, there were several attempts by the terrorists to shoot down our planes using Scorpion hand-held missle launchers, probably black market manufacture. There were no fatalities from those launches though at least four aircraft were hit, one Ferevo, one Jagera, and two Pagemaster. One we had achieved air superiorty over the island we sent in our troops. The Jagera special forces troops land on the north part of the island, the Pagemaster Marines 4th Division landed on the west coast, while the special forces unit Night Whistlers landed three squads in the south. The Ferevan forces landed in the east. The general outline was to move in from all directions and surrond the terrorists. The plan worked though with a number of castulties. I don't have exact numbers at the moment, but the current figure is that about Jagerans, who actually handled the most fortified part of the island ,voluntarily I might add, suffered about 20% casulties the Fereveans had about 5% casulties and the Pagemaster forces suffered roughly 20% casulties as well. The Stratos was in an underground hanger in the center of the island. We secured it with no problem. The plane was empty however the Jageran's located a lab that had what apperead to be some sort of data module. The terrorists were apparently trying to hack into it however they didn't have the necessary equipment. The only information they were able to get was pure static. I have place the module under guard by the Night Whistlers for the moment. Oh and the Ferevo government will be happy to hear that the Startos pilots were not dead, it appers they were only tranquilized, we located them in the island infirmery. We have transfered them to the Ferevo warships here. Why they weren't murdered outright is unknown to me as these terrorists fought to the death. Our current count puts the total at approximatly one hundred and thirty-seven. We don't have an ID on any of them at the moment, it is possible the Jageran and Fereveans might have better luck. That's all I have for the moment."

Carter and Stark show some signs of relief. Carter address the Admiral.

"Thank you Admiral, continue to hold your position. Place the module under constant guard, it is not to be accessed by anyone until you receieve orders to the contrary nor are the guards to let it out of their sight. We do not want a repeat of this."

"Aye Sir" Jackson salutes as the screen goes dark.

Carter turns back to the other delegates.

"Now then ladies and gentlemen, we have to make a descion on what to do. I will explain my nation's actions to President Seismos and the Jageran government also. Secretary Bishop, as to your warning about relations between our nations I'm afraid your President has already jumped the gun on that one, the aide who brought word about the Admirals report also informed us that President Seismos gave orders to severe all trade with the Commonwealth of Pagemaster and declared our diplomatic personnel and other Commonwealth citizens personas non grata and ordered them to leave Ferevo within 48 hours. I do not like where this path may lead us, if this continues Mr. Bishop it could result in a war that neither one of us wants. This is a peace conference Mr. Bishop, admittedly things have spiraled out of control away from its orginal purpose but we must make an accord to prevent things from getting worse. What say you Secretary Bishop?"

[Ferveo]

Bishop stands. "I say...I think..." He mops his brow. "I'm sorry. It's...this...um..." He looks around. "Where am I?" He looks down, and slowly raises a hand to his chest. His eyes roll back in his head and he collapses to gasps from the delegations.

Saxon reacts immediately, jumping from her seat and crouching beside Bishop's prone form. "Timothy? Timothy? Can you hear me?" She snaps her neck round. "For God's sake, someone get a medic! I think he's had a heart attack." One of Bishop's bodyguards, accompanied by a Pagemaster diplomat, runs out of the room.

Saxon talks quietly to herself for a moment while performing a quick first-aid examination. "Loss of memory and surroundings consistent with stroke...slow pulse, very slow...ragged breathing..." She looks up suddenly. "I'll inform the President. Keep him safe." She crosses the room and dials the number of the President's personal residence.

"Yes. Jennifer Saxon speaking. This is highly urgent, put the President on immediately, Mrs Seismos!" There is a pause. "Yes, Mr President. Tim's collapsed. Looks like a heart attack. ... Ye- ... Sir, I think...Well, that won't get us anywhere! Incidentally sir, what's this about you severing all trade? I heard nothing of this, you didn't cons-" The line goes dead. She looks around to see Bishop being stretchered out of the room by a number of Pagemaster doctors.

"Mr Carter, Ms Stark, I'm dreadfully sorry. Tim - Mr Bishop - has always been in the best of health, I can't understand what's triggered this." She looks up suddenly, a look of comprehension dawning on her face.

"Mr Carter, might I ask that you adjourn? I have, um..." She shakes her head and bounds out, shouting something about cholesterol and a toxicology test.

[Federalist]

Carter looks stunned.
"Until Ms. Saxon starts making some sense we are adjourned."

[Jagera]

Most of the Jageran delegation sits attentively, absorbing the information being relayed by their translators. As Ms Saxon rushes out of the room, followed by members of the Fervean and Pagemaster delegations, Guardian Mikael stands and shakes his head.

"Mr Carter, I must protest adjourning at this point. Though the issues surrounding Secretary Bishop's collapse are worrying and suspicious, the events at hand are too important to let them wait.

"We are extremely concerned with developing local events. I would first like to note that the aircraft from the Jageran and Jontadain carriers that participated in the assault have been routed to Terminus Island for the meantime for refueling, pending the fleet's approach to a distance for them to return. We have also ordered the Specialv?pen to support the Night Whistlers for the time being, as additional insurance against any hold-outs on the island.

"Using data from the JWS L?ngsynt, which remains in close proximity to Exordium Island, we have been able to confirm that several of the terrorists taken out by the Specialv?pen were seen on Fervean-registered ships leaving the Exordium Island area shortly after the Ni?hogg Carrier Group was diverted there. No doubt they were somehow involved in bringing the object down in the first place.

"But to local events. The sudden actions shown by the Fervean government are troubling. We asked that there be no more secrets, yet the closing of Fervean borders is worrisome; we must note that we have received word of several Jageran commercial flights being refused access to Ferveo in recent hours. They were able to divert to nearby Pagemaster airports, and for this we give thanks. However, the secrecy that has suddenly sprung up rivals that originally surrounding the AREV. We are tempted to conclude that the Ferveans do not have our best interests in mind in recent events, with no insult meant to the current delegation, which is apparently unknowing of their own government's true machinations."

The Guardian sits, and Regional Minister Heikier springs to her feet. Her blue eyes look pure ice at what is left of the Fervean delegation in the room.

"We would like to remind the Ferveans that they are not immune to being shut out, either, and that the Fervean embassy in Anfang can be expelled just as easily. We do not wish to take such an extreme step, but do not force our hand. Rebuilding relations with Ferveo was one of the key points of this conference, but first Ferveo must show itself to be worthy of those relations."

Her words send a stir through the room as she sits again. First Minister Skepskj?ld begins typing furiously on his Bj?rnb?r Cellphone

[Federalist]

Carter takes a double and regains his composure despite the insanity enveloping the room.

"I apoligize Guardian, Minister. I appreciate your nation's efforts to help us combat these terrorists. I have also received a message from Admiral Jackson, he wants to award our nation's highest decoration, the Gold Commonwealth Medallion, to several of your soldiers for their efforts in securing the island. Returning to the issue at hand, we do need to take these events into consideration and do something about it. If the Jageran delegation is in agreement, I would like to have our diplomatic writers work together to draft a petition to send to the Ferveo government requesting that they explain their motivations immediatly or face a blockade. I'm not sure what other action we could take against Ferveo without provoking a war. At the very least we could gain some information on President Seismos motivations, would you agree Minister?"

Carter looks to the Jagerans with the worry in his eyes at the rapidly moving events.