Total War 2125

[The_JJ]

PT boats put themselves infront of the ships, and zip around everytime they attempt to turn. The ships will have to ram them in order to go past, and even as this happens the magnetic grapples are being defended by Solaris marines firing rubber bullets (not that effective) and concussion grenades (very much so in the water) at the BB's trying to dive to the grapples. Nets and divers are deployed to scoop up the BB's.

Admiral Akachi turns to the reporter again. Damn it! Now we know that they are soldiers, but they hiding behind the civilians! He spits. Once again, giving Christian soldiers a bad name. I thought the Crusades were good enough for two millenia. Appearantly, South think it was only one.

ooc- Admiral Akachi (means 'free man' in Igbo) is a Christian orgianally from Southern Nigeria. He's competent in his own right, but was pulled from his previous command, the Atlantic fleet, just as this was heating up.

[RationalGoblin]

Russia

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Wu Jen, eh? I see. Pandora will take care of him if we have the time and money. We've recently spent a large amount of money on other things. But, I think we have what you need. A former major criminal in Pandora named Jacob Wilkens. He was the one who thought our new cyber-harnesses up, and the way they worked drove him even more insane then he already was. Fortunately, it doesn't seem that the harnesses work that way on normal people. Oh, and did I mention that Jacobs is a master surgeon known for working on, and experimenting on patients without anesthetic? If we can get him too you, along with a regiment of Whitecoats, I think it's safe to say that Wu Jen's death will be brutal. And a large step in advancing the medical process. But mostly brutal. He'll be secretly released shortly.

A marriage alliance? If you'll forgive my views, how quaint. However, I'm still young, and unmarried, so I accept. Broadcast this fact to the world if you like. I'd like whoever is the more scholarly daughter, if possible. I can't abide people without a thought in there head. I want my wife to question me, question my policies, question Pandora itself.

As for the Pandorian arms and armor, I'll provide some of it for free. After all, nothing but the best for my new father-in-law. And of course, I can't have my greatest ally have inferior technology, now can I?

Finally, interesting biological defenses. I'll send my Minister of Biological Tech, Morgan Blainsfield, over to take a look at that, and discuss it.

Thank you for your time.

Will Rowe

NAC

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Dr. Harvey,

A fascinating discovery, but a dangerous one. You say President Han can absorb and fire back psychic energy? Interesting. We will send Nigel Arkwright, a leading member of the team that discovered Psionics, to test her. Is this acceptable?

Will Rowe

'Valhalla' continuing building

Work continues on the Pandorian aerial battlestation/research lab "Valhalla". Pandorian scientists are optimistic about it's capabilities. Will Rowe insists, however, that as the war against the NRE has stopped, Vahalla shall purely be a floating research lab, unless war is declared on Pandora.

Troops March back; Pandora provides aid for Italy

Pandorian troops, having nothing to fight, as Italy has been mostly pacified, march back to Pandora. Pandorian citizens breathe a sigh of relief, as no Pandorian soldiers were ever involved in the short war against the NRE. Pandora also sends relief efforts to Italy, mostly aid workers and doctors with the cybernetic equipment that Pandora has unveiled.

[The_JJ]

@Pandora

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We really do need those counterespionage units.

[Greystone]

(OOC-this is after Cornerstone leaves, or at least after the bet)

As the News broadcasted by the Solarians(and if not broadcasted, then intercepted) the President has decided to give a counter speech.

The Solarians have interviewed the man who has caused so much suffering too the people of the NAC." Shona stands tall, and the abnormally harsh wind makes her clothing ripple.

"I will not stand by and let his actions go unpunished. I will start with this mind control issue the world is buzzing about. The NAC government did not order, condone, or in any way know what those towers real purpose were. Even now we are working to reverse the effects in Rome, which brings me to my next point.

He condemns us for not attempting a rescue of Switzerland, and people you know we would, but the Solarians themselves have made that impossible by threatening war if we do...does that seem to be the stance of a peaceful nation?"

The people boo as she spits the last to words out. Many are extremely angry at Solarians interference.

"Umberto swears that the NRE still fighting in Italy are freedom Fighters, but they are just desperate men trying to do as much damage as possible, 600 Italian Civilians were killed in attacks this week alone.

Umberto says that we are not a free country, but a "forced Collective". He is implying that you all do not have the will to be a unified nation. I see in this crowd former U.S. citizens along with Mexicans, Cubans, and Canadians. I even see some Nigerians, who have come to show their support in this country!"

The crowd cheers and a chant of freedom goes up. Shona waits for the noise to subside.

"On the tape he freely admits that he and his command staff did indeed order the attack on the NAC. That is an obvious breach of Wartime Code, and as such is a War Criminal!

All nations of the world, I hereby decree that all of the Command Staff and Umberto himself are the vilest of criminals, causing the unnecassary deaths of millions of NAC civilians. We pray that you capture him quickly so he can be tried and brought to Justice.

People of the NAC, this dictator may see us as corrupt and immoral, but the rest of the world acknowledges us for what we are. We are the bastion of freedom and Liberty and alongside our friends, the UNE, we will prevail against evil!!"

To all countries

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If the War Criminal Emperor Umberto or any of his command staff are captured we request a tribunal to decide on his innocence or guilt. Either way this fugitive must be caught and brought to justice, whatever the Tribunal decide.

Pandora:

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Thank you, she has agreed to the testing if it is in the utmost secrecy. This, I agree, could be very dangerous.

Your Colleague,
Dr. Harvey

[RationalGoblin]

@Pandora

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We really do need those counterespionage units.

GM/Solaris

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Sending you the counterespionage units now, in fact, the original Psionic espionage agents that were trained not soon after Psionics were discovered, as long as you provide us with money.

OOC: Supposed to be read by the GM as well because he needs to know that I'm spending even more funds and sending more personnel, but this time to Solaris.

[The_JJ]

This is Solarian Sattelite News, here once again with Emperor Umberto. Emperor, your responce?

@NAC

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Well we certainly weren't expecting him to come out and own up like that when we pronmised him amnesty. Now what are we to do?

ooc- How much of the whole showdown did you make public?

edit @ Pandora/Gm:

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We'll pay.

[Greystone]

All of it actually, we are a nation of the free press, so we (the government) have no right to hold the information away from the public.

Solaris

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We expect you to hold him, and then we will set up that tribunal. Amnesty is meaningless to War criminals. We will have justice through legal channels...one way or another.

President Han

[Wizard of the Coat]

SEATS Council resolution 1353 was adopted concerning the Emperor Umberto and his Command Staff, the resolution clearly stated that they were to be brought to trial to face the charges brought before them. If they are found upon our territory the SEATS council will detain these men and turn them over to an independent court made up of the SGA, Pope and NUN-members as these parties can be seen as neutral and can give an unbiased judgement.

Damian South commended the resolution, saying that it was the only right course of action. "If they are innocent then it will be determined there. To long have nations tried to judge only by their own standarts. It is now vital that we look beyond that and find a solution that will truly be best for all. Take for instance the developing crisis in Africa. People are dying due to the actions of greedy men, men we have ousted from the council and men from other nations all seeking to grab their piece of some pie. Now we see the true colours of other nations that still have the corruption in their mids surely good people reside their, like admiral Akachi whom I commend for his relatively peacefull solution even though I'm sure he's presured to take graver actions by some corrupted members in his government.

Still I apeal to his christian heart, I would ask a man like him whom has been touched by an aspect of the universal divine to stand down and let those who shephert pass and join us by helping set up safe zones and structured rebuilding efforts. Then my friends can we rejoice and find a greater binding value...a value we must find for all things, from Africa to Umberto."


@NAC, UNE

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Is there any aid we can give you? Our intelligence systems are currently in the north, we could help and move them further south to provide you with updated troop movements and such from Solaris forces and left over Imperial troops

@Umberto

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Dear Umberto,

I ask you to help bring an end to the suffering. Surely I do not seek to place blame in asking such, but call upon your sense of noblesse oblige, to be the better man. I am sure that if you call an end to the fighting and plead before the Pope that your role in history will ultimately be one of peace and restoration. If the holy father deemed you the right man for the job then I would even support you in rebuilding a peacefull and stable Italy, one free of the taints of the present age.

Regards,

Damian South

[The_JJ]

@NAC

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Just don't try to jump the gun. The rating from these interviews are off the charts. Try and be more combative, or better yet, send someone down to have a debate with him. And then at the end an aide can hand your rep. a piece of paper, and you read aloud '"The Alliance of Solaris has found the NAC the winner of the debate!" Cuff 'em boys!' And then he can be tried in the Hague.
ooc- Jerry! Jerry! Jerry!

[Greystone]

Solaris

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Oh, I'll go debate with him, infact I'm coming myself. Screw the representative! I will be there within an hour. Keep him detained. I will be coming with an escort of fifty Supreme Guards, though I only require two inside with me.

Any NRE fanatic who attempts to have me killed will die, so I suggest you tighten security if you don't want a fire fight.

I'll be there soon Umberto!

President Shona Han

[LongVin]

Response by Umberto V

The so-called president of the North American Coalition, dictator more like it claims to have no knowledge of the mind control operation. This is obviously a lie. The broadcast towers were a concerted effort by the NAC to establish dominance over those they called their friends. She claims to be dismantling the brainwashing program, yet more towers are being put up as we speak.

She is attempting to say they saved Swizterland from some fate worst than death but then why did they enact the mind control program? Why did they commit so many forces to the complete destruction of cities and towns in Swizterland, destroying priceless treasures and artwork. It just shows that neither she nor her lackeys have any appreciation for others or any desire to live in peace. Peace attempts were tried numerous times and each time they were ignored, new channels were opened and NAC leadership refused to answer them. It is obvious that the NAC started this war with one goal in mind.

[The_JJ]

Hold on for one second Emperor, this is SSN News, we go live back to the Eastern Coast where Admiral Akachi delivers his response.

The Admiral is staring straight at the camera.
Mr. South is in no position to accuse others of interfering in African matters. Although I'm glad that we have yet to start killing each other, he knows how he can stop this madness. He can stand his soldiers down and let his ships be submitted to inspection and clearence. There would be no need for safe zones if the aid ships going to Africa were being used as a cover for arms shipments and elite soldiers. I may be a Chritstian man, but I am an African too. Solaris presents the best way forward for Africa, not these neo-colonists and puppeteers.
I'd like to think, and in fact do think, that Mr. South and his devout followers are being deluded and mislead on the matter of the exact situation in Southern Africa. The facts are like this, Mr. Souths predecesors attempted to set up a puppet government there. That simple, Mr. South, though I don't kniw if they told you that. They are the ones interfering, grabbing for the pie. We fear they still influence your policy still, or else, and I truely hope not, you are one of them and all to aware of the true goings on. The food, the workers, the missionaries, may pass. The soldier, the spies and the weapons stay! Africa Unite!

Thank you, and now some new breaking news. Emperor, President Han is coming here to see you personally. The debate begins in half an hour, so stay tune for this exclusive look. And now, a word from our sponsors.

[Wizard of the Coat]

Damian South remains calm and dignified, his white regal cloathing with golden highlights presenting a pristine picture.

"Admiral Akachi I am sure you are a man of reason and of faith, surely you see reason to have security for the people in Africa. We see no such security from the Solaris, only threats to governments that were toppled in last years invasions or simply too scared to resist. The ensuing chaos still needs the help of us all, of both you and me, it is simply naive to believe that your solaris troops can truly be seen as neutral by the peoples of Africa and neither can ours. Therefore as I said before, let us take up a mantle of brotherhood and peace and stand together as shepherts. Let not the wolves win...let not a feast of blood ensue amids the innocent sheep of Africa whom are beset by wolves so great in number that only together us shepherds stand a chance... Send your forces along with us and see for yourself that we have no hidden agenda, merely one of protection and rebuilding."

[The_JJ]

And this is SSN back with Admiral Akachi's response. Remember, Han v. Umberto, thirty minutes, exclusivly on SSN

I find your lack of denial disturbing, Mr. South. The Solaris Alliance has never-never- sent troops into African Union members or South Africa, except during the brief standoff over Madagascar, an incident, you will remember where the SEATS failed to even detect an invasion fleet passing through its waters. Either it was incompetence, or a diliberate move against Africa, neither of which encourage confidence in this 'security' you offer. The chaos was caused by, and this can be confirmed by the governments involved, by Glaudio agents, who we helped unmask. The chaos everywhere that is, except South Africa. That is your fault, Mr South. Yours. If you want the aid workers protected, they can work with the SGA or Solarian workers already in Africa, who are doing just fine, thank you.

[Greystone]

Airforce one, and its escorts landed in Cairo right on time, and as she exited President Han is surrounded by the white-armored Supreme guard, who stand in a phalanx around the president.

She marches through the streets to where the broadcast is coming from. The guards, realizing who she is, let her pass, with only two guards. The other 48 take up defensive positions around the building.

President Han makes her way, with a guide, to meet face to face with Emperor Umberto for the first time. The Reporter looks nervously at the two of them as it seems they wish to fight it out right here, cameras be damned.

Shona smirks coldly "Ah Umberto, I would say it is an honor to meet you at last, but it is not. I am here to show that the NAC does not just hide in our corner of the world while a known War Criminal is broadcasting live" she pauses then nods to the reporter " I have agreed that before any actions are taken we shall have a little debate."

She turns and looks straight t the camera, "first let me say that I am indeed the president of the NAC, I am not a dictator. I was voted into office and in four years(the term of president changed to six years in 2078) I am planning on running my reelection campaign against some democrat.

I was indeed unaware of this mind control program, I unfortunately put to much trust in Mr. Donner. The reason we have reestablished the towers in Italy were so the civilians, that's right your own people Umberto, would not have another mass suicide, like in Switzerland, which you caused.

I have never said that I was protecting the Swiss from a fate worse then death, unless you consider you god-forsaken regime worse then death, and trust me I see how you could make that assumption.

The only reason that we have not yet entered Switzerland recently is that we have been blocked politically by our Solarian neighbors" here she glances significantly at the reporter.

"We did not commit forces to destroying their cities, we committed forces to protect them from the likes of you. You started seeding the country with your pro-unification goals and when you lost, when the free Government of Switzerland had voted your unification bill down, the generals that you had bought attempted a bloody coup!

Unfortunately for you I moved faster than you did and I saved the free government. We gave you every chance to leave Switzerland and return the nation to its Sovereign state. No, you refused. You are the cause of this bloody war, and their was no ulterior motive in protecting the Swiss. Just because you never did anything at face value, and were full of lies and double meanings doesn't mean that all leaders are like you.

Umberto, your pitiful excuse for a government pales in comparison to the freedom of the ordinary NAC citizan. If we had launched chemical warheads at Rome and Florence your people would of been at your door, demanding for a cease-fire, or a surrender. My people fought on, because the United States, and the NAC now will never see murdering Bastards like you in power!"

[Wizard of the Coat]

"Being a man who follows the news, I noticed this report in the not too distant past..."

Newsreals pertaining to the followin are visualised:

Solaris Troops push farther and farther into sub-Saharan Africa. African nations plead for help, but their cries fall on deaf ears.

"It was actions like this that prompted me into action, to seek to open up SEATS and not be deaf to the horrors of this world anymore and I was succesfull. Now again I see solaris troops acting to cause the world to ignore sub saharan africa. This is against all values and morality...we have come to aid and set right what is wrong, what we all let go wrong in the past.

I feel now like we stand before the red sea, ready to part the waters to let people safely through. But instead of behind us the Faraoh's army stands before us and blocks our path....

Let us through and let us lead the people of Africa safely to the promised land...please do not let it come down to a miracle...And do not let sheep go out without shephards"

[RationalGoblin]

Solaris

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Good, then the counterespionage agents will be in your control shortly.

By the way, would you like a piece of Pandora-exclusive tech in exchange for a private, completely secret talk between Pandora and Emperor Umberto? A prominent Pandorian memoir-writer wants to interview Umberto before his sentence, as he expects Umberto to be sentenced to death. He wants to know the Emperor's final thoughts before his trial, and therefore, his death.

[The_JJ]

Before this: This is Yasmine El Tayib for SSN, and here she comes! Note that her two guards have been disarmed, though they could probably punch through a ribcage with that power armor. They've been followed by six power armoured All-African Volenteers.

After: Oh she got some zingers in! Let's see if Umberto can even responde

@ Pandora

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Why certainly. We'll let you talk to him just before we turn him over to the Hague. We'll watch on audio free security cameras, of course.

[The_JJ]

Hold on for a moment Emperor, the Admiral is ready to speak again.

Admiral Akachi's face quivers with bottled up rage. Those wars were fought to end the corruption and incompetence of the governments involved, which I felt first hand as a child Mr. South. My family fled political persicution in Nigeria for the stability of the Alliance. They took us in and gave us help. I went into the navy, saved my ship, the Cannae after a freak accident blew the engine. They rewarded me with a spot in the officer training school in Tripoli, and I was hoisted myself up by my own merit. We pulled out of Nigeria in disgust at new imperialism, but with at least some pride, for we know the NAC to be better then the previous rulers. I know now that I personally would rather see the Emperor, the Tsar, and King Leopold back from the dead divide Africa up then let one soldier of your touch our surf.

Uhuh, a little disclaimer from the Pacific Affairs Department, Admiral Akachi's speaking as a citizen, not a representative of the Alliance there.

[LongVin]

Clapping his hands at the Han's arrival and her little speech "Ah. Shona, what a pleasant surprise. I see your fear of me has brought you here behind your goons. There is no need for a rebuttal to your statements, your incessant interest in this matter is all proof of your guilt. If I was just speaking lies you would of just ignored it and concentrated on more important tasks. But, your insistence on defending yourself in such a matter is just an admission of your guilt."

[The_JJ]

The lady doth protest to much, hethinks! How will President Han react?

[Wizard of the Coat]

Still calm Damian looks patient as he waits for the response...

"I can see that you are hurt, but I must ask you to be rational and calm. I know this is a difficult situation and as I've said, there are many good people in Solaris too, you being one of them. I therefore trust that despite our differences your motives are good, if misguided. What I ask of you is trust, trust that was given to me by his holyness and by the people of SEATS in electing me first citizen. Surely we can't all be bad..."

Damian smiles confidently and friendly...not arrogant or haughty, but merely seeking to build trust and comradry.


"The men I have send are men of faith, sworn to protect the innocent, not like so many other soldiers that are sworn to serve the whims of the greedy. And I ask you to trust them.

Perhaps though I can facilitate this trust.

I will ask them to prepare an evening meal for you to attend, to break bread with them and come to learn of each other. I hope that this offering of friendship will help build trust between you so you may look into their hearts and learn for yourself that they can be trusted. Do you accept admiral?"

[The_JJ]

What, and pass up a chance to get them off those boats? Of course I'll take them out to dinner. On my boat. Quite frankly, I don't trust your food, and maybe you'll doubt mine, but I wont mind. Send over you're field commander and who ever else he wants to bring.

The problem is, Mr. South, I don't doubt their mothereffing motivations. I doubt their mothereffing purpose and their mothereffing bosses. We're opposed, on a fundamental issue. I think Africa has a chance at last to come into it's own, and you think that we're mothereffing sheep. And sheep, Mr. South, is a mothereffing slave who has stopped caring, and that Mr. South is not what we are.

[Wizard of the Coat]

Damian smiled brightly...

"Indeed, my rethoric is somewhat flowery and biblical. Yet I am happy to see that you are willing to sit down and learn to know these people and why they are here."

One of the masters of the brotherhood came out for dinner with the admiral not much later a warm heartfull man, like a goodly friar, whom sat with the admiral late into the night and spoke with him not so much about why they were in Africa, but more essentially about how the situation could be resolved for he was deeply troubled by the many militant groups that were up in arms...

((OOC:sorry for ending it like this, but I need to get sleep...I'm essentially leaving it up to you whether the admiral changes his mind, this man is definatly not send to convince him either way, he's just a kindly concerned man...))

SEATS council officials have filed a formal diplomatic protest agains the profanities by the general agains the first citizen, but Damian South quickly said that he did not mind and called for the protest to be withdrawed.

[Greystone]

Shona actually laughs at the Emperor's remarks, but it is a different laugh then the one NAC citizens are used to. It is a cold, cruel laugh.

"You think I Fear you Umberto? i think not. The reason that I speak so vehemently against you is not out of Fear sir, it is out of national pride. To many things happen in this world that could be stopped if just one person could speak out against people like you.

I would not even have these guards if not for the vice president telling me he'd go if I didn't agree.

I think that you are of the utmost importance" here she leans in closer. "The NAC does not list Mass murderors as a low priority"

A small card is given to her from the reporter "Ah It seems that I have won our little debate" she shows the card.

"This was your chance to go free, but now your amnesty has been revoked. After a brief chat, you will be taken to your new prison cell to await trial. Good day" she turns and begins to walk out.

"Oh" she turns again "My name to you is President Han, not Shona" and with that she walks out.

Solaris, face to face so only them

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Shona will watch the interview, with the Solaris agents. She refuses the answer no and reminds them that since his amnesty is up she and her guards could just take him. She watches and at the first sign of foul play she will muster her guards.

[The_JJ]

The admiral talks, drifting over to family, sports, how he felt about the Han v. Umberto debates, those things, before returning to the issue at hand. They discuss the efforts of the Glaudio agents and the counter efforts. They joke about the merits of different powered armor suits. But the Admiral remains stead fast. No weapons go into Africa. He gives a little, and agrees that the matial arts trained Brothers might go in, unarmed, and help the aid workers not in South Africa. He greatly encourages the men to encourage his boss to let the SEATS workers work with Solaris workers, so that he might know that Africa is in good hands. He encourages him to examine the SGA efforts to improve the lively hood of the Africans, and witness the new jobs being created by the trade boom with Solaris. He asks him to ask Mr. South to let the SGA oversee all the SEATS aid, and asks him if it is so unreasonable that ships that might, and were, carrying foriegn soldiers had to be stopped.

[The_JJ]

@Shona, similarly secret

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The complex has over 150 All African Volenteers inside it, and a whole division stationed around it. The men on the inside are handpicked from the pool of Solarian soldiers who had family die in (mostly diplomats) DC and New York. They're watching for foul play as much as she is. And if anyone is going to go lynch mob, they want in first.

[LongVin]

Umberto smiles almost scarily back at Han and gives no response until she is about to leave. "Shona, you do not understand. Nothing you can do to me could be of an consequence. My legacy will grow stronger everyday, the movement will never die. We are all martyrs fighting for the sake of Europe for Europeans everywhere weathering the tide of foreign barbarians.

You will always be remembered as the one who had Washington and New York destroyed under your watch. The two cities which completely represent the American dream gone in an instant. The damage will be long felt and you will never hope to fully recover.

In the end, I win."

[The_JJ]

He is roughly lifted to his feet and lead into his holding cell. Inside, a Pandorian waits.
@Pandora

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Here you go.
ooc - BTW, what kinda anti-bugging equipment can a man in a bathrobe carry? I bet it's none.

[Greystone]

Before he is carried out:

She stiffens and turns back

She looks into his eyes hard, and suddenly everyone in the room gets a mild headache, except for Umberto. A splitting migraine shoots through his head as she says "Those cities stood for was the US believed in, but once again like at every turn you have underestimated me. Those cities will be rebuilt, and they will stand long after spiders dance over your bones."

She glances at the camera's which are luckily off and strides from the room, the Emperor appearing to have a nosebleed wipes the red stain from his face.

For once in his life he feels true fear.