Romanov gave a courteous nod to Alicia as she entered the room. And a less polite nod of acknowledgment to the clanking XV.
No apology necessary, Countess, he said to Bathory with a smile. Im glad that the Inquirer piece meets with your approval. By coincidence the death of the flag wearing fool Britanic presents a perfect opportunity to slip the information into the public consciousness without drawing too much attention.
He stood up and walked around the table to the Countess desk. He picked up the copy of the Inquirer. I hope you all received your copies of tomorrows edition. I think youll agree it is perfect to create the necessary demonisation of this Buku fellow.
The Inquirer, February 11, 2008
Before returning to his seat he leant close to Bathory and whispered. The island air obviously agrees with you, Countess.
Romanov sat down and looked around the table. Hopefully, you all have news that will help us move things forward. I am interested to learn how the weapon deal is going and well as first contact with Buku and the islands native spirits.
@Romanov
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The spirits have been calmed, reported Erebus. The dominant presence on the isle is that of the volcano, a very old fire spirit from what I can tell. Despite it receiving an upturn in worship from the locals, it was in no way sated with their superficial sacrifices and maudlin platitudes. A simple sacrifice of blood will be all that is required to keep them satisfied. If it is sated, the other native spirits are likely to fall in line.
Erebus took another sip of his wine. Perhaps it was a sign of his contentment that he actually tasted something this time.
The spirit is old and bloodthirsty, he continued. As long as it is supplied with human sacrifice on a regular basis, we should see no trouble from it. I had considered perhaps a temple of sorts, something to focus the energies of the area. He allowed himself a small chuckle. I must admit, having an active volcano which requires people to be thrown into it regularly will be an expedient way of disposing with some of our enemies. I find it a somewhat
traditional approach if you will.
The smile that graced his thin lips was his most common, that which appeared when someone was about to suffer.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
Romanov listened to Erberus, nodding each time something pleased him.
Good. I am sure there will be sufficient human wastage from our personal projects to keep the spirits satisfied. You have done well, Lord, the spirits were one factor that I couldnt predict as I would like."
He raised his glass to his lips and took a small sip. Now, we must turn our attention to General Buku and his part in our scheme. I am keen to know what you made of him, Countess. Is he susceptible to your influence?
He turned to Borealis. And Lord Borealis, I trust the arrangement that will see Buku armed and dangerous is advancing well?
@Romanov
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Captivated by Erebus his report Elizabeth sipped from her chalice. She saw lots of possibilities in the local spirits and the idea of throwing bodies in the volcano made her smile too. After some torture ofcourse, and bloodletting.
She realised that Alex Romanov was asking her a question, and looked up. "The oaf certainly is! As long as he is too believed he is liberating his people his pride will make it easy for me to steer him all ways I... ehh... we want."
"I didn't even needed any hypnosis to get him thus far... Anyway... please let me know when he outlived his usefullness and I can just kill him. Making sweet to him repulses me beyond words." And with those words she gave a meaningful look towards Romanov.
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Romanov smiled at the Countess and bowed his head slightly in appreciation. As a creature both dead and alive she should intrigue him, but he had desected and interrogated enough vampires to know them far less complex creatures than those they called cattle. But the Countess had a fire and a forthrightness that he admired.
You have done well, Countess, and I assure you your recent discomforts will be more than compensated when we take the islands. I do hope your experiences have not quelled you desire for all generals as I fear you would be depriving yourself.
He stroked his chin. As for Buku, he is much more valuable to us alive. Even when our scheme has unfolded why not let the Americans hold him for a few years while they try to discover enough evidence to hang him? But I am getting ahead of myself. How go your negotiations, Lord Borealis?
@Romanov
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"The negotiations themselves are planned but awaiting the necessary information, namely in who's name we are ordering these weapons, and of course, the design of the weapons themselves. I was hoping that Dr Oswald would have the designs for us this evening." Borealis said with some trace of disappointment in his chilly tones.
"However, I have identified the man I shall use as the 'agent' for the deal. I can begin that part of negotiations the instant I either create a nonesense contact of the Liberty Islands to have sought him out, and for whom he will think himself working, or the Comtessa provides us with the name of any official I might use to make the trail more ... legitimate for any eventual enquiry"
Borealis looked about the room "Has anyone heard from Oswald? If not, I can design the basic weaponry myself in addition to the more ... interesting items. Say another ... hmmm... 3 days?"
"Have we someone to actually supply these weapons to as yet?"
http://www.savecoh.com/
"If we need someone to supply weapons to, then I have a proposal" XV began. "I am not entirely sure if it would work, but nevertheless... Perhaps I could construct a replica human. It would be no small undertaking, but one I would be eager to undertake. I would be more than happy to place him among the general populace. Carrying weapons, medicines, food, and word of revolution, he could be an inspiring and charismatic figure. What would your feelings on such be?"
Romanov considered XVs proposal. I had thought such duties would fall to Pistols men but perhaps your suggestion could be useful. You say it would be difficult though, are you sure you could have such a thing ready to fit in with our timescale?
He paused and turned to the Countess. You have been inside Bukus home, Countess. Did you identify anyone who may be receptive to an offer to supply the General with advanced weapons?
@Romanov
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Elizabeth thought on that for a second... "I guess we could use his shriveling chief of staff... something ... Tutu his name was I think."
"I noticed he was real eager to do everything he could to please Buku. That might be exploitable!"
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"The Chief of Staff to General Buku would certainly be an ideal title for such an arms order to appear to originate from" Borealis stated, with a nod. "Yes, ideal title."
"I shall work on the weapons for the deal, and will have the order placed within 4 days. As I mentioned to Romanov earlier, I have already completed the first couple of artilery pieces and they are crated, registered as tractor parts, and ready to ship. I have a few other rather specialized toys at various stages of completion too, so am perfectly set to have these shipped within a week if Buku's man can be readied to receive them" he continued.
To Elizabeth he asked, "I take it that as the wealthy socialite, you've informed the General that you have many powerful and useful contacts?"
Then turning to Erebus he enquired "Are the spirits willing to play ball enough that we might start to plan a manufacturing base and tap a little of the geothermal energy there?"
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Smiles.. "He understands..."
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Lord Erebus shrugged his thin shoulders.
"The spirits seemed more preoccupied with whether they would receive their sacrifice rather than what we do with the island itself," he replied. "I see no reason why we could not tap the energies of the earth. I will be going to commune some more with some of the native spirits of the region shortly. I will make sure that they are not surprised by our heavy machinery."
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The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
Alicia, who had been silently observing the progress thus far, raised her head to speak. "I already have some young people on the island as agent provocateur XV, they have begun their work, slowly planting the seeds of doubt, hatred and generally evoking evil among the peoples. I can't see the need for an android, just yet."
Good, Alicia, I was confident you would be best suited to that role, said Romanov. One of your many talents, Im sure.
He took out a small silver cigarette case, opened it and placed it on the table. It projected an image of a man and a woman on to the castle wall.
Now that our efforts to build up Buku before we cut him down are underway, it is perhaps an opportune time to put forward the candidates to become our, for want of a better word, puppet leader.
A slight movement of his hand directed those around the table to the images behind him. The gentleman is Hatem Nasri. He was a captain in Bukus army before discovering political idealism. His United Freedom Coalition promotes such ideals as equality, social reform and transforming the islands near isolationist policy to strengthen links with the outside world. It is the latter that has gained him support with the islands industrialists and entrepreneurs.
Romanov paused as if giving the others time to digest his words. A strong candidate. However, for many reasons I favour the beautiful young woman to his left. Nasris daughter Rashme was educated in England and is currently studying politics at Paragon University. She went off the rails a few years back and had her wild child period, but she is now a reformed character dedicated to her fathers cause. When the time is right, a cause that he will become a martyr to.
My daughter Xenia has already made contact with her. I am confident that it will be no great task to guide her in the directions we would have her go.
He placed his fingertips together. Any questions?
@Romanov
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Pistol smiled. "I like the way you think Romanov. You've been spearheading this project since the beginning of our coalition and everything is conveniently falling into place without Hero intervention. Obviously world domination really is best achieved by Political Manipulation. So, what am I saying? I'm saying we raise the game." The lady paused for her words to resound before continuing, her Sicilian-American accent adding ammunition to her sharp and deadly tone.
"Once we've concluded this meeting, we'll choose a host and another secure location to meet next month. What I propose we discuss is whether or not Political Manipulation is agreeable by all, and also if we aught to split the operation across the seven of us, so that each Lord echoes Romanov's strategies in seven other countries... major countries. Perhaps I'm being hasty, but wouldn't you all rather this happened a little faster?"
Borealis quirked one white eyebrow at Pistol's suggestion, "Generally, my dear Ms. Barzini, one checks that the prototype actually flies before one plans to fly off in it just because its design looks pretty."
"We have not yet supplied the arms, nor had a single bullet fired. We have not seen whether even armed with advanced weapons, weapons we have yet to ship, Buku's natives are actually up to taking on a Vanguard base. We cannot know what heroes might yet involve themselves as a result of such an attack, and unless Romanov has neglected to mention shrouding the delicious little Nashri in bubble-wrap, she might have an accident tomorrow and cause the whole plan to be changed. Whilst your enthusiasm is most warming, I'm sure, it is just a little premature, don't you think?"
http://www.savecoh.com/
Pistol didn't pay much attention to Borealis' point, instead she looked flatteringly into Romanov's eyes, who she'd sat next to. "Borealis, I have complete faith in Alex's plan, I think we should launch it across the globe."
"I don't like it!" Elizabeth said with a firm voice. Standing up and walking to the wall where the images are projected.
"Even though I am all for gaining what we want fast... this is not yet the time. Over eagerness brought down armies."
Elizabeth looked at Romanov... then back to Pistol... "I too have faith in this plan. But to go global without testing it would be insane! There are simply too many factors that can go wrong. For all we know the Liberty Islands have their own native spandex hidden away!"
"Too many who share our point of view have been beaten by these so-called heroes after they should have won. Simply because of giving away plans to early or being to sure of ones power. I have not survived this long by doing so."
"No, I have to agree with Borealis here on this..."
Elizabeth looked again at Romanov very interested... checking him out and ending looking in his eyes... "As of the plan to set these puppets in power after, for me it will not make much difference who of the two. But as the Liberty Island is populated by an african mascular proud race I guess it will not do to have a female as head of state."
"Better use the male..."
She walked around the table back to her chair.. while passing Romanov she gently strokes his shoulder with her hand. She sat down and leaned on the table, giving him a good look at her decollette.
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It was apt, thought Romanov, that he was sitting between the dark passion of Alicia and the cold reason of Lord Borealis. Both were part of his personality when required.
He listened to them and then the Countess, choosing to ignore her display of section in his present surroundings.
I admire your faith in my machinations, Alicia, but Borelis is correct in that there are two many variables to start spreading ourselves so thin armed only with an untested model. Liberty Islands will not only be the proof of the plan, it will also provide us with a strong foothold for our future conquests when the time is right.
He paused. Sometimes a plan will take decades to come to fruition and the trick is knowing the right moment to nudge it to completion. Unless Erebus and XV have strong feelings the other way, I respectfully suggest we proceed as planned.
He looked Bathory dead in the eyes. And while I appreciate your favouring of the male as you say, Countess, his daughter presents a much more interesting challenge to me. She is one of those rare individuals who could change the world for the better
is not the thought of diverting her path a tempting one?
@Romanov
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Elizabeth sipped some of her chalice... already looking slightly bored with the whole subject...
"Whatever... We can vote on it, now or later. Were not nearly that far yet anyway."
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"Alright, point taken" said Pistol, clearly annoyed.
XV shook his head slowly and deliberately. "No objections. Proceed as planned."
Romanov stood. Then we all have much to do.
He nodded to the vampire. Thank you for your hospitality, Countess. He slid the small wooden box he had come in with to her. He looked at the intricate carvings on its surface. This is an excellent example of a Japanese puzzle box. Quite beautiful and yet fiendishly protective of its treasures. With my compliments.
He walked around the table. Borealis, let me know when the weapons deal is close to being finalised and Ill make sure the world knows what to think about it. Farewell.
@Romanov
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Erebus had felt no need to comment when asked. What did the whole world matter to him? He was happy to wait patiently, watching their plan for 'liberating' the Liberty Islands come to fruition. Only then would he know whether he was wasting his time or whether his colleagues truly held the power to shape the world to their bidding.
Time would tell, he thought.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
The woman walked toward the hostess' chair. Ofcourse she was Elizabeth Báthory herself. But she didn't looked a vampire. Her skin had a healthy color and her eyes where dark green.
She took off her jacket and hat and Vladimir almost tripped over himself rushing to take it from her.
At the table there was already a chalice being filled with blood by one of the japanese servants. Elizabeth sat down and nipped some of her drink. The blood touched her lips and almost instantly her fangs grew a bit... and her eyes turned red from blood lust.
She placed her chalice down and looked around to her guests...
"I am sorry for my late arrival. As some of you may have read in the tabloids... I was 'entertaining' a certain general."
Her eyes fell on the Inquirer laying ready on her desk and she smiled.
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