Romanov

“There is no need to apologise, Lord Erebus,” said Romanov. “Welcome.”

He poured the new arrival a glass of wine. “Please, sit and enjoy some of this rare vintage, I’m sure our hostess will be here shortly.”

Romanov poured himself a glass also and sat down. “My efforts have also been fruitful and considering the Countess’ assignment involved shooting a very big fish in an equally small barrel, I believe our endeavour will be much closer to its conclusion by the end of this meeting. Erebus’ mission is one variable that I am less certain of and it is his report I most look forward to hearing.”

It's Missy Winters not Summers. Summers probably comes from an early typo that hints at one of her inspirations.

Romanov was placing some documents on the table next to his wooden box when the second guest arrived.

He looked at Lord Borealis, intrigued as always by both the outmoded technology and the nature of his frozen condition. His steam-driven shell reminded Romanov of his old friend and colleague the Iron Cossack, but on a much smaller scale.

“Good evening, Lord Borealis,” said Romanov. “I am afraid our hostess is exerting her privilege to keep us waiting for her. I trust the time since last we met has been productive for you?”

Naturally taking the role of host in the Countess’ absence, he picked up one of the bottles of vintage wine. “Can I pour you a drink while we wait?”

((You’re right, but that doesn’t mean people can arbitrarily post IC in a roleplay that has been clearly labelled by invitation only. The course of action if you want to get involved is to send a PM or make an OOC post in the first instance. I’ve never refused anyone who wanted to get involved in something I’m part of and all the LoRDs players want to encourage other players to be part of the plot - but we would rather do it at a time that both makes sense and will be the most productive and fun.))

((I think I politely explained that this is a closed rp. As far as the players and the plot are concerned the pavement outside Castle Bathory was not disturbed and nothing has been placed there.))

((Or we could do that))

((As the OP says this particular meeting is restricted to invited players only. Rest assured the time when we open things to the rest of the community is not far away, but in this case we are going to ignore Gash_Jackal's post and move on))

New Inquirer, February 10

THE military dictator of a remote island nation has been identified as potentially the next major threat to world peace.
A top political advisor, and one of the key minds spearheading the War on Terror and the world’s defence against the Rikti invaders, has warned that the word should watch General Buku of the Liberty Islands.
Unconfirmed reports of atrocities against his own people have filtered out of the notoriously isolationist country and there are fears that growing tensions with the Vanguard outpost on the islands could spill over into bloodshed.
General Jean-Baptise Buku, 48, seized power of the tiny Indian Ocean island nation while the world was focused on the first Rikti invasion.
Although a bloodless coup, it is feared that Buku’s growing lust for power could be bad news for the islands’ white and Indian minorities.
Before taking power, Buku lead Liberty Islands’ small but highly disciplined military forces for six years. His troops were effectively an army for hire, seeing action throughout the African mainland in civil wars and other disputes.
Under the banner of liberating the native population from poverty, he marched his army into the capital square and took power.
However, the latest United Nations report on the islands suggests that poverty is more widespread than ever.
Political advisor, Truman Van Horn said: “The world’s worst dictators have often begun their careers believing there are doing the best for their people. But as has been seen time and again, power corrupts and Buku is following a pattern that, in my opinion, could lead to atrocities in the Liberty Islands as well as a significant threat to the rest of the world.”
In recent months, the United Freedom Coalition (UFC) has been established by Hatem Nasri and his daughter Rashme in opposition to Buku’s Liberty Party.
The UFC promotes a more cooperative policy towards international relations as well as equality for the three ethnic groups on the islands.
Hatem Nasri said: “General Buku made an immediate and potentially devastating move when he took power; a move that in time will either enable our tiny nation to prosper or see it become a nightmare. Buku is a soldier, he did all a solider can do, and now it is time to put the power into the hands of the people so they can elect a leader to give true liberty to our islands.”

((Thanks again go to @Rhino for the design of the New Inquirer))

Romanov sat in the back of the stretch Bentley watching the news coverage of the death of Britanic on a small plasma screen. An almost warm feeling of satisfaction passed through him and he allowed himself a smile.

His cellphone buzzed quietly in the inside pocket of his expensive overcoat. He turned off the screen and answered the call.

“Mr Romanov, this is Don Wesper at the Inquirer. I just want you to know I have the whole news team breaking their balls on the Britanic death piece. When we’re through that pommy stuffed shirt he’ll make Andre Kraft look like Lady Di.”

“No,” said Romanov, a man used to his word being heard and obeyed. “There will be no blackening of Britanic’s name or legacy. I want the people of Paragon to know they have lost of their greatest defenders.”

“So, a glowing tribute to…”

“No, that would be in poor taste,” Romanov interrupted. “Just report the facts of his death, I think we can rely on the competition to create the spontaneous outpouring of grief I desire.”

“Yes, sir. And can I just…”

Romanov ended the call. He picked up a small wooden box from the seat and left the car to enter Castle Bathory.

Romanov didn’t speak as one of the servants led him through the castle into the prepared room. He looked at the impressive selection of food, but was as likely to sample it as his undead hostess was.

Romanov almost let his displeasure show on his face as in truth he was keen for the other guests to depart so he could firm up his relationship with their hostess. “No, Lord Borealis, I think my first suggestion is more than suitable.”

There were two possibilities for why Borealis’ creature has curled up and died. Although the team that engineered them had done so in the knowledge of all of the LoRDs’ various biologies, much had to be educated guesswork particularly in the case of Borealis. As tempting as the prospect of dissecting the blue-skinned gentleman in a lab to see what made him tick was, he needed Borealis alive until the alliance had run its course. However, if the creature was dead it would be a simple matter for someone with his mastery over life and death to resurrect it, if not completely, at least well enough to function without anyone at the table noticing.

However, it was the second possibility that Romanov chose to voice to Borealis as overcoming his objections to having a zombie arachnid inside him would be one distraction too many.

He picked up the lifeless creature, breathing on it until the frosty crystals disappeared. “Ah yes,” he said. “Nothing to concern yourself about, my friend. As I explained this creature is not only telepathic but symbiotic, it simply took your ‘sense’ of what would happen and interpreted it as what you wished it to do.”

He closed his eyes and, as they opened gain, the creature sprang to life in the palm of his hand. “Here you go, as good as new. Just try to keep your mind blank for the first few moments…I’m sure that won’t be too difficult.”

He handed the creature back to Borealis. "Now, please, if we can all conclude this minor matter there is something I would much rather attend to."

Click here to see the article in all its glory

Words:Romanov, Design: Rhino

Skyway City Spartan
February 1, 2008

TEMPEST HALT MASSIVE MAURADING MECH
By Babs Lawson

DOWNTOWN Skyway City trembled last night as a giant robot ran amok on the freeway.

The marauding mech’s wake of destruction will cost the city millions of dollars to repair. However, the damage was limited and there was no loss of life thanks to the intervention of Silent Tempest and other heroes.

Commuters returning from work on the elevated train watched in amazement as a titanic battle raged across the freeway.

Flying heroes buzzed around the malevolent machine like angry hornets while other heroes fought it at close quarters.

The battered and smouldering remains of the robot are still causing long delays for motorists this morning as the city tries to come up with a way of removing it safely.

The battle marks a surprise return to the spotlight for Silent Tempest who, with the exception of a recent operation in South Africa, have been relatively low key since the death of their leader Andre “Coile” Kraft.

Leading the Tempest contingent of Star Crusader, Mesoc and Diana “Love Angel” Bright, was the group’s surprising choice of new field commander Dee Dee Diablo.

Among Diablo’s comments were some words that are printable in a family newspaper.

She said: “This is the biggest comeback since Led Zeppelin. Tempest is back and if you do bad stuff we’re going to take you down, because that’s how we roll. Big robots don’t faze us; we just came at it like a giant’s can opener.

“And just for the record, all that damage was done by the robot and, in fact, most of it was like that when we got here.”

Tempest veteran Diana Bright also had something to say: "It was huge! Well yes, I saw bigger but this one was almost as big! And like just me couldn't handle it even with Xan's help, it was that big!

“So then Mister Malcolm came with Dee too, but like they couldn't handle it either! Fortunately some people from Militia came and some other heroes too and finally we were all handling it! When it went down it seemed a lot smaller though, you know?"

The battle is also significant as the first high profile team up between Silent Tempest and the Militia after both groups suffered well-publicised losses and troubles.

Hero watcher Marlon Bledsoe, of the Buzz Around Paragon website, said: “Tempest and the Milita have had a stormy love affair for years but, with the losses of Michael Wayne and Andre Kraft, both seemed content to plough their own furrow. But there’s nothing like a huge, vibrating piece of machinery to put the spark back in a relationship and who knows if we will see more collaborations in the coming weeks.”

Romanov watched the vampire queen leave; the view from behind was a worthy subject to break away from talk of conquest.

“I see that impulsive behaviour is not exclusive to living women,” he commented before reaching into his pocket.

He placed a black velvet pouch on the table. “The Countess’ departure reminds me that I offered to provide us with a way of communicating. I can do that now. I’m sure I can find the Countess later and give her what she needs.”

He opened the drawstring at the top of the pouch and tipped seven black objects on to the table. On closer inspection they appeared to be small arachnids no bigger than a fingernail.

“One of my exploration teams found the inspiration to these devices in some dimension or other. Arachnids with surprising telepathic properties for a creature so small. Selective breeding and biotech enhancements have resulted in an admirable communication device. If you will allow me to demonstrate.”

Romanov picked up one of the dormant creatures, which immediately began to twitch and squirm at his touch. He held it to his jaw. The creature burrowed through his flesh and disappeared, the tiny wound closing immediately behind it.

“The creature enters a symbiotic relationship with the host almost immediately.” He explained. “It is able to replicate the vibrations of the jaw as the host talks and transmit them to one, several or all of the fellow creatures in its batch. On the other end, the creature can transmit the vibrations to the host’s ear.”

He motioned to the other LoRDs. “Please take one, it does not matter which. I assure you that after a few moments adjustment you will be fully in control of what messages the creature sends and to whom. The messages are impossible to be intercepted by any known means, psychic or technological, and the creatures will die in 12 weeks when they will be harmlessly broken down by the body.”

Romanov clapped his hands together. Although it was clear that with six other minds things would take longer he was satisfied that they would be done.

“Then it seems we are in agreement once more. If I may suggest we now focus on our own areas in this plot and reconvene when we are in a position to share information and deliberate on our next step?”

“The Countess has offered her hospitality to us for our next meeting and I for one am looking forward to it. Shall we meet at Castle Bathory in five days? And I will say this just once, any who do not attend in person for our next meeting should consider this their last official contact with us.”

((Posted on the Buzz Around Paragon news website this week))

BUZZ AROUND PARAGON
Minute by minute news from the "City of Heroes"

NATIONAL CRISIS AVERTED AS PARAGON HEROES SAVE PRESIDENT'S LIFE
Exclusive Report by Amelia Ray

AN ATTEMPT to blow up the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff was foiled by the Paragon-based supergroup The Hyperion Watchmen.

Details have just been released about the foiled assassination during a high level meeting at the Pentagon, Washington DC, to discuss national security. A Whitehouse insider said that if the attempt, which is believed to have involved a number of explosive devices, had been successful the security of the United States would have been severely compromised.

An investigation has been launched, but it is understood that former Government security advisor Theodore Roget and several operatives of the paramilitary group The Council were arrested after being captured and subdued by the Hyperion Watchmen. The Watchmen also exposed several hidden Council bases in Brickstown and Striga Island in the hours prior to the Washington drama.

Until today, the Watchmen were a relatively secretive supergroup. There are records of the group assisting Paragon Police Department and other heroes. However, they had always seemed to shun the spotlight outside of brief public statements made by lieutenant White Vampyr, better known as Suzi White-Mitchell, the former rock singer who recently married Eric "Britanic" Mitchell. But with this highest of profile successes, that looks set to change.

White Vampyr said: "My colleagues of the Hyperion Watchmen and I are simply trying to put our unasked-for talents to good use for the world we live in. We are grateful for the praise and recognition we have received today, but we dedicate it all to two forgotten heroes: Hyperion Star and Comette".

Hyperion Watchmen, codenamed Bastinado, White Vampyr, Dr. Furnace, High Burn, White Nightingale, Abyssa, Boneblade, Big Daddy and Tenro, were awarded Bronze Stars for valour at a behind closed doors ceremony this week. The group was also collectively awarded a unit citation and a Silver Star.

Perhaps the most surprising revelation is that the group's leader Captain David Reuther, codename Bastinado, was an escaped prisoner. Captain Reuther had been court martialed and jailed immediately after being evacuated from an Asian prison three years ago. Reuther was to be granted a Presidential Pardon, but yesterday a brief statement from the Whitehouse said that his conviction, the details of which remain classified, had been overturned.

Army spokesman, Col. Paul House said: "Over the years those of us who new Captain Reuther believed in him and his innocence. Regrettably, I cannot go into the circumstances into his wrongful detainment other than to confirm that a number of Army and CIA officers have been dismissed while an inquiry is undertaken.

"Captain Reuther is a proud American and the people of this country will never know the debt they owe to him and others who defend the security of our great nation in secret while they sleep. Actions like that which saved the lives of the President and the Joint Chiefs suggest that the Army's loss is Paragon City's gain."

Romanov showed no emotion as he turned to Pistol. “Ms Barzini, forgive me, while I admire your taste for brutality I didn’t not mean to imply that your men would be required to shoot anyone. My intent was for them to act as instigators, to stir up the feeling between the rich and the poor and the different ethnic groups that is already there. They might choose to organise demonstrations and strikes, but they can leave their guns at home.

“That is why I thought Hatesman was best able to coordinate such a movement. As difficult to ignore as he is, I would hope he could manage to do this without his presence being known.

He looked at her, suppressing the parts of him that were anticipating their private meeting later. “But you raise an interesting point, Ms Barzini, perhaps this role requires more discretion than Hatesman is capable of.”

Romanov considered Borealis’ suggestion, weighing up the pros and cons before verbalising them. “I agree, reducing the chance of the weapons being traced back to us and blackening the name of a hero would be desirable. However, we would need to know more about this company. If they have a conscience and insist on vetting potential customers then we have a problem as it increasing the chance of our influence being suspected. In this scenario, a hero being at the helm suddenly stops being an opportunity and becomes a problem. A problem that is only solved with one dead hero.”

He sat back in his chair and assessed the blue-skinned Borealis. “If you are agreeable, Lord Borealis, I am sure we would all be confidant in this area of our enterprise being left in your hands. If you are content that this KM Technologies is the right way to go then so be it, otherwise I am sure you are able to locate the hardware that is needed.”

“And now to the rest of us. I believe the best course of action would be for Hatesman, the Countess, Lord Erberus and the owner of that robot to visit the islands to set the wheels of conquest in motion. Hatesman I believe is the logical choice to stir up hostility and chaos among the populace. Ms Barzini, if you would send some of your operatives to act as agent provocateurs in fields, factories and meeting places I believe we can begin to light the right fuses.

He looked at the robot with a sideways glance. "When the attack on Vanguard is made, we need to ensure it ends in our favour. I suggest XV be on the ground to lead Buku’s forces and ensure there is sufficient carnage.”

He looked around the room before meeting the eyes of Bathory. “And Countess, your skills will also be needed to seduce Buku and keep him compliant. Stir up his fears and ambitions and make sure he is ready to act as we want him to when we want him too.”

He took a sip of water before continuing. “Now, Lord Erebus, your role is less defined but no less attuned to yours skills. The rise in spirituality on the Liberty Islands cannot be ignored and it is possible that it is evidence of some supernatural presence. I you can locate this force or forces and ascertain whether are course of action should be appeasement or destruction. I suggest the active volcano may be the place to start.

Romanov placed his hands together. “Now, forgive me for talking for so long and please do not interpret my forthrightness with a wish to lead our enterprise. It is just that my skills are planning and communication, and it is important that this group benefits from the strengths of us all. For my part in our island project, I will make sure events are presented to the world as we would have them presented and make contact with the Nasris to groom them for leadership…or rather the leaders we wish them to be.”

He unclenched his gloved hands and opened his palms to the room to show that he was ready to hear the views of those assembled.

Romanov looked at the vampire and gave a half smile. “I’m sure you can introduce some comforts, Countess. However, in addition to the power source Borealis has identified, the human resources and opportunity to develop projects in secret are much more important to me at this stage.

“Buku would indeed be a potential avenue, and as you say, Countess, we would be able to find a method suited to influencing or controlling him.” He looked at Borealis before continuing. “But the inherent problem that presents is that the growing ill feeling between Buku’s regime and Vanguard would become ours. Much better, in my opinion, would be to reach out to Buku and give fuel to his mistrust of Vanguard and the west. Give him the resources and weapons to take them on while running a simultaneous media campaign in the west to paint his as the next Amin, Noriega or Saddam Hussein.”

He paused, stroking his chin for a moment. “Yes, we should hitch our plans to the UFC, it won’t be too difficult to foster an image of Nasri and his daughter as freedom fighters. We create pressure for an election, then ride the wind of change into power.”

He opened his hands. “Of course, it will take a lot more than that and all of our resources and skills will be needed to see our plans to fruition.”

Romanov turned to Lord Erebus. “The political situation is complicated and unstable, which I’m sure you will agree suits our agenda. One of my teams has put this brief outline together to give you a taste. A more detailed report and profiles of those with a part to play in our little game will be forthcoming if you all find it suitable.”

Romanov placed his hands together then smoothed them across the surface of the table. When they came to a stop there was a smile pile of A4 paper in front of him. He handed a sheet to each of the LoRDs that were present. He took an expensive looking fountain pen from his pocket. Hundreds of tiny black insectoid creatures scurried from the silver nib and jittered across each of he pieces of paper. When they stopped moving, a printed report was written in black ink on each of the pieces. The creatures then each burst into a tiny cloud of dust and disappeared.

“I will give you a moment to read while I enjoy another glass of our hostess’ fine wine,” said Romanov.

REPORT LI01

Name: Liberty Islands (Îles de Liberté)

Capital: Liberty City

Largest city: Saint-Célestin (population 380,000)

Population: 978,000

Currency: Liberté Dollar (formerly the Euro)

National bird: Liberty Fish Eagle

Size: The main island is 83 kilometres (52 miles) long; 61 kilometres (38 miles) wide; and covers 3172 square kilometres (1971 square miles) with several smaller islands to the south

Location: Located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, about 400 km (260 miles) south west of Mauritius.

Government: Benevolent dictatorship

Ruling party: The Liberty Party, the political wing of the People’s Libertarian Army (PLA) led by General Jean-Baptiste Buku

Opposition: In the last year the United Freedom Coalition (UFC) has become the main opposition to the Buku regime. They promote equality, social reform and forging links with the outside world. They are led by a former captain in the PLA Hatem Nasri and his daughter Rashme Nasri.

Religion:
The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism (62%), with Hinduism, Islam and Buddhism also represented. Since the rise of General Buku, practising the island’s native spirtualism has been encouraged with 20% of the population said to be followers in 2005

Main export: Sugarcane

Economy:
The economy has traditionally been based on agriculture. Sugarcane has been the primary crop for more than a century, and in some years it accounts for 90% of exports. The gulf in the Liberty Islands between the rich and the poor is extraordinary and accounts for the persistent social tensions. The white and Indian communities are substantially better off than the native and African population. The outbreak of severe rioting in March 1999, on a day remembered as Black Thursday (Jeudi Noir), resulted in the death of six natives, which set in motion the rise of General Buku’s People’s Liberation Army. However, since his takeover six years ago little has been done in reality to close the socioeconomic gap and tensions are getting close to boiling point again. Since the takeover, the tourism and gambling industries, which once employed 20% of the population have been eradicated.

Geography:
Similar to the island Hawaii insofar as both are located above hotspots in the earth's crust.
The Piton des Enfer (The Peak of Hell), a shield volcano on the eastern end of the main Liberty Island, rises more than 2631 metres (8632 feet) above sea level. It has erupted more than 150 times since 1640 and is under constant monitoring. The most recent eruption was November 12, 2006.
The Piton de Chaudière volcano, the highest point on the island at 3204 metres (10,512 feet) above sea level, is north west of the Piton de la Ancêtre. Collapsed calderas and canyons are south west of the mountain. Like Kohala on the Big Island of Hawaii, the Piton de Chaudière is extinct.
The slopes of the volcanos are heavily forested. Cultivated land and cities like the capital Liberty City and the island’s largest city and economic centre Saint-Célestin are concentrated on the surrounding coastal lowlands.

Culture:
The most widely spoken language is French, with many words and terms from the native Swahili and some Dutch (coming from South-Africa). English is also widely spoken. However, an official orthography has yet to be agreed upon.
Local food and music blend influences from Africa, India, China and Europe. Local delicacies are renowned for their hot spices.

History:
The islands colonised by the French in 1642 who named them the Fortune Islands (Îles de Fortune). Fierce and constant riots between the rich, mainly European settlers, and the poor native population have been a common occurrence throughout the islands’ history. The native spiritualism religion was all but quashed and Roman Catholism was promoted by the ruling elite.

Until recently the islands were one the overseas départements of France and was one of the outermost regions of the European Union.

Recent history:
The Rikti Invasion had little impact and the remote islands avoided any conflict. With the worlds’ attention focused on the bigger threat, the predominantly native and African supported People’s Liberation Army led by General Buku took control of the islands in a bloodless coup. Buku successfully toppled the government and seized control from the white ruling elite, and implemented an isolationist policy and promised major social and economic reform. General Buku created a relatively benevolent dictatorship and renamed the island Îles de Liberté (Liberty Islands) and withdrew from the European Union.
In reality, wealth is still the privilege of the minority and there is widespread poverty. However, several projects have been started by the Buku regime to improve the quality of life with so far little success. The major change was the resurgence of the native spiritualist religion that had been banned for more than a century.

During the second Rikti invasion, Vanguard established a reserve garrison on one of the smaller islands. This has caused increasing tension with the isolationist government and there is growing hostility among the population to Vanguard who are seen as a tool of the west and a reminder of colonial rule. In recent months there has been an increased focus and investment in the nation’s small military force.

I've made a post on the Militia forum that the LoRDs need to approve so I can introduce it in the meeting thread.

“All I ask is that if I extend my hospitality to this group you resist the temptation to attempt to place any of your fields or enchantments without my knowledge or consent. I would hate any of you to fall victim to an accident so early in our endeavours.”

Romanov stood, leaning forward slightly with his hands placed on the surface of the table. “And on that subject, let us turn our attention to the reason we are here. I have given the idea we ended our last discussion with some thought. There are many vulnerable nations in the former Soviet Union where I have influence and resources, but where is the challenge of taking a prize that any man with an ounce of ambition and a few million dollars could win?”

He looked around the room before continuing. “No, I have somewhere in mind that will far more…entertaining. Tell me, are any of you familiar with the Liberty Islands?”

I take it you mean more than just cutting and pasting chat logs?
It it moves the plot, reveals character or changes relationships, the scene might be worth posting here or in the RP section of the new LoRDs threads on the Militia site.
I would PM what you have written to any other players whose characters are involved so they can maybe add their own thoughts, interpretations on the action or conversation.

Romanov stroked his chin as if in thought. "I have no issue with that suggestion.

"I am sure I will enjoy the Countess' hospitality just as much as Ms Barzini's."

Romanov rubbed his temple and gave out a barely audible why am I here sigh that might have come from Mozart’s lips if he had been in line for an audition for American Idol.

“Good evening, Lord Borealis. I’m glad you have made it. As you can see other members of our fledgling union have failed to make the rendezvous. So robot in the room not-with-standing, we have also had two lines of communication into this building with no guarantee of security. One opened during an encounter with Longbow no less. Now, some of you may wish to enhance your reputations through association with myself but I certainly do not want to have to waste time explaining why I am in your company.”

He sat back in his chair. “Forgive me if I presumed that a secret society of world destroyers would at the very least be…secret. I will have one of my teams provide you all with a discrete and secure method of keeping in touch with each other. Until then I respectfully request that all communication be kept in person at these meetings.”

Romanov smiled at his host’s flirtation. “I would be happy to stay and enjoy your company for a little longer, Alicia.”

The words of Russian from the vampire queen caused him to tilt his head, reminiscent of a hawk choosing a target. Such an outburst was a breach of etiquette but it was the vampire’s fire was part of her allure.

“Good evening, Countess. What have I done to deserve the company of two such fine, vibrant women? In fact my mind cannot help but dwell on the myriad of ways we three could entertain ourselves rather than exert ourselves in debate over conquest.”

He turned to face Lord Erebus, holding his gaze for a second before raising a glass to him. “But alas, ladies, I fear we must but aside such thoughts and wait for the rest of the circus to roll into town.”