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Ghostdive; an aside to Expedite
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Topic Started: Oct 1 2011, 11:53 PM (442 Views)
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Hyperborea
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Oct 1 2011, 11:53 PM
Post #1
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Libertinus
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(OOC: Just FYI y'all, I'm retconning the name of my intelligence organization, previously MUNIN, to the Echelon. That is all.)
IC: Verrard Intelligence Compound, Domstol Province
"They're running a bygone generation of encryption and detection measures, so the probes are breaking through without issue." Samuel Palsgrave, agent of the Echelon's cyber warfare division, sat surrounded by darkly glowing monitors, punctuating his words and the symbols on the screens with the ticking of his keys. Leon Leclerk, his section leader, stood over his shoulder. "Their network architecture is pretty unsophisticated too. Seriously, if we wanted to, we could really phreak their shit up without breaking much of a sweat."
"That won't be necessary," Leclerk said with an ironic smile. He may have been the section leader, but he was an IMINT man by training. The cyber warfare division was relatively new, specialized personnel were short, and Leclerk had been deemed a generalized enough intelligence to fill the gap. Luckily he was the type of manager content to stand back and let his hackers do their jobs, though that didn't mean that he wouldn't indulge his curiosity now and again. "You're still taking care to cover your tracks, right?"
"Of course! Military hacker protocol 101. What's dangerous is to assume that with a setup like they've got, they can't backtrack or backhack you. Just because they're behind on hardware doesn't mean they're behind on ability necessarily."
"So now that you're in, what's your next step?"
Palsgrave scratched his neck. "I'm looking for email servers, document backup servers, that sort of thing. Let us see what's really happening in their own words, what the growling's about. It's possible that it's a straight squabble over territory, but landgrabbing for the sake of chestbeating is a pretty primitive modus for a modern government."
"I haven't heard anything to suggest the Tarks or the Sonies are that crude."
"Exactly, which is why it's likely that the territorial dispute is noise to cover up something more important. We need to know what that is, not the smokescreen that's being blown at us."
"What do you think the real bone could be?"
Palsgrave shrugged. "'Ellifiknow," he said, returning to peppering the keyboard. "Strategic resource, maybe? Would make sense with the territory dispute. Or," he slipped a devilish grin as he continued his mad typing, "something even more esoteric going down politically, militarily... wouldn't that be more fun."
An hour later, paydirt was hit. Information servers belonging to the Graanid government were identified and cracked, and gigabytes of internal memos and emails were slurped up and copied into the Echelon's data vaults. The analysts of the raw data quickly identified Rollis Resources as the Graanisian corporation laying claim to the contested land; its own information servers were then infiltrated and mined in similar manner. It was here that a pearl was discovered.
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Office of the Archon, The Citadel, Bastion
"Uranium," Teucer Vries said, raising his eyebrows as he read on in the report. Lucian Sandaker, the director of the Echelon, sat across from him. "That certainly makes a more sensible story than weaponized colonization." He set the report down and looked the intelligence director in the eye. "You know well that there is little support for any kind of intervention. Land squabbles, really," he said. "The Conclave is already asking 'Why do we care?', and rightly so."
"Well, there's a reason," Sandaker replied. "As we've learned so recently, NBC powers are to be treated with a healthy mix of caution and suspicion."
"Suspicion becomes somewhat less necessary if we exert a significant influence over actions and policy." Vries adjusted his bifocals. "You suggest that we intervene to control who ends up with the uranium, and what they do with it."
"That's one possibility," Sandaker said. "But it's the only possible reason we could want to stick our noses in that mess. Who would you least desire to take possession of it? And who is the most likely to, given non-intervention?"
Vries smiled crookedly. "The imperialist demon-worshippers, of course."
"Let me describe to you a possibility," Sandaker went on. "Right now, I feel I can reasonably say, the Federation possesses one of the finest and best-equipped intelligence services in the world. As things stand, with the Federation's focus on maintaining its interests on a regional level, the Echelon enjoys a modicum of over-saturation - I am saying, the scope of our intelligence operations could be extended to a more global level in the interest of proactive national defense without a significant overhaul. The nation of Graanid presents a unique opportunity to experiment with such an expansion."
"Go on," Vries nodded.
"Graanid has built its reputation as an economic haven, and actively pursued foreign investment and business. If an international business community, with its accompanying informational infrastructure, is successfully fostered, Graanid will represent a hub of global economic and political information. If we were to plant a worm right in the midst of the nest, as it were..."
"I see," the Archon nodded again. "Yes, I see. Particularly given the state of the Graanisian native information network, from what I am given to understand in this report."
"Yes. Now, that happy state of affairs won't last long, and should be pressed to its utmost advantage. But where big business comes together, it rests on an informational infrastructure that evolves towards a state of intercompatibility - this increases the efficiency and useability of the system by all involved. But simultaneously, this means that weaknesses in parts of the system can be exploited to affect the entire system. Specifically, security weaknesses can continue to be exploited to collect vast amounts of information leading back to many nations, even if Graanid's net security is beefed up in the near future."
"So let me get it all straight. You're asking me to push for a conventional diplomatic comment on Graanid's behalf on the territorial dispute as a vehicle for you to set up an experimental ELINT and cyber warfare cell in the country. I assume we'll be keeping that part from the Graanisians?"
"The full extent of it, naturally," Sandaker nodded. "Though I think it would help bind them to us to reveal our knowledge of the uranium. Play on their insecurities the right way, and they'll invite us in themselves."
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[SIC]
TO: Namar List, Director of Foreign Affairs, Graanid FROM: Teucer Vries, Archon of the Hyperborean Federation
Dear Mr. List,
I think that we can come to an accord that will satisfy both of our governments' goals. If you will agree to it, I would like to send my Diplomatic Executor, Harald Alster, to Graanid to discuss this matter more personably and at length.
Signed, Teucer Vries, Archon of the Hyperborean Federation
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Epsilon
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Oct 2 2011, 02:42 AM
Post #2
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((OOC: Another FYI: The delay in "Expedite" is 'cuz Mr. Sometimes and I are figuring out how to deal with the NPC gov't of plot 41. We have an idea, but just know there will be some form of NPC involved in the future. I'll keep you updated as we figure things out.))
Namar List returned to his computer and the IT tech was leaving: Perfect timing.
"Did you figure out the problem?" "Yeah, our email server just had high traffic. Everything should be working normally now." "Ah, thank you." he smiled. "Glad we have people like you to fix these things, I'm terrible with computers." "Yeah, well." The tech shrugged. "I'll see about getting an upgraded..."
Namar List stopped listening as he sat down on his computer. He heard something that sounded vaguely like the tech was leaving, and he mumbled "Bye." He logged into his secure account, email client, and other programs. What was this? He had a reply from Hyperborea! His distraction was permissible given the circumstances.
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TO: Teucer Vries, Archon of the Hyperborean Federation FROM: Namar List, Director of Foreign Affairs, Graanid
Dear Mr. Vries,
We would be delighted to receive Mr. Alster. I will arrange hospitality as soon as possible, please forward a travel Itinerary and I will personally receive him at Graanikep International Airport.
Thank you, We look forward to working with you, -Namar List, Director of Foreign Affairs
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Hyperborea
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Oct 3 2011, 04:15 AM
Post #3
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Libertinus
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(OOC: Sounds good. Also, hope you don't mind if we go straight to the landing.)
Harald Alster, Diplomatic Executor for Archon Vries, glanced out the window of his diplomatic jet as he shuffled and arranged papers and filed them methodically in his briefcase. Graanikep International Airport grew in the window pane. Alster exchanged terse phrases with his secretary and the two gendarmes seated across the aisle as they all got their respective selves together for disembarkation. It was almost game-face time.
Alster, as a member of the Archon's cabinet, was privy to the highest security clearance, and knew all about the Echelon's ulterior motive in pursuing these talks. The project made him uneasy; a conservative of the previous political generation, Alster was accustomed to the Federation's long-standing pursuit of strictly regional status quo. The new progressive generation was turning more and more to a global perspective, and Alster knew that the shift, if it happened in any significant way, would be rough. Maybe they'd all have the decency to wait until he retired.
Twenty minutes later, the Hyperborean jet touched down and taxied smoothly to its waiting tarmac.
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Epsilon
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Oct 3 2011, 07:01 PM
Post #4
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"Thats them." Pheldin Greeg said. He had been paying more attention to the boards, while Namar List was concentrating on the window. Namar turned to see Pheldin pointing on the horizon somewhere, and looking at his watch. "Yep, that should be them."
"Well?" Namar List asked, unsure what he should do with this new information.
"Lets roll out!" Pheldin said enthusiastically. It wasn't often he got to deal with Diplomats, but the assumption was that the Hyperboreans would have some kind of Economic/Economic Policy related discussion, and so he was brought along.
Namar and Pheldin joined a security contingent in standing out with a red carpet, a sparse press corps, a handful of security personnel, and a few lesser authorities to help round out the welcoming committee.
The magnitude of Pheldin's enthusiasm became plain when all the preparations had been made and the aircraft hadn't even landed yet. For the next 10 to 15 minutes (By Namar's estimation), this...Harald? fellow would be arriving.
Pheldin had no deep knowledge of Diplomatic etiquette, but Namar had seen the communique introducing the fellow, and realized that the Sonemic Language had no concept for the letter "H". He had the tendency to say "Air-ald" when he knew (from his linguistic training, among other things) that an "huh" sound was due. Namar had been up late practicing in a mirror, trying to smooth his accent so as not to offend the Yperborean. Damn! he'd said, much to the confusion of his Wife who was trying to sleep.
But no matter. Namar practiced mentally, and could only wait for the plane to arrive.
A few long minutes later, the plane had landed, the stairs had been retracted, and Namar List was offering a hand to the Diplomat.
"Welcome to Graanid! It is an honor and a privilege to host you today." Namar said. he introduced Pheldin, exchanged pleasantries, and when all was said and done they arrived at a Diplomatic Hotel, not far from the Foreign Relations building.
"Well," He said, "I know you must have had a long journey. We can leave you here with the Chauffeur to tour the city on your own, and perhaps get down to business later today if not tomorrow."
((OOC: Feel free to skip to the meeting. Just didn't want to assume too much of your diplomats attitudes. Also, a security detail for your diplomat is assumed.))
Edited by Epsilon, Oct 3 2011, 07:03 PM.
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Hyperborea
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Oct 4 2011, 03:22 AM
Post #5
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Libertinus
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Several hours later, Harald Alster and his secretary were ushered into a conference room in the Foreign Relations building. The two gendarmes, being of inferior security clearance (and not wishing to make an undue impression), remained in the anteroom outside. Alster maintained an air of congenial reserve as he shook hands with the Graanisian representatives, made reintroductions around, and settled in for the business at hand.
"Let me first pass on salutations from Archon Vries, who regrets his inability to meet in person," Alster began. "I am afraid the Archon is a rather sought-after personality, and rarely has the ability to make overseas visitations in person. It is his hope, and mine, that we will be able to use this unique situation to establish a firmer relationship between Graanid and the Federation. But before we proceed further, I must ask - is this a secure location?"
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Epsilon
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Oct 4 2011, 03:30 AM
Post #6
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Namar was glad to finally be getting down to business. He nodded emphatically with the statements regarding the Archon of Hyperborea, and was mentally drafting a reply when the last question threw him completely.
After a brief hesitation (during which confusion could be discerned on his face), Namar said "Yes, of course it is. This is a government facility after all. Security posted throughout the building, this conference room is indoors. The shudders are drawn. There is naturally a record being kept, for transcription purposes, but I can have that disabled if that suits you. Otherwise i'm not entirely sure what you mean."
Namar was vaguely offended that the diplomat would even ask--of course they wouldn't take him anywhere that wasn't secure. But a seasoned diplomat doesn't just ask questions. Everything they do has purpose. Whether this was about the request for assistance or other privileged information, Namar could only speculate.
Pheldin Greeg was bewildered. Had diplomacy begun? He just sat quietly and waited for them to ask him something he could answer.
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Hyperborea
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Oct 11 2011, 08:08 PM
Post #7
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Libertinus
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(OOC: Back, and sorry for the delay. RL's been monopolizing my energies lately)
IC: "I see that I have alarmed you somewhat," Alster said, backpedaling slightly. "I apologize. It is simply that, what I have come here to discuss is regarded by my government as a matter of national security. When I said 'secure,' I meant whether this discussion was securely confidential or not." Well this certainly won't make them feel any better, will it? he thought to himself, considering whether it had really been wise to open so strongly. "I would appreciate it if the transcription were ceased, at least for the next few minutes."
He paused to remove some papers from his briefcase and arrange them in front of him while the recording was discontinued. "You see," he continued, as gently as he could, "it has come to our attention that the territory under dispute contains great amounts of uranium - and a great many other valuable mineral resources, of course, but the uranium is the big sticking point, isn't it?" He paused to watch the reactions of his hosts for a moment. "Now, our concern - as is yours, and your adversary's, of course - is into whose hands this resource will fall, and to what purpose it will be used. After the Estonavakian Crisis several years ago, we have become...concerned about weapons of mass destruction falling into the wrong kind of hands. So, if I may ask - what are your goverment's plans for exploiting the uranium within your territorial claim?"
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Epsilon
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Oct 14 2011, 12:34 AM
Post #8
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((OOC: No problem. I've had much the same!))
Namar List gestured to an aide, who left the room. He spied, a moment later, the well hidden red light going dark, indicating that the transcription had been turned off.
Subsequently, he was shocked. His mind raced: Was it a leak? Do we have a spy? He thought. Couldn't be, everyone who works for the government is a vetted and well respected citizen! Doesn't mean...by Virgil, how do they know?!
Pheldin was indeed shocked as well, but was slightly less practiced at concealing it. He had to clear his throat to conceal what he knew was a visible expression of horror.
Namar List proceeded slowly. "In all honesty, corporate development. Refining uranium for energy consumption and possibly export. Our...Our government has little say in what a corporation may do with the resources it finds. However, if our government had a strategic interest--"
Namar stopped himself. Of COURSE they had a strategic interest, otherwise there would be no border dispute. He cursed himself silently, for letting this diplomat get the best of him.
After a moments hesitation: "Our governments interest in the Uranium is limited to energy at the moment, development of nuclear weaponry is on the agenda, but the time frame and budget is being debated. Even then, development of nuclear weapons would be defensive only. Considering the foreign investment we have, we cannot afford to be a belligerent invader, we seek only defense of our investment and those of others. We hope that investment is enough to prevent conflict in and of itself, but we seek alternative recourse should the eventuality arise."
No harm in being honest with someone who already knows the answers. Namar shrugged.
"Our alternative objective is to prevent the uranium from being acquired and subsequently refined by the Tarkaneans. We know their empire has been brooding for a considerable time, it is fitting that they make their debut in pursuit of Uranium. We have been fortunate in that we have been able to stave off military action so far, but it will not be easily acquired, and even then, not easily kept."
Namar looked through some papers of his own, took a sip of water, and continued:
"My objective in contacting your state was simply to see if there was any way we could cooperate to, namely, prevent Tarkanea from acquiring the Uranium within the scope of your policy. I mentioned some economic incentives which is why Pheldin is here."
Pheldin took the cue to chime in. "Now that your knowledge of the Uranium is plain, we may be able to provide further incentive with a certain share. But I believe we have digressed beyond the scope of your question."
Pheldin folded his hands and hoped Namar wasn't unhappy with his contribution.
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Hyperborea
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Oct 16 2011, 10:48 PM
Post #9
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Libertinus
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"A share of the uranium will not be necessary, Mr. Greeg," Alster replied. "We have sufficient stockpiles, and are actively phasing out our nuclear energy facilities in favor of more renewable, decentralized sources. However, we are genuinely interested in opening the economic dialogue between our nations that Mr. List has broached with Archon Vries - I have a briefing here from our Economic Executor on that topic. We did not seek this meeting under false pretenses," he finished reassuringly.
"Now, I'm very glad to hear that Graanid's primary goal with the uranium is energy and export. And I'll be honest, we are much more comfortable with nuclear weapons, if they are developed, being in the hands of an economically-focused nation rather than one that is overtly expansionist and imperialistic. But the other side of that coin is that, in realpolitik terms, the Federation's available courses of action are limited by our mandate of armed neutrality. We can issue statements denouncing the Tarkanean claim, but what will these mean to a nation already prepared for war, when we cannot back them with force? Thus, the most valuable service that we can provide to tip the scales - arguably more valuable than troops on the ground - is information. If we were to independently collect strategic and tactical intelligence on Tarkanea's operations and pass it on to you, and you were to exploit it for victory in the field, then I believe both of our goals would be served within the bounds of our respective policies. The Federation Echelon is, I can say with pride, one of the most formidable intelligence organizations in the world. How does this sound to you?"
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Epsilon
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Oct 16 2011, 11:21 PM
Post #10
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Namars gut reaction was to be offended. The Graanid intelligence service was satisfactory in all his experience! But he stayed his feelings. The diplomat had arrived with more information on Graanid than the opposite, and so obviously this "Echelon" was something to be admired.
"That does sound agreeable." Namar said. "I will provide the contact information for our Intelligence director, Tophine Zade, and our Field Marshal Rolkin Mas." He gestured to an Aide to enter the room, and parlayed the request. The aide nodded, and left without word, returning a short time later with a pamphlet which he wordlessly placed on the table next to the visiting diplomat.
"All this being said, you may or may not be aware that the situation is fairly precarious as it stands right now. Our executives are meeting with the Dictator of Tarkanea soon, they will try to negotiate an agreement. However, if things progress to war we may find ourselves relying on your services in short order. How soon can you begin your assistance?" ((OOC: I'm not sure when this discussion takes place relative Expedite, but i presume within a day or two))
"And," Pheldin interjected, "We know you would not be volunteering these services for free. Given the disproportionate need at the moment, I have a large range of economic incentives I am authorized to provide."
A suitable segue into more economic discussions, Pheldin thought. Namar was just satisfied that the Hyperboreans were willing to take some action favorable to Graanids interests.
Edited by Epsilon, Oct 16 2011, 11:21 PM.
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