The Banishment of the Barringtons

[Inimicus]

Sir Augustus Barrington

Part III

Imperial Palace Situation Room, 2nd March 0900hrs

"Where is he?"

"We er, we're not--"

"Where?!"

Brigadier-General Mansur Manco attempted to explain to His Imperial Majesty how Sir Augustus Barrington's jet had made a sudden turn due south-west before it could be intercepted in Inimician airspace, but He was having none of it. Artabanos had planned this raid for the last seven months, everything was worked out to the tiniest detail, but for some reason Sir Augustus had outplayed Him.

"Look here, Mansur", He began, and the Brigadier-General's complexion changed drastically, "This man is a criminal. Not just a criminal, the worst type of criminal. He betrayed me, he betrayed me personally. You will find him, there's no doubt about that. For if you don't, you may find yourself implicated very rapidly indeed."

A military aide brought relief for Brigadier-General Manco, whose gaze expressed complete uncertainty about his entire existence. "Your Imperial Majesty", the aide commenced, "We've tracked him. An informant photographed Sir Augustus and his plane in Tullion, Leagio."

"The maths make sense, Your Imperial Majesty", Manco added, "Sir Augustus's plane would have had enough fuel to reach Tullion. We have no extradition treaties with the Commonwealth. He seems, dare I say it, safe there."

Artabanos thought. The clever fox. He admired Sir Augustus's perceptiveness -- somehow, the European Councillor had realised he was being targeted. News of his brothers' and allies' arrests must have reached him on the flight. But how? Were there more in the Palace who plotted the Emperor's demise? "Don't get paranoid, Artie", He thought to Himself, "You've worked too hard." And yet... could it be the Strathclydes? The Cocxes? No, certainly not the Cocxes, His most loyal followers. Perhaps one of the lower sort -- People's Tribunes, Quaestors, Aediles. People whose jobs didn't matter. Yes. A thorough cleanup was necessary, and fortunately for Artabanos, a session of the House of Commons, where lower executive types are up for election, was just around the corner. But: one thing at a time.

"Find out everything you know. Get me a line to Leagio."

Four down, one to go.

[Leagio]

Part IV
Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Leagio, Executive Mansion, Tullion, Leagio
March 2rd , 2021 at 12:00 pm

(Soon to be Former) President of the Commonwealth Kenith Lifejumper

“24 Hours is all I ask. Alright…24 hours of no problems that require my immediate attention before my term ends on the 14th. I got Copala City in flames with bridges suspending its liberty…Houston trying to sneak in a Sanctions bill against Reitzmag with Congress…So what is it exactly?” President Kenith Lifejumper said in exhaustion, who was not having a very good time right now within his own office that he would be leaving on the 14th of March.

“The Empire of Inimicus is calling us over the fact that their own Councilor to the EU Council, Sir Augustus Barrington, managed to sneak himself within our own airspace and landed here in the city.” Minister of Foreign Affairs John Granger explained.

“What’s the problem with that exactly? He lose his illegal porn collection here in the city previously and the Emperor wants it himself.” The President joked as he sat down on his desk and proceeded to drink a fresh cup of tea with lemon juice.

“Honestly, Mr. President, I wish that was the case. Did you hear the news from the Nuntius Inimicus (the empire’s own paper) yesterday?” Granger asked.

“No, what does that have to do with anything on their Councilor to the EU?” The president said as he continued to drink his tea and enjoy it.

“Well, if you had read it, then you would have know that Sir Augustus Barrington has been discovered to have a personal hand in the near death of the Inimicus emperor last year with coordination with other people for sure of Neo-Venetia.” Granger explained.

It was at this moment that the President jumped up on his desk partially and would have standed up in shock, if it were not the fact that he hit his knee on the top of his desk hard, where he nearly shouted and cursed for it.

“You alright, Mr. President?”

“One second. One issue at a time.” The President said in a pained hiss as he felt his knee and was sure that he might have broken it, “Are you that is true?”

“We are certain from what the Government in Tellum has explained by faxing over the details through a secured network.” Granger stated.

“And we let the guy land in the city and all? How did our air-traffic controllers not notify us about it? Because I assume that you were on the lookout for this guy the moment you heard about what he had done before Tellum called.” The President stated.

“We were on the lookout when his plane vanished off Europolis but the thing is, sir, his plane was never detected at all within Commonwealth airspace. We only know that he landed because Tellum said that they know he landed here. I suspect that they have an informant in Tullion deployed quickly not only here but in all major capital airports within Europe. But that will be an issue for the next President.” Granger stated.

“He lands here undetected by us, but seen by an informant from Tellum and disappears afterward. Considering the crime that he committed, I would have no problem with having him shipped back to Tellum for prosecution if we had him in custody. But we don’t right?” The President asked.

“Yes, sir, that is correct. We have our own footage of him landing as we usually have logs in every airport of all planes that lands regardless of the situation, but his plane was not logged at all. The plane then went into a hanger and then we do not know what happened afterward. But if I had to guess, he has someone keeping him safe in Leagio.” Granger stated.

“Oh, that is just great. You are telling me that he sneaks in undetected by Leagioan standards and is helped by someone of our nation. Better tell me that our military has no involvement in it or else I am going to break more than my own knee? Because this is something that I did not want to know before I go to being Governor of Muale on the 14th.”

“So far, no. Looks like it might be another faction besides the military. Congratulations on the first round by the way with 53% of the vote in the State, sir.” Granger said with a smile.

“Shut up. You are not making me feel better, alright.” The President said, “Well, what does Tellum want exactly?”

“Well, they want to talk to you about the situation first and make some sort of agreement on the transfer of the now-former Councilor of their Empire.” Granger stated, “I have the Emperor, himself on wanting to talk to you. But at the time, you were out of the office in Jullien at the Research Lab with Mouri-Kudo; which I do not know how you manage to ensure that Miralles did not hear about and go ape on it.”

“You don’t want to know.” The President said, “Give me his number, and after the call, could you send up a doctor to look at my knee please?”

“Sure, Mr. President.” Granger said as he placed a piece of paper on the desk, “Mouri-Kudo and Miralles will be here in a few minutes for their intelligence briefings for the week, should I have them informed?”

“Yes, tell them that if Barrington is captured in the Commonwealth by the time of the inauguration for one of them that he will be shipped over to Tellum at the same time.” President Lifejumper said as he grabbed the piece of paper, sat back down on his desk, and dialed the number given to him.

Meanwhile, Granger walked out of the office and closed the door behind him.

“Yes, this is President of the Commonwealth of Leagio Kenith Lifejumper, I would like to speak to Emperor Artabanos please as soon as possible.” The President said on the phone, where a secretary to the office of the Emperor of Inimicus answered.

(Soon to be Former) Leagioan Minister of Foreign Affairs John B. Granger

[Inimicus]

PART V

Imperial Palace Situation Room
12:15pm

---

"The President of the Commonwealth of Leagio, Your Imperial Majesty."

"Finally. Prepare my jet, I may have to fly out there. Notify the Imperial Guard HQ as well, they may have to send a detachment."

Emperor Artabanos switched the central phone system in the situation room to speaker. "Hello? Hellooo? Ah, yes, Kennith. President Lifejumper. Good of you to call. Yes, yes, I am well. No, I'm afraid I haven't seen the latest episode of Death Note, no. Oh, was it? How intriguing. Anyway, if you don't mind, we have a fairly urgent situation on our hands. I'm not sure to what extent you've been briefed, Kennith, but SIr Augustus Barrington, a man suspected of the most vile kind of treason, has made his way into your nation, avoiding arrest, and we suspect he may be hiding there permanently. Eh, well, how I got that information is, eh, not entirely the point, is it?"

In truth, the Emperor had sent confidential informants to virtually any nation in the region that Inimicus was not allied to and was not afraid of. The Inimician intelligence budget had quintupled since Artabanos's accession to the Throne in 2014 -- and luckily so, it now appeared to Artabanos, or Sir Augustus may never have been tracked. "Oh, I see -- you have him entering a hangar in Tullion. And nothing after that? Hmm, well, Kennith, the Barringtons are capable of anything, and by the time of our conversation, Sir Augustus could literally be anywhere."

The time was now come for action, and Artabanos knew it. Sir Augustus could not be left loose to escape to any far-flung deserted region in the southwest, to the Duxburian Union or Angleter - some of those states the Emperor did fear - or, heavens forbid, across the Atlantic. "Kennith, I'm sure you understand how important this is to us, and so, I know this is a huge favour to ask, but could you put everything you have on this? In the meantime, I'd be happy to send assistance your way, perhaps I could even tag along myself? I'm sure my Imperial Guard teams would be more than happy to assist in any way -- under the full leadership and guidance of Leagio authorities, naturally."

[Leagio]

Part VI
Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Leagio, Executive Mansion, Tullion, Leagio
March 2rd , 2021 at 12:30 pm

“I agree. Barrington is a very serious issues to the Commonwealth multiple reasons that make him a Threat to our very own national security, especially with the election that coming up on March 5th and then the Inauguration on the 14th. I would prefer that we find him and handover for justice by your government as soon as possible, so that way I can ensure that one of the last things I do is protect Leagio’s transition to a new executive government.” Kenith explained as his Minister of Foreign Affairs walked up to him with a piece of paper. He grabbed the paper and read it quickly.

“CACT is sending a team to take as well as inspect the plane and possibly arrest Barrington, if he is still there. Special Strikers are on stand-by near the airport tarmac. Airport on Shutdown. BTW MK and IM said do anything to catch him”

“My apologies for the sudden silence, your majesty. I have just been informed that my Director of Common Agency of Crime and Terrorism is sending a team to take and inspect the plane that Mr. Barrington took. They will be looking to see if it is possible to know if he had anything on him to that we should seriously start being concerned about like bombs for example that could be used on Leagioans. If they find him still in the plane, he will be arrested and be immediately turned over to your government. In addition, the Army is sending a strike Team there in case the situation somehow gets out of hand. I will the idea of sending in your people to catch Barrington. I just hope that we catch the guy before something bad happens here. Just to let you though, that I will not be able in this position after the 14th where I am sure that your Ambassador explained Leagioan Politics, but someone else will be here in charge but I do have confirmation that both candidates are of the same mentality as I.”

[Inimicus]

Part VII

Imperial Palace Situation Room

"At least they're taking things seriously", thought Vicarius Wilfred Cocx, listening in to the conversation between President Lifejumper and the Emperor, "Particularly surprising, given that Inimicus has never really had dealings with Leagio in the past. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to..." - he was cut off: "Wilfred!"

Dazed, Cocx shook his head and looked at the Emperor. "I've just put them on hold. Wilfred, Leagio seems co-operative. I don't expect the Guard will be necessary, but have them on stand-by just in case. Un-scramble my personal jet."

"Your Imperial Majesty", Cocx said and hurried out of the room.

"Mr President, sorry to put you on hold there, I just wanted to make sure I was giving my staff the correct details. In any case, thank you for your prompt action on this, and your reassurance that you will do whatever is necessary. As I said before, if you require any help at all from Inimician authorities, it will gladly be given", Artabanos continued, "I'm also faxing your office some personal details that may help you catch Sir Augustus, such as previous planned and unplanned trips to Leagio, of which, I now read, there have been several, and always to Tullion."

Artabanos paused a moment in thought. "Sir Augustus on regular flights to Leagio? And I was blind to this? Perhaps it will soon be time for new, more strict measures..."

"And please, Kennith, make sure you're careful, and your troops are careful. Sir Augustus is an extremely dangerous man, someone whose treason went unnoticed at the heart of the Imperial Palace for years. Who knows what he's capable of? Yes, yes, please inform me as soon as you find anything. A pleasure. Thank you, Mr President, for your co-operation, and I hope the rest of your term, short though it may be, is successful."

And with that, Artabanos ended the call. "One fire more or less under control, ten others to put out", He thought, and exited the Situation Room.

[Leagio]

Part VIII
March 4th, 2021
Somewhere in desert center of the State of Jullien

(Gin)
“I imagine that there were no troubles at all?” a man wearing black said.

“Oh, no troubles at all. We managed to get Sir Barrington out of the airport without much difficulty. Just as we got out from the escape hatch in the hanger, CACT arrived and closed down the airport.” A redhead woman answer with a tattoo on her eyebrow.

“Good…Good.” The man wearing black said, “The boss is having our plan come together on Mouri-Kudo. There is no doubt that she will win at all tomorrow. So, we will need to take her out and including her husband (who is speaker of the House of Councilors). So we must be ready, especially for your part in it.”

“Of course.” The woman said.

“What is next?”

“We keep Mr. Barrington secure at this location and keep going with the plan at the moment. I expect the boss will make some change coming in the near future with CACT knowing that he is in the country somewhere. I expect the Emperor of Inciumius has also been in contact with the Government in Tullion and is stepping up on finding him. I suspect that it will change nothing at all really. The plan keeps going as we need to tie some loose ends for the boss; ones that were especially lose for many years and avoid us. But now, those ends are in a sphere where they are more open, the time has come to finish them off.” The man with the hat said.

“What happens once Mr. Barrington settles in? The Army, CACT, National Intelligence, and even their Inciumius Counterparts will continue to look for him until they find him.”

“The Boss will decide that. Right now, Barrington has been proving to be useful on giving some advice already in helping out on our plans.”The man answered.

“Gin?” came another voice in the building said entering.

“Yes, Vodka?” The hat man responded.

“The boss wants to see you for a minute.” The man that just entered said.

“Very well. How does Mr. Barrington enjoy his new home for now?” Gin asked.

“He is fine with it. Annoying as hell though, he keeps raving about how his plan back home could have gone wrong. I wish he would shut up.” Vodka explained sounding annoyed by a large amount.

Gin chuckled as he walked away. He walked into a room that was made of wood that had many racks of wine from various countries with many of them being from the EU of different years. He walked up to a table that was in the center of the racks, where he got a glimpse of the boss covered by a shade of darkness while drinking a glass of wine.

“You wanted to see me, Boss?” Gin asked.

“Yes, Gin. As you know, Mr. Barrington is here, we need to hang on to him for the sake of ensuring that the operation is a success and maybe we can then get Barrington back in the game with success. However, do keep an eye on him, he is an opportunist for sure. We need to convince him that defecting, or snitching is something that never ensure his own safety at all. He provided us with all aid and advice in getting our plan going for the next few months with the tensions in the EU the way that they are; they provide us the best opportunity to strike the government in Tullion and build a Leagio of my own vision. One where the nation comes out on top.” The boss said in glee as he took another sip of the wine.

Gin nodded, he was never a nationalist type or even cared about politics. He was in it for the money of smuggling and killing. Politics was something that he only cared about when it threaten it his lifestyle, which was what the existence of Mouri-Kudo’s were bringing if left unchecked completely; which was why they were getting their plans together.

“Understood, Boss.” Gin responded.

“Good.” Boss said as he placed the glass that he was holding on to the table beside him, “Mouri-Kudo is definitely going to win the race tomorrow as you know. So preparations for the plan have already been made now. We will take her out on inauguration day on the steps of the capitol just as she is sworn in for the office. A little present from us to her.”

“Yes, sir.” Gin said nodding.

“You may go now, Gin. We will talk more about the plan and Barrington as inauguration gets closer.”

“Of Course.” Gin said as he left the room.

[Leagio]

Part IX
March 14th, 2021
On the steps of the National Capitol in Tullion, State of Tullion, Leagio

"Repeat after me, Miss. Mouri-Kudo." The Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Jean Hilton said as he held up a copy of the Leagioan 2020 Constitution in his hand along with the Leagioan Declaration of Independence. Mouri-Kudo had her hand on top of the copy as a crowd was around her from above and below her. Her husband, Speaker of the House of Councilors and soon to be First Gentleman, Shinichi Mouri-Kudo was there right beside her and was especially holding their 3-year-old son, Conan. To her right was soon to be former President of the Commonwealth Kenith Lifejumper and a representative of the Inicumis government. Leagioan Secret Servicemen were all around the area on the lookout for anything that was spelling trouble out of them. She knew that once she was fully sworn in as President, the next three years were going to be tough as she was now setting a standard of a female leader in the office of President, especially having a divided government with Magic Kaito being elected as Governor-General and will be soon be sworn in as well on the floor of the Senate of the Commonwealth.

She remembered her husband sugested last year that she should run for President. She was against it at first with being satisfied as leader of the Progressive Alliance Party, but eventually she was convinced especially after the Eastern Haanean Crisis and then she won the party primary then eventually the election itself in both rounds with a landslide in the Second Round. But the thing that was now in her mind was the issue of Barrington who was wanted by the Emperor of Inicumis himself for trying to kill him. The past few weeks have brought some insight on the search but the problem was that whoever Barrington knew in Leagio was hiding him very well. She knew that after being sworn in that she would need to talk to the Emperor as she and her husband have a possible guess as to who is hiding him. But the question that she and her former detective of a husband was trying to answer was how? How did the Black Organization, an underground criminal syndicate that is the greatest threat to the well-being of the Commonwealth, know a former friend of the Incuminis Emperor and former Councilor of said nation? Barrington had made many visit to and from Leagio but why? What did the BO and Barrington cooperate on? Did they provide information to the bastard in exchange for something? And if yes, why? There were so many questions running through her mind about the Barrington situation that she had to mentally shake herself to get back to the inauguration. Maybe after the speech that she gives after swearing her oath, she could talk to her husband to see if there was something that they were missing in this case of the traitor that is Barrington. She and Shinichi had always acted like a team when it came to any issues that they encountered, especially when it came to the Black Organization and its band of thugs.

(OOC: Just imagine it how a US president actually repeats after the Chief Justice at this point)

"I, Ran Mouri-Kudo, swear in exercising the powers of the President of the Commonwealth of Leagio to respect and safeguard the rights and freedoms of human and citizen, to observe and protect the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Leagio, to protect the sovereignty and independence, security and integrity of the Commonwealth, and to faithfully serve the people to the full extent of my abilities."

"My Congratulations, Madame President." The Chief Justice said holding out his hand after placing down the Constitution.

Ran smiled as she shook his hand.

"Ladies and Gentleman, the 27th President of the Commonwealth of Leagio." said an announcer through the speaker system installed for the event.

There was cheering and clapping for the news that the people of Tullion just heard. Ran walked up to a stand with a mic at the top for her to give her speech. Her first one as the President, especially as the first female president of this democracy.

“My Fellow Leagioans, today is a day of great joy and celebration where we get to experience the abilities of Democracy……”

Then an gun shot was heard from a distance that caused panic in the crowd as Secret Service Agents were running towards President Mouri-Kudo to get her out.

Mouri-Kudo felt a pain in her chest and noticed that in her breat was a bullet wound there that went through completely. She knew that as felt blood coming out of her back. As the Secret Service people were about to grab and get her out of the line of sight. She looked from where she was standing to the direction of the shot that enter and exited her body. Although, it was not a good angle, she was able to tell exactly where the shot came from by looking at a shop where one would see it as someone holding a boom box but she saw more than that. She could see the makeup of a tiny barrel coming out of it and some smoke from firing it. She glared at the individual that was holding it.

“Why you little…” Ran muttered while somehow having the strength and energy, she jumped from the podium and ran towards the person that ruined her speech. The crowd in sheer surprise watched as the new President that was literally just shot was running to where the shot came from like as if it had just pinked her. They could also see the look of anger on her face at the same time, while her husband and son where following her trying to get her to stop in order to receive medical attention. At the same time, Secret Service Agents were following behind trying to do the same but as well as get her out of the now danger zone.

“Ran…wait…it’s not safe…you need to see a doctor….” Shinichi was yelling not far behind her. Sometimes, he could just not believe his wife in how she just has no hold backs in wanting strike someone that would try to hurt her and possibly her family.

The person holding the boom box could see that they were now in danger of one pissed off female president and began to run until someone interested to see what was going to happen and tripped him, which caused him to stumble for a second before regaining his footing. He ran past many crowds watching as he began making way for the escape tunnel in the sewer, but he was not fast enough as he felt a hand grab his jack then spun him towards a face of the woman he just shot and failed to kill with the shooty boom box sniper weapon that was given to him for his part. The face that was seeing was one of that he could tell wanted to get justice and such as there were no words said by the female president of this country.

Thinking quickly he pulled out his pocket knife that was covered in a special poison that kills in seconds and was about to attack with a cry but he found out that this woman was no ordinary politician of this country; which should have been something he could have learned by seeing her run towards. She kicked his armed by sending it up in the arm with a loud crack, possibly breaking it in the process, and then he wished he had not done that even more as she spun herself around with her own cry by lifting her leg and then she kicked him in the neck sending him falling to the ground in both pain and shock at what just happened.

The crowd watched in stunning silence at what just happened while the press were tacking multiple pictures of what they had just seen. No doubt that it would be talk of her entire presidency. Then came cheering from the crowd of the entire event. Meanwhile, Ran just blushed as the Secret Service finally caught up to her and told her that she needed to be taken to safety.

“Sure, after I finish my inauguration speech first.” She responded as the agents grabbed the shooter and summon a police car to take him where he would be inspected for medical attention if needed as the nearest police station was near the University of the Commonwealth Hospital.

“Madame President, it is not safe to have your speech after what had just happened.” One of the agents pleaded.

“Ran, please….” Shinichi as pleaded.

“It won’t take no more than 30 minutes I promise.” Ran said as she walked back to the podium after the Secret Service extended the distance of the crowd from it and had a Helicopter in the air for safety’s sake.

Eventually, she was able to continue, “I do apologize to the members of this crowd, if it is not obvious from what just happened, I was just shot at with a unique sniper weapon, that this speech is not as long as it was suppose to be; but to calm the brave members of the Secret Service and my family I must shorten it a bit. Now, as I was saying, today is a day of great joy and celebration where we get to experience the abilities of Democracy. Leagio is not a monarchy, not a autocracy, nor a dictatorship but instead it is a republic that hold the values that everyone no matter their origins have a chance to make themselves free from persecution of civil rights, liberty, religion, culture, and peaceful political values. This era of the Commonwealth that we are apart of is heading to a new era with it’s membership in the EU about to be a full year and we continue to see the rise of concern about the rise of evil occurring all around but we hold the power in ourselves to show the world that democracy no matter what forms holds strong against any threat that wishes to see its destruction….”

She continued to speak for about 40 minutes where the crowd heavily clapped and cheered at the end. Afterwards, she was escorted by the Secret Service with her family alongside her to the nearest hospital to ensure that the bullet did not hit anything vital or leave fragments.

[Leagio]

Part X
Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Leagio, Executive Mansion, Tullion, Leagio
March 19th, 2021

President Mouri-Kudo entered her office to grab an intelligence report about the Black Organization that was written by the Common Agency of Crime and Terrorism also known as CACT. Apparently, CACT knew of the existence of the Black Organization but not as long as she and her husband knew. She remembered back when they were high school students and they were a date at a local fair in Tullion City, there was a murder that had taken place where someone in a ride had their head removed. The crime happened right in front of her and Shinichi, which was really a shocker. However, her detective of a boyfriend at the time solved the murder; but among the crowd that witnessed the murder were two men that were wearing black and looked as if they had delivious intents for something. Her husband decided after the solving the case that literally happened in front of them that he would just see what they were up to, but Ran decided to join in it on it as she had a very bad feeling for the safety of her boyfriend at the time. So, Shinichi went over and saw some sort of deal going on where it was more than just drugs but like espionage of some sort. From what they were able to guess, it might have been some sort of plan to eventually take over the government.

They were caught and almost killed when they were discovered by a man that was known as Gin, where he tried to poise them after they held up but failed after Ran managed to free herself where she then kicked their butt with karate. After escaping, they had to hide and ensure that this Black Organization that they called would not find them very easily at all. However, they knew that this group of people were dangerous and had to be stopped. So through out their lives, they had to be one step ahead of the organization in looking for ways to take them while acting as if nothing happened at all in order to not draw attention to themselves. Then they went into politics; initially it was going to be Shinichi being a Councilor but then he convinced her to run for President and the rest is history as well as know to the pubic. Now she knew that the Black Organization with members that had the names of alcoholic drinks were aware that they were in a position of being crushed by a person that they had thought was token care of and had the power to take them down.

The Black Organization had tried to take her out but failed and now they had the attention of Incumis as well; possibly even certain sectors of Europe if she had to guess as well. After the attempted assassination on her with a sniper rifle disguised as a juke boom, she made a phone call to Emperor Artabanos about what she knew of the Black Organization and that it is possible that this organization had in aiding Barrington escape to Leagio unseen. He suggested that he send people that he could trust to help out that were the best in their position of law enforcement. Ran agreed to it as she wanted to have individuals outside of the Commonwealth here to provide an outside perspective and advice on the matter on the Black Organization. Right now, CACT and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) were working 24/7 to find the location of Barrington. Both Agencies were trying to get the assassin that shot her to talk after he finally recovered from the aftermath of the beat down he had received from her foot. He had not said anything yet, but Ran was assured by the Directors of both agencies that they would get him to talk.

However, the good news that they gave her though was that they had footage of him entering the crowd from a black sudan that had no license plate though. Although, this would be bad in a normal situation, the saving grace was the vehicle had went through multiple cctv cameras as it went into the highway leading from Tullion to Vese, Gopen which meant that this would possibly be the first breadcrumb that might lead them to the headquarters of the Black Organization and its members. The only thing was that this was only the beginning of the search. There will no doubt be more leads that will get them to Barrington.

“Ran?” Shinichi said coming in, who she had not seen all day due to his job as Speaker of the House.

“Yes, Shinichi, dear?” Ran said dearly.

“Federica told me to tell you that The team from Incimius is here. They have just arrived to the city by plane and landed safely. They are on their way here before they get sent to the Common Security Building with CACT and the NIA there as well.” Shinichi said as he walked up to her and gave her a loving hug of love.

“Careful on the hugs, please, dear. My chest still hurts from the shot.” Ran complained as she kissed his cheek.

“Sorry…..Don’t scare me and Conan like that please….I thought that I was going to loose you or something.” Shinichi pleaded.

“Alright…I will try not to.” Ran said.

In honesty, she was glad that she had gotten the guy that did the shot as apparently it had prevented her from going to the motorcade, that was nearby for a situation like to take her out of danger, which was somehow rigged to blow up with a bomb planted in it. This information was something never made public in concern of causing a panic but the Artabanos was made aware of it as Ran was curious if it was made of the missile component used in his assassination in Needletail One. Anyone that tried to kill her family who would have been in the vehicle had she not went after the smuck had better watchout as nothing would hold her back should anything happen to them.

“Is Conan asleep?” Ran asked.

“Yes, after I told him a story to go to bed. He seems to be alright after all of this.” Shinichi responded.

“Good…..I will meet with the Delegation and then I will go to bed, I suspect we will give the press conference Sunday and hopefully by then we will have a very good lead to Barrington.” Ran said.

“Alright…try not to be up too long…you got a long week coming…your Green Deal will be in the Committees in the House all next week…hopefully we will get it all through to the Senate by April 11th, especially with everything you wanted.” Shincihi said.

“That’s good.” Ran said, “once it fully goes through, I can see if I can get Juncker to come and witness the signing of the bill.”

“What trying to score more points on the polls? You already got a lot for the kick you made.” Shinichi joked with a chuckle.

“Funny.” Ran said as she sat back on her desk to look over at the painting of Jean Huttson, the Founder of the Commonwealth.

[Inimicus]

Tullion Airport
22nd March, 12:00pm

Imperial Consul Lord Christopher Strathclyde, Imperial Guard Investigation Unit Commander Albert Rosenfield, People's Tribune Lynda Cocx

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"Ah yes, thank you. You must be Ran? We were informed you would be meeting us. I'm Christopher Strathclyde, Imperial Consul. This fine gentleman is Albert Rosenfield, commander of the Imperial Guard investigation Unit, and here we have Lynda Cocx, People's Tribune. May I start by expressing my anguish at the attempted assassination of your newly elected President? Such horror."

The Inimicians followed Ran inside, and awaited his words. Christopher recalled the anger with which His Imperial Majesty had ordered him and the other two to Leagio. "...don't come back without him......in chains, Christopher, nothing less......take Cocx with you, she'll keep an eye on you two....." It seemed that the betrayal of the Barringtons, whether real or fabricated, had turned Artabanos into a paranoid figure, a man who saw enemies around every corner, even in the Imperial Consulate. Nothing was further from the truth -- although Christohper had acted out of his own interest over the past few years, his interests never collided with those of the Emperor, and if they would, the Emperor's would always come first. Artabanos's distrust of the Imperial Consul was entirely unwarranted.

Christopher needed this mission to go well. He needed to win back Artabanos's confidence. If he didn't, well, it may well be him in the Imperial Crown Court next.

[Leagio]

“Thank you very much, sir. The Secret Service will be acting as your escort to the Executive Mansion, where the President Mouri-Kudo will be waiting for you and give you the rundown of what is going on so far. Afterwards, we will read then taking you safely to the common security building here in the city and be introduced to the various law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth that will be working with you in this crisis.” The Secret Service agent responded.

“If you step into the vehicle sir, we will now proceed to head to the Executive Mansion and take you to the President.” Another agent responded indicating his hand to the black motorcade right beside him.

The group entered the vehicle, where they were then taken for about 30 minutes in a drive to the Executive Mansion. Eventually they would arrive where they were taken inside the building and went through a security procedure run by the Secret Service to scan them for any weapons and sort that would harm the President. After a procedure that took about three minutes in total, they were led to the office of the president of the Commonwealth of Leagio who was waiting for them and look to be a bit tired.

The president smiled as she watched a group step in and gave their introduction to her.

“Welcome to the Commonwealth, Lord Strathcylde, Madame Cocx, and Commander Rosenfield. My apologies for not mean yell at the airport as the Secret Service does not want me out in public and open areas for long period of time because of the recent assassination attempt on my life. I wish that we were meeting under better circumstances but it seems fate has other plans unfortunately. But I will say that is quite the start to my presidency and is not some that I had in mind. I just hope that we catch Mr. Barrington as soon as possible and end this whole nightmare before it gets worse with his new friends as we will call them. Oh well, let’s get to business I guess.” Ran replied as she rubbed her shoulder at the spot at where she was shot at.

“As I’m sure you’ve been informed, the Commonwealth will gladly turn over Sir Barrington, although at this point the use of sir might not be necessary in present tense, to the authorities of your nation and especially his Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos. The crimes that Mr. Barrington has committed in your country will take priority over any crimes that he has committed here as long as his friends, if we want to call them that, gets to be tried here in Leagio for their crimes because I, including my husband, have personally witnessed the things that they have done for many years. You will be briefed in much detail about old stuff of the Black Organization, as I call them for many years, by particularly the directors of CACT and NIA (including the Ministry of Justice) as they have been tracking with insiders before they lost touch of the position as well as strategy of the Black Organization. The Commonwealth will gladly provide quarters for you to sleep in throughout this whole ordeal that we have to go through that will be not far from the Common Security Building. Although, I have no power to order you like this but take it as a suggestion from someone who has been a personal target for many years to the Black Organization that is aiding Barrington be careful when going out at night as they have done many kidnappings of people that are threat to them in the dead of night in open areas on people that they even feel is a threat to them.” Ran explained to the group as she handed them a CACT file of known members of the Black Organization that was marked as classified.

“Furthermore, let me just say that if you have any questions about this organization that you feel you must ask me or even my husband about don’t be afraid to ask. Now focusing on the assassin that tried to kill me, we have his name and identity but wherever or not has any personal connection to Barrington is unknown at this point and I highly doubt he even knows where he is if he did have any. We do know that he knows individuals from the Black Organization that I mentioned earlier and are keeping him secure in a secure prison cell to where his friends will not kill him as a loose liability to their integrity, which is very common of what they do when they have a problem. The boombox that was designed as a hidden sniper rifle is currently being examined at this point to see if it was made by any criminals in the our database; we will gladly let you examine it to determine if it matches the work of any criminals in your own database as well.” Ran explained as she fixed herself a cup of tea.

[Inimicus]

Feeling like they were in some kind of action film, the Inimician delegates were hurried into the black, blinded motorcade and rushed to the Executive Mansion of the Leagio President. "...If only the Imperial Guard managed to be this epic...", Commander Rosenfield noted, reminiscing about his days as a Special Agent of the Republican Guard, all those years ago, before the Imperial Revolution of 2011. The fast cars. the funky music, the cliches. He was happy then. Before he could properly finish his thoughts, however, the cars arrived at the Leagioan President's mansion and the delegates were ushered inside.

"Madam President, thank you for seeing us at such short notice", Lord Christopher Strathclyde began, "And may I just say what a pleasure it is to see you alive and well. We were all most shocked by the recent news of your life-endangering circumstances. Of course, in Inimicus, we have recent experience with attempted assassinations of national leaders. It is indeed a strangely coincidental occurence that our Emperor is nearly assassinated, only for one of the suspects to flee to your country, and for you to suffer the same fate. I assure you, we will assist however and wherever necessary to see your assailants brought to justice."

The Inimicians listened carefully to the President's explanation of the circumstances of her attack. "...Barrington has ties to this Black Organisation?...", thought Commander Rosenfield, "...Why am I not surprised. The rot inside the system is far, far deeper than I'd ever imagined..." The advice of the President about being careful to go out at night was received with some angst by the Inimicians. "Personally, I was not planning to leave my accommodation unless in an emergency, Madam President", Lyndah Cocx said, "Not with these vicious murderers around."

"Anyway, Madam President", Commander Rosenfield began, "I hear you're attempting to extract information from your would-be assassin. How is this going? Would you mind if I was present for some of the interrogations? Any information that leads us to Barrington is most valuable in our eyes."

[Leagio]

“You may talk to him at your leisure, Commander. Just a heads up though, he might be hard to look at because apparently, I kicked the son of a gun so hard that he permanently lost some teeth. I don’t know if that picture of me kicking him reached your country, but apparently, it has become an icon of Presidency already. All I ask is that when you interrogate him is to ensure that it does not result in a lawsuit that goes to the ECOJ. He did confess that he is working with the BO (Black Organization) but apparently he is small fish in the syndicates chain of command. But he might have something of use for us in finding. Both my directors of CACT and NIA feel that he knows something but what it is exactly we are not sure? But like I said give it your best shot……” Ran stated as took another sip of her tea at that moment.

Then a phone call on her desk came. Ran answered it on speaker.

“Yes?” Ran answered.

“Madame President, I have the Minister of Defense on the line. He wishes to speak to you really quick. He says that it is urgent. Also, a reminder Madame that you have your son’s open house school meeting this week” a female secretary stated on the line.

“Send him in then and thanks for the reminder.” Ran said as she hung up and looked at the three in front of her.

“My Ministry of Defense is also something that will be providing a hand as technically this whole scenario in Leagioan Law falls under the category of Terrorism.” Ran explained to them.

The door opened to reveal a man in Leagioan Air Force Uniform and wearing a moncle, while smiling.

(Minister of Defense Wilhelm Klink)

“Madame President…..” The man said saluting.

“Klink, good to see today….this is the delegation from Incimius that will be aiding us in finding Barrington and his friends….Commander, Lord Strathclyde, Tribune, this is my Minister of Defense Wilhelm Klink…..So, Klink, what is it and it better be good?” Ran said.

“Madame President, I have excellent news. We were able to track that vehicle that dropped off that would-be assassin during your inauguration to a warehouse facility in Vese, Gopen. We found it through CCTV cameras that it went through….” Klink explained in excitement.

“You have told CACT and NIA right?” ran asked.

“Yes, they already have agents on the way to the facility; Although, I have doubts that Barrington would be there but there is a small chance.” Klink stated.

“Alright, make sure that the place is surround. No one gets in and out unless told otherwise by the Director of CACT.” Ran ordered.

“Yes, Madame President.” Klink said with a salute as he ran off to issue the orders.

“And I guess this is where I leave you to do what you three do best. If you encounter any problems with my staff or agencies, let me know and I will see what can be done to help. Best of luck to you.” Ran said.

[Leagio]

Outside of a Warehouse in Vese, Gopen, Leagio

The sound of police cars was loud around the area as they began to surround a rusty old warehouse in the middle of the capital of the state of Gopen. Police cars from the local city police of Vese were there along with Gopen state police, CACT agents and NIA agents. It seemed that for whoever the occupants of the warehouse is that there was no chance for escape. Eventually after about 10 minutes since the start of the siege around the warehouse, a shootout had begun with the sound of a shotgun being fired from one the windows of the warehouse. It seemed pretty obvious that the occupants of the warehouse were not going to go down without a fight and were going to take as many lives as they could with them. Bullets of many calibers were being fired upon from both sides and eventually it seemed to be that this would be what the siege will be like for the next few hours. However that changed, when one of the occupants of the warehouse began throwing grenades and even using, or attempted to use the police were not sure, a rocket launcher on the siege of squad cars. However when the RPG was spotted by police, the army was eventually called in with permission of the president.

The Army was needed for the situation as it was obvious that these people that were occupying the warehouse and firing back and forth at them were experts in marksmanship and maybe even had military training from some unknown factor. The Army eventually decided to send in the Special Strikers unit, which was formed as a unit capable of hitting hard, fast, efficient, and capable of doing special forces tactics within short time spams. This unit would be used as the infiltration unit to take over the warehouse and neutralize the occupants inside.

“Colonel Meyer, good luck.” Said a Officer Santos

“Thanks.” Colonel Meyer of the Special Strikers replied with a handshake.

Five minutes later the team went into the warehouse as the gun fire intensified as the occupants were firing back at the team in attempt to kill them. Everyone in the surrounding listened as they began to wonder how this was going to go. Bullets and flashbangs were heard constantly for the past ten minutes. When the sounds stopped, there was a sudden tension in the air as they waited to hear what was next. Eventually after a minute, Colonel Meyer stepped out and gave an all clear to the police officers. Everyone gave a sigh of relief. As men of the Special Strikers Unit were hauling numerous individuals that were in the warehouse with handcuffs in their hands. Some of them had wounds of various degrees on them. Some had cuts on them while one had a not so serious gun shot wound on their hand.

Officer Santos walked up to the Colonel.

“How many were in there?” He asked.

“About Twenty with various weapons. Some of them were ones that I recognized as Inciumius and Neo-Venetian as well.” the Colonel responded.

“That is not good I would assume.” Officer Santos stated.

“Nope. Means that whoever tried to kill the president with Barrington on the sidelines watching it might have been possibly involved in the Emperor’s assassination attempt last year. But there’s more.” The Colonel continued.

“Does it get worse?” Officer Santos asked very concerned.

“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.” The Colonel said, “We found some documents and intelligence that is in a language that I am not familiar with. But it will will be sent over to CACT and NIA for analysis as those documents had the flag of Spain on it. And what that has to do you with that country in particular? Well I have no clue at all. Your guess is good as mine.”

“Did we lose anyone in there?” Officer Santos asked.

“Unfortunately yes. We lost a man halfway in there. He died by gunfire from the bastards. But we got more of them than they got a us. You will find in there about seven other bodies inside there. Furthermore, we could not find Barrington in there at all. I highly even doubt he was even here in the first place. If he was no he didn’t stay for long.”

“What about the unmarked vehicle?” Officer Santos asked.

“If it was there though, it didn’t stay for long either. Must’ve drop something off and hightailed it.” The Colonel stated as he grabbed a Spanish made Cigar from his pocket and light it as he smoked it. “But we also found other neat gadgets that they were planning to use or did use early today. Like the RPG you mentioned, it was homemade but faulty which is lucky for you.” The Colonel said as he took another breath out of the cigar.

“Jesus Christ!” Officer Santos said. He had served in the police force for the state of Gopen for 15 years and he never knew that eight RPG could even be homemade at all.

“Yeah, whatever is going on here in this country is some really deep crap.” Colonel Meyer said.

[Leagio]

Common Security Building, Tullion, Leagio
March 28th, 2021

“What have got? So far……” Director of CACT James Cruz asked as he stepped in for the weeks briefing over Barrington, which was going to include the recent police raid in Vese where documents and illegal weapons were found.

“Those documents with the Spanish flag are still being examined at the moment. But the President did send the Spanish President a head-ups about it as she was not certain if there should be any concern about it; but she was not going to take any chances at all.” Minister of Defense Klink explained as he was writing a report on the current status of the Leagioan Army.

“I see.” Director Cruz said as he was looking over photographs of the various illegal weapons that were found in that warehouse. Most of it were from Inicumius and were of heavy weaponry especially. Grenades, rockets, assault weapons, etc… This stuff had to be transported into the country over a long period of time. IF Cruz had to guess, Barrington was the supplier of the goods and used his trips to Leagio.

This situation was very concerning as this made many people as there was concern on who was using these weapons in the Commonwealth. However, the Director hated to imagine the reaction of the Emperor of Inciumus when the news of the weapons comes; especially with some of them being Neo-Venetian as well which was a warzone at the moment. The Director felt sorry for the delegation that were here to provide a helping hand in finding Barrington and especially the people that were involved in the assassination attempt on the President two weeks ago. The thought that Barrington was involved in smuggling weapons illegally out of their country and into Leagio must be one hell of a headache for them.

“We still interrogating the various thugs from the warehouse….so far, of the 10, only two have talked but it was mainly stuff that we already know about the Black Organization. However, it is possible that at least one of them have something significant that will provide a very good lead for us at the moment. The only problem is getting them to talk.” Attorney General CJ Cregg said as she entered the room, “By the way, the Inicimus delegation will be in the building soon for the briefing on the current situation over Barrington. We just told them that we have no evidence that confirms Barrington was at the Warehouse at any point within past three months.”

“Great.” Cruz said as he was now getting a headache at the moment from this endeavor.

“Well, I imagine that they will want to see the bastards from the warehouse as well.” Klink muttered.

“I would not have any doubts at all about that.” CJ Cregg said.

“If we do catch Barrington, does the President still intend to hand him over to the Emperor?” Klink asked curiously.

“When hearing about the Iniciumus Arms smuggled in the Commonwealth, she made a dispatch to the office of Artabanos to reaffirm the Commonwealth’s commitment to turning over Barrington should he be in our custody.” CJ responded.

“Alright, the delegates will be here and then we can start the briefing then get to work.” Cruz said.

[Inimicus]

Commander Rosenfield entered the Common Security Building in Tullion through the staff entrance, and, upon encountering Director Cruz and Minister Klink, began: "I must apologise for the absence of my two superiors, gentlemen -- I'm afraid they had slightly too much of the local cuisine, to which our Inimician stomachs appear to be quite unused. They have had to excuse themselves for the day. Nevertheless, I carry with me a signed warrant from the Imperial Consul stating that I speak on his, and therefore, the Emperor's, behalf today. Now, shall we begin?"

"I hear you have located weaponry originating from both the Empire and from our troublesome neighbour, Neo-Venetia. Of course, this is not Inimicus's only troublesome neighbour, our border with Dromund Kaas having been universally closed off since 2011, but nevertheless... This concerns us. I spoke with His Imperial Majesty directly this morning, and He is more adamant now than ever that Barringon and this Black Organisation are, to put it bluntly, in cahoots with elements of the Neo-Venetian regime. It is likely the Inimician arms were obtained through the hideous treachery by the Barrington family.

"The Imperial Government thanks you for your commitment to extraditing Sir Augustus when we find him - and find him we will, and further thanks you for your assessment of his whereabouts in relation to the raided warehouse. If possible, the Emperor requests that I should be allowed to interview the most senior of the suspects apprehended at the warehouse site, to further ascertain the link between the Barringtons, Neo-Venetians, and the Black Organisation. I trust this will not be an issue for you?

"Anyway, you called me here for a briefing -- I can't wait to hear what you have to say."

[Leagio]

“No problem, Commander. I guess that we can begin the briefing, then. First welcome to this band of different departments here for the purpose of finding Barrington and BO. Let’s start with the obvious elephant in the room and that is those weapons. Needless to say, it is without any doubt that everyone here has been taken completely by surprise on the fact that weapons from Inciumius was found but also Neo-Venetia. If I had to make an assumption, it was to give justification that the Commonwealth is unable to handle the problems of the current world that we live in. Far-right eggheads would say that the Communists in Neo-Venetia is trying to take over the Commonwealth and that the Empire was trying to influence the Commonwealth on its side of the issue; causing for a need to topple the government or blow up the President’s plan whenever she goes on a trip to say that Barrington was a victim in the situation as well and buildup popular strength against the Emperor in some way. It really does not take much to convince fools wearing tin-foil hats at all.” Cruz stated while roiling his eyes at the last part.

“Possibly you are right.” CJ stated, “The weapons that were smuggled are right now being held at a CACT storage facility as evidence. At the moment, all of the bastards that were in the warehouse are being charged at the moment with Smuggling and Terrorism on various degree’s. Most of them are at the moment looking at life sentences and we are hoping that with that we might have some talk for a lighter sentence but we are not sure yet. Out of the 10 in our custody, two have talked but with not anything substantial.”

Then an aide for the Attorney General came with a file and handed her the file, who opened it and read it . She then had a smile.

“Looks like we might have a break, because it turnouts that one of the 10 has a citizenship in the Incumius. This situation now puts him in a bind more than it already is. Does not have any personal relation to Barrington but he was in the warehouse fighting against the law enforcement and Special Strikers; so that makes it for grounds to Terrorism at most and, if the Minister of the Interior is of the same opinion as well, enough to deport him back to his homeland; where he would then have to deal with Inciumius Law Enforcement of similar or even worse charges if I was to make a guess.” CJ explained.

“Well, then on your request to talk to the 10 smucks from the warehouse. At moment, they are all saying that they are underlinings that just supply the building. But we doubt that as they knew how to use those weapon very well like as if they were trained to use them, except that homemade rocket launcher that they used.” Director Cruz explained.

“Speaking of the weapons in the warehouse, does the media know about them Director?” Minister Klink asked.

“My sources nationwide and in Vese, especially, say at the moment ‘no.’ The police chief in Vese and the Gopen State Police told me that they will keep it silent for the moment to avoid a panic.” Cruz explained.

“Good, it would be best that in the coming press conference that the weapons being kept silent as with the way tensions are at it would jeopardize the 2nd Capsian Sea Negotiations, which the President hopes will go well this time. So for the moment, as far as the public knows it was just regular Leagioan weapons…not Incumius nor Neo-Venetian….If Bridges hears about this, then god helps as he has become unpredictable now a days…..Half of the Commonwealth fears that if it isn’t solved then Europe will be in a war that will help out the UNSR. We would appreciate if the Emperor does not mention about the weapons to the public yet if possible, Commander. Just for the sake of the investigation.” Director Cruz explained.

“Now that is the jest of the situation at the moment….Now boys and girls, let use go over what we all know of the BO at the moment…most importantly the big honchos in it. Let’s start with who we call the Janitor of the Black Organization, known as Gin. The reason we call him the ‘Janitor of BO’ is because he is the cleaner of the organization in maintaining the integrity of the BO. You work for the BO and are being followed or traced by the police, you go to Gin. You feel someone is onto the existence of the BO then you go to Gin. You make a mistake on a mission and get the police on to the BO, then Gin comes to you. BO has had always ensured that their operations are kept out of the loop of the police for decades until about 20 years ago when the current President of the Commonwealth accidently caught on to their operations. We had to get them watched and protected around the clock until they decided to go into politics, which took CACT by surprised as it for sure put them in the spot light. But back onto Gin, I would not have any doubt that Gin is watching Barrington like a hawk while providing him shelter in exchange for aid and advice for whatever they are now planning.” Director Cruz explained as he showed a image taken of Gin.

“Next, we have Vodka. Essentially the bus boy of the BO and Gin’s best friend, if you want something delivered, you have Vodka do it. He is most likely the person that transported all of the weapons to that warehouse. However, he can also do some of the roles that Gin does as well when needed.” Minister Klink explained.

“Then Chianti, known previously as Mary Hartford, the Sniper of the BO. Expert marksman and former operative of the Special Strikers…. Dishonorably Discharged…..Considered one of the best Snipers of the unit at one point as she could shoot a target at 600 yards. We thought when we first heard of the attempt on the President that she was there on March 14th but does not look like it. We even thought that she somehow had a part in the taking down of Needletail One…but turns out not so….”

“You might notice that so far that these members of the BO have alcoholic names to them. This is something that every member in the BO has. The boss of the BO who we have no identity to has a liking to name high ranking operatives to alcoholic beverages. We do not know what he looks like, but we know his personality. Cunning, Patient, Clever (bit too clever according to some sources that we have under witness protection), materialist, and able to keep everyone in line within the BO. At first we thought that Barrington was the Boss of the BO but in the end, he did not fit the bill. We do have a sketch of the Boss’s shape but not much as he always had himself under darkness even with his own members wanting to talk to him.” Director Cruz explained.

“So, when the suspects start mentioning alcoholic names, take notes as it might be info everyone. Also, I do not know if your government has been informed yet, Commander, but we found documents with the Spanish flag on it in a strange language that is not of this country. But we assume that it might be Arabic though. We have told the Spanish President about this as we are not taking any chances in having a Spanish President suddenly get attacked and we had the knowledge to warn the Spanish about it all along. ” Klink explained.

“Any questions, so far?” Cruz asked everyone in the Briefing.

[Inimicus]

Commander Albert Rosenfield listened intently to the Leagoians' briefing, attempting to pick out any details that could lead to the conviction of the Barringtons and their associates. He was slightly shaken up by Cruz finishing his talk -- after a few moments, he managed to stumble: "All clear, Director Cruz, thank you. I'm sure the Imperial Government wishes to convey its thanks to you and all Leagoian authorities for their arduous intelligence work on this Black Organisation. The fact one of these captured individuals is a subject of His Imperial Majesty is indeed concerning. Would you send this person's details over to Imperial authorities so we can conduct a proper background check on them?" The phrase background check, in the Imperial Guard Investigation Unit's terminology, had become synonymous with a full, semi-torturous interview, a complete ravaging of a person's financial, medical, movement, and travel records, as well as substantial blackmail. But this was not something Commander Rosenfield felt Director Cruz had to know.

"I will ensure the Imperial Government's statements are run by your office before they are released to the press, Director. I must ask you though, where does this leave us? How will we get to the bottom of this organisation, and, perhaps more pertinently to the Imperial Government, how will this lead us to Sir Augustus?"

"Would you allow me to speak to the Inimician directly, Director?"

[Leagio]

“Of course, Commander…you can talk to individual directly….Right now, he is in Gopen State Prison at the moment along with his friends. It’s about an hour drive from here on a good day. However, we are looking to transfer them to the National Security Prison up in the east side of the State of Condris. Reason for the transfer is to ensure that they are in a area secure enough that the BO does not attempt to silence them permanently before they can really start talking.” CJ said as she handed the Commander the file of the Incumian individual that is in Leagioan custody.

“They will most likely be transferred to the Security Prison within 2 days from now, we want to make sure that they are properly secured and all, commander.” Director Cruz explained.

“But going back to where does this leave Inciumius and Leagio at this point, the President gave us strict orders to ensure full co-operation in getting Barrington in custody where he would then be transferred to your country, commander, and face justice. Moving on to the BO and Barrington. At the moment, we are tackling this through two ways that will either be quick or long. We are looking through everyone that was in the warehouse in custody to see and find out where were those arms going to. If we find out where it was going, then we could be closer to finding the BO’s HQ. Finding the HQ is considered important, because we believe that Barrington is being hidden there and secured there providing his advice behind many layers of protection for both him as well as the organization. In short, we find the BO base then we find Barrington. There depending on the location, Leagioan Law Enforcement or Army forces will move in to take out the guards of the base and then capture Barrington alive……that’s the long way. The second way that we intend to find out more on the location of the base is finding out if they have any cockroaches within the Leagioan military and if yes, who then…We think that they have a person in the Leagioan Military Intelligence sector, because the reaction of the bastards in there were quick….So, what we plan to do is issue a fake order out to lure the BO spy and then when we get them caught, they will have no choice but lure some of the top brass like Vodka or even possibly but doubtful on it Barrington in particularly into a trap where we get them in our custody…” Cruz explained.

“What makes you so sure that the Spy will fall for your trap to expose them in Intelligence? And how will you know that their the spy?” Klink questioned with a eyebrow raised.

“Yes, and what will that message say? And I hope that it is not illegal?” CJ asked curiously.

Cruz chuckled lightly, “Imagine that you are the spy working for the BO in the Intelligence sector and you hear about a order given to the Leagioan air force instructing them to make an air strike on the now known location of the HQ of the Black Organization…..If you knew that, wouldn’t break your neck to warn Gin and the others about it. The first person in the sector that gets up and leaves the room will no doubt be the Spy.”

“What if they call your bluff then?” Klink questioned.

“Well, the question is then how much does the Spy want to sweat over the fact that it might be real and risk a deadly visit from Gin when all is said and done….” Cruz explained.

“Wait, what about the location of the HQ anyways? I thought that you had a operative go in?” CJ asked.

“The thing is all members that work outside the HQ are escorted in with a blindfold attached to their eyes at the dead of night to ensure that the location is secret….The only ones that know the location are the ones inside the HQ, which includes the boss and they hardly ever leave the place. However, our geographic guess is that it is somewhere in the desert but not far in it…too many logistical problems for the size of the organization. So the south boundaries of the desert from the center of Jullien all the way to Muale. Our spy that got a sketch of boss was going to try and get more details on the location for us. But I cover was blown, most likely by the Spy in Intelligence, and Gin wacked her…we never even found her body afterwards….” Cruz explained.

“I assume the fake order will come through my office?” Klink asked.

“Yes, I will let the President know after this meeting….” Cruz said.

“When will it start?” CJ asked.

“If the President approves of the plan and Klink is ready to issue it, then it will happen within the spam of 24 to 48 hours from now…Just before any Leagioan press conference takes place about Barrington. Once we get the spy, they will be taken to a secure area where then we can make some strong and hopefully quick progress on the HQ and Barrington.” Cruz explained.

“Let’s hope it works then….because honestly, I do not feel comfortable about knowing Barrington is in the country planning god knows what against the Commonwealth.” Klink asked.

[Inimicus]

"Your concerns are definitely not unfounded, Mr Klink. Sir Augustus has turned out to be as dangerous a criminal as he is a shrewd negotiator and politician. It does not suprise me at all that he should be in the thick of whatever this Black Organisation has been getting up to", Commander Rosenfield responded. "I applaud you all for your strategising and thinking of this fake order plan. Although I have, of course, no say in your government's actions, may I suggest we move with this plan as soon as reasonably feasible? The Imperial Government is currently keeping several high-level suspects without bail, and intends to start trial proceedings ASAP."

"WIth your permission, Director Cruz, I will trust you with the organisation of this operation and direct my car to drive me to Gopen State Prison."

With that, Commander Rosenfield excused himself and attempted to find his driver, who, he discovered, had been enjoying copious amounts of the famous Leagio leaf. He therefore decided to drive himself. The Leagioian countryside was not unlike what he had seen during his days as a covert operative in Dromund Kaas - barren lands, where honest people attempted to make a living. After what was far more than an hour's drive, he arrived at the prison, where he showed his credentials and was led into a room with the Inimician suspected terrorist.

"Mr... Schuylers, is that right? My name is Albert Rosenfield, Commander of the Imperial Guard Investigation Unit. I have a few questions for you." Although those words were generally enough to make most criminals spill their secrets, Schuylers appeared suspiciously stoic.

"Mr Schuylers... Where is Augustus Barrington?", Rosenfield asked calmly. When no response came, he repeated his question more sternly. No answer.

"Looks like we might be here a while, Mr Schuylers." Rosenfield stood up and closed the blinds on a window looking into the prison corridor. He undid his tie, took off his jacket, and rolled up his sleeves.

[Leagio]

April 2nd, 2021
Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Leagio

“I take it that it worked?” President Mouri-Kudo asked Director Cruz asked.

“Yes, yesterday we initiated the plan and within 15 minutes of the order being given we hit a bullseye. The Spy was caught trying to leave and report the order through a payphone outside of the intelligence building.” Director Cruz explained.

“Should have invested in a mobile phone at that point….those things are dying these days…even using one at all is sometimes seen as suspicious.” The President muttered.

“We were able to confirm that Barrington is being held in a secure facility inside of the Black Organization HQ. However, when we questioned on the location of the place all that we got was that the spy would be told be drive to Moraben, Jullien wait there at a hotel, where Vodka or Gin would arrive to pick them up with a blindfold to them. However, this has given us enough to narrow down the area of the HQ to be somewhere in the middle of the State of Jullien and the lower counties of the Territory of Fiowa. We will have CACT and various police departments searching those areas for any place that could potentially be the location of the BO, Madame President.” Director Cruz explained.

“Very well, then. Now, what about the other members of BO?” President Mouri-Kudo asked.

“We suspect that they do not know that their spy has been exposed and talking at the moment. However, we will need to use this advantage as much as possible before they figure it out. We found out through the spy that not far from the capital city of Jullien, Vodka will be heading to another warehouse for a delivery.”

“With arms and munitions, I guess?” Mouri-Kudo asked.

“Not this time, we suspect. Something more valuable to them.” Cruz explained.

“Like what?” Mouri-Kudo asked.

“Not sure….If I was to guess, information of some kind maybe.” Cruz said.

“Alright, did that Commander fellow get any luck on information with that Incumian that was at the scence of the crime at the Vese Warehouse?” Mouri-Kudo asked as she began to read a piece of legislation that is currently in debate within the House of Councilors, mainly about the tax plan that she was working to convince the National Congress to introduce.

“He sang like as if the Commander ripped out his balls.” Cruz stated.

Mouri-Kudo rolled her eyes at the remark made by the Director of the Common Agency of Crime and Terrorism.

“What did he say?” The president asked.

“well, the same that we already know but much more. He explained how the weapons from Incumius and Neo-Ventia were stolen. Guy had connections to fellows in the Incumian Army that works in their version of the Defense Ministry’s Logistics Department.” Cruz continued.

“I see.” Mouri-Kudo said as she put down the bill that is still in debate.

“He also gave us the exact hotel that the BO deals transporting operatives. So I am sending a team over to the hotel right now to investigate. I think one of the delegates from Incumius will be going there as well with the team. He did confirm that Barrington is with the BO in their HQ, because he saw him in the Hotel that was used.” Cruz explained.

“How did no one recognize Barrington, I assume that he was somewhat known in Leagio before his crime was known?” Mouri-Kudo asked surprised.

“They disguised him….”

“Now, you say that, that is something in the BO’s capabilities.” Mouri-Kudo said as she opened a yellow envelope from the Ministry of the Environment.

“CACT did hear rumors that the BO was looking at ways to make realistic as well as easy to handle plastic masks to sneak around undetected. They never got anywhere though.” Cruz said

“Well, what happens to the Incumian in custody? Out of curiosity…”

“I have talked to Stanley of the Interior about that…It would be best to just deport him back Incumius and let them have him. We got the others cleanly but Schuylers is damaged goods in Leagioan Law…Incumius law would most likely say different….” Cruz explained.

“Back to the search for the HQ. Should have the military joining in the search?” Mouri-Kudo asked curiously.

“Posse Comitatus Act of 1911 prevents you from using the military for civilian law enforcement purposes. Unless the Military is mobilized for other reasons than that, they would have to wait until you get permission from the Gang of Ten in the National Congress, which includes the Committee Chairs as well as Vice-Chairs for Armed Forces, Interior, Governor-General, and the Speaker of the House.” Cruz explained.

“Alright.” Mouri-Kudo sighed.

“But the thing is the same act allows you to emergency use it, if there is a clear and dangerous threat that is noticeable. So, depending on what the base has…” Cruz said.

“We could make use the military instead of the police and federal police agents.” Mouri-Kudo said.

Cruz nodded.

“Alright, let me know how the raid on the hotel goes….I have to go and attend a Karate match here in Tullion…It’s a match for charity. Winner of the match gets a nice gold medal.” Mouri-Kudo said.

“Break a leg, Madame President.” Cruz said as he watch as she grabbed a karate bag with the outfit and walked out of the office.