The Banishment of the Barringtons
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"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.
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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.
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After several hours, Commander Rosenfield exited the interrogation room, rolling down his sleeves and straightening his tie. "Gentlemen", he said to the guards outside, "I hope your government will co-operate and extradite this individual to the Empire. I will immediately prepare a full report and wire it to Director Cruz and the others in the Presidential Office." And once in Inimicus, this man Schuylers would have no way of escape. He would be tried, oh yes, probably in the same grand trial that was currently planned for the Barringtons, their associates, and the Neo-Venetian captives. But once convicted - and convicted he would be - he would be forgotten. Schuylers would cease to exist. And, in his position, perhaps that would be for the best.
Some time later, Imperial Consul Strathclyde, still recovering from his acquaintance with the Leagioan cuisine, was asked to report to a compound near the Presidential office, to attend a hotel raid by Leaogioan security services. This raid would, hopefully, lead to direct information about this Black Organisation's headquarters, and where they might be keeping Barrington. Strathclyde could not wait. He had imagined what it would be like to see Augustus Barrington's face, and what his reaction would be. "Even here, Augustus.", Christopher imagined saying, "Even here, I have defeated you and yours."
Still a ways to go, perhaps. Christopher's car arrived at the compound, where he was met by heavily armed yet ever-friendly Leagio law enforcement - or were they military? - ready for the raid. He was greeted by the officer in charge and directed to an intelligence centre, where excessive amounts of TV screens and radios and broadcasting equipment was established, allowing everyone there to watch a live action feed of the entire operation. Christopher was not unused to this, the amount of time he had spent in the Imperial Situation Room being outclassed only by the Emperor. "So", he announced, "When are we a-go?"
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Outside of Hotel de Luxury, Moraben, State of Jullien, Leagio
Outside of the hotel that was being monitored by a team of the Leagioan Common Agency of Crime and Terrorism (CACT), the officer in charge of the raid was watching as various vechiles were on stand by in various streets that were within 5 miles of the hotel. No chances were being taken on the possibility that someone of the BO that was inside the Hotel could have even a chance to escape from justice. There were some concerns by various members of CACT on whether or not if the staff of the hotel were in on the crime and were armed. So, with that concern, CACT was able to get a high security threat warrant through a high level Leagio Judge that hears warrants of various types. A high security threat warrant is a warrant in Leagio that allows for the use of Special Strikers to be used in Law Enforcement purposes when there is a clear and present danger in a law enforcement operation that requires military trained individuals. With this warrant, CACT could move in with some relief in knowing that if the situation gets hot then the Special Strikers were on stand by for action not far from the hotel.
“We’re all set.” Was heard from one of the radio’s.
“Move in.” Deputy Director Marcus Williams instructed from the center where the operation was being runed from.
Within seconds, various cameras from body cameras of CACT officers moving into the building in lighting speed. Everything seemed to be going smoothly at first in the first lower floors of the hotel as bystanders in the hotel were escorted out and staff of the hotel were held in protective custody until they were cleared. However, things began to change once the CACT team got up to the fourth floor as the sounds of gun fire could be heard with various individuals in black coats could be seen in the camera’s firing at the team. Screams from bystanders in the floor could be heard. Although, it seemed that there was not as firce fighting that was seen from the warehouse in Vese a while ago but it might have been cause of the element of surprise was being fully used as some of the suspects of the BO had looks of surprise of them as they used their weapons. A few of the members that were firing at CACT were shot dead but most were shot to the point to where they were just unable to resist any movement of arrest; one for example was shot in both of his hands as his was holding a dual set of pistols in them, where the CACT team skillfully aimed for those hands as best as they could.
Time continued to move forward. In the control room of the operation, there was a feeling of tension in the air that could be cut with a knife as there was concern if there was more members of the BO in the hotel and there might be the chance that they will lose a officer. Some of the terrorist experts in the room were worried if there was a bomb installed in a effort that should a situation like this happen then the bomb will destroy all of the evidence that could be found and take out all the law enforcement agents of CACT in the building. However, so far there was no signs that could be discovered through the body cameras that could even tell them that a bomb had indeed been planted in the building. However, there was still one more floor in the building left for the team to explore and there was some in the room that were guessing that there were additional BO members. At least, this was the assumption that they made. Luckily, as they got to the fifth floor though, there was not as much BO operatives. It was determined that the operatives had chosen the fourth floor as their area of running in the hotel for it provided a meeting room that was constructed by the hotel itself when it was founded decades ago.
By the end of the raid, it was determined that there was no bomb planted thankfully. All of the BO operatives that were wounded and in custody were being currently being taken to receive medical treatment, where they would be interrogated and facing heavy charges including terrorism. However, there were now questions on the outcome of the raid in the other warehouse that was outside of the city.
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Not far from a warehouse outside of the City of Moraben
Vodka was panicking as he was driving away from the CACT police forces that were on his tail. He was heading to the warehouse that the boss uses in Jullien, but as he was about to enter the building he noticed the police were waiting for him to enter. They were well hidden but Vodka and other members of the organization were trained to recognize the signs of police raid very easy, even those that were well planned and made to not be noticeable. How did they know the location of this warehouse? A warehouse that was being used for research purposes. There had to be something that they, the Organization, was not noticing very easily. Somehow the law enforcement agencies of Leagio were holding a ace on their sleeve that was not the current President of the Commonwealth. What that ace was exactly was the question racing through Vodka’s mind as he quickly drove up the Highway that would take him to Fiowa, where he would try and lose the police in the desert of the Territory. In addition, if he remembered correctly according to recent weather forecasts, there was a light sandstorm that was coming that could help him hide.
He was driving well over the Leagioan speed limit of 75 miles per hour in the highway in his imported tesla that he bought through the free trade with Ritzmag. However, the police were catching up just as they were going just fast as him. One of the police cars chasing him was closing in on him to no doubt do a pit maneuver on him and spin him out of control to the point that he stops to be arrested where he would then be taken into custody. He quickly grabbed his pistol that was in his black coat and aimed the pistol toward the cop car behind him, where he was aiming at the driver of the vehicle through his windshield. He fired and could see that his was hitting the windshield but it was bulletproof. He had completely forgot about. Most Leagioan Cop cars, whether local or CACT, are required to have bulletproof glass on them. Something that was newly introduced about 25 years ago during the beginning of the end of the glory days of the organization. Now they were looking to new avenues of profit and power. With the boss wanting to reach to levels of control that was unimagineable. But they had made an enemy that they never imagine that would eventually bite them in the butt if left alive and that was the current president of this nation.
Vodka stopped thinking about the past as he focused on the present. Most importantly, the fact that he has CACT chasing after him with also local police lending a hand. The vehicle that he was shooting at earlier was still catching up and was a starting phase of doing a pit maneuver on him. He hit the gas again on the tesla as he started to go even faster. Off in the distance he can see a CACT helicopter flying above him and moving ahead of him as he noticed that besides him and the police, there were no civilian vechiles in the road that. He watched the helicopter up ahead that lowering a rope of some kind below it while being miles ahead of him at the moment. He noticed that at the lower end of the rope or wire that there was something in it that it was tied around. He could not tell exactly what it was but it had to be something. Then as the rope was quickly lower with the package, the Helicopter made a motion towards the other side of the highway until it dropped the rope. He was very confused on what was going on that he did notice that the police cars behind were slowing down and backing away but ensuring that they kept their distance.
He could not figure out what that helicopter was doing until he got closer to the area that the helicopter was. It was only then did he have some sort of idea of what it was doing. There in the middle of the road was a spike strip placed just for him. This tesla that he bought was actually something that he bought recently with it being transported by Leagioan ship from Copala City then to Leagio itself just before the closing of the Canal to Ritzmag was being fully enforced, which meant that it did not have the needed tires to survive a spike stripe as it was not easy to get in Leagio. Not thinking of a better plan in his head, he hit the gas again assuming that if he just went faster then he would survive the stripe. However that was not the case as all four wheels hit it and the sound of all the tires popping loudly came; He lost control of the vehicle and then………..
CRASH!
The car spun out and hit the barrier of the highway with the force of the crash knocking Vodka out cold completely. Not even giving him a chance to regain conscious and use the suicide pill in his coat before he could be arrested.
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April 3rd, 2021
Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Leagio, Tullion, Leagio“How did the two raids go?” Mouri-Kudo ask as she stepped into the room of her office.
“We secured the hotel complex and gathered lots of information that will prove to be help for us in Barrington.” Minister of Defense Wilhelm Klink explained.
“That’s good. I take that the delegation from Incumius were glad for that?” Mouri-Kudo asked as she began reading the copy of today’s edition of the Commonwealth’s Post which included on the front page of the story of Mouri-Kudo wining the Karate Tournament yesterday with gold..
“Yes. I get the impression that they are glad that some progress is finally leading to something that would possibly get them Barrington.” Klink explained.
“What about the base for the BO?” Mouri-Kudo asked.
“Well, we have narrowed our search to the center of the state of Jullien right now which will make our job easier Madame President.”
“I see. That is good. Keep me up to date on the search.” The President ordered.
“Yes, Madame President. Also, in the lead on Vodka, we got him after a long chase. He is in the hospital at the moment due to him crashing his car. Once he wakes up, I imagine we can then start getting him to talk.” Klink stated.
“Good, then,” Mouri-Kudo said.
In a hidden bunker in the middle of the desert within the center of the State of Jullien
“Barrington, is starting to become a liability to the integrity of the Organization right now. We are losing agents left and right, while we have not made any change on how we achieve our own goals. The boss might want to start rethinking what we should be doing.” Chianti complained as news of Vodka’s capture came very quickly to the organization.
“I already that that talk with the Boss yesterday as I sensed that our problems were going to start getting worse and worse. He has not decided yet, but I did try and talk to him about dumping Barrington off for the police to find where the heat would cool down. However, even if that worked, I doubt Mouri-Kudo will stop at all. She and her husband are very determined to destroy us. I have heard rumors that the Mouri-Kudo’s Husband is planning to get legislation passed through the House that is crafted particularly to destroy us. However, I have no confirmation on that but if true then it shows that we have a bees nest of problems that will need to be taken care of and fast. Or else those bees will grow to be very deadly to us.” Gin stated as he grabbed a cigarette and lit it for a quick smoke.
“Maybe we should see if we can blow up the Leagioan Congress with both Mouri-Kudo’s in it? We just need to find the chance to make it happen.” Chianti suggested.
“Impossible with tensions over the issues in Istkalen and memories of the Union of Sydinicates fresh. The meeting of the two branches of government at one place at one time is not possible until a state of the nation address which has not be established and I doubt it will be any time soon in the next few months. Plus Mouri-Kudo might be suspecting it.” Gin countered.
“Well, then what are we suppose to do then?”
“Wait and see for a chance to strike back.” Gin said walking off.
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April 18th, 2021
Office of the President of the Commonwealth of Leagio“Anything new?” Mouri-Kudo asked as she entered her office for this day of work as the President of the Commonwealth.
“In terms of your stand off with the members of the Reform Committee in the House? No, Sam still says that it still wants the 5% threshold.” Minister of Cabinet Sharron Vineyard said as she was looking over various reports sent to her from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development on the latest changes on federal policy for housing as well as recommendations for a bill to regulate how cities can rise the pricing on randomly raising the value of homes without properly reasoning provided to home owners.
(Minister of the Cabinet: Sharron Vineyard)“I do not understand why the Civil Populists and Social Democrats want a 5% threshold on List-Seats. It does not help them as in a few provinces they did not have 5% at all in the list sector.” Mouri-Kudo said as she looked over her own reports that her office received from the Ministry of Social Affairs on recommendations for changing the social security benefits next year.
. “They believe that if they can wack out other political parties in the List-Sector then it will give them a better chance in getting more seats in 2022 which is an argument that they are getting their supporters on-board for.” Sharron said.
“I see. But it is a dick move as it suppresses other political movements, where it could result in the hegemony in the House that the Civil Populist once had before the 2020 Constitution through a mainly First-Past-The-Post manner.” Mouri-Kudo stated.
“Even though, the Progressive Party won a good number of those seats last year.” Sharron said.
“Oh well, just get ready for a big fight on this.” Mouri-Kudo said, “I knew Lifejumper was trying to screw me over with this damn coalition government. I should have told him to take it where the sun don’t shine and went with a full progressive government.”
“Oh well, when you win the 2024 election for your job then you could reshuffle your cabinet with a full-progressive one. That is if we get to keep up to our hold in the Senate, especially with at least 51 seats. But I sense that the HOC reform is going to be the least of our worries.” Mouri-Kudo complained.
Then came a knock to her office.
“Come in.” Mouri-Kudo said not really caring who it could be at all.
The door opened with Director Cruz entering.
“I must be psyche.” Mouri-Kudo muttered under her breath.
“Madame President.” Director Cruz said.
“What is it?”
“Madame, we think that we might have found the location of the BO HQ at this moment.” Director Cruz stated.
“How did you find it?” Sharron asked curiously.
“After looking at the electricity usage of all of the homes in the desert sector of Jullien, where noticed that the home was using lots of electricity which gives off the suggestion that there is mega computers as well routers being used to move data around. In the case that we might be wrong, we sent in two agents under the disguise of electricity inspectors to see the electric poles connected to the home. However, the moment that they even stopped by the pole, they were taking fire from the individuals near and around the house. Various weapons were being used by the shooters with grenades being included.” Director Cruz explained.
“Have we surrounded the place with CACT teams?” Mouri-Kudo asked.
Cruz nodded.
“Special Strikers as well?”
Cruz nodded again.
“I see. Be sure to inform the Incumian delegation about this. I assume that they will be very estatic about it as it will mean that Barrington will be closer to be found.” Mouri-Kudo explained.
“Klink is already doing that at this moment.” Cruz said.
“ I see. Let’s hope that this does not become one huge standoff that will last for about a few weeks.” Mouri-Kudo stated.
“We doubt that they have any hostages on them besides Barrington. We will keep you informed on the situation as it progresses.” Director Cruz said.
“Great.” Mouri-Kudo said as Director Cruz left, “I just had a feeling that today was not a good day.”
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Christopher Strathclyde, Commander Rosenfield, and Lyndah Cocx rushed to the scene of the suspected Black Organisation Headquarters, which they had just learned had been surrounded and utterly cut off from the outside world. This was it. Barrington was in their grasp. Tyres screeching, the unmarked car that had been provided to them by the Leagioan administration zoomed through Jullien, to a partially derelict house where the suspected crims were entrenched. None of the Inimicians had been informed that fire had already been exchanged between the BO and Leagioan law enforcement, and as far as they were concerned, this was a matter of knocking down the door, grabbing Barrington by the neck, and dragging him onto the plane back to Telum.
Arriving at the scene, which now played host to an army-size contingent of law enforcement units, the Inimicians realised the situation was quite different. Heavily-armed police personnel took covered behind armoured cars and vans. Assault rifles and shotguns were being handed out to those just arriving and the sight of bulletproof vests was common. The Inimicians were similarly protected, and were told to never, no matter what, step into direct line of sight of any windows.
"We're about to begin entry operations", said the police commander the Inimcians were directed to. He further pointed the delegation to similar TV monitors they had used to watch the action at the hotel raid, and, slightly timidly, made their way to where they could see the action unfold without risk of serious injury.
"The road ends here, Barrington", thought Christopher, whose goosehunt chase of Barrington aross international borders would soon be at an end, "And soon, you'll be on the stand, vainly defending yourself. It'll all be over soon."
