Red Crescent Resurgent

[Ignatius]

Official Announcement from the Ottoman Caliphate:



To the World:

As the last major Islamic power (nation) in the Middle East, we hereby proclaim ourselves as the guardians and protectors of all Muslims around the world and announce our intent to expel all non-friendly foreign presence (foreign companies or whatnot) from the Black Sea. Foreign oil platforms in the Black Sea are to be confiscated by the Ottoman government, with a fair re-reimbursement being paid to the owners as compensation. While we will gladly escort non-Ottoman personnel from the region, any threats made against Ottoman forces will warrant immediate reaction from said units.

Due to some unresolved conflicts with the government of the Southern States of America, we also announce our intention of expelling the American ambassador to the Ottoman Caliphate within four days, allowing enough time for said individual to leave our borders with all dignities.

Allah's will be done,

- Caliph Abu-Ghazid Omar II, Caliph of Istanbul

------------------------------
Central News Network (CNN), SSA



Following the immediate storming of three offshore drilling platforms owned by Keith & Sons Inc, an American based petroleum company operating in the Black Sea, massive throngs of enraged Ottoman citizens have surrounded the American Embassy in Istanbul demanding the head of famous American Ambassador 'Richard Priory'. While there is very little information on what exactly is happening in Turkish-territory due to the Ottoman Government's stern refusal of foreign press, reports from directly inside the American Embassy have told of several attempts by the armed mob to "storm" the building, with a few bomb attacks reportedly taking place on the outer gate of the compound.

In the SSA city of Knoxville, Tennessee, angry mobs of American citizens have lynched three Turkish-American citizens in a fit of rage before being apprehended by local National Guard units stationed in the Southern State.

- Bob Dean, CNN

[Porcu]

Roman Embassy, Istanbul

"Ambassador, it is the order of the Caliph himself that all non-Ottoman personnel must leave the Caliphate immediately...", said an Ottoman official.

"This is absurd!", Decius Scipio responded cursing loudly in Latin. "I take my commands from Rome and the Senate has not given me any new instructions.."

"But we are!", spat the Ottoman official interrupting the Ambassador mid sentence. "Already officials and citizens of other nations have begun to leave and there is no special treatment for you or any other Roman. The Caliph was very explicit in his instructions to all foreigners and there is no room for interpretation. You have heard the orders from an Ottoman official and so there is no excuse for you to stay any longer. Good day..."

Decius simply glared at the official as he left, returning to the stifling heat and bright midday sun. Like a typical Porcuian, or Roman as they were now called, Decius was stubborn to the bone and he held his position as an ambassador with pride and loyalty. Just to make sure that no new messages had been received from the SPQR Ambassador Scipio made his way to his office on the second floor of the embassy and requested his secretary.

"Anything from Rome?", asked the Roman noble.

"No, sir. Would you like me to sent a message asking if there is any change?"

"That would be perfect, thank you..."

Unbeknownst to the Ambassador or the Senate in Rome the secure line connecting the Embassy to Rome had been interrupted, but only so that a message seemed to be sent. Instead the messages from either end never made it to its destination...

[Ignatius]

Istanbul
The Ottoman Caliphate


(Blue Mosque)

As the dawn rose over the majestic spires of Istanbul's famed "Blue Mosque", Caliph Abu-Ghazid Omar II smiled in wonder at the beauty of Allah's divine work, slowly bending over to start his daily prayers. An exceptionally pious and god-fearing man, the Caliph came to the Blue Mosque early in the morning to escape the hectic details of running an enormous Islamic Empire, praying every day just before sunrise towards the direction of Mecca, Islam's most holy city. A powerfully built man of fifty-four years of age, Omar possessed (like any good Muslim) a thick beard which masked most of his facial features, and a pair of jet-black eyes; and was surprisingly energetic for his age. Clad in a beautiful red and gold robe, the Caliph wore a ceremonial scimitar at his side, and a white turban which topped off his figure.

"There is no god but god, and Muhammad is his Prophet..." muttered the Caliph, listening reverently to the calls of the Blue Mosque's muezzins.

Despite his showing of intense religious reverence and piousness, the Caliph was nonetheless a capable and (sometimes) vicious ruler, with all the trappings of a great leader. Having led his people to prosperity with his revolutionary policies of economic reform. Now, with the infidels daring to expand into the Middle East, the Caliph would face his biggest challenge yet: defending Islam from the overwhelming forces of secularism and Christianity.

The Caliph was no fool, knowing full well the disadvantageous position the Islamic world was in with the majority of developed nations (with the mighty 'Roman Republic' at his doorstep), and knew that the only way to send a message to the unwashed heathens was to force out the Americans, the Romans, the French, and Protoans from the last 'Islamic Empire'. The Americans, filthy dogs who sought only to drain the Muslim world of its only worthwhile resource: oil.

Now with the Black Sea slowly succumbing to Ottoman rule, the Western dogs would quickly 'get the message' and at least take the word of the Islamic World serious; with the Americans being deprived of one of their largest oil lines in the Black Sea. With that done and the Ottoman Caliphate soon to be a 'pure' Muslim state, Caliph Omar could soon turn his attention to more important matters.

The Jihad into the Balkans...

"Allah is great..." muttered the Caliph, bowing one last time before standing up to roll his prayer matt.. "and so is the Caliphate..."
------------------------------------
CNN News Broadcast



After nearly two days of tense drama in Istanbul's embassy row, it has been confirmed by the American government that the enormous Islamic mob which had gathered around the S.S. Embassy has, in fact, stormed the building and detonated an explosive device near the structure. Twelve American Marines and almost thirty Embassy workers have been killed in the action before Ottoman forces managed to break up the mob.

While protesting against the supposedly 'unjust' American policy regarding the Middle East, the Ottoman Caliphate has denied any involvement in the bombing of the S.S. embassy and has reportedly expressed its "deepest sympathies" to the victims of the violence. Despite this half-hearted show of regret, the Ottoman Caliphate has reiterated its demands of all foreigners to leave the country, and it is still unclear of how this violent episode will end.

- Bob Dean, CNN

[Ignatius]

American Embassy
Istanbul

Utterly dumbfounded by the day's violent events, Ambassador Richard Priory slowly pushed off the heaps of plaster that had buried him to the waist and got to his feet, carefully checking his body with his hands to make sure no major injuries had been sustained by his person. While cut in several places by the force of the explosion, Priory was nonetheless relatively unharmed in the violent storming of the SS embassy by the armed mob, and was relieved to know that the violence had (at the very least) been stopped by the local Ottoman authorities now setting up a perimeter around the ruined consulate.

"Dear God in heaven..." muttered the American Ambassador, staring outside through the demolished wall of his office.

What awaited the eyes of the fourty-eight year old man was a horrific sight, with dozens of Turkish and American bodies littering the rubble-filled court yard of the American Embassy. The butchered corpses of twelve American Marines lay loosely on the ground, still clutching their M4 carbines in a frightening death pose. Dozens more Turkish bodies littered the scene around the dead guards, each carrying an improvised weapon (clubs, cricket bats, knives) and bearing a hateful face. Clearly the most damaging attack on American property in decades, the S.S. Istanbul Bombing would greatly increase the void between Ottoman and American governments, adding to the tension.

Sitting down on the remnants of his office's couch, Priory dropped his face into his hands in anguish, struggling to forget the horrific chain of events which had swept over the building..

There was a truck...

The bastards broke through the main gate with the truck as a battering ram... Crashed into the wall... and exploded...

After spending several minutes in deep thought, the American rose to his feet and headed out the dust-coated door of his office, determined to gather the survivors of the embassy bombing and make immediate contact with the closest Ottoman official in Istanbul.
-------------------------------
Roman Embassy
Istanbul

Taking note of the recent bombing of the American embassy just several hours ago, Inspector Recep Tayyip of the Ottoman Interior Security Force (OISF) took the intitiative to immediately set up a defensive perimeter around the Roman Embassy in Istanbul's embassy row, posting dozens of heavily armed Ottoman police behind wooden barricades positioned around the Roman structure. His intuition clearly paid off in the end, as within minutes of erecting the defensive barricades, a massive crowd of enraged Turks began to surround the structure, voicing their demands for "the foreigners to leave" loudly over megaphones.

While Tayyip certainly had no love for the "infidel" Romans, he knew that it would not be in the Ottoman government's best interest to provoke outrightly hostile relations with the largest Catholic power in the world, and had received instructions from the Caliph himself to "escort Ambassador Decius" from Ottoman territory. A second instruction to covertly 'sever' the communication lines of all foreign embassies in embassy row had already been carried out by Tayyip's obedient underlings, effectively preventing the outside world from revealing the happenings inside the Ottoman Caliphate.

"Inform Ambassador Scipio that the Caliph recommends that he leave the embassy at once," muttered Tayyip to a nearby aid, pointing at the entrance of the Roman Embassy with his black-gloved hand, "and add that the OISF will provide security for only six hours, ample enough time for Roman personnel to pack up and leave Embassy row via helicopter..."

[Porcu]

Roman Embassy, Istanbul

"Certainly...Please remain here while I inform the Ambassador for you. You may have a seat if you like...", said the Ambassador's young and attractive secretary. Born and raised on the coastline of the Italian peninsula, the largest Porcuian territory, she loved the sun and the beach and was very excited to take the position of secretary of the Ambassador to the Ottoman Caliphate. However, she now found herself wishing she was back home as the chanting of the angry crowd continued and slowly grew, the rhythmic cursing of the "infidels" filling and infecting every room of the embassy.

She soon came to the office door of the Ambassador and after a knock she slowly entered. The Ambassador was filing through the necessary paper work in order to seek approval for his departure, but he would soon find that the time spent and ink used in filling out the papers was for nothing.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Rosa?"

"There is a man here from the Interior Security Force. He requests your immediate attention."

"Very well. Rosa, do you think you can fill some of these papers out?"

The secretary nodded and as she made her way to the Ambassador's desk to pick up the large pile of papers Decius Scipio exited his office and descended the stairs to the main entrance where the OISF agent was patiently waiting.

"What can I do for you?", said Scipio with an obvious air of annoyance and arrogance.

"I am here to remind you that the Caliph recommends that you leave the Caliphate at once. The Ottoman Interior Security Force is willing to provide security services for six hours only and that is plenty of time for you and the other members of the staff to gather your things and leave. We have already called in a helicopter that will escort you out of Embassy row and it is due to arrive in 10 minutes.", replied the OISF agent.

"That is very kind of your government, but I still have not heard anything from Rome and I will not leave until..."

At that moment a window in another room of the embassy was shattered and a shriek of panic was heard from the secretary. Within seconds another window, this time in the main entrance, was broken. As Scipio gazed out the broken window he could see that many people held stones in their hands and he could hear that the chanting had increased. A sudden rush of fear overcame him and he finally gave the OISF agent his approval by simply nodding.

Within 10 minutes and just as the helicopter arrived the Ambassador, as well as the 14 other Roman staff members, were ready and promptly escorted away. Decius was sure that he would be called before the Senate to explain himself, but for the time being he was happy to be safe and unharmed...

[Ignatius]

Flight 208
From Istanbul, Heading to Rome

After a brief stint in an Ottoman hospital to dress the minor scratches and cuts he had suffered during the 'storming' of embassy row, Ambassador Richard Priory managed to make it to Istanbul International Airport with a group of SS Embassy survivors, escorted by a sizable group of ISF staffers in an armored motorcade. At the airport, the scene was one of great confusion and despair, with literally thousands of non-Ottoman residents jamming the congested hallways of IIA in an attempt to flee the country at once. Lugging whatever small items they could carry in their suitcases, Istanbul International was jammed with hundreds of foreign citizens speaking in a multitude of tongues; English, French, German, and Latin making up the majority of the noise.

Due to his VIP status with the Southern States of America, Ambassador Priory managed to successfully circumvent the tedious security searches and lines which barred the way of most people, catching the nearest flight out of the country (Flight 208) with very little trouble. Taking a seat in the 'First Class' cabins of the massive Boeing 747 airliner, Priory quickly got to work trying to contact his friends and superiors in Atlanta via lap top e-mail and soon informed the American government of the vast indignities suffered by the SS Ambassador Team in Istanbul.

To his right, an attractive-looking Turkish stewardess peered over the ambassador's shoulder in a suspicious fashion, prompting Priory to swiftly close his lap top in surprise.

"Would you like something to drink, Sir?" questioned the stewardess softly, backing off the twitchy American at once, "Or something to eat?"

Despite being irked at the interruption, Priory managed to more or less control his explosive temper, temporarily ignoring the trauma he has sustained just hours ago to 'smile' at the young stewardess.

"Yes'm..." replied the American in his distinct Southern accent, nodding at the stewardess, "A glass of cranberry juice'll hit the spot.."

Bowing respectfully at the American, the Turkish girl continued down the rows to inquire the same question to the other passengers, finally leaving Priory alone to his own devices. Breathing a sigh of relief, the Ambassador once again turned his intention to instant messaging all those that he could contact, going so far as to send e-mails to his personal friends in the Canton Rouge and Clamparan governments on the happenings of the day.

Glancing at the television screen of the First Class cabin, Priory managed to catch onto a local Ottoman news report regarding the happenings in embassy row, staring in amazement at the pictures of outright havoc Ottoman cameras caught outside the American and Roman embassies in Embassy Row. Being an ambassador, Priory could easily understand what the Turks were saying on screen, and promptly decided to "throw" the Porcuian Ambassador to Istanbul an email request to meet in the SPQR's capitol city: Rome. Punching violently on the keys of his lap top, the Ambassador hastily sent a message to Ambassador Decius Scipio before closing his laptop and succumbing to the fatigue that he had accumulated over the course of the day.

--------------------------
You've Got Mail!!

To: Gaius Scipio
Fr: [e-mail] (Ambassador Richard Priory, SSA)

Friend,

The American Embassy in Istanbul has been bombed.. It is important that I discuss urgent matters regarding the Ottoman Caliphate with you as soon as possible, preferably in the city of Rome. If the Turkish reports and rumors are true indeed, then there may be a threat to both our countries' well-being.

I am heading immediately to Rome via Flight 208, and request to meet your person discreetly at 'Saint Peter's Square' in Vatican City.

- Richard Priory, SSA

[Porcu]

Flight 943
Private jet - Departing from Istanbul, Arriving in Rome

Decius Scipio first gazed outside his window, making sure that the Turkish landscape disappeared behind him, and then at his watch. "Thank God I got out of there when I did...", he said to himself. "Thank God as well that we Romans are civilized enough to provide adequate transportation for members of government..."

Feeling much better than before Ambassador Scipio felt like he could finally relax and he beckoned one of the flight attendants over. After ordering a small drink in Latin the Ambassador turned over to his secretary who was sitting in a chair several feet back.

"Rosa? Would you be so kind as to hand me my laptop?", Scipio said, his right hand extended out and back. The Ambassador's secretary pulled the laptop out from a bag and placed it in Scipio's outstretched hands.

Scipio thanked his lovely secretary before placing the laptop on the small table in front of him, opening it, and turning it on. Just as the whirls of the laptop's hard drive could be heard kicking the computer into gear the flight attendant returned with the Ambassador's preferred drink, vino Romano, pure and authentic. This sampling was a Chianti and Ambassador Scipio was going to make sure he savored every drop. Taking a small sip of the delicate wine before setting it aside Scipio then opened up his e-mail, finding an array of messages to be read. Some were upcoming dinner invitations with other dignified members of Roman society while some others were small updates on the Ambassador's financial investments, seeing as he was an avid stock trader and followed the world market closely, but one e-mail particularly struck Scipio.

It was from the American Ambassador to the Ottoman Caliphate, Richard Priory, and this e-mail struck Scipio because he had not spoken to the Ambassador for some time. In fact, the last time they had spoken to each other was at a dignitaries dinner hosted by the Caliph of Istanbul several years ago. Excitedly, Scipio clicked on the e-mail and slowly read its contents.

While there were quite a few questions stirring in Scipio's head he decided that it would be best to answer first and ask questions later. He quickly typed the following response before finishing his glass of wine and dozing off as he gazed out into the blue expanse which was the Mediterranean.

===============================
To: Mr. Ricard Priory, SSA
Fr: Mr. Decius Scipio, SPQR

Ambassador Priory,

I heard about the bombing of your embassy by those ragtag mongrels and I hope that you and your entire staff are recovering and doing well. This latest insult to the Senate and People of Rome will not be taken lightly and if you believe that there is a threat looming then I will gladly meet you in Rome.

I assure you that our meeting will be most discreet so until then rest yourself and have a safe journey.

- Decius Scipio, SPQR

[Ignatius]

You've got mail!!

To: Ambassador Decius Scipio
From: [e-mail] (Ambassador Richard Priory, SSA)

Excellent.

Please meet me in front of the center obelisk in Saint Peter's Square (Vatican City) at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, and try to be as inconspicious as possible in manner of transportation and dress. While this not necessarily a top-secret meeting between our two intelligence agencies, I believe that it would be in our best interests to not draw too much attention to ourselves at a popular tourist attraction.

- Richard Priory, SSA
-----------------------------------------
Saint Peter's Square
4:21 p.m., Roman Time

Richard Priory, now looking somewhat respectable after changing into a fresh suit he had purchased from 'Luigi's Tailor House' in Rome, sat patiently in a bench positioned directly in front of the massive obelisk in Saint Peter's Square, clutching a folder of classified information he had obtained from a visit to the American Consulate in Rome. Despite raised a Baptist in the heart of the "Old South", Priory nonetheless greatly admired the marvelous structures the ancient 'Roman Catholic Church' had erected throughout Vatican City, going so far as to even pay his respects to Saint Peter's Basilica several hours ago.

Around him, a multitude of foreign tourists could be seen navigating the square, taking snapshots of the environment through their shiney cameras. To his right, a little Roman girl frolicked with her friends along the grand marble columns positioned around the square, flashing a tenative smile at the American from far away, running off with her friends when Priory waved back.

Glancing impatiently at his gold Rolex watch, Priory wondered where exactly his Roman companion was, swearing silently to himself on the tardiness of his foreign contact.

"No matter..." muttered the American, wiping his head nervously with a red hankerchief he had fished out of his vest pocket, "We've got all the time in the world... Right?..."

An unexpected tap on his back jolted Priory up from his seat, with the overly-anxious American Ambassador wildly twisting in a 180 degree fashion to see who was behind him...

[Porcu]

"Oh!", cried a frightened French man, startled to see such a response out of the American. "Pardon monsieur...Would you be so kind as to take a picture for me?"

Priory gazed over the man's shoulder to see a woman and two children waiting. "Certainly...", was the Ambassador's response. After a few moments of figuring out exactly what button to press on the expensive digital camera Priory had taken a picture of the small family and returned the camera back to its owner.

"Merci, monsieur!", was the man's response as he smiled at Priory, glad to see that there still were a few kind souls left in the world. As Priory waved goodbye to the Frenchman's children a voice behind him said,

"Ambassador Priory...It is an honor to see you again..."

The American turned around once more, this time finding his expected companion, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"I am Decius Scipio, you may remember me from the Dignitaries Dinner a few years ago in Istanbul...", Scipio paused a moment to see if the American's memory brought up the event but did not allow much time for Priory to respond. "In any case, there was no problem detaching myself from my schedule which, no pun intended, has been "knocked about" by recent events..."

Scipio paused a moment to grab a drink from a water bottle he had bought from a street vendor before he continued, the Mediterranean sun beating down on the top diplomats.

"What can I do you for, Richard?"

[Ignatius]

Skimming his eyes over the man who stood before him, Priory immediate recognized Decius Scipio after some thinking, remembering the fiery Roman Ambassador's conduct back during their brief meeting several years ago at a foreign dignitaries' dinner. After taking a few deep breaths to compose himself, Priory immediately shook Scipio's hand in a mixture of relief and welcome, smiling an awkward smile at his new companion.

"Of course, of course.." replied the American, nodding at the Rome, "I remember your little 'incident' with the wine bottle several years ago, a memory which continues to humor me even after all this time.. Please, let us sit over there."

Pointing to a secuded bench several meters away to the left, the two gentlemen slowly walked to the position in a casual manner, chatting about mundane matters such as the weather and the stock market before sitting themselves into the well-made piece of furniture. Reaching into the inner pocket of his suit, Priory soon produced a pack of cigarettes and a Zippo lighter, stuffing one of the long, white objects into his mouth and lighting it with the tiny flame of his Zippo. Inhaling the calming smoke into his lungs, Priory stared solumnly at the crowds of happy tourists passing by, returning the pack of cigarettes to its respective place.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" mused the American Ambassador, staring at the splendor of Vatican City, "How time hardly has a hold on the beauty of Rome.."

"Just two days ago, the Ottoman government made the decision to expell all foreign diplomats, citizens, and businessmen from the Ottoman Caliphate.. and literally watched as those mobs of unwashed fanatics poured through the gates of the American Embassy in Istanbul.. As you may well enough know, I darn well lost my life in the violence of that day.."

Pausing to inhale another deep breath of smoke into his lungs, the American nonetheless continued on with his thoughts.

"Hundreds of foreign 'off-shore' oil platforms located in the Black Sea were confiscated by the Ottoman government, resulting in uncounted amounts of monetary loss for dozens of foreign businesses worldwide.. All this violence, hostility, and outright disrespect from a nation regarded by many as 'insignificant' and 'barbaric' seems to have no point, Mr. Scipio, being the end result of some religious lunatic's vain plans for world domination.."

"Or is it? While these acts of hostility may seem unfounded, the Ottomans actually have a far more complex agenda than mere 'jihad' on the Western infidels.. As you also may well enough know, the so-called 'Fuhrer' of the Protoan Reich seeks to colonize the Middle-East for his own nefarious purposes, and dozens of other foreign superpowers (including both Rome and the Southern States of America) have taken an interest in oil-rich ares of North Africa and the Middle East.. In my 'professional' opinion, the reason our good Caliph went so far as to evict all foreign dignitaries from Istanbul was to prove to the world that he is, in fact, serious in his intent to beat off foreign colonialism in the Middle East (a problem the Ottomans have faced time and time again in the past) and defend the now weakened essence of the Islamic world from the forces of Western secularism and expansion.."

Passing a laminated folder to the Roman (conspiciously stamped with the C.I.A. seal), Richard Priory slowly leaned back in his seat, rubbing the back of his graying head with his left hand. Upon closer inspection, the contents of the folder revealed a large quantity of 'Top Secret' information direct from the American Consulate in Rome, items which Priory had collected upon his arrival at 'Mussolini International'.

"America's Central Intelligence Agency has reported a flutter of activity throughout the Middle East, Eastern Africa, South Asia, and the Phillippine Islands; all of which indicate a growing amount of fundamentalist Islamic sentiment in those areas.. While the Ottoman Caliphate has long provided struggling Islamic states in the Middle East with a generous amount of financial and humanitarian aid, rumors in the intelligence community suggest that our Ottoman friends are actively funding militant Islamic groups internationally in their own jihads.."



"Somalia..."



"Our 'Abu-Sayyaf' friends in the Phillippines..."



"The Janjaweed Milita in Sudan... Terrible little stinkers, if you ask me.."



"Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan... There are countless others... From the Phillippines to Algeria, the efforts of the dozens of Islamic paramilitary groups have become more precise, more coordinated, and (worst of all) more effective.. Hell, there are even rumors of non-friendly activity taking place in the Roman provinces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, down in the Balkans.."

"There is clearly something happening here, Gaius, something that could ignite the powder keg of the 'sleeping' Islamic giant and change the balance of power in the modern world forever..."
-----------------------------
Breaking News
Nightly Business Report

After a series of exciting events in the Ottoman capital city of Istanbul, and the eviction of nearly all foreign companies from the Ottoman Caliphate and oil-rich Black Sea, it has been confirmed that infamous 'Private Military Company' Knight International has entered into a major business relationship with the Ottoman Caliphate, gaining control of the hundreds of seized offshore oil platforms in the Black Sea.


(Philip J. Knight, CEO of Knight International)

While CEO Philip J. Knight has declined to comment on the exact nature of business relationships with the Caliphate, a Knight International spokesman has informed us all that "excellent relationships have been established between both parties" and that "Knight International and Istanbul will be in 'business' for quite a long time." This comes as a huge shock to the rest of the business world, effectively making the massive PMC into a serious oil supplier with Knight International's gain..

Profile of Knight International: Started in the late 1980's by Phillip J. Knight, an extremely wealthy American businessman and retired special forces operative, Knight International's humble origins spawned from the shady practice of supplying large quantities of 'cheaply' acquired weapons to various African factions fighting for control of Central Africa, eventually evolving into a lucrative contracting business for the racist 'Rhodesian Union' desperately in need of experienced military personnel in the 1988 'Bush War' against the 'Black Army Faction' of Mozambique. At first supplying the Rhodesian Army with K.I. personnel serving as "light troops" and helicopter pilots, Knight International eventually escalated its services to range from actively mounting its own offensives into BAF-controlled positions in Mozambique and even supplying heavily armed 'operatives' in the division strength with K.I. produced armored vehicles.


- Stay tuned for more..

[Porcu]

Scipio quickly scanned the containments of the folder, looking for a few seconds at the things that truely caught his eye, before setting the folder on his lap. He sighed and rubbed his eyes with his thumb and middle finger.

"Yes, I can certainly see the predicament that not only Rome will face but all in the West will too. MI6, as I'm sure you know stands for Military Intelligence Sector 6...Well, they too have begun to notice this increase in activity and I can assure you that they are not taking to it lightly. Working in the Caliphate and dealing with those in the Islamic world has given me a sort of front observer status with MI6. They feed me information that is, in some cases, critical while I am their public eyes and ears, maintaining the delicate peace that exists between our two worlds."

Scipio abruptly stopped talking when a tourist sat down on the bench that they were sitting on, but it was soon apparent that the man simply wanted a picture of him with the Basilica of St. Peter behind him. Within 30 seconds the man had left and the conversation continued.

"I must say that I am impressed by your knowledge of what happens here in the Republic. True, Rome has a large and international free press, but there are many things that we like to keep 'under the radar', I believe is the American expression."

Scipio stopped for a moment to chuckle. "It seems to me that more cooperation between our governments and her subordinate agencies is needed now more than ever and because I believe in getting things off on the right foot I will explain to you what exactly is happening in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Now the Balkans have never been friendly to Romans, neither 2000 years ago or today, but within the last 40 to 50 years there has been a massive immigration of Muslims and Arabs into the Balkans. Why that is I am not sure, but I am sure that there are terrorist organizations, or Islamic paramilitary groups if you prefer, that are operating freely within the boundaries of the Republic."

"Now, you may be asking how can that be? Especially if MI6, the SPQR, and even the Roman Catholic Church is certain of it. The answer lies in a seemingly harmless organization your friends in the CIA may have heard of. Have you heard of the Muslim Council of Rome? Well, while small in numbers they have immense financial and political influence; many within the Council are lawyers, doctors, CEOs of relatively large corporations, and various other professions that carry influence in the local community as well as in the larger national community. They use their power to influence the local and provincial governments; many governors are friends of the Council and have good ties, as the Council is able to essentially put whatever candidate they choose in office by manipulating the minds and votes of the populace. Local police and even the courts are infected and while this cancer is relatively small for now, thank God...", Scipio said as he quickly made the sign of the cross. "...It has the potential of growing. This Muslim Council raises a substantial amount of money and 'gives it all to charity'. Bullshit. The Council is a front not only for Islamic groups in the Balkans but all over the world. Unfortunately, they are not the only organization of their kind out there."

"While I am not officially in MI6 I can certainly believe that if an organization within the boundaries of Rome can fund and support the actions of these Islamic paramilitary groups then so too can a large and extremist government."

For some time Scipio had been gazing, first at the ground, then at a small group of Asian tourists possibly from StargateSG-1, and finally back down at the ground. He now turned to Priory directly and looked him square in the eye.

"Do you have a proposal in mind or are you just going to leave me with this damn folder?"

[Sir Metz a.k.a. "Metzy"]

Manuel Azana of Spain had been watching th conflict unfold for several days, wondering if anything large enough oul occur to end it. It seemed as though everyone was hesitant to do something, meaning that the threat was actually there. Azana knew he had to do something, with his nation being relatively close to the middle east, if the Ottoman's tried to expand, surely his nation would be one of the first to go. Especially after having many wars occur there recently. He knew hehad to contact someone, nd the Romans may not be the best choice after having just rebelled from them.


Dear Mr. President of the S.S.A.
Now that Spain is free, I would like to ask for us to be friends in this new and upcoming conflict against the Ottomans. OUr embassy has been destroyed, but was luckily empty due to recent past events. I am angry with the abrupt and absurd actions done, and we fear that the many militia groups may unite under one banner. I wish to show you my full support, and ask for us to join together to help end this evil in the world.
Yours,
Manuel Azana
President of Spain

[Ignatius]

"Why Decius," exclaimed Priory sarcastically, "I wouldn't dream of leaving you and your government 'hanging' without a proposition from the Southern States of America.. Why kind of person do you think me to be?"

An eerie silence settled between the two men, with both Priory and Scipio silently staring at the amazing landscape before them. Vatican City, the very symbol of the power the West held over the world, seemed to be a very fitting place for a discussion of the fast-approaching conflict between Islam and Christianity. After several minutes of quiet, Priory once again opened his mouth to speak.

"Before any use of military force from our prospective nations to contain this threat, it is the absolutely imperative to fully understand what exactly is going on in the Islamic world and what our Ottoman friends are doing to fan the flames of fundamentalism throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.. The situation your government has in the Balkans is most certainly linked to a bigger picture, those of which are occuring throughout the rest of the world.."

Pausing to catch his breath, the American turned towards Scipio to return the steely gaze, staring into the Roman's dark-brown eyes in a most grave manner.

"My 'friends' in the CIA propose to work alongside MI6 in the Balkans and 'investigate' the plans of Islamic Paramilitary groups in the area.. While the CIA has no real intelligence presence in the Ottoman Caliphate (undoubtedly due to the removal of all foreign personnel from the nation), the Southern States of America hopes to infiltrate the Caliphate through the Muslim Council in the Balkans..."

"If the Roman Senate is willing, the SSA can certainly dispatch a CIA team to rendevouz with MI6 Operatives in the Bosnian City of Sarajevo, and 'work out' the details of a combined-intelligence operation in that particular area.. Already CIA is working alongside Spanish Intelligence in Northern Africa, and would be more than willing to interact with our Roman 'friends' to deal with this Islamic threat.."

Slowly lifting himself from the wooden bench, Priory casually dusted off several small pieces of lint from the breast of his suit jacket, smoothing the silky fabric with his pale hand. a sensible man, Priory had wisely decided to purchase a silk 'warm weather' suit from his personal tailor in Rome, knowing full well that the usually mild weather in Rome sometimes brought a warm day now and then.

"I know you cannot make decisions for your government right here and now, Mr. Scipio," spoke the American, pulling a business card from his jacket pocket and offering it to the Roman Ambassador, "but please do try and inform the Senate of the seriousness of this situation, and have your superiors call this number if they agree to a joint Roman-American intelligence operation in the Balkans.."

That said, Priory abruptly turned away from Scipio and walked off into the crowd, blending and mixing with the mass of tourists before disappearing from Decius Scipio's sight altogether...
-------------------------------------------------------
Sarajevo
Roman Province of Bosnia

[glow=red,2,300]Ottoman Caliphate[/glow]

Moving silently through the winding streets of Sarajevo, the dark-skinned man quietly made his way by bicycle to his location, darting through traffic as quickly (and safely) as possible. Being a devout Muslim, the dark-skinned man sympathized entirely with the Bosnians' plight, knowing all too well what it felt like to be ruled under the discriminating fist of an unjust 'infidel' government. While he had no intention of fighting the infidels in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the dark man packed a pistol in the inside of his belt; a civilian Beretta pistol he had picked up in Rome.

After some time, the dark man found himself in front of the esteemed Sarajevo Mosque in the center of the city, just in time for evening prayers. Wasting no time in parking his bike at a nearby bike rack, the man hastily made his way through the front gates of the mosque like the rest of the devoted crowd of believers, donning a small white hat on his head in the process. Instead of heading to the main worship center, however, the dark man strayed from the main hallway and made his way through an adjacent side door, walking confidently through the hallway and eventually down a flight of steps leading to the Mosque's basement. There, he carefully opened a door marked with a yellow crescent, where a dangerous looking Bosnian greeted him with an unfriendly scowl.

"Who the fuck interrupts my sacred prayers to Allah?" growled the Bosnian, pointing a pistol at his visitor's face.

"Allah's messenger himself.." replied the dark skinned man in Arabic, grinning at the unexpected surprise, "You can put the gun down, Alija Izetbegoviæ..."

[Ignatius]

sirmetz said:

Dear Mr. President of the S.S.A.
Now that Spain is free, I would like to ask for us to be friends in this new and upcoming conflict against the Ottomans. Our embassy has been destroyed, but was luckily empty due to recent past events. I am angry with the abrupt and absurd actions done, and we fear that the many militia groups may unite under one banner. I wish to show you my full support, and ask for us to join together to help end this evil in the world.
Yours,
Manuel Azana
President of Spain

To Manuel Azana:

We welcome your offer to assist us in these dark times, and remind you that as your allies in the Spanish Civil War, we are your closest allies in this primarily 'Fascist' world.

The situation does indeed gravely concern our government, and we are more than interested in collaborating with Spanish Intelligence to reveal what exactly is going on.. There is a planned CIA intelligence operation into South Africa to investigate the ties PMC Knight International has with the Ottoman Caliphate, and it would be excellent.

- President Jefferson Davis, SSA

[Canton Rouge]

***News Flash***

Breaking news from our Middle East correspondent. We now go live to him.

"Hello. This is Aleksander Krebinzski. I'm reporting live over Istanbul, Turkey, where Turkish extremists have commenced more attacks on the embassies there. Although nobody is inside of them, we believe they are targeting any documents that were not carried out or shredded. We'll update this as it continues..."

Grand Moff Matthews' Office, Canton Rouge

Watching the news in his recently fixed office, Grand Moff Matthews scowled at the terrorists. Although his nation was relatively safe being so far up north, he was not ready to take any chances.

To President Davis of the SSA,

As you may know, C.R. is rebuilding from our recent attack. But hearing the words of these scum taking over the Middle East will only lead to instability. Therefore, I propose sending in some of my elite special forces to assist you.

Regards,

Grand Moff Timothy Matthews
Canton Rouge