There was a slight lull in the conversation, and Melberta Devere entered, posting the following document on one of the corkboards. She then leaves without comment.
From: Lt. Colonel T. Lyle Dickey, Special Operations Advisor, IGSFOSPB
To: Major Tyler Dunwoody, Special Forces Team D
cc: Vice Admiral B.T. Lincoln, Minister of Security, Prime Minister the Duchess Julie Harbuck-Hornak, Foreign Minister Barbara Myers, Air Chief Marshal Michael Mossberger
Re: Disappearance of Detachment 593
It has now been one year since Detachment 593 landed at Macao on a mission to open normal diplomatic relations with the Mongol Khakhanate. As per standard operating procedures, the absence of any further communications from that unit since that date requires the presumption that it has been lost in action. All personnel from Detachment 593 are declared Missing in Action as of 6 June 2046 and all next of kin are being notified of their change in status.
Due to the presumed failure of the mission, the Imperial General Staff/Foreign Office Joint Strategic Planning Board (IGSFOSPB) hereby requests and requires you to form another detachment from Team D and such volunteers as you may be able to recruit for service in China and Mongolia. The Foreign Office has already chosen an ambassador and several attaches to serve as negotiators with the Mongol Court. Your team should consist of one trusted, capable officer in command, an intelligence officer and assistant, a medic, and such guards as deemed practical by you. Your officer will have complete authority over all personnel, save the diplomats while those individuals are conducting diplomatic negotiations. It is expected that the commanding officer will consult with the ambassador and other team members as necessary.
In addition to the negotiations, your team will observe and record any useful intelligence they may acquire along the way.
The starting date for the mission will be decided by the team commander as soon as is reasonably practical.
I Have the Honor to Be:
T. Lyle Dickey, Lt. Colonel, I/2nd Guard
Grenadiers
Special Operations Advisor, IGSFOSPB
"I agree with Mr. Pelcham," Alexandra resumed the conversation, "it was unlikely that the Mongols had killed our first team; at least not the khakhan himself. It is possible that one of the western khans who did the killing, they had the motive since making peace with us would limit the expansion of their own khans, but still it's unlikely, considering the Mongolian culture and our team disappeared in southeast China."
"If someone assassinated our first team, it would probably be the Chinese. If the Mongols make peace with us, they would turn their heads to either China or Russia -- probably the former since it is much more beneficial."
"Of course, considering the chaotic state of China, anything could happen," she added with a smile as she leans back in her seat.
>Sean Alves listened to everybody before speaking. He was still baffled by the plan that the previous team had followed. What the Hell where they thinking when they decided to go through Mongolia?
" I don't think that it's wise to speculate what might have happened to Detachment 593. For all we know they might be alive." he shrugged. " Who cares? They are not our priority now. Our priority is to get the ambassador here quickly and safely to the Khankan court, in Kazakhstan." he declared with a tone of indifference. Once these words had sunk in, he continued. " I think that an approach from the East is very unwise and the disappearance of Detachment 593 is the proof of that. China is a very big territory to trek. That leaves us only three other possibilities, north, west, or south," he added.
Major Alves stood up and looked at the map. " I have some ideas on my mind, but shouldn't we wait for Major Barbara?" he asked Dunwoody before continuing.
Dunwoody looked around the table. "I believe that you are right, major. We will continue this conference when she arrives. She is flying in from Joliet Province tonight. We will meet again tomorrow at 0900 hours tomorrow. I believe General Gunnarson will be here as well. Dismissed!"
As everyone stood, he waved Harry and Jigsaw over. "Why don't you two take everyone here who isn't going to be stuck at the ambassador's dog and pony show tonight, over to the Lone Ranger. If they are going to march with the Special Forces, they'd better be initiated right!" Dunwoody flips Harry a $10 gold piece. "From the ambassador, the first round is on him."
Harry grits her teeth. "Thanks." she says through her teeth, pocketing the gold piece.
With a wink Dunwoody headed out the door, chatting with the ambassador.
Meanwhile, Pelcham had cornered Alexandra, "Mrs. Haze, if I might have a word. It seems there’s a gathering at the FM office tomorrow. If you're interested there might be a story there for you. Major Alves will be attending. Along with an old chum of mine, who might be waiting outside... "
While he was talking, Pelcham had handed Alexandra a beautifully engraved invitation to a diplomatic reception tonight at the Foreign Minister's residence to commemorate Pelcham's return from a successful trade mission to Korea.
Gingerly she scanned the invitation from Pelcham, correcting the Mrs. To Ms. ‘It's not easy to find a mate in my profession,’ she thought to herself.
Sean watched as the ambassador spoke with the reporter. It should prove to be an interesting trip with a man of God tailing along heretic lands. He grinned and pulled his unfinished cigar out. He lit it quickly and took a long drag, watching Alexandra Haze, the woman appointed as his assistance. Her hair was red brown, straight to the middle of her back. And here I was complaining just some minutes ago that I hadn't seen a young woman with long hair in a long time, he mused. He walked towards her and bowed his head slightly and then extended his hand.
" Major Sean Alves. It is a pleasure to meet you Ms. Haze. I'm sure you will be of great value to myself and the team." he smiled before asking, " Did I notice the trace of a South African accent on your speech?"
"Nice to meet you, Major Alves," Alexandria said as she turned to the intelligence officer, "I suppose you were right about my accent. I have spent the first two years of my life in South Africa, where I learnt my English."
At this point, Harry and Jigsaw were moving toward the door. "Great", she said to Dagget, "Think we can get them in and out of the Lone Ranger without anyone getting arrested or shot?"
Watching Pelcham, Haze, and the other muckety-mucks leave the room, she gave Dubois her best toothy grin and took him by the arm. "So, you want us to call you Jeremiah or Dubois? And what's YOUR take on the best way to survive this?"
Just what we need - to have Hagen the Horrible bail us out for brawling.
Dubois grins back at Harry out of one side of his mouth and turns to walk with her. "I reckon it might not be a bad idea to try our best to keep a low profile. Not ruffle too many feathers. Try to avoid trouble rather than shoot our way through it. There'll always be more of them than us in the long run, I reckon. Find a way that'll take us through where we can forage. Stick to the flats as much as we can. Trying to push this group across five hundred miles of high mountains..." He shakes his head slightly from side to side. "We'd need a mule train half a mile long."
He gave her a sly look out of the corner of his eye, "So tell me, Sergeant, do they serve whiskey at this place we're goin'?"
“Hey Alves, they have good cigars at the Lone Star!" Harry calls back over her shoulder before answering Dubois. "And yea, they have whiskey, if you're not too particular about things like age and smoothness..."
Gracie smiled at Harry. "Hey sarge, what do you all do for entertainment around here? At least Portland seems to be filled with cute sailors." She looked at the departing officers. Lowering her voice she added, "What do you know about that Major Hagen? All I've heard is that she is a real hard ass."
At Gracie's remark about Hagen, Harry's smile faded and she shook her head from side to side. "Hard ass doesn’t begin to describe her. She'll get us set up in fine shape, but she's going to think everyone on this trip is expendable, except the Reverend. So if she calculates that two of us better starve to feed the others while we cross the mountains, well..."
Dubois snorted, it'll be a cold day in Hell, he thought, before Jeremiah Dubois starves crossin' the mountains, and this Major Hagan be damned!
Dagget tagged along behind the others. He felt out of place, surrounded by all the civilians and government officials. Even a freakin’ reporter for Christ’s sake! Victor shoved his hands into his pockets. He never was a people person.
“This is gonna suck some serious ass.” He muttered underneath his breath, rolling his eyes. For a brief moment he considered rounding up some of the boys from his old squad and hanging out at some regular army bar. The regulars were always itching to prove their worth to the much-vaunted Special Forces personnel. A grin broke through his battered face, …either that, or they wanted to prove that the Special Forces were nothing but a bunch of glorified sissy dogs. A little healthy competition never hurt anyone. Anyone, but the regulars that is. Oh man, they sure made the base medical staff earn their paychecks every weekend.
Inadvertently he rubbed his right fist, smiling to himself. If things proved to be rather boring at the Lone Ranger, that idea could always be plan B. On that note, Victor feels a sudden surge of good humor
Alves smiled at Alexandra and she found herself grinning back at him.
"Hey Alves, they have good cigars at the Lone Star!" Harry calls back over her
" I guess we should go with the others and check this Lone Ranger place. There will be plenty of time to talk to the Reverend and the other Majors on this little gathering that we were invited to," Sean declared as he took her arm and followed the others.
He’d noticed Dagget rubbing his fist. As Alves and Alexandria approached the sergeant, Sean asked, " Planning on hitting someone, sergeant?" he took a packet of cigars from his uniform pocket and hand one to Dagget. " I'm sure this one is better then the ones at Lone Ranger." After handing a box of matches to Dagget he added, " Directly from Columbia, my friend. Nothing can beat the flavor."
He took a long drag from his own and sighed. " The pleasures of life in the Forces. So tell me Sergeant, what can one do at this Lone Star? Is the booze at least decent?" Alves asked with a grin on his face...
Alexandra regains her consciousness after what seems like forever.
AMBASSADOR’S NARRATIVE:
Stepping out into the hall ahead of the others I work my way to the office of Ms. Devere. Opening the door she is nowhere to be seen. The office is typical of the functional base. Industrial green, the color that will not die, fade or be concealed. Wooden file cabinets a big wooden desk, with a sprinkling of papers pens pictures etc, with a work table next to it, more papers (the good ones), Really the office is to small for all that is in it...a metal safe (closed but perhaps not locked.) a few institutional photo's. King Patrick, one of the Alaska I, a formation of soldiers one face circled. Her desk would be of more interest, but sitting next to the window the rooms loan occupant. Stepping in I see the wildly tussled dark hair, thick dark rimed glasses, long face of Captain Bean peering way to closely into a thick book, totally unaware of the world, since he isn't really in it right this second.
Stepping the rest of the way into the room, letting the door close on its own, I snap to attention! "WILLIAM CAESAR PELCHAM REPORTING SIR!" My fingertips report to my eyebrow in typical fashion. Heels click and the stance is almost there, but the smile is just going to ruin it.
"ROY you old bean counter how are you? And a captain!!! How did GOD let that happen? It’s been what six years?? My it has been six. When we were in Qingdao". Smiling we both sit. "I thought we were never going to get out of that place...There had to have been fifty of those top knots trying to make Imperial China a pure place by rinsing it with our blood". Roy shakes his head "we killed 26 plus 8 wounded and the officer". "Given" I nod my head "but a bunch of them ran off, had to be another 25 even 30... I'm glad that Lt. didn't chase em, we were lucky to kick our way out through that side wall and get out alive". We both smile knowingly. "I asked Melberta to join us for lunch.... I hope you have some place nice near by. I’ve been eating ship's stores for half of forever. I was hope in to get settled at the Royal Patrick before this meeting. I sent ahead my luggage. Have you seen ANY thing of this new assistant I'm getting? Geffer and Dylan I think. I hope they found the right MAZE..
"I asked Melberta to join us for lunch.... I hope you have some place nice near by. I’ve been eating ship's stores for half of forever. I was hope in to get settled at the Royal Patrick before this meeting. I sent ahead my luggage. Have you seen ANY thing of this new assistant I'm getting? Geffer and Dylan I think. I hope they found the right MAZE..
Bean jumped up and shook Pelcham's hand vigorously. "I've been waiting for you to drop by." He looked around to make sure no one was listening. "So you've realized the Dragon Lady really runs this joint, eh? Sometimes I think we should drop HER on the Mongols, but even Admiral Lincoln isn't that cruel."
"As far as your new minions, I'm surprised they haven't shown up. I expect they are operating on Foreign Ministry time, a dollar short and a day late. Maybe they will be there at that reception tonight?"
Well Roy if Melberta is going to be long I'll leave her a note asking her wait for us. Then we can make it a late lunch. We can hit the Master armorer and be back unless its on the far side of the complex.". I walk over to her desk and look for a pad. (603 marching orders...request for transfer...supply req.....) Picking up a pen and scribbling a note. (Picture of a little boy without signature....flowers with opened card ((smiles))...Majors day plan (scan that)) "Ok Roy lets go".
"Well Roy if Melberta is going to be long I'll leave her a note asking her wait for us. Then we can make it a late lunch. We can hit the Master armorer and be back unless its on the far side of the complex.". I walk over to her desk and look for a pad. (603 marching orders...request for transfer...supply req.....) Picking up a pen and scribbling a note. (Picture of a little boy without signature....flowers with opened card ((smiles))...Majors day plan (scan that)) "Ok Roy lets go".
Captain Bean leads Pelcham to the base armory several blocks away. This massively reinforced building supports all of the operations from the base. Ignoring the main entrance, Bean takes Pelcham around back and raps on an armored door.
No answer.
Pounding on the steel plate with his pistol butt, Bean shouts, "Sergeant Major! Open the damned door!"
After a moment, a small hatch slides open. A rather bloodshot eye pears out. "Yes, yes, sir, I come," replies a muffled voice with a heavy accent.
The door slowly swings open. A small, balding, stocky man with one wooden leg and the bushiest eyebrow Pelcham has ever seen , opens the door. He wears sergeant major's chevrons on his rumpled gray uniform and he is holding a rifle barrel.
The room is fairly dark, but Pelcham sees long racks of a bewildering array of firearms lining the walls. Another door leads out the back, it too is armored and covered with stout locks. A set of machine tools and workbenches line one side of the room.
"Ambassador," Bean says, "This is Sergeant Major Szuca, Team D's armorer. Sergeant major, Ambassador Pelcham."
"What do you want, ambassador? Sword cane?" the small man wheezed in laughter.
"Well as a matter of fact Sergeant Major... you can never have to many...I snicker". If there is a nice one laying about perhaps, but I expected you were fitting out our boys with something a bit more lethal....You do have guns here don't you?" I was thinking something more on the old Le Mat pattern 8" barrel, 9 round clip, 11mm with an under slung .410. something in black for formal shootings. And something a bit finer in a long gun.
Pelcham responded, "Well as a matter of fact Sergeant Major... you can never have to many...I snicker". If there is a nice one laying about perhaps, but I expected you were fitting out our boys with something a bit more lethal....You do have guns here don't you?" I was thinking something more on the old Le Mat pattern 8" barrel, 9 round clip, 11mm with an under slung .410. something in black for formal shootings.. And something a bit finer in a long gun."
Szuca looks the ambassador up and down. "I have nice ivory handled derringer? Only .32 so won't hurt you too bad."
"Well Sergeant it’s been all of our experience that killing them first keeps us from getting hurt. And I wouldn't want you to go about unarmed...."(chuckles). I walk deeper into the room of gloom letting my eyes adjust.
Szuca ponders for a moment. "I have old pistol from Duchy of Modesto. Is .38 with .410 barrel under. LeMat is black powder, no?"
Pelcham says, "Duchy of Modesto...Didn't they have a contract way back to buy some off beat guns from the English or U.S. or was it Russia????? Darn I recall something like that....But yes Sergeant Le Mat was a black powder lets take a look... (quietly but still to be heard by the Sergeant just barley) You were right Captain Bean he does have his act together. I'm impressed. And to recall an old piece like that...(smiles and nods)."
Yes he does, ambassador," Bean agreed.
Szuca takes a large key ring from his pocket and unlocks the rear door.
As Pelcham begins to follow, Szuca warns, "Authorized personnel only!"
In a moment, Szuca returns with an ungainly looking revolver, with the promised under slung shotgun barrel. "Was made by the Hamilton Works in Santa Cruz for the Modesto Army. Only one hundred fifty made. six shots, snap out cylinder." He hands the revolver to Pelcham.
"I'll be....how did you ever come up with this?? Turning over the weapon in my hands it weighs about as much as a brick. popping open the cylinder.... my oh my. Have you ever fired it Sergeant? I truly hate bringing a Black powder relic like this to a party. Any thing you can do to get it into our time line. I don't want it exploding in my hand....mind you...and how many of these do you have in there. peering into the gloom...
"Black powder?" the sergeant major gives another of his wheezing laughs. "No sir, this is a handcrafted piece that will take a regular .38 round. I would not try a .357 in it. I have fired it sir, once. It is in perfect condition."
"Think it would take an 11mm/30?"Pelcham asks. "I bet the owners are still alive and well too. And they are a lot happier with this than a 32 pop gun and a sword cane". Pats the Sergeant on the back laughing. "Is this the museum piece of the lot Sergeant? Or have you managed to keep the other two in such amazing condition? Sergeant I can see I'm going to owe you big time by the end of today. Any thing on your wish list?"
Szuca eyes the ambassador grumpily. "ALL my weapons are in perfect working order sir. No, sir, I would not rechamber it. To go from 9mm to 11mm would weaken the cylinder far too much sir."
"Sergeant if you say 9mm is the best that can be done for this weapon, it is. (muttering "amazing simply amazing") and twenty years old you say... Just how do you do it? The only reason I asked about rechambering it Sergeant is that our happy little band has just about every type of ammunition ever loaded into something you can carry. If we can standardize it bit, more 10mm or 11 than one of each...well you understand. Captain Bean you have another finds locked up on this base I should meet?" Smiling and walking over toward the Sergeants desk.
"I could equip the entire team with .38s," Szuca mutters under his breath.
"I'll take that suggestion to the General, Sergeant," Pelcham said. "Captain does the Sergeant know anything about our mission? Or about the 593rd?"
"I don't doubt he knows where King Josh's Secret Memoirs are hidden, ambassador," said Bean.
"We'll Sergeant What would you recommend as a carbine or rifle for our little junket? Something that we can forage up ammo for locally if needed. That is user friendly and has a good rate of fire." Stands next to the Sergeants desk.
That you can find ammo for locally, sir?" Szuca looked at him. "The Japanese 6.5mm Arisaka bolt action rifle, I suspect, in Northern China. We don't have any of the 7.62mm x 39 bolt actions they use in south China. If you are looking for the weapon you can find ammunition for sir, I'd give your people matchlocks...or bows sir."
"Well Sergeant just between you and me...I'd rather out gun them. I was hoping that the M40b or even the M20c might be in service enough down there to help us out. Even if it was just for ammo." (Looks down at the Sergeants desk what's on it? What else is in his work area here?)
GM note: Szuca seems to be refurbishing a large, pre-1985 hunting rifle, parts are scattered over his workbench.)
Szuca notices Pelcham's interest. "We got that one last week. .300 Winchester magnum. Very nice." He looks back at Pelcham. "The only UKA weapons we sell there are old, captured Roman 6.5mm rifles, sir."
"Mind if we sit down Sergeant?" (OOC a bit more detail about the room please,. Does he walk with a cane or just the bum leg?)
Note: Szuca has a wooden peg leg.)
Szuca settles himself into a wooden swivel chair with a slight groan. Pelcham and Bean pull up chairs as well.
Szuca looks at Pelcham for a moment, sizing him up. "Ambassador, if I was going, and I'm not saying I'd have volunteered for this one, I'd take HHC carbines. They are fairly light, and as long as you keep them reasonably clean, they are as reliable as they come. Of course, Major Hagen has the final word on what the team carries. I hear she has a thing for matchlocks!" Szuca wheezed a laugh. "Some M45a sub machine guns, and 10mm pistols, they share the same round. Maybe a 50mm mortar and a pair of RPGs. Maybe way to much to haul around."
Matchlocks...my life is complete....or perhaps over.... Well if you could set aside for me the LeMat a beautiful piece by the way, with enough ammo for me to get broken in down at the range. And a Few of the HHC Carbines....but
I want you to pick them out. Do you know of the old 1 in a Hundred Winchester program? Where a master gunsmith picked out every component of the piece? to make it the best of the best? Well my if not several lives could depend on that level of quality. Can you help me out Sergeant?
Fair enough Sergeant. could you pick out three of the HCC carbines for me and set them aside. I'd like mine with a scope since it will be most practical if I stay far back from the action. That will make it one less thing for the real fighters to worry about. About the rest of the equipment...where would you turn for it Sergeant? "Yes sir."
Captain Bean asks, "You mean just regular field equipment? We requisition that from the Marine Depot. Nothing special."
Pelham asked, "And where would we pick up the novel stuff?"
Ambassador, I'm not sure what you mean by novel stuff?" Bean asked. "If we don't have it in stores, it has to be bought from the civil sector."
"There are whole shopping districts, ambassador. No superstores though. I need slightly more specific types of goods...LOL"
Well Sergeant" Pelcham gets ready to leave. "it has been a pleasure to meet you. The Captain and I have a few more stop's to make today. But if you or yours ever have a need please let me know." Offering my hand to the Sergeant.
Sergeant Major Szuca shakes Pelcham’s hand, still a little confused by it all. "Yes, sir."
"And one other thing Sergeant. My family has a long, long past of helping those who help us. We look after them and their interests when we see that they have done so for us. Consider this when you find yourself in such a situation. I dare say you can reach me if and when the situation arises." I flash a warm smile as we leave the fortress of guns. " Nice guy Roy I'll have to do him a little something for him, he have any family?"
"Not here in North America anyway. He's married to his guns."
Well let’s get back to Ms. Devere before she gives up on us. How far off it the finest food we can find? Something that is not seafood or packed aboard ship?
Bean sighs and says, "I'd recommend the officer's club. I think you can get a good steak with your ship's biscuit."
Lets try again Captain Bean....I want to take you and Ms. Devere out to lunch.... "MY TREAT!" He laughed. "Now where should we go?"
On the way back to Ms Devere's office Captain Bean and I pass a string of railroad tracks one set of them branches off then splits into three and before they enter another monstrous set of three buildings each divide into three more lines. "Roy I'll bet your keeping them in there" ....Lets see ..Alice. Bertha (snicker) and...Candice....and you have them in buildings A,B,&C. You sure we can’t take a few of the ladies with us with us? We'll bring them back as soon as we have things settled with the Khakhan. hehehe. Sure would help make our point."
Captain Bean and I arrive back at Ms. Devere's office. Roy you don't she went home early do you?...Her desk doesn't look like its been cleared off...
Roy do you know if there is a restaurant at the Royal Patrick Hotel? Perhaps we could eat there and I can get my things settled as well as getting my suits pressed for tonight. As soon as Ms Devere returns.
hen the Reverend woke from his daydream facing the prospect of having lunch with Melberta....Who walked into the room with her usual shambling gait. He face lighting (much to Bean's mounting horror) when she sights the Reverend.
"Why Reverend, I would LOVE to join you for lunch," she coos in her creaky voice, one spindly hand going up girlishly to adjust her steel gray hair, worn in an attractive bun.
Splendid Ms Devere. (big smile) Captain Bean and I were just discussing going to the Royal Patrick for lunch. Was there someone you wished to bring as a fourth, they would certainly be welcome.
Devere smiles back. "No, ambassador. It will be fine. I'm so honored."
For the first time in his experience, Bean sees that she is flustered!
"Just as well the three of us. Just don't believe the stories the Captain will tell. He and I served for a bit in the east. He with quite some distinction I might add. In fact darn near an unsung hero in a few instances, he has quite the reputation in the FM. We could certainly us him on the forth-coming little excursion. And as a matter of fact I was hoping for some input from you too, I heard some impressive things about you!"
"Well, I guess I know a few things...: she stammered, more than a little overwhelmed by all the attention. "But, there is a lot I can’t talk about, you know."
The three of you walk out to a waiting cab that Bean had ordered up. "Take us to the Royal Dolphin Hotel, my good man!" Bean commanded.
"Right-o, sir" the driver replied cheerfully, cracking his whip as the cab set off.
As you ride along, Bean remarks, "Too bad we don't have more time, or the ambassador would take you to the Royal Keaton Hotel across the river. NOW there is a real hotel. Dinner there could set the ambassador back $10 a plate!" Bean glanced over Melberta's head with an evil snicker. "They Royal Patrick is pretty good, but they don't get the best years for their vintage wine, and their escargot, why it's barely palatable!"
"Roy you know nothing is to good for my friends! And had SOMEONE let me know where the good hotel is, I d be in it. Good travel agents are so hard to come by in Korea. I'm sure the opportunity will present itself to let us sample the Royal Keaton. And Ms Devere I wouldn't think of having you divulge anything classified, even though The Captain here has security clearance the King has yet to receive. hehehe. I don't think he's a big security risk. Unless you threaten him with less than haut cuisine escargot. Then he becomes a gibbering source of facts. Its a sad thing to watch...Now slide him a plate of squid tips in brown sauce... with a bowl of rice and some chop sticks...and you'll see one happy captain and can't get a word" (whispering "you can understand) out of him." Something you might tell me though, before I become involved, is about my hosts for tonight and tomorrow. I certainly don't want to start my stay here with a gaff! And I can see lots of opportunity to have them help our mission."
"I've never been invited to anything quite like this, ambassador. I'm sure that the Prime Minister will be there, and the heads of the political parties in Parliament, and maybe the king will attend, he does sometimes, you know. Of course Foreign Minister Myers will be there. I'm sure the Security Minister Lincoln will attend. What do you want to know?"
Well that is certainly a more influential crowed than I expected. I was thinking it was a much smaller affair than that. Is there some other topic that is drawing them?
"Of course, ambassador. They are there to honor YOU. That trade coup with Korea should mean our first real penetration of the markets of mainland Asia." She reflected for a moment, "Actually, I think the king is away from Portland, but I would imagine that Queen Margaret and the crown princess will be there. The queen likes to keep an eye on all the significant events in the capital."
"Well such a gathering is far more than I would expect...Though I do hope the trade deal pan's out as we agreed. They certainly have the markets and we both will benefit from the exchange of technology and goods. I do so hate seeing the Japanese and Taiwanese raking in all that income when we have better products and prices. You see they look at us as outsiders and at each other as opponents. They hate doing anything that helps their neighbors and dealing with us is just short treason, if they didn't want what we and everyone else has...but enough about that...I'll go on about it for hours if you don't stop me. Roy that's your job for dinner hehe. Tell me more about what goes on at the base, whom is who and such . Or about the locals here, lol, or about little band I’ve been thrown in with..."
"Ambassador! That is such a broad question. Plus there are so many things I can't talk about." She looks at him coyly. "Of course, if I had enough time I could fill you in..."
"Ms Devere the time GOD has given us is short. And the time before this evenings dinners is, GOD willing, shorter. But speak of what you can and we will let GOD sort out the rest."
"Indeed HE will, ambassador. I'd be glad to help you and your mission anyway I can."
"Hmmmm," muttered Pelcham, furrowing his brow a bit, "Well lets see... What can you tell me about the Ambassador on the last mission/"
"Ambassador Serrault?" Melberta replied. "I'm surprised you don't know her. She was pretty sharp by all I've heard. She worked with old Lorcha on that deal that staved of the war between the two Frances. Spoke Mandarin almost like a native, too. She tended to be a bit, well, too tactless, though. She drove Commander Buckley pretty crazy. I heard that Marshal Simes (the former Minister of External Security) really opposed her going, said she didn't have the subtlety for it."
"And what about the others?" he prompted.
"Commander Buckley was pretty good. He was Major Dunwoody's predecessor at Team D, but after that incident...well, I shouldn't speak ill of the dead. For the rest, they were a steady crew, except for Puck and Buck. Those two boys, well, I think their mammas should have used some switches on them. They were a good bunch." She sniffed, "We all miss them."
The cab rolled up to the front of the Royal Patrick. A doorman in an elaborate uniform stepped put from under the awning and helped them from it. Bean tossed a quarter to the coachman, who after biting it, tucked in his jacket. "Keep the change," Bean muttered under his breath as the cab trotted away.
The maitre d' leads them to a small, private dining room. Waiting for them are six people.
All three of you recognize one of them...Vice Admiral Booker Thayer Lincoln, the Duke of Joliet, currently the holder of the portfolios for the Ministries of both Internal and External Security. Lincoln is probably the most powerful person after the king, and far more sinister. He worked his way up from a navy enlisted man to these offices over lots of dead bodies, fortunately mostly those of the enemy. A tall, powerfully Black man, fifty-six years old, with closely cropped graying hair and wearing the undress blues of his rank, Lincoln is capable of positively radiating menace. Today he seems benign, at least for now...
"I'm glad you could make it, Ambassador Pelcham. We rather expected you to get here earlier, you must have been detained. Captain Bean, Miss Devere, welcome." Lincoln nodded to a short, stocky, blonde woman in the uniform of an Airborne major, "This my assistant, Major Parkinson." The next person was a handsome naval lieutenant with the thick bullion cords of an aide, "My flag lieutenant, Louis Jacobus."
The other three looked like guards in plain clothes. Lincoln didn't bother to introduce them.
The door to the small room opened and the maitre d' stuck his head in. "Admiral, there is a young Mr. Dylan here to speak to you."
The admiral replied, "I'm expecting him, Antoine, please send him in."
A tall, thin, well-built man in his early twenties entered. His hair was short, curly, and black, he was clean shaven and dark complected, with dark green eyes. A large scar ran diagonally across his nose. "Ambassador Pelcham, I'd like to introduce one of your new attaches, Anthony Dylan. Mr. Dylan, this is your new boss, Ambassador the Reverend William C. Pelcham."
Anthony bowed slightly to the Ambassador. "Ambassador, it is a pleasure to meet you finally... I'm extremely honored to be serving as your attaché on this mission." Anthony said in a quiet, British accent.
"Mr. Dylan... I'm looking forward to working with you. My the lord bless our endeavors."
"Indeed sir...indeed..." Anthony replies.
I'm sorry we were detained Duke Lincoln (bow). We came over as soon as the circumstances permitted with due discretion. And the briefing was scheduled in hope of starting this well and quickly. I'm sure the folks whom have been watching us reported all (smiling). I trust they were all yours? Shaking hands with the Major and flag Lt.
"Take a seat, Mr. Dylan," the admiral suggests. "You are a party to this, you should be here."
"Thank you sir." Anthony takes a seat near the Flag Lt. and the Major.
Lincoln looked Pelcham up and down for a moment. "Some were mine, yes. Some weren't. You haven't been talking out of school, have you, ambassador? I know Major Hagen isn't going to be amused."
"Well I hope ours are watching theirs. (smile) I take it this is a working lunch?"
You might say so," the admiral says with a grim smile. After you order your food, and the waiters leave, Lincoln goes on, "People in this town are talking way too much about this. It is a good thing that the Mongols don't have too many spies here, but everyone else on the planet does. My watchers are good, ambassador, but I don't have enough of them to go around."
"I'm taking this opportunity to size you up, ambassador. I hate to send a good team of my people on a high-risk wild goose chase. Do you think you can make the khakhan see the light? The Foreign Office crowd thinks he will listen, that it is in his best interest to listen."
I hope the Major has a handle on what's going on. I for one didn't bring one spy back from Korea. I had enough trouble with my weight limit as was...and packing a whole extra person...just wouldn't do.
I expect the Khakhan is interested in what we might offer. He is even more interested in what he has to gain. Unless he has a sudden revelation or a more sudden reversal it will depend on what we bring. He does seem to be lacking in reversals. They do show a light on the other things that he might present to his people. But so long as he wins on the front lines, that is where he will focus his attention. Until I have a briefing from the office of the Foreign Minster on what we are taking aside from our little band and a few bobbles, I can't really make a good call. From what I saw in Korea and since, we either make a few more friends or have a few more notches in the win column. How will that turn out, you know better than I.
The waiters bring in everyone’s orders and leave quickly. Lincoln’s three bodyguards don't eat and say nothing.
Pelcham bow's his head.....waits for a few sec..." LORD please bless this meal we partake of, May it and you give us strength for our undertakings, and give us the grace and understanding we will need in these endeavors." waits for a few sec.... Amen"
Amen" Anthony said, raising his head.
Lincoln went on, as they eat, "I'd love to be able to send you all out there with a battalion of the Grenadier Guards, but it can't be done I've been in the Special Ops business for thirty five years now, and I know that we can come up with some real oddballs, sometimes, but they do get the job done, as well as it can be.
I don't know if you can talk the khakhan into joining the "community of civilized nations" as Minister Myers likes to call them, but if you get there, we are positive he will listen. He isn't some trumped up dictator like the last couple of Roman Emperors, he is a legitimate absolute monarch with three generations of rulers behind him. The papal nuncio has assured us that the khakhan insists on treating embassies with respect. I don't think you have anything to fear from him. Now his sub-khans, and everyone else is a different story."
Your Grace I 'm not really worrying about getting there, {don't tell the others (sly look)}. I am sure they are able to deal with the local ruffians and wild life. But the Khakhan is the head of a very violent empire. Not but a few of his subject kings are so loyal to him as to follow him anywhere. The others worry me as much as not having the terms to present to him to win him and them over. Now if the terms are so generous that I need not worry, this dinner will go down much better (smiles). Did I have the opportunity to order for Ms Devere?
Now if the terms are so generous that I need not worry, this dinner will go down much better (smiles). Did I have the opportunity to order for Ms Devere?
(Yes, you are all eating.)
Lincoln says, "The terms are far better than they Mongols deserve in my opinion. The king is willing to confirm their conquests from the Ukraine eastward. We will also cease interdicting their shipping wherever we find it, allowing them some foreign trade that previously has been restricted to camel caravans. But the bastards have to get and stay out of Europe west of the Ukraine! The king has made that completely clear that he will brook no more aggression westwards."
What can you tell me about the Kahn's facing the European front? Seems they will be the hard cases. Worse their generals whom are looking that way for their promotions..
"Duke Lincoln how do you assess the situation with the Romans now?"
Absolutely one of the most frustrating problems we face. The Roman military has proven to be hopelessly inept after they lost most of their mercenary recruiting grounds in 2042. King Patrick wants to prop them up as a buffer against the Turks and the Mongols, something they have been singularly unable to do over the last year. Let's face, the legions are mainly second rate and the Roman General Staff is totally incompetent. The current Caesar, Vittorio, isn't a bad man, one of their brightest in fact, but with such a hopeless structure to work with, well, I'm not sure how long he will last. Many of his ministers hate us, and blame us for the empire's failings. The fact they have lost their main industrial area in northern Italy, the abolition of slavery in 2044, both have disrupted the Roman economy. Don't quote me on this, but eventually, I suspect we will have to absorb them into the Commonwealth a rebuild them from the ground up. We already occupy Austria and Slovenia at their request."
Sounds like an interesting problem. Perhaps after our little sojourn through Asia we might give the Med. a turn. Sounds like the economic opportunities are near boundless. And the weather much more pleasant. Unhappily I expect it will seem so for our Turkish and Mongol friends. And keeping them out will be even harder. How much latitude will I have in stirring up anti Turk sentiments?
How much latitude will I have in stirring up anti Turk sentiments?
"Believe me, the king would love nothing better than to see the Turks and the Mongols at each other's throats," Lincoln said. "As a matter of fact, that is precisely one of the reasons you are going on this mission, because if the Mongols turn away from Central Europe, they will almost certainly turn on the Turks."
well, less of their demonic influence in the world would go well for the rest of us. And them in the Holy lands....(a sour face). But still they are GOD's children too, and dead they cannot be redeemed. So perhaps stirred up isn't quite the right term. Lets us call it distracted.
"God's, or the devil's children, they threaten our interests and our friends. The king wants you to light a fire under them if you can," the admiral said.
"Well then we will just have to make something happen. As to moving them out of the Balkans they are not going to want to do that. Is there some inducement?"
"Trade with the outside world, perhaps? Plus we'll let them be as aggressive against the Japanese and Turks as they want without us lifting a finger. Frankly, maybe the idea of taking a few decades to organize what they have might be appealing." Lincoln sighed. "It may not have a chance at all. But we have to try. We are never going to get ahead ourselves if we are locked into defending Europe forever. We have the tiger by the tail, ambassador, and we don't dare let go of it."
"Them spending a fortnight organizing has little appeal they seem to be able to build a war winning machine as is. And having them become a great economic-power will just make our lives wretched in the future. More blood shed has even less appeal...What constructive task can we turn them to that will benefit us... I recall an old saying "there is no situation so bleak that someone can't turn a profit." What can we have them do that will enhance us. I'm not incline to promote the destruction of others your grace, but adding to ourselves is worthwhile. I do recall from a bit of history a thing that the old Soviets were prideful of....perhaps we could look into it. If we look to be doing it...or they could be doing it faster and better than us...." I slide them Duke a piece of paper with a suggestion on it for them or us but for him to determine capabilities. "Something expensive...doable...beneficial...and they would need our help. Just take a few moments to consider your grace"
I slide the duke a piece of paper with a suggestion on it for them or us but for him to determine capabilities. "Something expensive...doable...beneficial...and they would need our help. Just take a few moments to consider your grace".
Lincoln picks up the paper and reads it. “hmmm….a bit. . .speculative an idea. Too bad old Harbuck wasn’t around, he’d have loved it.”
finish the last of a nice beefsteak...so nice to not be eating seafood...thought I expect I'll be back on ship in a week if he likes this idea. Still a good meal, now just for a little something sweet for desert. Like the most deadly man on the planet smiling and nodding.
"Your Grace, if you would place my suggestion before your technical staff they could decide if is idea is feasible. If they wish to discuss the details with me I will make time available. If the idea has no merit by them we will have to try another course. Personally though I find it less than comfortable to let Japan fall under the Mongol influence and almost objectionable to let the Turks go that way. I see nothing in the long run from either or both of those events that would benefit us. Greater strength for us and strong allies, rather than letting the Mongols gobble up the world would seem to me a better course. If though this is the will of the King, the Foreign Ministry and yourself then it is the course we should travel."
"Actually, Mr. Ambassador," the admiral replied, "My ministries and the Imperial General Staff think there is no likelihood that the Mongols can seriously harm either the Japanese or the Turks. They are successful against the Romans because the Romans are incompetent to a degree scarcely equaled in the historical record. And they can easily overwhelm minor backward states. If we could fight them in a place with a dense road net and overall good communications, we would give them a drubbing they would never forget! What they do have, though, is an army maximized to fight under primitive conditions. They need little food, fuel, ammunition, and fodder to operate. What we envision is a long, drawn out grinding war of attrition between the Turks and Japanese against the Mongols. If we can have all three powers focused on each other, rather than any or all focused on us, it will give us the breathing room we need to rebuild our own civilization. At least, that is how our masters see it. If you feel that this is something you cannot live with due to your moral code, we understand that. You will be allowed to resign into obscurity with no questions asked. If not, you'll have to get with the program."
"Would the Khakhan see attacking Europe as a better investment of his efforts? Since it seems unlikely that they would request our aid in any sort of a timely manner. And once taking some of the European states couldn't he upgrade his main army, perhaps even to the point of flexing it against us? Or perhaps enjoy the benefits of a better road net while defending against us. He would hardly need to advance farther unless he was in the mood. If it's your intention to send us out on a mission you consider impossible please tell me now. If all you want is me to talk to the man for a few fortnights fine. I hardly expect to offer him some grand prize like no interference from us while he attempts what you, and most likely he, considers impossible. If you believe that the Khakhan doesn't see the elementary pieces in his own environment then you are expecting we are competing against a fool. A dangerous foundation for the entire UKA's geopolitical life. Consider that despite our efforts has crushed our ally. On the bright side we seem to have picked up the pieces, I hope that was the plan, though if it was no nation on the planet will ever trust us, or should. If you want this effort to succeed than make it possible. But if you want to send some underling to be brow beaten by the second most dangerous man on the planet then you need continue looking for a victim. Who knows what concessions he will return with. But consider that any effort you wish to direct the Khakhan to, MUST seem to be in HIS benefit. I'm sure that he would never consider sending an envoy to offer our king with what you want to offer him. If it’s a matter of faith and morality mine to the King and his ministers are second to only one." I lean back and watch the man VERY closely his body language may be all I need. He knows as well as I what he is asking. Pelcham finds the admiral is very hard to read, he seems extremely relaxed...like a leopard waiting for prey, all coiled up energy waiting tpobe released.
Anthony coughs loudly, almost choking on the piece of meat in his mouth...
Pelcham slaps his new attaché on the back to help with his coughing spasm. "That, my friend, is why your parents told you to chew your food twenty times before swallowing." But I whisper "Not to worry you still might be going....you might even be leading."
The Admiral answered, "Yes, ambassador, he may well feel that Europe is an easier target. His success against the Romans is unfortunately a bad precedent for that. But he has thumped the Japanese quite nastily in Manchuria this spring at a place called Bayan Obo and wiped out an entire Japanese infantry division in the process. Their attacks on the Turks over the years have mainly been in the Caucasus Mountains, and proved to be dismal failures."
The admiral paused for a second. "Do I think they can beat US? No, not at all. If we could get even the newly raised 3rd Armored Division someplace to meet them, they would be ground into dust. If they move into Slovenia or Austria we can get them. If they pass through the Germanies and cross the Rhine into the Frances, we can get them after they do considerable damage. What the king finds so frustrating is that we can't get to THEM. There is no accessible power base to crush."
"That is why you are going on this mission, to divert their attention. Maybe even to open up a dialog. Will it work? Frankly, no one knows. But it will be worth a try. You were chosen because you are very persuasive."
As the admiral is speaking, Dylan is still coughing. "Thank you sir... I guess I should have listened to my mum more often as a child..."
“I’m quite sure that there is no way the Mongols can effect us directly, Your Grace,” said Pelcham. “ But I ' m interested in hearing more about the conflicts with the Turks. And if you could have your technical people contact me about the possible project it would be most helpful. “
"I will make sure you get a full briefing on the Turks, ambassador. Major Parkinson can arrange a meeting with our technical people."
Dylan spoke up, “Um... Ambassador? Admiral Lincoln? I hate to interrupt, but I must remind you that there is a reception tonight..."
"Thank you, Mr. Dylan, for reminding us. You and the admiral have rooms here, perhaps you should both prepare yourselves for tonight. It is possible that Major Hagen will arrive by then. In any case, I look forward to seeing you both again. Major Parkinson will take care of any arrangements that need to be made." He turned to Captain Bean. ""Roy, why don't you take Miss Devere home."
Bean said, "Yes, sir!"
The admiral shook everyone’s hands and left with his flag lieutenant and bodyguards.
Major Parkinson, short, stocky, with short blonde hair, looks capable and business-like. Pelcham noticed she wore both fixed wing pilot's wings and the glider assault badge. "Shall I reserve a staff limo for you gentlemen?" she asked.
