Empire IC

[Lox]

Swedish Pomeranian-Galieran Border

The four soldiers were from the Swedish Dalregemente, light infantrymen trained in mountain warfare. The mountainous border regions between Swedish Pomerania and Galiera were some of the most mountainous in Europe, and the task of patrolling the region had been given to the Dalregemente. Despite the peace, it was still a dangerous task - occasionally, terrorists and insurgents sponsored by Galiera would attempt to enter Swedish Pomerania. Usually they were discovered by the border patrol units before they managed to get deeper into Swedish Pomerania. Usually, it ended in battle.

The four men were armed with assault rifles, a sniper rifle and a light machinegun, standard issue armament for Swedish Army components, and despite the weight of their equipment, moved quickly on the mountain paths. As they moved, their weapons continually searched the surroundings, ready for trouble at the first sight of humans. Suddenly, the radio man let out a slight whistle, and said: "Sergeant. We've got an incoming call from Base."

Sergeant Magnus Djärv signalled a stop, and all four soldiers crouched. He gave directions for the team's sniper to take position to the front, and the machinegunner staying in his position in the rear. Then he moved up to the radio man and hooked the radio transmitter from his backpack. Pressing the button he spoke into the telephone-like transmitter:

"Hotel Bravo, this is Alpha Sierra One, please send, over."

"Alpha Sierra One, we've got possible insurgents spotted via satellite two klicks to the east of your position. We've got a gunship en route. Please continue to the area and investigate by foot." Djärv's face turned grim and he nodded slowly.

"Wilco, Hotel Bravo. Alpha Sierra One out." He hooked the transmitter back on his radio man's backpack, and said: "Alright, we've got insurgents two kilometers to the east. A gunship is en route for air support, but the job is ours. We'll approach them with stealth. As usual, only fire if fired upon. We prefer to take them alive for Intelligence to get their hands on. Let's move out. Micke, you're up front again." The sniper nodded, his sniper rifle on his back, replaced in his hands by a short Ak5D assault rifle, and the group stood up and began to move out.

It didn't take a lot of effort to find the insurgents. Wearing little to no camouflage - unlike the Swedish soldiers, who not only wore the M90 camouflage uniforms, but were also camouflage painted int heir faces and on their hands - and talking inbetween rather loudly, they were a typical example of a not-too-crafty Galieran insurgent. The men were armed with what looked like German-made G36's, probably of local, illegal Galieran reproduction, but seemed to carry no ballistic vests or other body protection, nor much in terms of extra ammunition.

"Micke, take position behind that rock and be ready to take out that RPK-gunner. Johan, over there. Roger, you're with me." Djärv whispered as they lay down in cover behind a ridge of rocks that provided ample cover and protection from enemy fire. There were only five insurgents, no real firefight, but a stray bullet could still kill. As Djärv took aim at the man he assumed to be the sad excuse for a leader, he called out in fluent Galieran:

"Halt! You are entering the Swedish Pomeranian Border Zone! This is in violation of Swedish immigration laws! Put your weapons down and your hands up or you will be fired upon!" In the air they could now hear the apporaching hum of the Viking-2 gunship. The insurgents could most likely hear it too, and knew what the sound represented - an inferno of fire and death.

The insurgents stiffened and began to look around panicked at the sound of Magnus' voice, bouncing off every rock and mountainside in the area, making it very hard to locate its source. Then, one of the men panicked. It was the RPK gunner, who opened fire on full auto, trying to spray the mountains around them in the hopes of getting in a lucky shot. There was a single loud bark from Micke's sniper rifle, and the man stiffened and fell to the ground. The other insurgents opened fire at this too, and the Swedish soldiers took cover to avoid the barrage being sent their way.

"Eldstöt!" Djärv growled. The four soldiers opened fire at the same time, sending a heavy barrage of bullets the insurgents' way, forcing them into cover and giving the soldiers a breather. This breather allowed them to take aim and put down precision fire at the enemies. To his right, Djärv heard Johan shout:

"Enemy to the right!" A few gunshots later, he heard a mechanical: "Enemy down!"

The rest of the firefight went swiftly as well. The three remaining insurgents stood no real chance, but insisted on taking up the fight. It lasted for about five minutes before Djärv directed the gunship to the location. The Viking 2 went down on the insurgents with twin 16-barrel Gatlin cannons, shredding them and effectively ending the threat. Afterwards, the pilot reported he'd take a look around the region to make sure there were no more insurgents.

Meanwhile a call got through on the radio:
"Alpha Sierra One, when you get back to base, you are to report to Colonel Malthammar for new orders."

After about ten minutes, the gunship informed them that they were good to go. Five minutes later, they left the dead insurgents behind after having relieved them of their weapons and ammunition, and moved along a pre-set route that two hours later led down to a road. On the road they were picked up by an armored Sisu APC escorted by two armored Galten jeeps. They boarded the Sisu, and once they were in the back, the three vehicles began to move back towards the camp.

Camp Sibylla was a large military base established in Pomerania many years before, but only as recently as three years before, during the last battles of the Galieran War, reequipped to be a base for border patrol units like the Dalregemente. When they arrived, the four men jumped out of the back of the Sisu with the satisfying feeling of having finished another job, and another day's hard work. They surrendered the seized weapons to EOD personnell who would destroy the weapons or pass them on to local Pomeranian support forces. Djärv stretched his tired shoulders, weighed down by his combat harness and ballistic vest, and said:

"Alright. Go and await my further orders in the tent." Djärv told his men. "I'm going for new orders. If we're lucky, we might have time for some rest before the next task."

He left the group and walked through the camp towards the Command Tent. It was the largest one of the collection of hundreds of military tents in the large camp, and it was guarded by armed soldiers. When he approached, he had to show identification - to prevent Galieran assassins from getting in - before being let inside. Colonel Malthammar was waiting inside, hovering over a map like a hawk, in company of several other high ranking officers.

"Colonel, Sergeant Djärv reporting our return from the border." Djärv said, saluting the officers.

"At ease, Sergeant." Malthammar said, waving him inside. "I haven't got a lot of time, so I want to be brief with you if that's alright." He said. "First of all - good job today. I heard you got into a firefight with some insurgents. Any casualties?"

"None, Colonel."

"Good." Malthammar nodded slowly. "Now to the business of your being here. You and your squad are being transferred back to Sweden. Specifically, you're being sent to Älvdalen as part of an inter-regimental task force called Säkerhetsstyrka Dalarna (Security Force Dalarna). There is trouble in Dalarna. An armed group calling themselves the Neo-Caroleans. For now it's just discontent ex-soldiers - some random attacks, but nothing serious. We think they may be anti-royalist rebels though. The King's stand on this is clear - he cannot afford a rebellion on his hands, and we need Sweden to be unified, with the threat of war with Galiera growing ever closer with each day.

The SSD's assignment, including yours, will be to win hearts and minds. You are to reestablish control in Älvdalen, maintain peace, and come to an agreement with the Neo-Caroleans. Under all circumstances you must avoid engaging in combat with them, as they have the support of the locals. But so do you, because you are Swedish soldiers, so don't abuse their trust. If necessary, the last resort will be, but only if the Neo-Caroleans engage in hostilities, to launch an offensive against them, coordinated with local police forces and SWAT teams. Anyway, SSD wanted personnel tied from the Dale Regiment because it's based in Dalarna, personnel with combat experience - I recommended you."

"I understand, Colonel. When do we leave?" Djärv asked.

"0800 hours tomorrow morning. Until then, clean your equipment and yourselves up, get some food and some rest. You all did good work today. The King is proud of you." Malthammar finished with some more accolades. Djärv stood at attention again, saluting him.

"Thank you, Colonel." He said before turning around and walking out of there.

[Anastasia]

It had been roughly a year since the Neo-Caroleans had made themselves known. As tension mounted in the capital and war seemed to be drawing ever and ever nearing, the resistance had been steadily growing. For now they made themselves at home in Älvdalen. The locality was fairly small, just under 2000 residents spread out, though most pretended not to really notice the influx. Though it was no secret that they were in full support of the Neo-Carolean forces.

It seemed as though the mind of the nation was eternally preoccupied, though for the Neos everything was perfectly clear, the goal was attainable. Rikke Christiansen had spent much of the last year in service to the Neo-Carolean forces, aiding in the recruitment and training. The years spent in service to the Swedish army had served her well, while she specialized with the medical corp, she did learn a variety of other skills during training that would prove to be useful.

What brought her to this exact moment and place was hard say exactly, though here she was. Her arms making fluid outward motions, her lips parting to bark out orders, commanding a small unit through various drills that had become rather second nature. It was almost as though Rikke was on auto-pilot. She could handle and respond to situations without a thought, her mind was free to wander elsewhere, almost anywhere but the present moment.

In theory, the Neo Caroleans opposed the expansionist policies the government had adopted, they simply demanded change. Should their demands fall upon deaf ears, they would be prepared to rebel with force, this is what they trained for while the diplomats did their work. There should be a sense of peace in her mind... War, political struggle, it was never black and white... but rather full of vibrant colour that made it all the more difficult to focus on the true tasks.

Running through the exercises with extreme ease and precision, Rikke was brought back to reality by the sound of her own name being shouted from behind her.

"Christiansen! Christiansen!"

As though coming back to life, Rikke made an audible inhalation and turned her attention behind her, dismissing the group of Neos before her.

"Ja?"

Cocking her head to the side, she realized that the word "Jo" was meant to come out of her mouth, though it made no real difference. The man called her name could understand her well enough. Rikke was a Dane by heritage and had spent much of her childhood there. The Kongeriget Danmark always seemed to be such a happy place, now it was merely a puppet state, overrun by the Galerians. From time to time, Dansk would flood out of her mouth in place of the Swedish which she knew quiet well. It was a force of habit, though something she detested about herself, especially her strong Dansk accent, it screamed Copenhagen, it was a constant reminder that she was an escaped citizen of a fallen kingdom.

"The boss wants to see you."

Nodding quietly she waved, allowing a deep sigh to escape her lips she made her way quickly through the obstacles and people about toward the commander. Rikke expected this to be another menial task, just something that needed to be accomplished shortly, though rarely of dire importance, though today she was mistaken. Stepping before his desk, a file was slid across the table in her direction. Picking it up, Rikke began to flip through it's contents.

"The Säkerhetsstyrka Dalarna? The SSD?"

Rikke asked rather annoyed, though she quickly checked herself and restored her composure.

"We have word that they are on the way. The military involved is the biggest obstacle... We want you to assist with negotiations, the last thing they want is a battle. It's also the last thing we need. We can't afford to contend with the military at this stage, we are in crucial development. They want to come to some sort of agreement, but we mustn't give in until our terms have been met by his Majesty, the King. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, sir, of course."

The environment in the room was much more tense then usual but still less formal and more trusting then when she herself had served in the military.

"You will of course, have our full support, if it comes to an attack, it comes to an attack... there will be a few others on this, but you will take point. "

Nodding, Rikke breathed a sigh of relief, but breathed in a renewed sense of stress and urgency.

[Raindrop]

It was sort of a nights off for Mikael Eldsjäl, Kampinen, Sjöholm and Lindqvist sat in a local pub each drinking a beer to enjoy a day off from work.

"Hey, Kampinen didn't you say your lady was comming up to Älvdalen?" Christian asked with a wide smile, "Yeah, I always enjoy looking at her walking infront of me." Mikael poured over on the comment, getting a rather annoyed, well in a friendly annoyed way, sigh and a pestered laughter out from it by Erki.
A short moment passed with light laughters before they raised their glass for a cheers, carrying on with Erki explaining about his lady with a light touch of Finnish accent. It was shortly after a well dressed man with glasses and and short buisness style hair walked in and greeted them briefly, "Mikael and company? You are to report to our boss. Round things up here quickly and be there before 23:00, the man wants to get atleast half a nights rest so in fifteen minutes I want you to be on your way."

Doing as the familiar man asked they round things up and headed for the well suited man outside whom sat with an open door smoking from his car, "Come on guys get into the car already." Mikael and his men nodded and did as the man asked. It was about a twenty minute ride to the location and before long they the four men stepped into the office leaving the guy in a suit outside. "You wanted to see us sir?" Mikael asked, rather relaxed.
"Ah yes, I got some new work for you guys." their boss took another breath, "You are to assist and accompany Rikke on her mission, the rest is in the file to fill you in more specificly, we want her guarded and safe... You guys are soldiers, you understad right?" the boss said and laughed lightly, "No disrespect towards her, it is just the ones whom she is going to negotiate with, it shouldn't be a problem for her, but I just want to be sertain that we don't lose her to some smucks, got it." the boss explained and Mikaels group simply nodding as a reply.
Reading the file it specificly noted that Mikaels team is not to take part of the negotiations and that their job was one thing and one thing only, to keep her safe and sound around the strangers that was on their way to visit.
It was shortly a protection of their VIP and serious enough for Mikael and the others to get into their act about it.

[Adrian Faust]

"Falköga, du är kallad till chefen..." A man spoke to Falköga.
"...." Without a word Falköga stared at the man then nodded lightly before he litted a cigarette and began walking towards HQ and his boss.

After awhile Falköga had made his way to the HQ and even came to stand face to face with his boss.
"Falköga, Rikke is going to negotiate with SSD and she's got protection from your brother and his men... you told me you wanted to keep a guardian eye over him, so I'm assigning you and two other snipers to farsight scout their surroundings... We don't want ANYONE to interfere with this meeting, understood?"

"Självfallet... så vilka två är det jag kommer jobba med?" Falköga asked.

"Du kommer jobba med "Oden" och "Freja"..." The boss responded.
"Seriöst... du vet väl att....." Falköga replied but got interrupted by his boss.
"Självklart vet jag om det, det är därför du är med... det är ett perfekt tillfälle att avslöja spionen, se bara till att din bror och hans grabbar inte får veta om eran närvaro, du lämnar imorgon bitti!" The boss told Falköga very determined.

"Nåväl, sålänge ni är medveten om riskerna... lovar att jag ska hitta spionen, var så säker chefen..." Falköga finnished, litted a cigarette and walked out from the briefing room.
Falköga was going home to get some rest, tomorrow was going to be hell.

((Swe to Eng School: Since a few lines here are in swedish, I'm translating them.
In Swedish: "Självfallet... så vilka två är det jag kommer jobba med?"
In English: "Certainly... so which ones are my two co-workers?"

In Swedish: "Du kommer jobba med "Oden" och "Freja"..."
In English: "You will work with "Oden" and "Freja"..."

In Swedish: "Seriöst... du vet väl att....."
In English: "Seriously... you know that....."

In Swedish: "Självklart vet jag om det, det är därför du är med... det är ett perfekt tillfälle att avslöja spionen, se bara till att din bror och hans grabbar inte får veta om eran närvaro, du lämnar imorgon bitti!"
In English: "Ofcourse I know about that, that is why you are in... it's the perfect opportunity to reveal the spy, just make sure that your brother and his men doesn't find out about your presence, you'll leave tomorrow morning!"

In Swedish: "Nåväl, så länge ni är medveten om riskerna... lovar att jag ska hitta spionen, var så säker chefen..."
In English: "Very well, as long as you know about the risks... I promise that I'll find out whom the spy is, be sure about it boss"

It might happen again, but for now... that's all! :) l8rz!))

[Lox]

The Hercules landed at the Dale Regiment's Älvdalen Deatchment base, Camp Carolus, at 1500 hours. An entire platoon from the combat hardened Dale Regiment was onboard. When the rear ramp of the Hercules opened, they all marched out in two lines, each soldier carrying over forty kilos of equipment, including their weapons and protective gear. Among them were Djärv and his men. The four didn't get very far, however, before a lieutenant called for them. The man introduced himself as the 2nd Infantry Battalion's adjutant, and Djärv greeted him with a salute.

The adjutant escorted Djärv and his group to a briefing room in one of the headquarter buildings. It was, however, almost empty, save for a single woman. She was in her mid-forties, beautiful, blonde and blue-eyed, a typical Swedish woman if you believed the stereotypes. Djärv and his men dropped their equipment along the one wall, and sat down as they were offered to.

"Do you know who I am?" The woman asked. Djärv shook his head without voicing a reply. She continued: "I am Elisabeth Häger, special representative of the Ministry of State, sent out by the King to lead the negotiations with the group known as the Neo-Caroleans. I have been given free hands to negotiate with the organization a lasting peace treaty before civil war tears our country apart. But..." She added with a frown, nodding for the adjutant to take over, which he did:

"The King recognizes that there are elements within the Neo-Caroleans that are not willing to negotiate - right-wing extremists or left-wing communist extremists likely. We do not know details about them, but we believe them to be the people behind the attacks carried out under the Neo-Carolean banner so far, and we fear they may try to assassinate Elisabeth to provoke civil war."

"A civil war would tear this country apart, and destroy everything that His Majesty has built since the end of the Galieran War." Elisabeth said. "I need bodyguards from SSD. Colonel Malthammar suggested you, Sergeant. He said you could be trusted. I want you to be responsible for my security during the SSD operation here in Älvdalen."

Djärv didn't reply immediately, but seeing that they were expecting him to, he finally said:
"I'm a soldier, ma'am. If these are my orders, I will see them fulfilled to the best of my abilities as is my duty."

"Excellent." Elisabeth said. "And thank you." Djärv didn't reply. Elisabeth added: "We have an initial meeting with the Neo-Carolean negotiator in an hour, at the local inn downtown, Svartbjörnen. I suggest you and your men prepare yourself. We will leave in thirty minutes."

"Understood, ma'am. Then if you'll excuse us." Djärv said and stood up. His men followed suit. Despite what he had said it still took them five minutes more to put on their gear. It included heavy ballistic armors under their camouflage jackets, followed by combat harnesses on top, followed by their weapons and finally their backpacks. After this, they left and moved through the regiment base towards the dining area. They were lucky enough to have arrived just in time for dinner to be served, and they had a quick one before it was time to return to pick up Mrs Häger.

Exactly an hour after their first meeting, they boarded an RG-32 armored jeep, escorted by two SISU APC's with escort soldiers and automatic cannons on the roof, and began to move out of the secured military base, moving towards central Älvdalen.

[Anastasia]

Stepping out of her bosses quarters of sorts, she noticed a group of four familiar faces going in. Immediately she knew and understood the immediate ramifications of the situation. This wasn't a drill, or some kind of joke, but rather a serious operation that could result in the destruction of their forces, or perhaps the ultimate realization of their demands.

Quickly moving through the camp toward a secluded area, Rikke set the file out before her. Opening it her eyes darted around the text, there were images attached. Exactly one hour from this moment Rikke and detail will be meeting the SSD and Ministry negotiator at the local inn, not far from her current location.

"Elisabeth Häger. Of all the bureaucrats in the Kingdom this is who they are going to send? She couldn't reach compromise with a paper bag..."

Dr. Elisabeth Häger had been made famous, or rather gained notoriety after the last great war. There was something of a mess of a hostage situation with the Galerians and Swedish civilians, of the 300 hostages, she negotiated for the successful release of 99, the lucky 99. The rest were killed immediately before Häger had the opportunity to beg for their freedom.

Beneath whatever information the Neo-Caroleans had to provide on Häger was written in small red letters: Should negotiations turn ugly and combat arises, Häger must be taken hostage or killed immediately.

Flipping through the next several pages of goals and demands, Rikke already had those internalized. The list of men selected as her own security detail were listed. They were to lead by Mikael Eldsjäl, this was somewhat expected. It was also to be his typical squad.

Kampinen
Sjöholm
Lindqvist.

Smiling softly at the list, it at least gave her some sense of assurance that she wasn't alone. A copy of their basic orders, which they were now receiving was enclosed. Reading them carefully she understood their role... though negotiations were a long and frustrating process, it was easy to make one angry... A portion of Rikke wasn't even entirely sure as to why she had been selected for such a task. Perhaps because she was the most collected, or most removed, Rikke had no way of knowing.

"Erki Kampinen" he was Finnish in part, and the two had worked together briefly before he was assigned to Eldsjäl's unit. His slight degree of foreignness made her feel less like a stranger, though he was quite serious all the time. It was something Rikke grew to appreciate.

The details of Häger's security was not available, it could have been anyone from the Swedish military who had been requisitioned by the SSD. Closing the file slowly, Rikke stood and returned to her quarters where she donned more civilian clothing in an attempt to appear civilized, less openly hostile. It was a simple conservative black dress, that descended below the knees, the thick straps covered most of her shoulders, it was a form fitting garment. Over which she selected a black blazer, which had the insignia of the Neo-Caroleans upon it. Sliding on small heels, the only ones she had managed to find. Looking toward what was her makeshift desk, a folder had been placed with the formalized list of demands, taking it she slipped into them a case with the personnel file as well.

Keeping the basic issue pistol attached to her garter, she moved quickly toward the boss' quarters where her four companions had exited.

"Be prepared to leave in less than a half [hour]. You have the meeting point yes. We go together. But we must make haste. Häger won't wait forever..."

Her voice was stern, yet somewhat soft, her Dansk accent slipping through on certain words.

[Raindrop]

Mikael and his men stepped to the changing room and geared up, each with dark blue security crew styled pants, proper working boots, black tanktops covered by a thin body armor, a wind tight dark blue jacket saying security on it and with the Neo Carolean insignia patched on their right shoulder, covered with a very light battle rig which covered more on their fronts and only had a the cross straps over their backs, it is made to hold two magazines of SMG class weapons, a pistol holster combined with a couple of magazine pockets. With glows and optional headgear of unprotective kind, (such as bandana or a dark blue security cap).

It was indeed a very appropiate look for negotiation guards and it would clearly mark the importance of Rikke and look well as represents of the Neo Carolean organization/rebels.
Dressed and ready in time Mikael took the lead escorting Rikke to the car in a formal formation around her. Mikael opened the first door passenger door and asked Rikke to get in which she did, whilst Kampinen walked around and sat down on Rikkes right side, Mikael of course sitting to her left. Lindqvist took the "shotgun" seat and Sjöholm took the driver seat.

"Is everyone set?" Sjöholm asked getting his comfirmed answer before starting the short drive to the local INN.

[Lox]

"Have you ever been to Älvdalen before, Sergeant?" Elisabeth Häger asked.

Djärv sat on the right side of the armored vehicle, a boot planted firmly on the dashboard, while next to him Micke Winton was driving, his eyes firmly locked on the dirt road and SISU ahead of them. Meanwhile, Djärv, wearing the headset connected to the Radio 180 planted between the two front seats, and his Ak5 between his legs, barrel downwards, was on high alert, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily as they rushed past the countryside. In the back seat, Elisabeth sat in the left seat, with a soldier in the right seat and a roof gunner standing on the platform in the central seat.

"Yes, ma'am." Djärv replied shortly.

"I can see we're going to have fun together." Häger sighed at his shortness. Djärv didn't reply. A sudden transmission on the radio made him frown, and he pressed the transmission button on the Internal Group Radio attached to his combat vest, and spoke into it: "Listen up! We're entering town, but local police just informed me there is a demonstration of some kind blocking our path. Nothing major, but they suggest we change course and take another route. Alpha Sierra Two, I need you to follow Route Two instead. Everybody stay on guard. I've got a bad feel..."

His words were interrupted suddenly by a violent detonation that shook every inch of metal throughout the armored jeep, and he felt the vehicle struggle to stay on all four. Meanwhile, he bore witness to the surrealistic sight of the SISU in front of them taking air and flying several meters up into the air before turning and crashing to the ground, smoking. It exploded once again upon landing. There could be no doubt - nobody had survived.

"IED! IED!" Yelled Djärv.

Gunfire erupted at that very moment, and at the almost same time, the roar from the autocannons on the military vehicles' roofs began to tear the silence apart. "Contact left!" Somebody shouted on the IGR. "Multiple attackers!"

"The road is blocked!" Winton growled. "We need to backtrack!"

In the rear, the Sisu's back doors opened, and heavily armed escort soldiers deployed, spreading out into combat formations along the roadside, returning fire against the attackers. While the attackers were few, and their automatic fire not very audible, when the escort soldiers fell into position they unleashed a massive barrage of automatic weapons fire that would have scared anybody but Tyr himself into a panicked retreat. It wasn't long before they began to take ground squad-wise, bringing the battle to the enemy.

In the back, meanwhile, one of the soldiers had thrown himself over Elisabeth, using himself as a shield to protect her from bullets should they somehow magically penetrate the impenetrable armor of the RG-32.

"Move around the Sisu!" Djärv said sharply to Winton. He pressed the gas pedal, and the engine roared to life as if to move. But before it could, a hissing sound was heard, and they could literally see a rocket-propelled projectile fired from an RPG-7, come flying towards the jeep. "Brace for impact!" Djärv shouted. Everybody inside braced.

Then the projectile hit them. The pain struck them as it felt like the jeep was picked up by a giant and mercilessly thrown sideways, tearing off a large chunk of the right front underside, including the tire. The jeep somehow, magically, managed to land on all four again, but the people inside were quiet. A heavy, ringing tinnitus echoed in all their ears from the explosion. A groan was heard from the roof, where the tail gunner was moving down to his seat with blood running from his arm and grenade shrapnel firmly lodged in it.

"Disembark and take up defensive positions!" Djärv swore, making the decision he didn't want to make. They had to stay and fight it out. "Häger, you stay in the car with the wounded soldier. He's got a CAT in his vest. Apply it and stem the bleeding as best you can."

Djärv, Winton and Johan Hannikainen all disembarked from the jeep and took up firing positions in the same direction where the escort soldiers were currently advancing. They couldn't fire, of course, in fear of hitting their colleagues. But if the enemy broke through or received reinforcements they'd be able to provide covering fire.

The battle panned out before that had happened, though. Gradually, the gunfire died out, and soon after, the escort soldiers came walking back, tired and some with stains of blood in their dark-camouflaged faces. Their leader, a captain, approached Djärv.

"What's the sitrep, Captain?" Djärv asked.

"Twelve enemy combatants." The Captain replied. "No uniforms, rusty Ak's and an RPG7. My guess is Neo-Caroleans, but that's for SSD Intelligence to decide. I see you guys took the hit from the RPG." He gave the RG32 a concerned glance. "How are you holding up? Is our WIP safe?" Djärv gritted his teeth and nodded.

"She's alive. One WIA, Corporal Peter Bauer. We need him evacuated, by heli if possible, ASAP. We also need to get the burnt SISU out of the way and the bodies taken care of."

"It's being arranged as we speak. A new RG-32 will be brought out as well as reinforcements. Orders from HQ for now is that we proceed to Svartbjörnen for the meeting - but no doubt this will be one of the issues to discuss at the meeting..."

"I understand, sir."

As the Captain had promised, reinforcements soon arrived in the form of three SISU's fully loaded with escort soldiers. They also brought with them a new RG32, as well as several towing vehicles that picked up the damaged jeep and the burnt out SISU. Within fifteen minutes, the newly reinforced escort unit could continue down the road into the city, towards the meeting. But the faces of the soldiers were grim and weary as they moved into Älvdalen. The first attacks by Neo-Carolean forces had been little more than vandalism and molotov cocktail attacks. This was different.

This was an act of open hostility towards the SSD.

As the convoy reached Svartbjörnen, the Sisus split up. Each Sisu positioned itself at one of the four street corners surrounding the building, and the soldiers inside assumed firing positions outwards, beginning to set up checkpoints and road blocks to cut off traffic. They were assisted by local police forces. Meanwhile, several of the escort soldiers, again reinforced by local SWAT teams, moved inside Svartbjörnen to secure the building before the arrival of the Neo-Carolean negotiators. While all this happened, Djärv, Häger and Djärv's squad stayed in cover in the RG-32.

Soon, snipers had been positioned in the top floor windows giving clear sight all around the building, and the Escort Captain, Elgh as his name was, stepped outside, informing them that the area was secured.

"Time to move inside, ma'am." Djärv said. "Disembark." He called out to his men.

The squad formed a diamond formation around Häger as they moved into the safety of the inn. It was built in classic mountain cabin style with brown wood style walls and classic adornments like a stuffed moose head planted on one of the walls. An inn keeper approached them accompanied by the SWAT commander, who took them to the dining area, a small but beautiful and cozy restaurant, where the negotiations would be held.

"Ma'am, I suggest you grab something to eat while you have the time." Djärv said. "Men, line up your backpacks along that wall. Boil some water in the kitchen and ready your rations. Security is being handled by the Escort platoon, so we've got some loose time until the Neo-Caroleans arrive. We'll use that time to eat and calm down from the firefight. Ma'am, do not stray from our presence." He added towards Elisabeth Häger. "If you need to go somewhere, let me know. Don't go anywhere without protection. We've all seen the dangers of this city once already today."

"Very well, Sergeant." Häger nodded.

[Adrian Faust]

Falköga had begun his mission now, some hours ago.
The team had scouted for traps, possible suprise attack locations.
But everything had seem fine, until recently!
Freja had gone missing and Oden was already at the scene of the mission waiting to guard.
Currently Falköga chased Freja, suspecting her to be the spy.

*Hmm... damn it, where did she go... we're supposed to meet up with Oden in nearly 1 and a half hour, she's got something up her sleeve, that's for sure!* Falköga thought as he picked up the pace.
Several minutes later, Falköga heard an explosion from nearby.
*If I didn't know any better it's her!* Falköga thought and quickly turned to run towards the action,

He finally found a good spot to aim from, looking for Freja.
It wasn't long before he had found her, seemed like she was looking for something as well, a spot to quickly shot Häger from? Falköga kept his sight on her, she finally took up her sniper-rifle and began aiming... Although it didn't seem like she was aiming towards Häger at all, she was looking for someone else. Suddenly blood stenched from her body, she had been shot by another sniper. Falköga scoped some more to find her killer.
"Oden!" Falköga spoke quitely to himself.
*He's aiming for Häger, she must've been on to him!* Falköga thought and stabilized his arms, not even a second after Falköga took the shot and brought Oden down with a bullet through the heart.

All seemed chaotic in town, but the Swedish Military seemed to steer it up pretty good.
*This was going to be pretty hard to explain at the negotiations aswell, how should we explain this, some Neo-Caroleans didn't want a negotiation so they plotted up against us? Anyway, we are an extremistic rebel force, things like this are inevitable among us.* Falköga thought as he began shooting down some of the Neo's which were still in combat.

Falköga litted a cigarette and withdrew the scene as things were cleared.
*Protecting solo at the negotiation point then...* He thought and began moving.

[Anastasia]

The car drove at what felt like a glacial pace. Yes, by all means move this slowly, Rikke reminded her. One mustn't simply rush into negotiations, that would be a rather poor show on her part. Though at the same time, the group would have to learn not to keep the others waiting. It was a balancing act indeed. They should neither arrive late, nor early, but merely on time or as close to this as possible.

As the car continued to move, distinct and familiar sounds were heard. The sound of explosions, the all too unfriendly yet slight rocking of the earth. A thick black smoke could be seen rising slowly into the air, wafting to and fro deeper into the skies. There was no real wind that day, the smoke and smell would sit stagnant on the scene. A rather unfortunate part of their duty, Rikke surmised. Gunfire followed the explosions and if you listened hard enough, you might even be able to hear soft screaming from this distance.

"It's an ambush."

Rikke spoke softly, crossing her legs, rather unphased by most of what was going on around her. Looking to the men on either side of her, she smiled. A little cruel, perhaps cold. The question that remained was who were the combatants? Neo-Caroleans... no that wouldn't make sense. They had been brought in to negotiate, violence was the last resort. They couldn't have gotten that far before the whole mess even started. Yet there they were. Perhaps it was the SSD.

"Proceed as planned. Nothing should stand in our way... even the SSD. Our mission is paramount."

Glancing around the car once more, it continued to move though this time quicker, as they drew closer to town and most of the madness had seemed to pass, the result was clear. There was an intensely heightened SSD presence. They were crawling everywhere, and remnants of bodies were being cleared. What really had happened here.

By the time they eventually did arrive at the rendezvous point, it was just a few minutes shy of the meeting. Allowing the men to exit the vehicle and move into position, Rikke followed slowly cautiously her eyes darting around. She was still alive. Moving quickly to the inn and inside, her guard around her. Rikke smiled and bowed her head to the inn owner, who had been kind of enough to let them use this place.

"Our sincerest thanks and condolences for today's losses."

Speak softly and never back down. Looking about her, it was a scene of madness and chaos, the dust not yet settled.

[Lox]

The four soldiers that made up Elisabeth Häger's personal security detail sat by one of the dining tables in full combat gear, and with their assault rifles on the floor between their legs, eating from green plastic ration containers. The food was so-so, but they were hungry and hunger was the best spice. Miss Häger was luckily served something considerably tastier by one of the chefs. As they finished up, Djärv stood up, and said: "I know all of you are shaken by the firefight earlier. But we'll make do. Keep your eyes peeled." The soldiers nodded. A voice cut through in Djärv's IGR.

"This is Captain Elgh. The Neo-Carolean negotiator has arrived. I'm sending her inside now. She's got four bodyguards with her."

"Wilco." Djärv replied. He tossed the ration bag in a waste basket, picked up his assault rifle and placed the shoulder strap over his neck. "Time to get back to work. The Neo-Caroleans have arrived. Miss Häger, stay here. Johan will stay with you. There are SWAT officers everywhere. If there's a firefight, you'll be perfectly protected. You two, follow me." With that, he walked out into the lobby. Like the others he had a fresh layer of camouflage paint in his face, complete with an M90 camouflage uniform and his combat harness. He looked more like he had just walked out of a battlefield in Swedish Pomerania than as a bodyguard.

"That's far enough." He said when he saw the Neo-Caroleans enter, raising his hand to stop them. He noticed he had some blood on his left uniform sleeve, probably from Bauer's wounded shoulder, but decided to ignore it. The female that he assumed was the group's negotiator, began to offer her apologies for the attack that she had no doubt seen or heard during her ride into town. He cut her off:

"There is no need for that. Your personal security detail have been authorized to carry their weapons into the negotiations for the sake of mutual trust. However, neither you nor the King's negotiator are allowed to carry weapons during negotiations. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to submit to a quick search to ensure this. Local police have already searched Elisabeth Häger, the King's appointed representative - however, if your PSD feels it is necessary to search her as well, you will be allowed to do so." He nodded to one of his men, who removed his assault rifle, placed it on the ground between Winton and Djärv, and approached to carry out the search to make sure that Rikke was unarmed. After a quick search he nodded to Djärv, returned and retrieved his weapon.

"I am also required to inform you that during the negotiations, you and your PSD will not be allowed to leave the room, save under escort for restroom visits. This is for your safety as much as for ours. Now, please follow me." The three soldiers led the way into the dining area, where the two soldiers under Djärv's command, and Häger's bodyguard, spread out and took positions along the walls, near windows but not in fact in front of them. Elisabeth Häger stood up when the Neo-Caroleans approached. While Rikke wore a suit for the meeting, Häger almost felt guilty in wearing durable jeans, boots, a pink top and a safari vest. But while for Rikke this was home, to Häger, it could just as well have been downtown Kabul, and a suit was not suitable clothes for such a visit.

"Good day. You must be Miss Christianssen." Elisabeth greeted Rikke. "I'm Elisabeth Häger of the Swedish State Department. Pleased to meet you. I apologize for Sergeant Djärv's strictness. We were caught in an ambush on the way over - something you and I will have to discuss further as soon as we get the negotiations going - and we are all still on edge. Hence, as you may have noticed, the heightened security." She made a gesture to sit, and asked: "Shall we...? Would you like something to eat or drink?"

Djärv positioned himself standing in ready-position with the rifle across his chest, at the end of the table, where he had a perfect line of sight both to Rikke, and most of her PSD. He didn't expect the Neo-Caroleans to start a fight - they had nothing to gain from that, especially when surrounded by police and military - but he wasn't going to lower his guard just because of that.

"Now..." Elisabeth began when they were finally seated. She had a glass of Sprite in front of her. "Perhaps you can tell me what the bloody hell is going on?" Her voice was calm and composed despite the question. "On our way over, we were attacked by Neo-Caroleans in an ambush. Now, either you have been sold out by your organization knowingly or unknowingly, or you have some cleaning to do in your own house. Which is it? Why did the Neo-Caroleans ambush our convoy on our way to these negotiations?"

[Raindrop]

Eldsjäl, Kampinen, Sjöholm and Lindqvist made their way inside, silent and relaxed with arms resting upon their SMGs. Greeted with a strict Swedish Soldier who searched Rikke for guns explained himself as any soldier would and his words made sense. Mutual trust, well that was sure as hell something Mikael would take advantage over, to them Rikkes safety was top priority.
As the negotiations started Eldsjäl took position at the same wall as The Swedish Soldiers had, Kampinen and Lindqvist stood by the entrence of the room guarding it properly whilst Sjöholm made his way towards the other wall leaning rather lazy towards the wall.

Eldsjäl was stood nearby a window and slide it open slightly as he picked up his pack of smokes and litted one, he was most sertain that this place wasn't going to turn ugly.
"Hey, care for one?" Mikael asked the Swedish soldiers, with a his voice low and discrete as possible whilst reaching out his package of cigarettes, Even if Mikael disliked uptight soldiers he would not blame the Soldiers if declining the offer concerning their situation from earlier it was understandable. But upstraight stonefaces bothered him, too much rules as Häger seemed to belive in outruled chaotic elements as general uproar or just dumb supporters of the Neo Caroleans who knows too little to act right. Either way, nothing is perfect and though Neo Caroleans might seem to falter today, it is yet a rather young organization and compared to a countrys amount of power they were just fine.

Awaiting a gesture of a yes or no Mikael quickly checked around the room once more before returning his gaze back at the soldiers. Mikael was all about being polite, even if the VIPs view of him could be lowered he cared little for their thoughts.

[Anastasia]

Rikke was speaking with the owner of the inn when she immediately found herself cut off by a member of the SSD, he was a standard issue military man, a sergeant at that. Well, he was rather direct, though Rikke was careful to maintain her own attitude, though not without her flaws.

"The apology, soldier, was directed to the locals, who above all must suffer for our battle."

Rikke's tone was cordial and almost sweet, she nodded lightly being informed of the rules, that she was not to carry a weapon into the negotiations, they she must be searched. This was all standard and to be expected. Though they were far outnumbered and it all appeared a little hostile. But wasn't this how it always was? Rikke thought as much.

The phrase for your safety as much as ours was rather laughable. They were suspicious, and above all they were afraid of what could happen should a few Neo-Caroleans be left to their devices, unattended for just a few moments and the whole building could erupt into flame. Turning to her four guardians she nodded and smiled at them, her hand reaching out in a pleasant, friendly manner she waved them on and consented to all as she entered the room.

Catching sight of one Elisabeth Häger, Rikke was slightly puzzled. She wasn't at all imposing, but rather amusing looking. Yes, she was pretty, though her presentation was off. Her clothing was rather oddly chosen and it appeared as though the negotiator had absolutely no idea what she was walking into. The ambush must have ruffled her feathers. Though again, it made sense to her. This was, after all now a battlefield, though until the SSD had arrived it was no such thing. A suit was perhaps not practical, but it was a matter of presentation. She did not wish to appear to be a savage, or guerilla but merely a person. One who had the highest intentions of accomplishing her goal. Despite her appearance, Rikke was more than capable of defending herself, or leading an offensive. Rikke had the advantage, this was her backyard, her home. Here she reigned supreme, the Neo-Caroleans had dominated, though it seemed now in danger.

"Good day, Ms. Häger, a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance after all this time. As for your Sergeant, he isn't much to blame. Only following orders."

Rikke found herself taking a moment to stare at Djärv, there had to be something more beneath the mask he seemed to be parading himself around in. Many of their members had once been soldiers, though apparently the ideology is infalliable to some. This was something to be left for later. As Elisabeth motioned to the seat, Rikke smiled, adjusting her dress accordingly as she moved to take the seat.

"I'd request some water, if you don't mind."

Rikke smiled softly as there was a single man in the room, dressed in plain clothes who moved quickly to get it for her. Bowing her head lightly as a show of thanks, she returned her attention to the negotiator who began without fail on the question of the hour. A question that Rikke hadn't the answer too, though this was all well and good. She needn't reveal too much, if any of their hand.

"Ah. I suspected you'd ask that question above all else. What makes you so sure it is Neo-Caroleans? Simply because we disagree fundamentally on the actions of the regime? What do you know of us, Ms. Häger? What I mean to say is, what do you really know of us?"

Raising the glass to her lips she sipped slowly from the water and set it down again, her hands folded quickly against the cool surface of the table. Crossing her legs Rikke took a deep breath and stared back at the woman who was desperate for answers and for something of a victory from this mess.

"Think of our tactics. Rather, I bid you think of what we began us. Small, riotous groups with nothing but a handful of pistols and perhaps a molotov cocktail or two. Then we re grouped. That is what you see before you now. Or it is what you think you see. Our intentions are clear. Diplomatic solution, unyielding solution. If all else fails that is when action of a more physical nature is needed. Think of your demographic. The people of this town are not keen on military forces. I know nothing of this afternoon's attack. Take this, or leave it. Just remember, those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Does that sufficiently answer your question, Ms. Häger?"

Rikke smiled calmly and leaned forward further to the table, awaiting a responses. Ever the while her eyes darting to her own protection team and the foremost Swedish officer in the room.

[Lox]

"If what you are saying is true..." Elisabeth slowly said. "...then you are suggesting that there is a foreign military force on Swedish imperial soil. The thought is proposterous." She scoffed at Rikke, but then closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and opened them again. "I apologize for my outburst. I will let this matter rest for now. Rest assured that I will return to it once initial intelligence reports have been forwarded to me in regard to the event. Should military intelligence find that Neo-Caroleans were behind the attack..." She sipped her soda, andadded: "I don't think I need to explain the implications of such a scenario to you, Ms Christianssen." Unexpectedly, Häger turned to Sergeant Djärv, and added: "What do you think, Sergeant? Were those Neo-Caroleans you saw out there?"

Djärv's eyes narrowed as he was taken somewhat by surprise, though his face remained emotionless behind the mask of green and black camouflage paint.

"I am not in a position to verify or deny that the Neo-Carolean organization was behind the attacks, ma'am." Seeing that Häger expected a better answer out of him, he added with a disliking frown: "However, from what little I know of the Neo-Caroleans, this is contrary to their usual methods and to their goals of preferable diplomatic solution to this crisis. It serves no purpose other than the obvious - to worsen relations between SSD and them. Even your death, ma'am, would have been no victory for the Neo-Caroleans."

"Thank you, Sergeant." Häger nodded, satisfied. She turned back to Rikke, and continued: "As I said, I will await our intelligence reports on the attack before pressing the matter further. So for now I suggest that we move on. I want to ask you, for the record and for clarification..." Ms Häger removed the reading glasses she had worn to look Rikke in the eyes as she asked: "What does your organization want? I assume there are demands to be presented today by your superiors."

Over by the window, the leader of the Neo-Carolean PSD offered Micke Winton a cigarette. Winton shook his head, offering the slightest of smiles as not to offend.

"Not while working." He replied. He knew that Sergeant Djärv expected him and his fellow soldiers all to be alert and focused on the job while they were working. Smoking tended to distract from guard duty. Instead, he popped a chewing gum into his mouth, and took a quick glance out the window. The streets were still locked down by police officers in SWAT gear and heavily armed escort soldiers in M90 camouflage uniforms.

"How does things look outside?" Djärv's voice cut through on the IGR, despite there only being about twenty meters between them. Winton pressed the transmission button on his radio and replied:

"The Police and Escort platoon has everything locked down tight. Police helicopters are surveilling the town from the air. Everything looks quiet."

"Good. Keep your eyes peeled." Djärv muttered over by the table. He remained standing at the foot of it with his assault rifle on his chest, and seemingly no plans to sit down. Instead he brought out his canteen and took a gulp of water. After that, he brought out a piece of beef jerky from his combat harness and popped it into his mouth, chewing it slowly and unnoticeably to stem a bit of hunger.

[Anastasia]

Rikke's smile slowly faded and her head sank for a few moments in thought as the negotiator spoke to her. She found Häger's tone to be more than irritating. The way her inflection rose and fell was annoying at best and deafening at worst. Rikke could only hope that the Neo-Caroleans were not responsible for what happened this afternoon. They would be signing their own death warrants if they were. Rikke all together dismissed the idea that she was being used and this was merely a distraction. Though she supposed it was within the realm of possibility.

"Ms. Häger, please. We are full well aware of the ramifications of this morning's events should it not turn out in our favor. We are not children, we are not fools. If you think for moment that I don't understand that all of your men are prepared to kill or arrest me should that report turn out negative, you are sadly mistaken. Please afford me the same respect with which we are presenting to you."

It did take her rather by surprise when Elisabeth brought the lead officer into the conversation. Rikke turned once more and watched Djärv, despite his appearance it was easy to read that he was made uncomfortable by the question. Perhaps because he hating guessing at things, he needed facts. Perhaps he felt somewhere inside the smallest twinge of sympathy of the Neo-Caroleans. Regardless, he gave a standard answer, which was a clever way of saying he had no idea. The smile returned to her face.

"There you have it. Your own forces are conflicted on the matter. Today's events do not fit our standard profile. We only stand to lose from such a crisis. Thank you, Sergeant for those words of wisdom and perspective. Though, allow me for a moment to pose a thought. Isn't it rather annoying when things don't fit standard profiles. It's like a puzzle where not all the pieces fit together exactly how you'd want them to. That is very much our situation, and yours as well. The gravity of these events is not lost on us."

Rikke was beginning to get nervous, though she never let it show. She appeared as a blank slate, save for her smile she registered no emotion. Her voice remained even, enunciating certain words, some on purpose as she desperately tried to cover her Danish accent. Some simply irritating and emphasize certain points she had made.

Now was the moment where Elisabeth had brought up demands. This was not new to the government. In fact, it was rather old, though this of course was a formality. Removing from the case she brought with her a clean new folder, Rikke placed it on the table carefully. It was fairly thick, though not overly so, inside where the demands in full detail.

"The biggest points are first, namely a complete stop to Swedish expansionist policy and a focus on Swedish defenses, as it appears war is brew. An end to corruption and brutality. Do not misunderstand me, we too are His Majesty's humble subjects, who wish nothing more than a return to peace and fairness under his Majesty's guidance. The rest are also contained within this folder. We may discuss them as you wish."

Carefully turning the folder against the table, Rikke slid it delicately across the surface and to Elisabeth Häger. Nodding softly, she removed her hands and satisfied herself with a small drink from the water glass by her side. Rikke was curious as to how her own men were doing, surely they must feel the gravity as well. They are outnumbered. They are alone.

[Raindrop]

Mikael had taken the soldiers turn down on his offer well as he did greet him as if he was just another Swedish guy... That is how Eldsjäl felt on this matter really, Swedish citizens discussing, not fighting and why not act as such. The later turn of events concerning the negotation where Rikke spoke highly about Sweden and the Neo Caroleans in the same sentence made Eldsjäls backbone go straight as a proud as can be.

The matter of how outnumbered Eldsjäl, Kampinen, Lindqvist, Sjöholm and Rikke was had little worry to Mikael, though all the more reason to stay alert, but for as long as these two where going to talk there was no guns preparing to fire and it would be almost surreal to get put into an ambush at this time and point. The King appearantly wanted to negotiate too and Swedes shooting Swedes is, nearly out of Eldsjäls mind. Though Mikael smoked he did his best to a keep a calm attitude, it would hopefully take down the tension in the room which felt like large nails when thinking about it.
The last thing Mikael and the others wanted in an outnumbered situation was to have someone getting nervous. Security did more by showing that they know what they were doing rather then to act up constantly. Fine, Mikael had shown little of his more working side so far in the negotiation but surely was his team aware that he was just trying to a create a better social enviorment where people could relax.

A figuring sigh as he threw the last of his cigarette out the window, of course making sure no one was below. A deep breath and eyes on the game, slowly observing the Swedish Soldiers, one by one.

[Lox]

"The biggest points are first, namely a complete stop to Swedish expansionist policy and a focus on Swedish defenses, as it appears war is brew. An end to corruption and brutality. Do not misunderstand me, we too are His Majesty's humble subjects, who wish nothing more than a return to peace and fairness under his Majesty's guidance. The rest are also contained within this folder. We may discuss them as you wish."

Elisabeth nodded, slowly, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
"The King has already made decisions in regard to the particular matter of expansionism. Sweden has already halted any plans for future expansion - for now. We are currently engaged in safeguarding and reinforcing the borders of Swedish territories in Europe, mainly Swedish Pomerania. We will not abandon these territories, even should that be a demand from the Neo-Caroleans. Additionally, Swedish expansion policy is halted only in regard to military expansion.

There are many small nations in Northern Europe that are currently interested in becoming part of the Swedish Empire, for the benefit of being under its protection. They will be allowed to become such. Also, as you mentioned yourself, war is brewing with Galiera. This is one point that His Majesty will not budge on. Should Galiera execute acts of war against the Swedish Empire...then, Sweden will meet the aggressors head on - and we will conquer and occupy Galiera, and force the country into submission under the might of the Swedish Empire." Elisabeth took off the reading glasses she had used for a few moments, and looked Rikke in the eyes.

"Make no mistake about it, Miss Christianssen. This will happen, if not sooner then later. And it is His Majesty's wish that the Neo-Caroleans stand with the Swedish Armies when it does." She frowned, and added: "And in regard to brutality and corruption, the King is aware that this is a problem. He is actively pursuing attempts to root out corruption in his midst. And he does not allow for brutality against his people - that is the promise upon which he ascended the throne, after all. But war is brutal, and always will be. Even the King, appointed by God as he is, cannot change that fact."

Elisabeth opened the folder that Rikke had given her, and eyed through it. Nothing in the contents was too spectacular. It was all related in one way or another to Sweden's imperialistic politics. These politics, however, as Elisabeth had made clear, would not end except for expansion by force of military might. She closed the folder again.

"I will read this folder, and return with the King's opinion on them. Now, to His Majesty's demands of the Neo-Caroleans. Naturally, if an agreement is met, His Majesty expects the Neo-Caroleans to lay down arms. Should they choose not to, they will instead take up those arms as part of the Swedish Armies. Several new regiments will be formed, made up by Neo-Carolean forces. Additionally, all Neo-Caroleans must swear allegience to His Majesty.

Lastly, should there be parts of the Neo-Carolean movement that refuses to lay down arms, SSD will deal with them - and harshly so. I will not mince words with you, Miss Christianssen. They will be culled by force of military might. In such an event, the remainder of the Neo-Carolean movement must not intervene, or they too will be treated as insurgents. Understand that His Majesty is acknowledging and meeting the Neo-Caroleans halfway because he still considers all of you his people and subjects. And he is loving of his people. But he will go only so far to search for a peaceful solution to the unrest."

[Anastasia]

Rikke's hands moved from the surface the table and rested in her lap underneath it. Her fingers interlocking with one another and releasing, pulling and fidgeting. In all reality she was endlessly frustrated with what she was wearing, though she didn't expect much from this and her suspicions had been confirmed.

"Ms. Häger, if what you tell me is true, then the situation is far worse then we feared. If his Majesty is truly unaware of the goings on within his own government then I'd like to ask why things are being hid from his view. In addition to this, I would like to point out that Sweden can barely defend itself, let alone a series of small nations who long to be part of the Empire. What exists in the world is fear of the Galierian state. We cannot protect everyone, the defense of Sweden and Swedish citizens is our first priority."

Rikke sat back in the chair for a moments, bringing her hands back to the table she took a deep breath and rose from the seat standing before Elisabeth she would speak once more.

"And as for God, Miss Häger. His Majesty is not appointed by God, nor is he answerable to God. His Majesty is a servant of the people and answerable to the people, to his people. It is the people who installed him and it is the people who can and will remove him if he fails to open his eyes. Swear allegiance? Once again you insult us. We love his Majesty. We operate in his name. We are perhaps his most loyal subjects." Smiling softly Rikke turned and looked at her own men, nodding to them, a signal that they were done here. Rikke had something of a plan, though it could lead to their deaths, she would make this work, somehow.

"We request time to consider your offer. We will stay within the premises and as per your rules we will gladly take Swedish escort. Though we have one request on that front. Sergeant Djärv, is it? If you're going to treat us like prisoners while we're here, at least afford us this. The Sergeant will be our guard. He may sit in while we deliberate, so you can rest assured we are not planning anything. Do you consent?"

Rikke did indeed need to discuss her options or rather lack of options with her fellow Neo-Caroleans, but she needed to understand the entire situation. This is where Djärv would come in handy, and perhaps if she tried hard enough, she could convince him to help them. At least to get them out of this place. She had to admit to herself that the plan was not fully formed, but this was going to get nowhere fast. Häger was not prepared to budge on anything... and they had war on their doorstep, they still needed definitive results on this morning's attacks.

[Lox]

Häger's eyes narrowed and she stood up.
"There seems to be some misunderstandings here, Miss Christianssen, so let me clear them up for you. Firstly, I told you that His Majesty is taking steps to eradicate corruption in his midst as we speak. If you do not understand the insidious nature of corruption, and His Majesty's difficult position in eradicating it, then you are not fit to conduct these negotiations. Secondly, are you aware that the Swedish Empire has one of Europe's two largest armies currently, rivalled only by Galiera. Three point five million soldiers are currently deployed in the European-Swedish border nations, and another five hundred thousand soldiers are currently stationed in Sweden, ready for deployment. And that is just counting the Army, and neither the Navy nor Air Force. Furthermore, our strength can only be increased by absorbation of other European nations."

"Thirdly..." Häger reiterated. "His Majesty is as well a servant of God as he is of the people. And the people has spoken in loyalty to His Majesty. In fact, you who proclaim to be his most loyal subjects are the only people willing to take up arms against him rather than his and our enemies." She gritted her teeth in suppressed anger. "If you truly love His Majesty, then it is time for you to prove it with actions, not words. Until then, you're just a ragtag band of terr..."

"Ma'am!" Djärv's voice was sharp when he interrupted her in the middle of throwing an insult, a frown on his face. She stared at him in surprise. He said: "I just got a message on the IGR. Somebody requested our presence in an adjacent room. Only you and myself." He added. Häger nodded slowly, and shot Christianssen a glare.

"One last thing. You seem to have misunderstood us, Miss Christianssen. You are not prisoners here. You are free to leave at any time. However, while moving inside this building, I ask that you allow an escort to accompany you. Furthermore, I ask that you wait here until our return. It should not take many minutes. I will address your request when we return. Now, if you'll excuse me."

Djärv gave the Neo-Carolean negotiator a quick and neutral side-glance before following Häger out of the room. They walked through a couple of corridors until they reached a hotel room door, where they found two soldiers in M90 uniforms waiting. Djärv frowned when he noticed the non-saying shoulder patch on their uniforms. It was the patch of Livdrabanterna, the King's personal Life Guard. One of the two men opened the door, and Häger and Djärv stepped inside.

That was when they faced His Majesty, Karl Försvararen himself.

Djärv fell on one knee, lowering his head, as custom required.
"Your Majesty." He muttered. "I apologize for our rude entrance."

The forty-six year old regent chuckled.
"There is no need, Sergeant. Stand up. You had no way of knowing. My presence here is temporary at best, and will remain a secret. I shall be brief. I came only to get a quick report on how the negotiations are going, as it was on my way to the southern regions from my summer castle. Miss Häger, if you will, give me a report." Elisabeth Häger nodded. She did just that, informing His Majesty of just how things were going. He listened with a quiet frown on his forehead, nodding occasionally, but otherwise remaining silent. When she had finished, he finally spoke up.

"You are doing good work, Miss Häger. However, I get the feeling that somebody more down to earth might be needed as main negotiator. I suspected this could end up being the case. After all, we do not want to lure the Neo-Caroleans into joining us. We want them to genuinely do so." His eyes refocused on Djärv, and he said: "Sergeant, do you know Captain Haraldsson here?" Djärv looked at the Livdrabant the King gestured towards, frowning. The Captain offered a greeting and a smile that Djärv returned with a silent nod.

"Good to see you again, Sergeant. As stiff on discipline as always, I see." The Captain chuckled. After a moment Djärv shook his head.

"I'm afraid I can not remember meeting the Captain before, Your Majesty. My apologies to both of you."

"Well, Captain Haraldsson remembers you, clearly." The King chuckled. "It seems you saved his life once during combat operations in Swedish Pomerania. He recommended you when I asked for names. This is also why you were first chosen to serve as Miss Häger's bodyguard during the negotiations."

"Names, Your Majesty?" Djärv frowned. The King nodded slowly.

"Sergeant Djärv, this may come as a shock to you - but I want you to take up Miss Häger's position as head negotiator." Häger grasped for air, and Djärv remained silent. "Now, Miss Häger will remain as your advisor on these matters, but I have full faith in your solving the situation to everybody's satisfaction, as you are fully aware of the situation at the front. Together, I'm sure the two of you will be able to accomplish lasting peace here in the Dales."

"...yes, Your Majesty." Djärv managed to say in his quiet shock.

The King threw a glance at his wristwatch, a simple grey metal clock.
"Now, I must apologize, but I have to continue on my journey. I will need to be in Swedish Pomerania within five hours to hold a speech for the Swedish soldiers, let them know that their vigilance is ever appreciated. God Bless both of you - and know that you are doing a great thing for your country. Now, if you'll excuse me."

"Of course, Your Majesty." Miss Häger said. She and Sergeant Djärv quickly withdrew from the room and began to return to the negotiation hall. "This was unexpected, but I have faith in His Majesty's decisions." Miss Häger said. "If he trusts you, then so do I, sergeant." Djärv remained silent, his teeth clenched. When he realized it he relaxed his jaw, and muttered:

"If these are my orders, I will obey them, ma'am." He wasn't pleased. He was no politician, and no negotiator. He was a soldier.

They re-entered the room. Miss Häger took the lead right away.
"Miss Christianssen. I will allow Sergeant Djärv to accompany you while you are moving about in this building. It might also interest you to know that His Majesty has, via video mail, requested that Sergeant Djärv take a more active role in these negotiations, no doubt an unwanted role for the Sergeant." She added with a slight smirk and side-glance at the emotionless Djärv, who had regained his composure.

"In other words, from now on, his word will weigh as heavily as mine in the negotiations to come. That is all. I will return to the base to think of the matters we have gone through today. Sergeant Djärv will remain with you for now, but he will only accompany you while inside this building, and no negotiations per se will take place unless both me and Sergeant Djärv are present."

[Raindrop]

Rounded up Mikael and his men stepped up by Rikke in formation, "So, what is your plan sweetheart?" Lindqvist asked having Mikael replying his statement with an gentle elebow as a warning, "I mean, miss Christianssen." Lindqvist added as they carried on, Mikael slightly ahead of Rikke just to her right the others really relaxingly carrying, "Lindqvist is right, do you got anything?" Mikael asked with a low tone, continued to observe around them.

Mikael took out his cigarette package again, "Anyone?" he asked, with only Lindqvist taking one amongst his men, "How about you Rikke?". Mikael was unadmittadly nervous about all of this, but except for seeming to be more on a day off from work Mikael expressed nothing of the sort that involed insecureness. Infact the opposite, too relaxed perhaps.

[Anastasia]

The tirade began, a rapid succession of replies to what she had stated so cleanly. Häger definitely had a temper and was quite definitively protective of her job and of the Swedish throne. Rikke sat there and took it all, even to the last bit, where she was nearly called a terrorist. What a word, Rikke though to herself. The smile never left her face, in stead of angering outwardly, she simply bowed her head, nodding as a form of acknowledgement for each and every point she had made.

Djärv had cut her off, because of a message, but it also saved her from saying something she could never actually take back. It would have been a disastrous move. The tension in the room was quick to mount. As Djärv and Häger left, Rikke turned around and smiled quietly as her group of men stood by her in formation. Lindqvist was the first to speak, as always. He called her Sweetheart, she wasn't sure if that was just his term of endearment or simply an expression that he was doubtful of her ability to get through the situation.

Rikke extended a hand and rested it on Lindqvist's cheek for a moment, tilting her head to the side she spoke quietly, no one but those around her were intended to hear.

"Well, darling, I do have a plan. Djärv is a military man, but he isn't infallible. I want to isolate him and try and crack him a bit. We already expected that the negotiator from his Majesty wouldn't budge on anything. I don't know who is responsible for this morning's attacks, but it isn't us. However until the SSD gets definitive word it wasn't, they're all blaming us. This puts us in a bad spot. In her anger, Häger was quick to point out her true feelings, she thinks we're nothing but a group of wild terrorists."

Rikke looked on as Mikael offered her a cigarette but she waved her hand negatively. While in reality, she'd love nothing more, now was not the time. Though god she had wished it was.

"I have to be nice to her. I need her to learn to trust me and through that she can hopefully begin to understand us. I don't know who they're talking to, but we haven't much time. I hope you have a means of escape planned... in case the results are... well, disastrous... I will do my best. I need your support and I need your faith. Don't piss off the SSD... they hate us enough."

Looking at the group of four she bowed her head politely and smiled once again, this time quite bright, showing her teeth for a single moment before it faded as the doors opened and the negotiator and team entered the room once more. Taking her seat at the table once more, she simply listened and nodded as Häger spoke. What she had to say was quite surprising. It was possible that someone wasn't exactly content with her negotiations so far, or she simply admitted that she needed help. Regardless this was a surprising turn of events.

"Ms. Häger before you leave for the moment. I'd like to say one last thing. I apologize for this morning and assure you we are not responsible. The losses of civilian, neo-carolean and military officer alike are felt across the board. I also apologize for offending you. I admit, I may have lost my patience a bit and have been rather rude. This was not my intention. Tensions are running high between our two groups and the world around us. It is easy to lose sight of the goal on occasion. I ultimately wish to thank you for your patience and grace. You have given us much to consider this far, and on behalf of the Neo-Caroleans, we look forward to continuing these negotiations. You have our gratitude."

Rikke smiled once more and bowed her head politely, turning her attention back toward Djärv who was rather unsettled by this sudden turn of events. Sitting there quietly she waited as Ms. Häger would soon be leaving, from there she and her group could gather their own intelligence.

[Lox]

Elisabeth Häger, unexpectedly, smiled at the admission of Miss Christianssen. She offered her hand.
"I apologize as well, Miss Christianssen. If it were not for the Sergeant I might have, in the moment of anger, said something I would later regret. Emotions are abundant when the future of our Kingdom is at stake, but we must not forget that we are still all Swedes and loyal subjects of His Majesty. I hope that we can make better progress tomorrow. And in regard to the attack this morning - you have me convinced. But convincing Military Intelligence is another matter." She picked up her coat and put it on.

"This is Alpha Sierra." Djärv muttered in his headset. "Can I get an escort for Miss Häger for her return to the camp? Thank you."

"With that I bid you all farewell for today." Miss Häger said. "I shall look forward to continuing where we left off tomorrow." She gave a short nod and quick smile to Djärv, before leaving, escorted to the door by SWAT officers, and from there taken over by escort soldiers who quickly hurried her into an RG-32. Djärv and his squad were the only ones left at Svartbjörnen, aside from the police, after that. Contrary to what would no doubt be expected of a negotiator, he didn't sit down, but remained standing at the end of the table, as always quiet and professional, inviting not a conversation by means of a friendly exterior.

[Adrian Faust]

Falköga got to feel calm and at ease now that they were done for the time being, he had done his scouting and felt that a report about what he had been through on the way had to be left to Rikke.
As usual he was masked, he had his sniper rifle on his back and began walking to where Rikke was at.
The report had been put into a folder and ready to be delivered in person.

Falköga met Miss Häger and her escort on their way out as he entered walking up to Rikke.
"Rikke, here's a report from my mission, don't really know if you were aware of me being involved since my mission was to be hidden, scout and take down any threats. Since the earlier event I decided to change my goal and inform you immediately... since it's fatal if they have the same information as the facts I'm currently holding in my hands, read it through properly and think about wether you'll be open about it or not and if, then how you should explain it... The Neo Caroleans is counting on you... that's all for now... I'm Falköga and I'll go off duty for a couple of hours now ma'm!." Falköga told Rikke and held the folder before her so she could take it.

Falköga would at the same time glance over at Mikael...
"Hi there Eldsjäl..." Falköga greeted calm and polite.

[Anastasia]

Rikke smiled brightly and nodded her head affirmatively as Elisabeth Häger spoke. Responding softly she simply said "And I look forward to it." The negotiations had just begun and the game had changed, though the element of knowledge was out of her hands... this was endlessly frustrating. She wanting nothing more then to know what happened that morning.

Turning her attention toward Djärv as someone else moved in, she let out a soft giggle, a laugh as the tension in the room had broken slightly since the negotiator left. Falköga had entered, turning her head she recognized him as a Neo-Carolean, snapping back toward the SSD man she spoke again with conviction.

"I'm not done with you yet."

Rikke looked at the folder Falköga carried and listened to him as he was speaking. His mission? What mission? Ah yes of course, the additional security, but not necessarily for her. Now it was all beginning to come together, though she prayed this was the extent of it and that it hadn't been anything more. Taking the folder from his hands she flipped through it, her eyes widening as she read the report.

"Dear god... Very well. Falköga, is it? Make sure a copy this report gets back to command. I can't sit on this. If we don't say anything there won't be a point to continuing, they won't let us... Eldsjäl, take a look at this... And Falköga, stay in the area, keep on your assignment..."

Traitors from within, Neo-Caroleans who attempted to murder the King's negotiator... this was bad... this turned the signs against them. It said that if two had gone awry, then this morning's attacks were not beyond them... that perhaps we were falling apart. She would have to discuss this was the SSD agent.

"Djärv, there is a matter of immediate importance on which we must speak, privately."

She needed her own men to look over the report, and keep the situation under control. Honesty was there only hope, if they were upfront about what they knew, it was perhaps one of the only ways to gain the trust of those they needed it from the most.

[Adrian Faust]

Falköga took a look at Rikke, he was going to take a break now wether she liked it or not. Except he considered to have a jour.
"Affirmative! A copy is already on the way to the HQ ma'm... I apologize once again for exposing myself like this... hope you understand the important matter of this, And yes ma'm, my name is Falköga... atleast in Swedish otherwise it's "Éclaireur". I usually go by the french name after my service to Främlingslegionen... "Légion étrangère" in french..." Falköga replied, but quickly turned away since Rikke seemed stressed and turned her attention towards this "Djärv" a swedish military.

*Hmm think I saw him earlier right in the heat of the moment, he's probably something... hmm, seems a bit strict and patriotic, but something tells me he's not that hardcore if you dig deeper into this guy's core!* Falköga thought to himself analyzing Djärv, then suddenly snapped out it and turned his attention to Mikael again.

"Eldsjäl... do you have a cigarette please?" Falköga asked his brother with caution.

[Lox]

Djärv watched as another Neo-Carolean entered the room. A frown appeared on his forehead. It was an obvious breech in security, something that had to be blamed on the local police, as the escort platoon were preparing to move out and had surrendered security matters to the police until the next morning. But he didn't speak. Instead he listened, and watched as the newcomer handed over a file to Miss Christianssen. Whatever was in the file it seemed to be far from what Miss Christianssen had hoped it to be. Suddenly, she turned to face him, and said:

"Djärv, there is a matter of immediate importance on which we must speak, privately."

He wasn't fond of her use of his surname. He preferred to be called by rank, like most non-commissioned officers in the Army. But ranks were usually only used to address officers by other military personnel, and so he ignored the faux pas, and instead replied:

"As you wish, ma'am. Please follow me."

He took her out of the dining hall and down a corridor filled with numbered doors leading to different rooms. He stopped by one of them and opened a door, stepping aside to let her enter first. He then followed her inside, closing the door behind him. He walked up to the windows, took a quick look outside to make sure nobody was there to eavesdrop, and then pulled the curtains to cover the windows in protection against snipers. He proceeded to make a quick scan of the room, but found no visible microphones or the like. Satisfied he turned to Miss Christianssen, and made an inviting gesture for her to start talking.

[Anastasia]

Rikke was irritated, and on edge. Things had not gone according to plan and this truly unnerved her. Their slim, slim hope for survival, just survival depended on these negotiations going well. The look on the soldier's face confirmed that she had made him sufficiently uncomfortable, she would have to make note to rectify this. Falköga had roughly explained his situation and his name properly, she smiled and nodded at him, a polite way of saying "thank you." without words.

"You needn't call me ma'am. Rikke, or Christiansen will do just as well."

Smiling somewhat, she needed to make this as pleasant as possible. Holding the file presented to her in hand, she moved through the corridor and followed him until he shuffled her into a room. Rikke watched his every movement, he scanned the room for bugs, drew the curtains to prevent the snipers from invading. He truly had respected her wishes and this was more then she had hoped for. Though in moments like this panicking would do her absolutely no good. She waited several moments until he signalled that she could speak.

"I apologize for drawing you away. Additionally, I recognize that negotiations may not be your forte. The man who entered is a Neo-Carolean, his name is Falköga. Until just a few moments ago, I was unaware of his presence. What I have to share with you is very sensitive information. I must make it clear that I reveal this to you as an act of trust, and importantly an act of good faith. What you choose to do with this information is entirely up to you."

This was it, the moment of truth. Was it too late to back out? Probably. Rikke supposed that now was as good a time as any. Looking about the room she pulled out a chair filed neatly under a desk and sat in it. Running her fingers through her hair, her the heels of her palms rested on her forehead as she sighed deeply.

"This morning there were three Neo-Caroleans sent to keep watch over myself and my guard. Something happened, it appears as though at least one of the two for sure had attempted to assassinate Ms. Häger. Falköga halted the situation and both are dead. We have sent a report to our headquarters and an investigation is undoubtedly pending. Please understand that it is my firm belief that these two were acting alone and it has nothing to do with this morning's attacks."

The truth, at least what she knew of it was now out in the opened. Sighing once more, she looked up at the Sergeant and bowed her head for a short time. It might have just ended, negotiations could have stopped there... though he had no authority per se, on his own... he had enough influence to stop it.

"I beg you not to put a halt on these negotiations, but to allow us to continue... though ultimately we will have no choice but understand and uphold your decision."

[Lox]

Djärv listened to her in silence as she spoke. Instead of joining her sitting down, he leaned against the wall next to the window, his arms crossed over his chest. What she told him was unexpected, not so much the scenario itself, but the fact that the Neo-Caroleans would openly admit to having traitors and dissent in their midst. When she finished speaking, she did so with a request: "I beg you not to put a halt on these negotiations, but to allow us to continue... though ultimately we will have no choice but understand and uphold your decision."

He remained silent for several moments more, thinking. Finally, he spoke.
"I am bound by duty to inform Miss Häger of this development, ma'am." He said. "It is my duty to do so, and I will not shirk that. However, from what you have told me, the attackers did not represent the Neo-Carolean movement as a whole. I have seen such dissent in other groups similar to your own, both just and unjust in their cause. It is not uncommon, nor is it enough for me to request a death sentence be put on the Neo-Caroleans. Furthermore, His Majesty has made his wish clear that this be solved peacefully. And..." He added almost unwillingly:

"...while I will fight if I am ordered to do so, I have no wish to see the Kingdom be torn apart by internal turmoil." He looked Miss Christianssen in the eyes, and continued: "I will therefor do as follows. I will leave a full report of this matter to my superior, in this case Miss Häger. I will include in the report my own feelings on the matter. I can only hope that that will be enough to persuade SSD that the Neo-Caroleans as a whole are not behind the attack this morning. You have already convinced Miss Häger that you are honest in your intentions. I have no doubt that she too will oppose a branding of all Neo-Caroleans as terrorists."

He frowned, adding:
"However... I suspect that our negotiations will be halted or at the very least severely affected by this, until the matter is settled and the Neo-Caroleans have ended any internal turmoil and dissent. In other words, ma'am... I would advise you to find out, and quickly so, if there are more dissidents within your organization. And if there are..." He stopped, frowned, and added almost apologetically:

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I spoke out of turn. It is not my right to tell you what to do within your own organization. I apologize."