Lord Basiluddin sat quietly on his perfumed pillow, sucking a deep breath from his pipe, as the Inner Sanctum of the Information Secretariat entered the chamber, taking their positions on the floor in a loose circle. "So", Basiluddin started, blowing out a cloud of green smoke, "I am told the mental science project has not made any progress", gazing at the senior agents of the Secretariat. The Secretariat Sheriff, Karl von Kahshaar, spoke up, "Lord Senator, the project has not made any progress as I have informed you already, but the research has led us to several new possibilities to explore. Frankly, Lord Senator, we won't see any results soon, but I would not agree with the opinion of some in the Secretariat who argue for the abandoning of the project altogether, just yet." Basilludin paused, surveying his loyal lieutenants, the men who ran his secret tool of state and power, and asked, "What of the rest of you? There is a strong demand on resources for the intelligence activities on the mainland. If we are not going to gain anything from the project, then I'd rather rechannel the resources back into supporting the Tirmari Campaign, and have the Secretariat maintain its focus on intelligence only." Sheriff von Kahshaar interjected, "Lord Senator Basilludin, I must protest, the resources on the mental science project are not being wasted. I told you at the start it would take time. I have already sent a cell of agents to Jabau on the northern Midsea coast, to investigate a possible lead there. The Eerith, who admittedly have been disappointing in their advice, do offer us some prospects, particularly in helping to narrow the focus of our research. With all due respect, Lord Senator, the sacrifices we are making now will bear fruit, in time." Basilludin nodded his head, and motioned for the discussion to move on to the next agenda item. A young Secretariat officer was brought into the room, and was introduced as the under-secretary for intelligence and counter-intelligence. Pulling a written report from his satchel, he began to read to the assembled Sanctum, "Lord Senator Basilludin, honourable commanders. Here is the Secretariat Intelligence report as requested. It has been confirmed that the Major Houses have been attempting to contact the Czarist regime. Agents in Port Kaeir and Port Tirmar have validated the rumour. Lord Senator Sanus Jafaarsan sent a secret delegation to Port Tirmar to secretly meet with Czar-General Salokin in Port Tirmar, purpose unknown. Our agents in Port Tirmar are continuing to monitor the matter. A Secretariat cell has been established in Port Jabau in the Jabuasi hinterland on the Calarnari Desert. Within 12 months they should be operationally ready. Preliminary reports indicate establishing contact with the theocratic-tribal federation in the deep desert should not be difficult, given their interest in trade. Next, evidence has begun to emerge of limited infiltration of the Secretariat network in Tal City and Port Tirmar. Field agent and analyst suggestions are that more resources and effort be put into counter-intelligence. It is assumed that the infiltration is by Czarist forces, indicating that the presence of the Secretariat is known to some degree. The most relevant suggestion for counter-intelligence is the reformation of the mainland network into a cell structure, so as to limit the effects of infiltration when and where it does occur. Lastly, the Port Tirmar agents are awaiting orders, following the surprise attack by the Kaeirean Navy. Given that most of the Port Tirmar cell's cover has not been compromised, the possibilities for subversive activities is still very strong - including sabotage, assassination, inciting rebellion or riots, intelligence gathering and propaganda." With that, the young officer passed his report to Basilludin, bowed and promptly left the chamber, whereupon the Sanctum burst in arguements, particularly over the Jafaarsen issue. Basilludin motioned for quiet, "I understand your concerns. In time Jafaarsen and his aristocratic mob shall be dealt with. For the time being, the delegation from Jafaarsen will be monitored as close as possible, given the situation. Jafaarsen and his House court shall be monitored even more closely. Give orders again to the agents in the Jafaarsen House to report anything suspicious, and start infiltrating more agents, as a backup. Continue with the project as well. Chase these leads you have, Von Khahshaar, but I expect some results, however miniscule, soon. See if you can encourage these pet Eerith you have in the Secretariat to be more helpful in their advice, particularly in the opening up of new avenues to examine. Lastly, Tirmar. As you all know, the invasion has met with some success. A strong beachhead has been made in the city, but the Navy and the Guard failed to take the city outright. The actual surprise attack proceeded as we had discussed, but the Guard failed to take the outer keep of Port Tirmar, allowing the Czarist forces to reinforce the meagre city watch. As a result, the outer city was retained by Salokin's men. Thankfully, we had some measure of success, enough for the crowds in the city below us", gesturing out the window at the Port Kaeir cityscape, "but it is not enough. Whatever happens, we must take Port Tirmar, otherwise the Republic itself could be threatened. For that reason, I am not stopping Jafaarsen's parlays with Salokin. In a worse case scenario, we can negotiate the a ceding of Port Tirmar to the Republic. However, I would rather eat my tongue before seeing that. Enough for now. I've already given you your individual orders for your departments. We will meet in weeks time to discuss further the Tirmar Campaign. Please ensure you have the necessary work completed by your deparments." The New Yahoo! Search - Now with image search!---------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, send mail to celandra-off@phoenyx.net.
