planelogs | Isthul - 72 hours before military action

Isthul - 72 hours before military action

Who: All agents and enforcers going into Isthul
Where: Isthul
What: Diffuse the situation or withdraw

Both Isthul gates are now fortified basecamps, the Agents manning it more than a little nervous. The military's declaration is fresh, and while the battle was won, there are a scant 72 hours before the promised strike. Things are tense, and beyond the picket lines you can already see a massive force of Isthul troops preparing to attack your position.

[Because this situation can be handled any number of ways, instead of restricting posts to what I come up with for possible action, characters may start their own threads. Please title your thread with a description of the action you are taking.

Isthul forces CAN be contacted via radio or signal flares, although whether or not they respond is another matter entirely.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Mao simply blended in with the other reporters as they followed to get what would no doubt be tomorrow's headline news.

General Mikhaylov leads Phoenix into a room with a large circular table. He motions for Phoenix to sit at one end before taking a seat at another, another man (http://l-userpic.livejournal.com/113787639/24155537) sitting at his right hand.

"Now then, Mr. Wright," Mikhaylov says magnanimously, cracking a broad smile for the cameras. "Tell us what Confuto Ordinatio has to say. I am sure it is quite fascinating."

Phoenix already doesn't like this guy. That obvious media front, and the condescending way he's speaking to him all scream to him that this may already be a waste of time. But he has to try. And as long as he has that magatama with him, maybe he can even get something out of this.

"General Mikhaylov," begins Phoenix, nodding. "I understand the amount of pain we have caused this world by imposing such harsh trade restrictions upon it, especially on such a central resource. I am afraid I had nothing to do with that decision, having only joined Confuto Ordinatio relatively recently, and I am very sorry for what has happened in the past. But I do not feel that cutting yourself off from Confuto Ordinatio entirely is the answer to your problems."

He shakes his head. "Our organization, for one, is better equipped to deal with dangerous multiversal threats to your world. After all, we have access to the tech of many worlds, and we have a vested interest in protecting as many as possible, and the resources to do so. Our division in particular has a good record as far as doing everything in its power to help other worlds. For another, I think you will find it is far better to maintain positive diplomatic relations with other worlds by not cutting yourselves off; isolation has, from my personal observation, rarely helped any one country develop, and I cannot see it helping an entire world either."

And now the real carrot. "But I suppose that doesn't mean much coming from an organization which until now has extended little aid to assist you in your time of need -- which is why I have the pleasure of informing you that as we speak, the council of 0134 is voting on a bill which will alter the restrictions on Astral Silver and shift more control of trade into your hands. Surely that would help remove one of the main bones of contention?"

The butterflies in Phoenix's stomach are shifting at a mile a minute. What if he said something wrong? What if this isn't enough? He grips the magatama with a death grip.

"While I appreciate the steps the council is taking, why did it take this long? Why do we receive nothing until we force such power? Is Confuto Ordinatio's grasp on multiversal security so flimsy that they must grind us underfoot for ten long years because we have a magnificent resource that may be dangerous to the multiverse?"

Mikhaylov makes a show of shaking his head sadly.

"Mr. Phoenix Wright, this is not enough. Why do you come here with flimsy promises and pretenses? Why is it always 'the council is deliberating'. Where was the aid when we needed it? Where was the offer to assist our infrastructure when you brutally shut down our industry and commerce?"

The defense attorney shuts his eyes. "Believe me, General, that is a question I would like an answer to myself. And I am afraid I currently lack one. Our division is very young -- and, it seems, still poorly informed of the overall political situation. In all honesty, I was not even aware of these sanctions until your world's appearance on the news. It is very frustrating to me as well."

He opens his eyes again, looking more determined; he'd slam a desk, if he could. "But we also have an advantage. As a young division, we have the capacity to look at these things with clearer eyes, to approach these problems without old politics or conflicts tainting our views. It may have taken the rest of the organization ten years and a conflict to come around -- but our division has already begun to move, to look into the situation, and to come up with answers. And I have the fullest confidence that they will come up with something definitive very quickly."

He crosses his fingers.

Nick just now got a text message from HQ from Councilor Ridcully.

"The bill has been passed. Best of luck to you."

Contained with the text is the full body of the bill for reference.

Mikhaylov smiles patronizingly. "I've heard this song and dance before, Mr. Wright. New divisions always come in with bright eyes promising great things, and they always disappoint. We are long past being swayed by cheap words and empty promises."

Hidden away under the table, Kirby listened to what was going on. The fact that the swordsman that he encountered earlier was here made things worse. Especially hearing the president's words - it was sounding more and more like his threat was gonna become reality...

Phoenix frowns, then starts a bit at the PDA vibrating in his pocket. He holds a finger up sheepishly while he goes to check what just came in.

Then smirks. "Would you be swayed, instead, by fact? It seems the bill I've mentioned just passed. And I think you'll be VERY pleasantly surprised by the contents. How does the ability to export non-weaponized goods augmented with Astral Silver, along with grants and funding to help native Isthularians develop and run the necessary facilities and business sound?" he asks. "If you don't believe me, you can always contact our division to confirm. I'm sure they'll be happy to provide you with the full details." He has, of course, said it out loud for a reason. Thank you, media.

General Mikhaylov looks a bit annoyed at the interruption, and more than a little surprised at the revelation.

"Is that so? Well, I'll be damned. That makes this a bit more awkward and unpleasant."

A shadow darkens across the swordsman's face, as if he knows what is coming and doesn't particularly agree.

In an instant, Phoenix finds a gun being held to his face. The media officials around him look nonplussed, as if they were expecting this.

"It's not that I don't appreciate the sentiment," the general says, "really I do. Had this been five, maybe even two years earlier it would have worked. But that's just not feasible and I can't have our revolution faltering because of this now. It's nothing personal, I'm sure you understand."

So saying, he readies himself to pull the trigger.

((Needs more music. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22iPWe-5o9w)))

Nothing kills a confident mood like a gun to the face.

Phoenix recoils, his eyes widening as he stares down the barrel. "But... we gave you guys..." he stammers helplessly. He feels that swimming blindness crawl over him, like he's felt in the past during these sorts of extreme life or death situations.

A flicker of movement from the assembled media officials led to a short, ceramic throwing knife streaking directly at the General's hand. A second later, Mao popped out of the gaggle of reporters at a sprint to get Wright to safety, holding a small, concealable handgun with which she was prepared to shoot down any approaching soldiers or other angry men with guns.

[Music change! Theme - Meta Knight's Revenge (ver. SSBB) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gld2Ws8Q4Vo)]

"GO!"

Busting from the table, Kirby went into his Cutter attack, slashing through the table, then coming down, unleashing a powerful surge as he landed, blade down!

"Phoenix, get out of here! I'll handle the swordsman!" he shouted, releasing Raz's power and charging at the swordsman. Time for round 2!

General Mikhaylov roars in pain, his gun firing but not at Phoenix, the knife having knocked it aside. A knife embedded in his hand, he raises his gun shakily to target Mao as the startled soldiers draw their own weapons.

Phoenix, if he is paying attention, notices a single psych-lock appear over Captain Grimm's chest as he reluctantly advances, drawing his sword with his right hand as he crushes Kirby's power surge with his gauntlet-clad left hand.

Phoenix sees Mao running towards him in the chaos. He's only got a second or so. "Hey! You don't have to fight! There's no reason to anymore! You really wanna kill when there's no reason to do so anymore?! I can see! You don't want to do this, because YOU know it doesn't have to be like this!" he yells out to the captain, focusing via the magatama. "The bill is the proof!"

Mao judges approximately two seconds before someone shoots her or Wright. She has no idea what Kirby is, but is fairly confident he can take care of himself at least. That's long enough for her to aim and shoot two guards with at least SOME degree of accuracy while grabbing for the diplomat. She does this, flings Wright to the ground and hisses in his ear "Close your eyes and cover your ears!"

Turns out she also had a flashbang hidden in that purse.

Kirby lunged at the swordsman, stopping briefly as he heard Phoenix's comments to him. He comes to a stop, still holding the Cutter weapon, ready for anything. "He's right! We want to help! If there's anyone who's a bad guy, it's him!"

Pointing at the president, he notices him aiming at someone. A moment later, there's a distinct sucking sound as Kirby tries to pull it into him, hoping it doesn't mess with him.

The flashbang explodes, blinding all the soldiers. When the light clears, Captain Grimms is standing impassively with his shield over his eyes. Phoenix hears the Psych-lock shatter.

"Yes. You are right. This is not what the military is for, and I will have no further part of it! STAND DOWN!" he roars.

The blinded soldiers, overpowered by the might of his command, drop to their knees.

General Mikhaylov's gun is sucked from his hands, but he remains firmly on his feet.

"Damn it Grimms, this is for our future! What do these lying CO wretches have to offer you? And don't give me that honor crap, you know they'll stab you in the back the first chance they get!"

Forming a ball of pure spiritual energy in his unwounded left hand, he launches it at Kirby.

Phoenix does what Mao asks of him. He can make out the sound and the flash even with his eyes closed. And then, a familiar sound.

He nods to Mao, then looks at Grimms. "Thanks!" he calls out, before indicating that it's probably time for them to go.

Mao is one step ahead of him. She's got a grip on his arm and practically went from lying flat on the ground directly to a dead run towards the emergency exit while everyone is confused. She speaks into her collar, where a microphone of some kind is sewn in. The two were in radio contact, after all. "Can you get out on your own, Kirby?"

Before Kirby could give his answer, General Mikhaylov's attack streaked by, barely missing the pink puffball as he ran, mouth full. The resulting explosion, however, would send him flying.

"Y-Yeah, I can!" Kirby uttered, coming to a landing nearby. "Gangway!"

Watch out, tiny puffball with a gun in his mouth coming through!

Captain Grimms follows, his sword drawn and covering your rear.

"After them!" Mikhaylov screams. "Don't let them escape alive!"

The soldiers are still reeling in confusion, a few of them are quick enough on the uptake to begin pursuit, firing silver energy shots at your group.

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