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[h2][b][color=007236]The Osladian Empire[/color][/b][/h2]
[img]http://i.imgur.com/wUeuT21.png[/img]
[url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QA4aWzS6sc][b]Ний сме достойни![/b][/url][/center]

[center][b][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqccaYkr0E8]Oslograd Nights[/url][/b][/center]

It was a comfortably warm night, a welcome sight after the harsh winter that seemed to plague the city well into April. Lavrentiy took a final drag from his cigarette and tossed it to the curb as he rounded it, the bar wasn't far from here. Initially Lavrentiy had planned to spend the evening with his fiance, but a runner with a letter baring the black mark changed his plans; now he found himself slinking off to some dingy bar in the canals when he'd much rather be at home, but when [i]he[/i] calls it is best to answer.

The bar was inconspicuous and reeked of smoke and liquor even from outside. Stepping inside, Lavrentiy removed his officer's cap and jacket and scanned the interior of the place. Much like outside, the walls were stained and yellowed from abuse and neglect, and a cloud of smoke hung over the ceiling almost concealing it entirely. The bartender was a burly old man who was no doubt a veteran of the Imperial Army, and he eyed Lavrentiy in a interrogative manner as he mechanically wiped a glass.

"You don't look like someone from the canals, pretty boy. What can I get you?" He asked, his voice deep and gravely.

Lavrentiy pondered for a moment, attempting to remember what the note had said before he responded. "A Dark Tangarian, iced." 

The bartender nodded and began preparing Lavrentiy's drink. For a moment, he thought he had given the wrong response, cursing at himself for forgetting the phrase. As he slid the drink to him, the bartender quickly leaned in for but a moment and whispered. "Past the bathroom, second door on the right." before grunting and hobbling down the counter to another customer. Lavrentiy smirked and quickly gulped down his drink, god knew he'd need it. 

Pushing himself from the bar, he departed towards the bathrooms and acted as though that was his destination. Once out of sight of the other patrons, he quickly marched down the bathroom hallway and knocked twice on the second door on the right, anxiously awaiting a response.

"Bathroom is down the hall, sorry pal." A familiar voice replied in monotone. 

"It's Lavrentiy, stop fucking around Lazar." Lavrentiy spat back, his eyes locked down the hall, anxious of some drunk patron stumbling up.

There was a chuckle and the door opened. Lavrentiy stumbled in quickly and the door shut behind him just as quick, Lazar continued to chuckle with a wide smirk on his face.

"That's what you get for being late, Lavrentiy. The Count doesn't like having to wait in these situations you know." He stated, patting the younger officer on the back as he walked towards the round table. 

The room was small with a single bulb illuminating the center of the room which housed a large table and chairs. It became apparent this room was some sort of guest lodging that had been converted into a meeting room, likely that evening with the assistance of the bartender. At the table sat Lazar, a Polkovnik with a large bushy brown mustache and receding hairline who also happened to be Lavrentiy's commanding officer; Radomir, a fellow Podpolkovnik likely standing in for Tokorev, a man Lavrentiy didn't know, and finally Count Yegorov himself.

"Good evening, Lavrentiy. We're glad you could make it, Lazar here was beginning to doubt you." Yegorov stated flatly, clearly attempting to jest while his features indicated nothing but annoyance.

"My apologies, sir. Your runner was late in sending his message, I came as quickly as I could." Lavrentiy fumbled in reply, stepping forward and sitting down at the table next to Lazar. 

Yegorov nodded, though Lavrentiy doubted he had accepted the apology, and cleared his throat. "Now that everyone is here, it's best we begin. As I'm sure you all are aware, Palkowski intends to block my candidacy to the Union vote for the coming election. As we speak he continues to rally cowards to his ranks, politicians with no knowledge of what it truly takes to lead an empire such as ours. These are men who have not tilled the earth, or marched in the blistering heating or the biting cold. By god, I'd say these are men who would go into shock if they left their ivory towers in Loren and Oslad proper." 

As he spoke, Yegorov began to noticeably redden in his face, his teeth gritting and his hands forming fists. However he paused, closing his eyes and taking a breath, and continued.

"Regardless... If Palkowski does indeed steal my candidacy. I must be assured of your continued support, knowing I will retain my position in the Interior Office no matter who wins."

A silence fell over the table. Was Yegorov already admitting defeat with the election still months away? The gathered officers looked at each other for a moment before all nodding. "Of course, sir. General Tokorev would never waver his supp-"

"Tokorev's loyalty is not in question, Radomir. You are only here to ensure he remains aware of new information. Now, what say you Lazar? Can I continue to trust your garrison's loyalty?" Yegorov interrupted, his eyes sharp as daggers as they peered into Lazar's own. 

"Yes sir. Without question, the Oslograd garrison will be ready if drastic measures need to be taken." Lazar responded casually, striking a match for his cigarette as he spoke.

Yegorov seemed content with this answer, and his eyes turned to Lavrentiy. "And you, Novikov? Can I continue to rely on your.. Connections, in the foreign office?"

Lavrentiy's stomach dropped, though he wasn't sure why. Was his loyalty in question? He hadn't even been within this... Group, long enough for him to have done anything treasonous. "Of course, Count Yegorov. My brother Leonid and I are trustworthy sir I swear it. Any messages you must send outside the Empire will not be searched by the MVD, I promise." He fumbled, a wave of relief washing over him as Yegorov seemed to smile at this response.

"Good, I think you and your brother will be a valuable asset to our movement, Lavrentiy. Though, be sure you are not tardy in the future yes?" Yegorov replied, his smile widening as he seemed to release a dark chuckle. "Now, onto other matters..."