[u][b]SAC Command Bunker - Conference Room[/b][/u] The spartan, but well furnished conference room was alongside the second story of the cavernous Operations room, where long ago the Strategic Air Command Staff had controlled the Old World Government's nuclear forces before and during the Great War...and now was from where the Midwestern Order controlled it's forces, under the ever watchful eye of the Lord-Paladin. The north wall of the room was tempered glass, giving the occupants a panoramic view of the operations room, and the maps and status boards on the walls. But the occupants, sitting around the long, ancient wooden table, had their attention elsewhere....a speaker sitting on the center of the table. "[i]....The New California Republic - in its core, will remain the same[/i]", the speaker crackled. "[i]In the coming weeks, there will be a change to the political system. We will transition from a Republican system, where everything is run from Shady Sands - to a more federalized system, where many states that make up the NCR will have more word and say." "What will that mean for you? Less taxes and less bureaucracy in your dealings with the government. Shady Sands will still remain our capital - but most of your political work, can be done in the state in which you live in. In the following days, I will be in contact with the Governors that are there to manage your states. There will be new elections, and well as new laws that will be drafted up in the near future." "We will be looking more inward, starting to develop and build upon what we have. We can't expand forever, there are others whom do not like what we are doing. Once we might have ignored them. We can longer do that. We have a choice - we can either change with the growing times or go the fate of our predecessor. If one has to wonder what that is - one has to only look out the window." "This is General Lee Shu. Out.[/i]" General Tsu's voice was replaced by music, and in response to a gesture made by the robot sitting at the head of the table, the radio broadcast was speedily cut off as the echo he was receiving from hearing this in two places was irritating. "It appears that Kimball's death has sparked a coup", Barnaky said, "Your thoughts, ladies and gentlemen?". "Tsu is certainly saying the right things. My Lord", replied Paladin-General Wilson. "Perhaps the repeated defeats have finally forced them to face reality....their current policies are simply not sustainable in the resource depleted world our thrice damned ancestors left for us." He then cleared his throat and continued. "In any case, such rhetoric should be encouraged. I would recommend the contractors we have in California be recalled immediately." "Agreed", Barnaky replied, "I'm giving that order as we speak." He then turned to a Scribe on his left. "Brother Harold, what news have we of Lucius Caesar?" "He was wounded in the battle but still lives, but that is all we know right now", Brother Harold, one of Martin's deputies, said. "Our Embassy in Santa Fe is trying to get in contact with his Field HQ to learn more." "Paladin-Commander Jeffries has arrived in Santa Fe and is taking steps to organize the defense of the city as agreed to previously", Wilson added, "he says the local Legion commanders are quite cooperative, but don't know any more about the situation with Lucius than the Embassy does." "We need to get someone to Lucius asap", Barnaky growled, "I need to know what Lucius is going to do next. Defeating Kimball and his Expeditionary Force is a major achievement, given the disparacy in tech, but it's just the sort of achievement that can go to a man's head and make him overreach. Lucius is a prudent man, but they have endured much these last five years." He looked at Brother Harold. "Expect orders from Brother Martin regarding this." "Next item on the agenda is Oklahoma", Barnaky said, "What are the Texans up to?" "They've made camp in Norman, about 20 miles South of Oklahoma City", Wilson replied, "5000 Infantry, 300 Cavalry...and we believe a reinforced Company of Texas Rangers. They've also got several hundred civilians with them." "Settlers, My Lord", added Sister Mason, the Inquisition representative. "Part of a official settlement initiative sponsored by the New Dallas government. An opportunity we took advantage of....it was advertised locally to the general public." She shrugged. "No doubt a few Texas Rangers are traveling with the civilians as well, for the same reason." "We believe they mean to push their border to Oklahoma City", Wilson continued, "While a powerful force, it's not powerful enough to make a credible offensive on our lands, which could be a deliberate calculation on their part. Not to mention the logistical problems supporting an opposed invasion of Kansas would present to them." He then added, "but once secured, and connected to Texas's rail net...it would make a excellent staging area for incursions Northward." "Is that what you think they intend?", asked Barnaky. "That question could be better answered by the Inquisition or Office of State, My Lord", Wilson answered, "For my part, I fail to see what they would gain by doing so....but if they are acting on ideological beliefs, logic, not to mention perceived economic or strategic benefit, might have nothing to do with it." "It all comes back to this 'Co-Prosperity Sphere' Tenpenny mentioned", Barnaky said, "What is it's purpose? And why is it being formed in secret?" Barnaky looked back to Wilson. "I take it contesting a Texan occupation of Oklahoma City and southern Oklahoma is not an option at this point", Barnaky said. Wilson shook his head, though Barnaky knew the answer already. "Very well, then....we'll just have to maintain our current defensive posture and wait and see. We've got bigger fish to fry anyway." [u][b]Communications Room - [/b][/u] @Kouropalates The Duty officer pulled the message off the teletype the moment it finished printing and read it. [color=007236]FLASH TRAFFIC-FLASH TRAFFIC-FLASH TRAFFIC *****MESSAGE BEGINS****** RECALL INTRUDE N313 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT **REPEAT** RECALL INTRUDE N313 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. RECENT DIPLOMATIC BREAKTHROUGHS HAVE MADE OPERATION COUNTERPRODUCTIVE. IN FIELD ASSETS TO IMMEDIATELY EXFIL AO BY BEST PRACTICAL MEANS. AGENT WILL BE DISPATCHED ASAP TO FOLLOW UP REGARDING DISPOSITION OF CONTRACT. - BARNAKY *****MESSAGE ENDS****** FLASH TRAFFIC-FLASH TRAFFIC-FLASH TRAFFIC [/color] Immediately, the Duty Officer barked out the orders to begin the process of transmitting the message....