Stories of the N.A.C.d.M.

[miketr]

A man with his trade mark Persian long hair was having a private meeting with one of his agents, "So number seven your meeting with the Frenchmen went well?"

"It did sir.  He is very upset but highly intelligent and driven.  He has agreed to work with us in exchange for some help with some of the people that have belittled him since the incident at Brest."

Blocampo leaned back, "Not unexpected and we will start working on that.  Accidents occur to all sorts of men poor and wealthy.  It will need to be spread out to not attract attention.  Now your report said that Timbre had some suggestions Number Seven?"

Number Seven leaned forward, "Yes sir.  Monsieur Timbre is very familiar with French Business practices and international ones also; in particular with respect to shipping insurance.  With careful use of forged documents, dummy corporations and false bank accounts it would be possible to create a fictitious company that owned a fictitious ship and that was carrying a fictitious cargo.  The ship and cargo would then be lost and an insurance claim made.  There are many possible variations on the idea such a real ship and real cargo, that is declared lost which would get us the cargo and an insurance claim on the ship."

Blocampo impressed nodded, "Yes with the network this should be possible.  Perhaps a direct meeting to talk in greater detail should be setup."

"That would make the next item easy sir as Timbre wants in, all the way.  He doesn't want to be a puppet like the governor."

A few months later Blocampo and Timbre meet at last for a detailed discussion. Half way through said discussion Timbre says, "I am going to be working on something that might be of use to the organization.  If the organization wants other bases to operate out of my company has a strong foothold in Polynesia."       

Blocampo smiled, "Yes I think that is an excellent idea... Number Eight."

[miketr]

Blocampo was in France for the first time in years.  His new agent, #8 had requested a meeting to discuss a new plan that would be of use helping achieve revenge on one of the nations that took over some of the territory of the ACdM, the Confederate States of America the current owners of the Bahama's.  The idea of taking some concrete action intrigued Blocampo so he had agreed to meet Timbre in France.  Actually Blocampo had agreed to rush to France because the plan was time critical.

Later in a private estate of Timbre.

"Sir have you heard of a metal called Radium?"  Timbre started with.

Blocampo thought for a moment, "A metal used to make watch dials glow.  I am not aware of more about it than that."

Timbre nodded, "That is so but it is also a deadly poison it seams that women who have been using paint made from Radium have been getting sink, very sick.  It creates a wasting disease that causes the bones to become brittle and rot, hair, teeth and nails to fall out and then death."

Blocampo no stranger to the many ways that a person could have an unnatural death had is eyes go wide if slightly, "A gruesome if unsubtle death number eight.  It doesn't sound practical as a poison as a key issue for poisons is to avoid detection." 

Once more the French industrialist nodded, "Exactly sir its not just obvious its about as subtle as a sledge hammer.  Its untreatable, agonizing and reaches a lethal dose in relatively tiny doses.  The effects are sure to enrage people.  See here..."

Timbre showed Blocampo some photo's of young women who looked more like grandmothers and the sores around their lips and face were certainly gruesome.  Blocampo asked how the metal was to be used and it was explained.  "And the target number eight?"

Timbre showed Blocampo a picture, Blocampo nodded and said, "I am impressed if you can get the decanter to him.  How soon could you start the operation?"

For the first time Timbre looked uncomfortable, "I told you this was time critical, the Decanter left for Richmound in the Confederacy several days ago..." 

[Guinness]

I predict the ghost of Woodrow Wilson will return... TO HAVE HIS BLOODY REVENGE!

[Walter]

Blocampo: "You only live twice, Mr. Wilson."

[miketr]

This is takes some place after the battle of the Rift Sea

Blocampo is having a meeting with the two agents he has available; agents 3 and 5.

While Blocampo's Persian Long sits quietly in his lap he looks at his two associates, "What do you make of number 8's suggestion gentlemen?"

At once agent 3 responded, "Its ambitious but think of the possibilities from what we have learned via the French Government virtually the entire modern tonnage of the New Swiss Navy is now trapped in the Rift Sea.  Even if they can some how break out it will take them some time to get home.  Also the French's plans will provide our activities with excellent cover."

Agent 5 snorts as he adds, "Keep in mind that Swiss Shipping isn't helpless lambs many of their ships mount deck guns."

Blocampo leans forward and interjects, "This is true bit it presents another possibility.  Everyone 'KNOWS' the Swiss support pirates and the like; whatever the reality is the perception is there."

Agent 3 nodded in understanding, "You are suggesting our ships raid other nations shipping also claiming to be New Swiss Armed Merchant Cruisers."

Blocampo smiles, "Exactly number 3.  The Atlantic shipping lanes will be filled with Nassau alliance shipping ripe for the taking.  This will serve to distract the Nassau alliance from the Swiss; prolonging the war allowing additional opportunities."

Agent 5's face took on a firm frown, "That assumes Nassau and Brandenburg...  I assume we are going after Brandenburg also since they are working together."  Blocampo gives a slight nod to which Agent 5 frowns, "So we go after all of them and all of them will be looking for us.  The Confederates are sure to react if we start raiding in the Atlantic.  I assume that they are expecting the New Swiss to do something like this anyways and be on the lookout for it.  It's a lot of risk."

It's Blocampo's turn to snort, "I would normally agree but you see I am aware of something else that Agent 8 has been able to provide us.  A very well connected individual especially to the French Provincial governor and therefore French Na..."

Agent 5 sucks in a surprised breath, "You mean he got access to the French naval codes!"

The smile returns to Blocampo's face, "Exactly if we run into any Nassau alliance warships our ships have the codes to 'prove' that they are Marine Nationale armed auxiliaries."
 
Slowly Agent 5 nods, "Yes that should work, at least till the allies get around to comparing notes."

Agent 3 gives a slight chuckle, "You know how the French bureaucracy is, it will be some time for them to answer any request for information.  If we act quick enough perhaps agent 7 or 8 could plant something to provide us with cover.  At least enough last through a causal examination."

Blocampo nods, "Yes that is a good idea.  I will send the necessary instructions.  So I take it we have concurrence on this?"

Both the others nod and let shark like grins spread across their faces.

To be continued...

[miketr]

NASS Neith (MN Ville d'Oran)
Some Place in the Pacific
Bridge of the raider, "She looks to be about 6,000 Gross Registered Tons, I think she is a bulk ore carrier."

The raider's commander grunts, "Hmmm...  what flag does she fly?"

"New Swiss Merchant Service, Sir."  The look out answers.

The raiders captain nods, then looks over the ship one time with his glasses, "A pair of deck guns one for and one aft, looks like a 6" gun on the bow and 3" on the stern.  OK as we planned we try to take her but failing that we blow her out of the water, load all tubes and signal battle stations but don't reveal our deck guns."

Throughout the ship the raider's crew which had been waiting for the order quietly gets ready.  Cigarettes are put out, weapons are loaded but not trained and men stand by the drop panels to allow the guns to get into action.

As the raider draws up on the New Swiss Merchant ship its approach is noticed and a message is sent from the SS Robinson to her stalker via signal light, "They want to know who we are and what our intentions are Captain."

The raiders captain chuckles, "Let them eat static, range to target?"

"15,000 yards, sir."

A few minutes later, "Sir they are repeating the challenge and they are ordering us to change course and keep our distance."

A lookout cries out, "I have movement near their guns!"

The captain grunts, "Oh well it was too much to hope that they would be asleep at the wheel.  Range to target?"

"13,100 yards, sir!"

The captain nods, "Gun ports open!  Fire warning shots!  Raise the Tricolor!"

Signals are quickly sent to the gun stations and within seconds the metal hatches drop away the 6" guns are being trained on target."  Then three guns open fire on the target.

The bulk carrier despite its guns isn't a warship and its crew isn't naval personnel.   The New Ship's return fire is erratic in aim and slow incoming.  The raider soon lands multiple hits and demands the Swiss surrender, who quickly strike their colors.

The raider draws in closer to the Swiss Ship but not too close and a motor launch is sent over.

The "French" boarding crew goes to the bridge, "Lt. Duran of the French Auxiliary Cruiser Ville d'Oran my captains compliments on showing sensibility in surrender."

The Swiss Captain's response at first is to just glare and then says, "Your orders... Sir?"

Duran nods, "Assemble your crew and any passengers.  My bordering party will be taking your ship as a prize of war Captain."

The Swiss Captain licks his lips, "What war?"

Duran chuckles, "Captain, Captain your government has scene fit to battle France and its ally's actions have consequences."

Ten minutes later with all of the crew and passengers of the Robinson assembled, "Now captain take to your boats.  X is no more than 20 miles to the west, you should make it within a day."

The Swiss captain spits, "What if a storm comes up!"

Duran smiles, "Your problem not ours, in the boats... now."

The Robinsons crew takes to their boats and start for the island.  Once a 1,000 yards away from their former ship the Neith starts to move and as it goes past the life boats the pair of quick firing light guns open up and the life boats are turned to drift wood.

NASS Diana (FSS Ville D'Alger)
Early Evening in Early September, Trincomalee

"You could have left during the day Captain, don't worry the Swiss Dogs are trapped in the Rift Sea."  The Harbor pilot said.

The "Merchant" Captain pondered the statement and then said, "That is true but the Swiss support pirates and raiders.  What of them?  No moving at night I have all night to get just that much closer to my destination."

The harbor pilot gave a dismissive jester and then chuckled, "They have only been operating in the Pacific, and they wouldn't dare operate here in the Indian Ocean.  Let alone anywhere near Trincomalee the heart of French Naval Power in the East. HAH!  Your ship is very safe my good captain."

The captain let a smile crack his face, "Yes you are right the Swiss wouldn't dare do anything here; still a little precaution hurts nothing."

Deep Below Decks

A compartment is light by several dim red lights
"Look out reports this side is all clear, we are 400 yards from the shipping channel, the tug is on the starboard side, speed is 3 knots."

The ships executive officer nodded, "Reduce Lights!"  once most of the lights went out, "Open Hatch!"

A large hatch near the waterline on the port side opened up. The XO in a lower voice called out, "Rails Out!"  A long scaffold reached out from the ship over the water, at the end of the scaffold was large circular object with horns on the top and several very heavy canvas bags attached to the bottom.  "Release!"  There was a splash and the heavy object sank to the bottom of the harbor.  "Recover rails!  Close the hatch!"  Once the light went green showing a good closure on the hatch, "Lights on and reload!"

In the waters under the harbor the mine drifted to the bottom of the harbor and lay in the mud.  The canvas bags under the mine were already soaked and their contents, rock salt, started to dissolve in the harbors water.  Once the weight of the salt was removed the free floating contact mines would start to drift back toward the surface.

[Walter]

Let them eat static

KHAAAAAAN!!!
;D

[miketr]

Let them eat static

KHAAAAAAN!!!
;D

Somebody got it... no way to work any more of the dialog in.

[Walter]

I read that bit and I just wanted to scream it. :D

[ctwaterman]

*Shhh* I wanted to follow it up with Round the Rings of Orion and through perditions flame I will chase him yet I will not give him up!

[Carthaginian]

Wow... just saw this.
Might have to try and create some time to write another chapter in the Investigation.

[Walter]

Got the urge to scream it again...
KHAAAAAAN!!!
:D

[Sachmle]

[miketr]

Notes on the resolving of the Raiders in Atlantic

UNK sent a number of ships out and CSA sent CSS Rattlesank out.  The Confederate ship failed to find anything.  UNK had an encounter on September 24th.

1,200 NM west of the Canary Islands
Bridge of HMS Rosebay

"Lookouts report a freighter heading due south, appears to be 10,000 Gross Registered Tons."

The captain of the Rosebay walked over to the edge of the bridge and looked north at the distant smudge, "Estimated distance to contact?"

"33,000 yards Captain."

"Very well, come to course 000, all a head two thirds."

The helmsman repeated the order and soon the Light Cruiser was head north towards the contact at 20 knots.


A short time later


"Captain the ship identifies itself as Ile de France, out of Brest with light general cargo headed for equatorial Africa."

Captain thought over the report, "She is a little far out west for that destination...  Range to contact?"

"24,000 yards captain, same course and speed."

"Very far to the West." The captain repeated to himself and then, "Lets take a closer look shall we and XO bring us to Action Stations."

The XO went to a loud speaker, "This is the XO, Action Stations!  Action Stations!  All hands to action stations.  Close all hatches and seal the ship.  Action Stations!  Action Stations!"


As the range continued to drop


Bridge of (SS Ile de France) NASS Orion

"Shit I think they are at battle stations.  I see crew manning her guns."

The ships captain nodded, "OK so we try to suck them in close or try to bluff our way past.  Send a single, ask is there something we can do for them."

Bridge of HMS Rosebay

"Captain the target is asking what is going on."

The captain snorted, "I could point out there is a war on in Africa and raiders on the loose.  Tell them to come to a stop so that a boarding party can confirm their identification."

The Officer of the Watch stepped forward, "Captain I would like to point out that they match Lloyds description for Ile de France.  Same size, colors and cut of her cranes.  If its not the same ship its very close."
"Thank you but I think we will take a closer look all the same, Helm Bring us no closer."


Bridge of (SS Ile de France) NASS Orion

"Ah Fuck!"

The captain could see it himself before the message came in ordering them to stop, the UNK cruiser was turning to circle them and no longer closing.  With their own speed limited to 14 knots no way could they close the range on their own.

"I think its time to try something else.  I want to crew to remain at their battle stations but keep them out of sight.  Raise the French Naval Ensign and send the Naval Recognition code."


Bridge of HMS Rosebay

"Sir the Marine National Flag is being raised..."

Another voice called out, "They are sending a French Naval Identifier, they say they are a French Auxiliary Cruiser."

The captain just raised an eyebrow at first, "How interesting...  XO does the codes match our recognition book?"


After a few moments, "Yes Captain its in the Nassau Code book as French Naval Auxiliary, Armed."


"Very well XO, stand down from Action Stations..."

No other disappearances occurred in the Atlantic with them stopping as suddenly as they began.  Of course when the UNK asks France about an Auxiliary Cruiser named Ile de France there won't be much to tell.  I leave that to Charles and Mario to hash out but the code itself is real.

OOC I was going to do more damage but I just wanted to wrap this up. 

[maddox]

French marine headquarters.

Sir, we recieved a message from our Norman friends. They ask why they weren't informed about our auxilary cruiser Ile de France in the Atlantic.

Auxilary cruiser Ile de France???  We don't have any auxilary cruisers at the moment. Le Magnificent is still in port for repairs. And as far as I know, we don't have any others atm. Not after the loss of Le Profitable. Polish the message, but reply that we don't have any marine national auxilary cruisers on patrol.
It seems they took the vinogel without water.

Mes oui admiral. Message will be send.