A House Divided
Roth stared at his morning paper, wet with sweat and crumpled from his clenched fist wrapped tightly around it. He was never going to read it, but he had to bring it. Part of the "uniform" to look inconspicuous. Like just another businessman on the busy streets of Korfu. His steps tapped against the cobblestone sidewalk as traffic bustled past on the busy streets. Looking around, he sidestepped quickly into an alley before disappearing from the gaze of the public.
Roth had a job to do, and it wasn't a desirable one. He climbed into the sewer in the alley without a second glance from the homeless man accross the way. He was the guard, and Roth knew him. They'd used this entrance for decades now, even after the Stahlsieg went legitimate. This was the secret headquarters of the rogue state without a nation, a military without a homeland. Upon entering, he stared into the dimly lit passageway and walked to the iron door barring his entrace. A swipe of his hand, and the coded ring he wore unlocked the behemoth blast door, it slowly creaking open before him. Stepping inside, the scene changed dramatically. A warmly lit office, with lime green and dark wood facade on the walls, marble floor, and old world furniture lining the hall. A reception desk stood at the far end, between two massive golden gates. Roth walked up to the woman at the counter.
"I'm here to speak with the Big Man" he said. She nodded, pressed a button under the desk, and the right gate swung open slowly. "He's expecting you, sir" she replied with a nasaly voice. He smiled weakly and walked through the gate.
Inside the gate, another long hallway, but this one much narrower. Arriving at the end, Roth knocked on a wooden door with an ornate gold etching of "F.G.III" on the door. The door creaked open and he stepped in.
"Boss, It's - the -" he stammered trying to regain his composure. His heart was pounding. "The Pippakis have gone rogue." The large figure behind the desk turned. His large, steel helm glistening in the dim lights. Slowly facing Roth, the man spoke.
"Why?" The single word reverberated in the walls of the room like a bomb.
"They were paid - allegedly - we never got the check, but they were sent in by-" A wave of the man's hand silenced Roth instantly.
"You know what happens to those who disobey my orders."
"Yes sir!" Roth popped to salute the man, who returned the gesture, and immediately walked quickly out. He remembered to breathe only after he passed the golden gate. He survived for now, but it would not be so easy sailing form here on out.
That night, the Carrier Task Force Talis departed Arcovdonia, bound for southern waters. Its cargo was a relic of a bygone era - unknown to most of Kerbin nowadays - but it would be delivered nonetheless.