[IC] Press Conference - Special Tactics and Reconnaissance

[Lilith Hatsumi Vizla]

((This is aimed towards Enforcers, Govs, and Civs, but anybody can comment if they please))
Lilith steps in front of a crowd of journalists and prominent government figures. A projector projects and image onto the wall behind her, currently showing, "In Memorian - The Fallen Men and Women of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Panauan Government Forces".

"Greetings everybody. I have called this meeting to call to attention the sacrifices made of the men and women of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Panauan Government Forces. As many of you may have heard, SPECTRE was initially formed by President Woltz as a black-bag operating force specifically to destroy terrorist threats with espionage and lethal force. We have fielded the best spies, assassins, pilots, and operators this country has ever seen, regardless of faction or nationality. We have destroyed terrorist cells like Deathwatch, Hydra, and the Dragon Syndicate. We have ended reigns of terror fostered by madmen such as Helios Qew, Ashworth Hallet, and Niels Black. And we have watched many fall in service of this great country."

"I would now like to take a moment to recognize the following agents. These were the agents who fell in the line of duty, and were willing to have their identities compromised to the general public once the time was right."

She pressed a button on the podium, and the projector switched to an image of Adrian Yootz Vizla in an Enforcer uniform.

"Adrian Yootz Vizla's history has always been shady. He was one of the first SPECTREs, commissioned as the head of the Roach branch once the initial organization was founded. He served loyally through multiple conflicts, and eventually resigned from his position as the head of the Roach SPECTREs in order to join the Enforcers. He served with the Enforcers for almost a year, and with the SPECTREs for almost a decade. Throughout that time, he infiltrated the Deathwatch, assassinated multiple terrorist leaders, and was a veteran of both major SPECTRE engagements, the Battle of the Semangat Roh, and the Battle of the Bridge. He died attempting to defuse a bomb on a government member, when he snipped the wrong wire and it exploded, killing him instantly. He died doing his job and what he loved."

She pressed the same button, and the projector this time showed the image of Naku Hatsumi Vizla and Antonio Hatsumi Vizla standing side by side.

"Naku was my sister. She was the greatest woman I ever knew. She served in the Enforcers ever since its foundation, rising to the rank of general. She continued to serve as general, but was secretly a SPECTRE for a majority of her service as an Enforcer. She was also one of the first members of the organization, and provided valuable intel, in addition to her expert sniper skills. She was a veteran of the Battle of Semangat Roh, and fought bravely at the Battle of the Bridge. She sacrificed herself to win us that battle. She died a hero. Without her, SPECTRE would not be what it was today, nor would it have even survived the Battle of the Bridge."

"My brother Antonio also joined at the start of the program. He was an Enforcer Major and fought bravely against a terrorist cell known as "The Cobra". He died in combat on that day, in a fluke explosion that nearly wiped out half of our agency. If it were not for his quick thinking and bravery, more agents would have been killed on that day."

She pressed the button once more, and this time it flashed to a picture of two PBI agents, Shadow and Linda Michaels.

"Shadow and Linda were both one of the best agents I ever knew. As PBI agents, they served as counter-terrorism units, both incognito and as a public face. Shadow was a veteran of the Battle of the Semangat Roh, and Linda was recruited in its aftermath after she single-handedly saved Melambak from a nuclear threat. Both were killed in the Battle of the Bridge."

The projector switched to a picture of Rut Jole.

"Rut Jole was once the Chief of the Peacekeepers. He was also a SPECTRE, recruited shortly before the Battle of the Semangat Roh, in which he fought bravely and with distinction. He transferred to the Enforcers, but continued to serve with the SPECTREs. He was killed in a fluke accident, but his contributions to SPECTRE as well as the rest of the government shall live on."

A picture of Dante Knox and Thomas Hawker in Ular uniforms was shown.

"Dante Knox's history has always been a shaky one. He loved to fly, and that's just about anything anyone ever knew about him. He flew for the Ulars, the Reapers, the Roaches, the Enforcers, and yes, the SPECTREs. He served for a short time, but in that time he flew against Deathwatch forces at the Battle of the Semangat Roh, against Russian MiGs, and even a Russian submarine. He died during the latter engagement, when his countermeasures failed to deploy and he was shot down. His body was never recovered, but we still honor his sacrifice."

"Thomas Hawker was an Enforcer Pilot for a long time, but ended his days as an Ular pilot. Until shortly before his transfer to the Ulars, which was inspired in part by his new position, he was recruited into SPECTRE. He flew during the Battle of the Bridge, where he was the first SPECTRE to fall after being ambushed by the mercenary anti-aircraft crew and jamming system."

A picture of a Roach, Haru Octopus, was shown.

"Haru Octopus joined alongside Adrian Yootz Vizla, and was one of my longest-serving and most loyal agents. He was a veteran of the Battle of Semangat Roh, and volunteered to be put in one of the most dangerous positions in the Battle of the Bridge. He was hit directly from a tank shot, and died on the spot. His valor continues to inspire us to this day."

A picture of a collection of Reapers, all laughing together, was shown. Recognizable in the picture was Anton Chigiv, James Marshal, Skyler Michaels, Athena Shepard, and Oliver McQueen.

"Anton and Athena were two of my oldest agents. Athena was practically a sister to me, and Anton was one of my oldest friends. I served with both of them in the Reapers initially, but left them behind when I joined the Enforcers. They continued to serve in the Reapers, and were always ready to answer my call to action. They fought in many engagements, including the Battle of the Semangat Roh. They were some of the best operators I ever fielded. They both died in action at the Battle of the Bridge."

"James Marshal and Skyler Michaels were recruited only recently, and were only novices at the Battle of the Bridge. Both fought valiantly, and were killed in action."

"Oliver McQueen was the...THE best agent I ever had. He was my best friend...and I betrayed him. I didn't trust him..."

She looked down for a moment, aware that the journalists were writing down things rapid fire and taking pictures nonstop. She quickly regained her composure and continued.

"He was the head of the Reaper branch of the SPECTREs for...until recently. He was a veteran of the Battle of the Semangat Roh and countless other engagements. He fired the shot that ended Niels Black during his reign of madness, and infiltrated Deathwatch to such a degree that he was the most invaluable asset to SPECTRE. He died during a party, when a sniper team let off an accidental discharge that sent him tumbling off the casino...and I couldn't save him..."

She shook her head and continued.

"These men and women had many different political views and goals. You would note they hailed from all branches, including government agencies themselves. They fought for the freedom and safety of the PEOPLE of Panau, regardless of faction or nationality. They fought like warriors. They fought with honor. They fought...like spectres."

"And that's it. I have no more words to add about their lives. The rest is silence. However, I would like to now open the floor...to you. The people. SPECTREs have long walked in the darkness to serve the light. We have served with honor and distinction...but we have never been publicly recognized for it. However, it IS well known that I am the de-facto leader of this group, along with my sister, Chief Shae Vizla, who was in charge of the security for this event. Therefore, I would like to invite anyone to ask questions about the organization. Our past, our current state of affairs, anything. However, keep in mind, that I will not answer questions I see to be a breach of classified intel. I am simply here to make the people more aware of who is always watching, and to remind them that not everything in the dark is to be feared."

"So...that being said...any questions?"

[The Skeleton Doctor]

Slade Grayson stands among the journalists as they take notes and talk amongst themselves, dressed in civilian clothes. He appears as a normal civilian. He mentally notes the names of all the fallen SPECTRE's, and tries to remember how and when they fell. Slade gazes downwards as he opens his fobwatch, which has a picture of a man inside. It has words enscribed around one edge. The picture is of none other then Ashworth Hallet. He closes the watch and moves towards the exit, passing the stage. As he moves by, he skims the fobwatch onto the stage, stopping next to the presenters foot. He chuckles as he thinks of the consequences for the actions he did, and he thinks back to the writing. Hail the Broken Saints.

[Adi Penyembuh]

Nabil sits in the front rows of this impromptu press conference called by a member of the army, he takes his handheld audio recording devive, pen and paper.

Jotting down notes he waits for the questions to end before approaching the speaker off mic and camera


Minister Nyein for Panau Governments Public Relations


Whilst first I'm sorry for your loss, alas nothing I say or do can fix that.

Two questions really;

Why bring SPECTRE into the public forum? Once the cats out the bag it's hard to put it back in. Yes your enemies know who you are as do civilians, but as my understanding is that you like the PBI are to operate in secret, leaving the limelight to the Army and Peacekeepers.

Are you still capable of running SPECTRE? This press conference seemed to be called under a lot of emotion. Emotion is fine but we need stability and emotional responses aren't stable... powerful yes stable no...

(( nice work so far, quick question OOC why this is in GOV forum not news where most conferences go?))

[Lilith Hatsumi Vizla]

[i]
Why bring SPECTRE into the public forum? Once the cats out the bag it's hard to put it back in. Yes your enemies know who you are as do civilians, but as my understanding is that you like the PBI are to operate in secret, leaving the limelight to the Army and Peacekeepers.

Are you still capable of running SPECTRE? This press conference seemed to be called under a lot of emotion. Emotion is fine but we need stability and emotional responses aren't stable... powerful yes stable no...

(( nice work so far, quick question OOC why this is in GOV forum not news where most conferences go?))

((Because I wanted to gear it specifically to GOV members, as well as Enforcers and civilians))

"SPECTRE has always been known to our enemies. However, it has never been known to our friends. The day after the battle in which we lost a majority of our agents, I was told, "As always, nobody will know." The people need to know who is fighting for them, fully. And while they won't know exactly who our agents are, or what we are doing, they'll know we're out there. We should be recognized for our sacrifices."

"As for me running SPECTRE, there was a span where I would say no, I am not capable. However, as of now, I am fully capable and have resumed my duties. SPECTRE cannot merely be handed off to another gov-appointed official. As a black-bag operations group, almost none of our intel and sources are documented in places accessible to a common person. Therefore, I am THE only person fit to lead the group. If and when I am ready to step down, I shall hand it off to a SPECTRE of my choosing. And as I said before, emotion has little to do with this matter. I am simply honoring the fallen and making their sacrifices known."

[Adi Penyembuh]

Nabil listens carefully and lets it sink in before proceeding

For whatever it's worth now SPECTRE is open to Panau. Friend or foe remembering both can change as time progresses and for bringing it into the open you shall be held accountable for losses just as you are your successes. Time will tell whether this honouring of people who worked and knew they worked in the shadows was a good idea. The government will debate it's response to this.

As for your idle threats towards Government officials, remember although you act in the shadows you do it in the name of the government and our prime ministers mandate.. a mandate is all that stands between you being on one side of the law to another... hero or terrorist.. everything is in the eye of the beholder

[krpajda]

At least the names of the still living members remain classified, the people who would mean trouble for them all knew the organization exists anyway.

[Lilith Hatsumi Vizla]

As for your idle threats towards Government officials, remember although you act in the shadows you do it in the name of the government and our prime ministers mandate.. a mandate is all that stands between you being on one side of the law to another... hero or terrorist.. everything is in the eye of the beholder

Lilith laughs.

"I'm not sure what idle threats you speak of, but I find it ironic that bring the law into this. As you would remember, when President Woltz formed SPECTRE, he specifically formed us to be operatives...ABOVE the law. We follow it when we can, but we do not hesitate to break it for the greater good. And we serve not only the government, but the people of Panau."

[Lilith Hatsumi Vizla]

At least the names of the still living members remain classified, the people who would mean trouble for them all knew the organization exists anyway.

"Precisely." Lilith smiles at Krpajda.

[Adi Penyembuh]

looks concerned at the SPECTRE heads brushing off concerns

Things change and in the end no one is above the law... you operate with a mandate from the current president, presidents change as do mandates... consider the hand you bite

turns to the secretary of Defence who has joined them

Yes the current SPECTRE operatives are safe and hidden apart from its head... but what of the families and friends of those she just declassified of her own will.. revenge attacks are common place here and you've placed them in jeopardy.. there lives now hang in her hands... and that's something she'll have to live with and we'll have to answer for..

[The Skeleton Doctor]

Slade was about to leave the room, but he hears Nabil speak.The points he was presenting raises an arguement in his mind. He speaks to Lilith directly.
"We need a private record, or a form to keep track of who is where. Restrict them from acting without consent or permission of the government. We need to stop SPECTRE's from destroying the nation by believing they are above the law. People need to be protected. SPECTRE cannot roam free anymore. It's hurting more then it is aiding."

[Adi Penyembuh]

Slade was about to leave the room, but he hears Nabil speak.
"We need a private record, or a form to keep track of who is where. Restrict them from acting without consent or permission of the government. We need to stop SPECTRE's from destroying the nation by believing they are above the law. People need to be protected. SPECTRE cannot roam free anymore. It's hurting more then it is aiding."

(( is that your response or what I'm saying?))

[The Skeleton Doctor]

Slade was about to leave the room, but he hears Nabil speak.
"We need a private record, or a form to keep track of who is where. Restrict them from acting without consent or permission of the government. We need to stop SPECTRE's from destroying the nation by believing they are above the law. People need to be protected. SPECTRE cannot roam free anymore. It's hurting more then it is aiding."

(( is that your response of what I'm saying?))

((sorry, worded it incorrectly. Meant to say a thought occurred to him :P))

[Lilith Hatsumi Vizla]

looks concerned at the SPECTRE heads brushing off concerns

Things change and in the end no one is above the law... you operate with a mandate from the current president, presidents change as do mandates... consider the hand you bite

turns to the secretary of Defence who has joined them

Yes the current SPECTRE operatives are safe and hidden apart from its head... but what of the families and friends of those she just declassified of her own will.. revenge attacks are common place here and you've placed them in jeopardy.. there lives now hang in her hands... and that's something she'll have to live with and we'll have to answer for..

"Things have not changed and they never will. SPECTRE has served as the Secret Service as well, answering directly to the president. We made our rise as President Greene's right hand. Every president has seen the advantage of having the first and last line of defense of the government being above the law and willing to do anything it takes to protect the people."

"As for their families, all of these members have willingly given permission to reveal their identities following their death. They have no family, nobody that could be targetted. There are more current members, as well as deceased members whose identities have not been revealed."

Slade was about to leave the room, but he hears Nabil speak.
"We need a private record, or a form to keep track of who is where. Restrict them from acting without consent or permission of the government. We need to stop SPECTRE's from destroying the nation by believing they are above the law. People need to be protected. SPECTRE cannot roam free anymore. It's hurting more then it is aiding."

((Considering how SPECTRE has saved the nation multiple times and are actually above the law, there are some things wrong with this phrase ;P))

[The Skeleton Doctor]

((Considering how SPECTRE has saved the nation multiple times and are actually above the law, there are some things wrong with this phrase ;P))

((Well, Slade is trying to manipulate the situation in his favour, trying to get a document to limit his possible enemies. And I'm tired, sorry if I'm not making much sense :D))

[Adi Penyembuh]

Nabil listens to the SPECTREs words

There is no further point to this discussion, the arrogance you show towards the law and what you believe is your divine mission.. and the threats that every past president has given you a mandate does not mean future ones will.. your phase "things have not changed and never will" is the voice in the name of inevitable change... does that mean you'll try and assassinate any president who threatens your precious SPECTRE under the guise of acting above the law... time will tell... die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain is the saying


Ask yourself what is your position after there is unity... you don't think someone will review your performance...

SPECTRE has it's uses now... will it always.. who knows..

[krpajda]

Please correct me if i'm wrong, but last time i checked, spectres answer to the president. I did not check in a rather long time though, so this may no longer apply. However it is paramount that whatever operations you are conducting stay within the bounds of the law. Otherwise your organization is no better than the ones all these people have died fighting against.
To some extent, laws can always be changed. That does not mean they do not matter though.

[Adi Penyembuh]

Looks towards the secretary of defense


Do we know if they even run missions past the President... or do they operate as judge, jury and executioner... a government death squad... a rogue one if the missions are not run before the president... Seems like Pandak Panay's operations if it's "above" the law....

[Lilith Hatsumi Vizla]

Nabil listens to the SPECTREs words

There is no further point to this discussion, the arrogance you show towards the law and what you believe is your divine mission.. and the threats that every past president has given you a mandate does not mean future ones will.. your phase "things have not changed and never will" is the voice in the name of inevitable change... does that mean you'll try and assassinate any president who threatens your precious SPECTRE under the guise of acting above the law... time will tell... die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain is the saying


Ask yourself what is your position after there is unity... you don't think someone will review your performance...

SPECTRE has it's uses now... will it always.. who knows..

"After there is unity, SPECTRE will be an anti-terrorist task force, much like the American FBI-SWAT units. We will also continue our task as the President's Secret Service."

Please correct me if i'm wrong, but last time i checked, spectres answer to the president. I did not check in a rather long time though, so this may no longer apply. However it is paramount that whatever operations you are conducting stay within the bounds of the law. Otherwise your organization is no better than the ones all these people have died fighting against.
To some extent, laws can always be changed. That does not mean they do not matter though.

"This is correct, we have always answered directly to the President. However, in the current time, there is no president, so we have been simply providing anti-terrorism activities to the best of our abilities."

[Tuna]

Tuna watches the conference from the shadows at the back of the hall, memorising the faces of everyone speaking and scribbling notes in a journal. Without a word he slips out of the hall, unseen.
Once he was out of earshot of the crowded hall, he calls his contact.
"J? ... Yeah it's me ... I'm at that press conference actually. Things got interesting ... No, no need to worry for now, but ... It's back, we must be prepared ... Yes ... Nah they're all dead or retired ... Cool, say hi to the rest of your family from me, I'll see you soon"
He hangs up the burner phone and, after wiping it for prints, he drops it into a bin and walks away

[Adi Penyembuh]

Looks back to the SPECTRE head puzzled at her comments

This is the reason we have set up fiscal policy committees, after unity you're telling us you'll be doing the exactly job we have the PBI and Peacekeepers on to do.. or are you telling us that your own sister Chief Vizla department is so incompetent that we should just shut it down and leave everything to this hit squad that answers to no one but the president and operates above the law? unlike your sisters department who operates within it's bounds...