Special Thanks goes to 8andahalfby11 for allowing me to use his characters and universe to make this work.
This is a very work in progress story and will be subject to change. Thank you :D.
Reviews are much appreciated
President Mahana stared at the phone, hands clasped together he had just finished talking to the Japanese prime minister about the situation in the special region. In front of him were members of the Executive Committee of the National Security Council or EXCOMM for short, many thought the committee was only for the Cuban missile crisis but it is still very much around, the council has convened for at least 31 times in the last 7 years by both administrations thanks to the special region . For years the US has been trying to extend its influence into the special region. Today seems to have presented the perfect opportunity. The only question is how to do it?
Robert Kilter the President's National Security Advisor had an idea that just might work.
"Mr president. I have an idea that just might work," he said.
"Make it a good one then." Mahana sighed.
"We could send in a PMC in under the guise of peacekeeping operations to the special region."
"Yeah. And the Japanese would just let them pass with no problems. Robert, as much as I value your input, this is by far the stupidest idea you could think of." Mahana cutting him off.
"I think you are underestimating our dear friend over there." Kilter smiled gesturing to the man sitting at the end of the table. Compared to the others in the room he had no official title. This quiet lanky Asian man was, however, the CEO of Atlas International Group, by far the biggest Private military company the world had ever seen.
One might wonder how a CEO got a seat on the council, the answer is simple. He is not a member, not officially anyway. The CEO, Philip Young is one of the world's most powerful men, wielding tremendous influence and wealth. The US view him and his company an asset or numerous wetwork missions. Not to mention he was one of the reasons Mahana got the presidency in the first place. It was an open secret in the hill that most people in both aisles of the political spectrum owed Atlas one reason or other, Mahana was no different. Having Young on his side would make a powerful ally.
Philip Young calmly sipped his tea, "I would very much love to expand my area of operations into the special region, Mr president. You should know the costs of an expedition of this size will cost a tremendous amount of money."
"You got a blank check. Whatever you need. Call it a repayment for your work with on China problem." Mahana quickly replied. "But I must ask, how are you going to get the Japanese to agree to this, many members of the Japanese diet would surely refuse such a request."
"Mr president. Atlas here has in-depth connections to the Japanese government. I am sure he has enough political leverage to convince them to let him through." the director of the CIA pointed out.
"You are quite right, Mr Cole. Your agency has sure done their research." Young laughed. "Not to worry, Mr President, We have our ways of convincing people." his gaze seemed to lock onto Manahan as if to say he could do the same to him.
"In the meantime, I think you should prepare your check." With that he got up and left the room, effectively ending the meeting.
One month later.
News of Atlas international group to be the first private entity allowed to enter the gate made the headlines around the world. No one expected the deal would go through 2 weeks ago when it was announced that the USA had contracted Atlas International Group to send a force through the gate as peacekeepers as the crisis between Rondel and the Empire worsen.
The once secretive company who prefers to work in the shadows now stood in the limelight. The public responded with mixed feelings. Some were against the agreement as it meant an escalation as more troops are being deployed into the special region.
But many also see this as a sign that the Japanese government is easing restrictions to the special region.
There were mixed emotions about sending in a large task force of what are essentially mercenaries to a gradually tense area, but most people could agree on the fact that them being a corporation, not a country reinforces their neutral stance in the fight.
The assembly of material and the equipment for the expedition that was being stockpiled during the 2 weeks of negotiation now flowed through the gate.
A section of land had been scouted out by Atlas surveyors only 4 days before for the construction of their base of operations. It was close to a small coastal town not too far from either the US or Japanese base. Prefab materials now littered the entire area as engineers got to work laying the foundations of what is to be the largest base in Falmart.
Officially the expedition force is headed up by the US Department of defence, but in reality, the whole operation is controlled by Paul Sawyer, an ex-US army colonel and now commander of all Atlas's military personnel in the special region.
Sawyer was a man of action, he hated sitting in an office all day being a pencil pusher. He wanted action. To lead from the front with his men to battle till the end. It was the reason why he left the army in the first place, too much politics, too much paperwork and not enough action. Not to mention the fat green stacks of bills he receives every month. When the head of the logistics department came over personally to inform him of his reassignment how could he turn it down?
It came with very nice perks as well. Away from the bullshit of the outside world and right at the front line, just where he was meant to be. The sweet office was a nice touch too, a view of the beautiful Falmart hills and the coast nearby. He was still a pencil pusher sure. But now at least he was where the action is, hell he might even be able to go on a mission with his men.
Looking out of the balcony he saw a convoy of 5 Japanese HMW and 3 Komatsu LAVs fitted with .50 cal machine guns on the roof. It would only mean one thing. The door behind him opened.
"Sir General Hazama wants to see you. Sir!" a corporal entered, saluting the Colonel.
"Yeah, I know. At ease. Tell him to come right up." Sawyer sighed turning around and sat at his large chair as he waited for the Japanese General.
The clomping of a mess of heavy boots could be heard long before Hazama and his entourage even arrived at his office. When they did, Hazama did not bother to knock, walking right in. Boy did he look pissed. He was flanked by 6 other soldiers which he recognised as members of the Japanese Special forces group and one in officer uniform as 1st Lieutenant Yanagida Akira. He had fallen from favour not too long ago due to his actions 7 years ago but still serves as the General's chief advisor.
"What is the meaning of this?" the General growled. The lieutenant walked over passing several documents and paperwork for a flight of 8 F-35Bs and 16 A-10s they are the first of many air wings to be sent to the special region, all pre-approved by the Japanese Diet and department of defence so there should not be any problems.
Underneath were countless others with the same approval papers which Sawyer already knew since day one of the operations. Atlas was sending in everything they had into the special region. Everything a modern army needs, that includes attack helicopters to Main battle tanks or even ballistic missiles should they require. He could find nothing wrong with the paperwork. All of them looked perfectly fine.
"I think you already know what they are General. My equipment." Sawyer calmly replied.
"Is all of that equipment necessary? Our men found M1A2 Abrams and Merkava MkIVs in your trucks. Not to mention rocket Components and precision laser equipment." the Lieutenant questioned.
"Maybe. You must understand we are a private entity. Here to ensure the peace and stability of the region. We need our own equipment to stay independent." he shrugged as he stirred his cup of coffee.
"You have not answered my question on the rockets and laser components."
"Like I said we are a private entity. A private Corporation I might add."
"Tch. Too much freedom for one corporation to weld." Sawyer could hear the Lieutenant softly curse, attracting a glance from his superior. But without a doubt, he agrees with him completely.
"We are the first besides the USA and Japan to ever set foot in the region. We would, of course, be interested in finding out more about this place. My superiors want to set up a research base over here and to also launch our own satellites."
"I hope you know what you are doing Sawyer. This is still technically Japanese territory. Step out of line and We will not hesitate to take you and your band of mercenaries down." Hazama softly warned as he walked right up to his table.
Sawyer rose from his seat, the cup of coffee still in his hand mid-stir. Moving closer till he was practically centimetres apart"No you are not. You are very much mistaken General. This is private property now. All 40 kilometres of the open area surrounding this place is my kingdom. Mine and mine alone. You will do well to remember that." Sawyer smiled as if to prove a point 3 men equipped with SCAR-Ls walked in through the open door, wearing the newly developed EXO suit.
"Oh. And next time. Just send the paperwork regarding Atlas to the office in the Alnus settlement. Our attaché there will do the rest. No need to personally come to deliver it to me. And if you want to see me. Please contact my secretary first to clear a date for you before you come in. I am a busy man. And in the event, you must come in at a short notice. Have the courtesy to knock before entering." Sawyer smiled as he sat back down, flashing his most arrogant grin as he could possibly make to the Japanese.