open MLP Nations, Politics RP Thread

[SharpWit 2,614]

@@SilentFlight, "That is a tempting offer and I'd be very interested in becoming your ally, but I would need to check on a few things first. I don't feel comfortable with invading a nation I have yet to interact with. Perhaps if you hold off for a while, I can determine whether it is in Abendstern's best interest after visiting them myself, whether we should partake in any invasive actions. Plus if it turns out to be in our best interests, we will have gathered valuable information that would allow us to defeat them more efficiently. If you wish to now, we can make terms our alliance and how the land should be divided should we partake. But before we do so, I must ask, what do the other ponies here have against the Pegasi?

[SilentFlight 41]

@@SharpWit

"I respect your decision and I will hold my war party's for a little bit longer to let you make your decision on if you wish to join me but I will not wait forever I will send a messenger when your time is up unless your make your decision early and what they have against Pegasus is they treat my race as a price of trash and it is just absurd I do not approve of there treatment of there Pegasus citizens"

[SharpWit 2,614]

@@SilentFlight, "Thank you, and we'll respond back as soon as possible."

 

@@Firehearted, A dark storm cloud like that seen from when the Griffon Fleet had gotten near the shores of Abendstern  appeared out from the southern horizon. As it got closer, it became evident that this was no ordinary storm cloud, for it stretch on like a serpent in the sky, rather than what would've been expected. It got closer and closer but remained out at sea. Underneath it's shadow, which was only interrupted by the occasional lightning, the water grew very choppy, to the point where it appeared as though it could turn ships on their sides should they attempt to go through it. From the same direction as the cloud came, twenty-six ships came into view, bearing Abendstern's Flag. One was a Monitor, it led from the front of the fleet of Iron cladded Man of wars with its large bow(Part of the ship, not the thing that shoots arrows.) turret. This was the case for only a moment, for the water in front of them moved, and ten submarines rose to the surface. They halted when they neared the shore, and four Bat Ponies flew off of the Monitor's decks, and landed at the end of the closest dock.

Edited March 17, 2015 by SharpWit

[Lordav 3,427]

(This is me trying to go west… like the US did with the Native Americans… so I have to write it…. In other words… just guns vs. Zulus. If u don’t want to read that was the summary. Also this was happening for some time… so all this doesn’t happen in a single day. Enjoy the video link for a more 'visual' idea...skip to minute 2:40 =p)

 

Ponssian Western border, military base

 

The Commander of the base was doing some paperwork in his office when an officer steps in.

 

"Sir, since we took this position, the natives have been more and more hostile towards us."

 

The Commander looks at the pony,

"Yes, officer... can you tell me something i do not know?"

 

The officer steps up to the window and pulls the curtain revealing a huge army of brown ponies on a hill. They were armed with spears and leather shields, chanting away towards the base. They numbered at least 50,000 and were only faced by 7,500 soldiers stationed in the fort.

 

“I think they’re coming for us, sir.”

The commander’s eyes widened…

“Sound the alarm!”

Bells rung throughout the base as soldiers grabbed their rifles and took positions on the walls. The four rifled cannons on the wall facing the hill were turned and loaded, aiming for the massive horde.

The horde screamed a war cry and started charging down the hill towards the fort. A officer on the 5m tall wall instructed the infantry;

“Steady boys, fire on my order!”

The horde drew closer and closer, the cannons started firing towards them with shrapnel shot, shredding through groups of ponies, but the fanatic charge continued. When the ponies came closer to the walls the Puckle Guns (a primitive Gatling Gun) started firing relentlessly into the army. Soon they were in rifle range. The soldiers on the walls were formed in three rows, the first row would fire retreat and start reloading while the second row would take its place, then retreat, being replaced by the third and so on.

“Fire!”

A volley hit the invaders and the line retreated.

“Fire!”

Another row change.

“Fire!”

The invading ponies desperately tried getting wooden ladders on the walls, Most of the ladders were shot to pieces by the cannons but some managed to make it on the stone walls parapets. Fierce hand to hand fighting occurred as bayonet, swords and spears clashed. The walls started getting overrun and the soldiers on the walls started retreating in the courtyard in front of a small sandbag section facing the invaded wall. Three rows formed in front of the wall while another formed behind the sandbags. The horde now had control of the walls and started charging down towards the soldiers’ position. The commander was behind the sand bag wall while officers were instructing the three lines in front.

“Company! Fire by rank!”

The soldiers took aim at the horde now charging down the stairs towards them. The officers started shouting.

“First rank fire!”

“Second rank fire!”

“Third rank fire!”

“Fourth rank fire!”

“First rank fire!”

“Second rank…”

(…)

“First rank…hold!”

The soldiers stopped and looked at the bodies. In front of them, between the wall and their line lied an enormous pile of dead bodies. All 50,000 ponies charged to their death at the price of 1000 Ponssian defenders. The soldiers cheered while the commander approached his second.

“We did it sir!” the officer told the commander.

“Indeed we have, send a telegram to Western HQ; tell them we are at war. Oh, and get the men some rest”

A few days later an enormous force numbering 75,000 Ponssian Foreign Legion troops marched in the Mulerian land.

[Firehearted 120]

Somewhere in Talon, A Workshop in the Lower City

 

A young and struggling inventor finds himself looking at a revolver rifle, or rather the plans for one.

"What the hell am I supposed to do this this?" He asks himself looking at the rifle's blueprints. "This rifle is already perfect, what can I do to improve on it?!"

 

CloudFlash slammed his claw on the table. "Come on! Give me an idea!" He shouted upwards to the gods. "Just an idea..." He slumped down in defeat. It was no use. He wasn't going to come up with the next big thing. With that we went to bed.

 

 

As he tried to drift to sleep his mind wandered. "Maybe a better way to discard the empty shells? No, you can just throw them out with the whole ammo block... A better reload? No, it's pretty fast as it is..." He shot off his pillow. He left from his bed and darted for his workshop.

 

He went to work under the moonlight providence at his side.

 

 

...

 

 

Days later he emerged from his workshop with a new rifle, the Flash Rifle, the Griffon Kingdom's first practical bolt-action rifle. This rifle would soon be the base of the Griffon Kingdom's army, navy, and soon-to-be air force. The basic design would be made larger into artillery and shrunk for pistols, it would be shaped into different models and produce many different types of firearms, it would dominate the battlefield.

 

But it wasn't there yet. It still wouldn't be too long, however, until the Flash Rifle would be in the claws of almost every Griffon soldier.

Edited March 15, 2015 by Firehearted

[Derplight Sperkle 1,013]

@@Lordav

 

(Yes very much the default communist train, this wouldn't be the richest part of the country. Village is medium sized mining community)

 

"Good, we have precedence for riding the train. We shall be able to board the next train in." The captain continued walking towards the village. Smoke rose from a nearby mine as the villagers were coming back from the nearby mine. Some turned to see the unknown ponies that were going through, most didn't even look in fear of being arrested.

 

The group arrived at the train station. It was a very dull station with some show of wear and tear from some years of lax maintenance, the rails however were in pristine condition. The captain talked to the station manager before returning back to the group. "A train should be arriving within the next half hour. We will be able to board the few passenger cars onboard."

 

@

 

The train takes a full day to arrive at Stalliongrad. There the train pulls into the grand main station of the city. The diplomats are met at the station by armed guards and the mayor of the city. "Hello there! I'm Mayor Silvermane. I will be housing you while our glorious leader returns from overseas. He have notified us that he will be here tomorrow. I'm just curious, what is your objective of this trip?"

 

@@SilentFlight

 

A lone sloop of war approaches the meeting point. It has onboard one of the few foreign ambassadors of the Sovneigh Union.

[Lordav 3,427]

@@Derplight Sperkle,

 

The captain looked at the station in a bit of disgust. He touched a wall and was suprised to see the paint crumble off so easily.  Buildings, especially those of public use were always kept in an impacable condition. Looking at the village he saw the poor houses around the village... He tried to sit down on a bench but decided it was probably better not to, as it may crack under his weight.

 

"So..." he started, "is this like a... labour camp... or something?"

 

He looked down the railway, waiting for the sight of a train.

[SharpWit 2,614]

@@SilentFlight, "Now then, let's get down to business before we depart. As allies, we would request that during the event that we are attacked, we would like that you aid us in defending ourselves. Likewise we would do the same for you. We also would like to have full access to your part of the Raging River. This would allow us to send ships to you for defense or trade purposes, the later we would primarily use unless we strike a deal sometime in the future in which we construct a major rail line between our countries. I'd offer to do so now, but we have already diverted a fair amount of our deployable workforce to build one connecting to the Griffon Kingdom just north east of us. As far as trade goes,we would like to make a very large order for some food. Would you be able to say come up with a million tons for this first year? We are perfectly fine with settling for less for now if you can't handle that amount. And of course we want to here what you want as well for it and any other terms to agree on."

@@Firehearted, The Bat Pony who was obviously in charge scanned the surroundings. He expected to be stopped out at sea but none of the Griffons Naval ships had approached them or even been seen. He nudged the Bat pony next to him,who began calling out for anyone with authority. They and the two guards began making their way up the dock."

 

@@Lordav,@@AmberDust, @@Derplight Sperkle,  Snow began to fall heavily in the northern areas of Ponssia, Konyushnia, and the Sovneigh Union where they hadn't already and steadily picked up as time passed. The air in the northern hemisphere was noticeably colder, but not yet freezing. Ice could be seen forming on the edges of lakes and northern shores while frost descended upon what lay just south.

Edited March 17, 2015 by SharpWit

[Lordav 3,427]

As the snow started rolling in, Factories in Northern cities started pumping out as much smoke as possible, to keep the air warmer above the urban centers. It did have some effct, the smoke didnt condense as it was heated by fresh smoke that rises continuosly from the chimeys. The only problem was that most days were now dark and citizens were forced to use their oil and gas lamps at all times to light the streets. 

 

In a small garage (for a carriage), a factory engineer worked as his table. If front of hime was a small glass ball, using a small battery (First battery... early 1800s... it had a P.D. but was disregarded as it couldnt really be used) made of zinc and copper that created a small voltage, a small wire in the glass lit up, giving out a lot more light than a normal oil lamp.

 

"I did it!" he explained... i knew this old think had it uses!" he kissed the battery. 

 

He loaded his carriage and raced off to a govermental building. The officials were amazed at the light, also, it was powered by someting they found useless until now, a telegram was sent to the caital. Shortly after, the abandoned monster factory of Hoofsburg started roaring out smoke again, its aim was the creation of thousands of these bulbs in order to light up the cities and ships.

[skbl17 199]

@@Lordav

 

If Bright Idea heard the diplomats correctly, they wished to secure land for an embassy. Fortunately, there were plenty of vacant buildings on the city's outskirts, and she had wanted to occupy as many vacant buildings in the capital as possible. "Within the capital, there are a few vacant buildings that can be converted to an embassy, but the only areas I can think of that have suitable buildings are wards 5 and 7, and they are quite a hike from the national government facilities. I can provide you with a list of open lots and instruct the Foreign Ministry to secure the necessary permits for construction of an embassy, but you'll be on your own for construction and ensuring the building's up to code. It shouldn't be too difficult."

 

Bright Idea paused to take a breath, then continued. "If you want to secure a location near the port, you'll likely have to purchase a facility, as the seaside wards are quite dense and crowded."

 

@

 

Back in Port Horseshoe, the admirals instructed the foreign vessel to pull into the naval base for inspection and to figure out the next course of action. 

[Derplight Sperkle 1,013]

@@Lordav

 

"A labor camp? No, those are typically up North. Those are much worse than the conditions here. I know because my first assignment was in one, and I got to tell you, it's not the best place to be if you are sentenced there," the captain replied.

 

Smoke rising in the horizon indicated the train was approaching soon. "It's worse there since it can get quite cold up in the North, I believe it's starting to snow there as we speak..."

[Lordav 3,427]

@@Derplight Sperkle,

The captain looked around again, even prisons were in better shape than this place... and even prisoners seemed better fed than the villagers around him.

"They must be second class citizens....or slaves" he thought as he but on some white gloves (hoof gloves?)

The train was soon in sight, it seemed a lot more modern and well kept than anything else in the area.

(And they got in the train =p?)

 

@@skbl17,

"Oh, but they are pre-made buldings, they just need to be shipped here."

The captain takes out a black and white photograph.

"Any place should do. I presume this means we have a trade agreement established?"

[Lordav 3,427]

@@Skullbuster, 

 

Your biggest port city.

 

In the foggy northern water, silluettes can be seen advancing slowly towards the Cidonian shore, you could easily tell that they were warships as they slowly stumble across the waves. Above them flew 7 of Ponssias newest inventions, airships, they were litterarly ships of the line connected to baloons. Behind them a fleet of thransports carrying 5,000 Foreign Legion troops. They stop on a small island on the way to wait while a sloop touches the Cidonian shore. A a pony in millitary uniform comes down, carrying a scroll and demands that he is taken to the nations leader.

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

@Stormgiggle

 

Crystal Lands

 

East city

 

Royal Guards who are guarding at the East gate, saw magi and his diplomatic convoy. Because they are not very sure, can they trust them or not, they decide to ask from gates.

 

"Who are you? Identify yourselves." One Royal Guard said, looking towards strangers.

The Magi got out of his covered wagon, and then walked up to the front of the convoy. "Greetings and salutations! I am Magi Silver Gleam. My friends and I are here to establish diplomatic relations with your nation. I humbly request an audience with your leader."

 

@,

 

"Our harvests were bountiful this year and we do have a surplus to offer, what can you offer my nation? I have almost every thing I could want except lumber, how are your lumber reserves?" she asked him "If you have spare lumber I believe we could have an agreement"

"We have little lumber I'm afraid, but we do have other commodities. Maybe we could come to some other agreement?"

 

The pony sobered up immediately.

"Diplomatic relations?" He asked, surprised. He smiled greatly. "That is wonderful news! Where do you ponies come so far from to visit us?" There was a new brightness to his eyes as he approached the vessel.

"We come from a land called Medeis, down from the south! We're honored that you're so happy to meet with us!"

 

@

 

The train takes a full day to arrive at Stalliongrad. There the train pulls into the grand main station of the city. The diplomats are met at the station by armed guards and the mayor of the city. "Hello there! I'm Mayor Silvermane. I will be housing you while our glorious leader returns from overseas. He have notified us that he will be here tomorrow. I'm just curious, what is your objective of this trip?"

"We are honored that your glorious leader will meet with us in person. We're hoping to establish a few trade agreements, and maybe even enter into a military alliance. We would also be willing to trade some of our advanced magical knowledge in return for some of your advanced technology."

 

@

 

Back in Port Horseshoe, the admirals instructed the foreign vessel to pull into the naval base for inspection and to figure out the next course of action. 

The diplomatic ship carefully followed the admiral's directions.

[Skullbuster 1,906]

@,

 

"Well," the queen replied "Make me an offer, Id be interested in doing business with you" 

 

@@Lordav,

 

the ship that approaches the shore is surrounded by flying pegasi troops with crossbows, a commanding officer responds to the pony "The queen is busy at the moment, you will have to wait but she will be announced of your presence, could you state your business?" 

the pegasi continue flying around the ship not staying in one spot

[Lordav 3,427]

@@Skullbuster, 

 

(Its not an assassination attempt.... just a document)

 

"I believe this document cannot wait", the messanger said. This document is of utmost importance and needs to be deivered imidiately to your leader. He unrolls the scroll, hands it to one of the guards and gets back on the ship, leaving immidiately towards the rest of the anchored fleet.

 

 

it read:

 

 

 

Repected leader,

 

This is a formal declaration of war, may our armies meet on the battlefield.

Our assault will begin in 2 hours.

We will be waiting to dictate our peace terms.

 

 

 

(That is one big signature 0.o)

[skbl17 199]

@@Lordav

 

Bright Idea knew that she would have to be careful with this deal. The national constitution specified that all treaties were to be ratified in the Commonwealth Assembly, and she didn't want to risk sparking a constitutional crisis by approving one on her own. Oh, but this isn't a treaty, she thought. It's just an agreement. I should be fine.

 

"Yes, we do have a trade agreement in place. It's not a treaty, so I don't have to run this by any other body. As for the embassy, you'll still have to secure a lot, but that shouldn't take too much time. Assuming everything's in order, you should be all ready to go in 48-72 hours or so." The deal was closed, new relations were established, and it seemed like things were off to a good start for the new Premier.

 

Unbeknownst to either the diplomat or the Premier, one of the residence's servants, having been present for the negotiations, was penning a letter to the opposition leader. He quietly slipped out and put the letter in the mailbox.

Edited March 19, 2015 by skbl17

[SilentFlight 41]

@SharpWit

Blackfire said" of course we can produce that much our scientists how just recently developed a high yeild seed for our crops so they have been producing more food faster and our unicorns are taught a spell so we can farm large fields with inly a few unicorns so we have been producing a 3 million tons of food so a million tons of food would be fine I will get in touch with you about things you can provide me but the terms you have set seem acceptable"

[StormRider245 61]

@,

 

"Very well. We'll note for the emperor." Royal Guard said and told other Royal Guard to go tell Emperor that diplomatics are requesting enterance... With real honor.

 

Later: Messagner Royal Guard returned to the gates and told the gate Royal Guard Emperor's answer. He nobbed and turned back to the diplomatics.

 

"The Emperor has agreed to yours visit. He has invited you to visit his castle. Gates will open. Welcome to the Crystal Lands."

 

Royal Guard greeted and then, the big but not "so" big crystal gate doors begun move away from themselves, one inside the left head and other right head. Then: There was a free road to their castle and they could see a lot of busy ponies around, doing their things. Most are smiths and food makers.

 

Meanwhile at the Castle:
 

Blue Crystal was staring out from the window, as the gates opened.

 

"First visitor for so long time... I am glad to see, that we are not alone." he thought and then turned towards 2 of his body guards.

 

"Go to make preporations, we shall meet these visitors with honor. Make haste." Blue Crystal commanded. The body guards bowed and then left to tell others to create preporations quickly.

Edited March 21, 2015 by StormRider245

[SharpWit 2,614]

@SharpWit

Blackfire said" of course we can produce that much our scientists how just recently developed a high yeild seed for our crops so they have been producing more food faster and our unicorns are taught a spell so we can farm large fields with inly a few unicorns so we have been producing a 3 million tons of food so a million tons of food would be fine I will get in touch with you about things you can provide me but the terms you have set seem acceptable"

"That's terrific! We'll send barges and naval assistance to begin picking it up in the spring, and to ensure no other nations decide to try to dominate the area. We've been noticing a lot of activity so be sure to keep a lookout. I think that about wraps this up then. We will inform you of our decision to invade the Dominion as soon as possible." The kaiser said. He signaled for his guards to clear the now empty plates of the pegasi's soldiers and prepare the ship for take off. As soon as her highness was off the engines began to hum to life but quickly quieted down. The Kaiser flew out momentarily and gave her the bottle. "I gift this to you as a sign of goodwill towards our new alliance." He said before bowing in mid flight, and landing back I side the Nightingale. It's bay doors shut behind him and they took off for the Dominion.

 

 

Back in Abendstern, the Kaiser's generals and advisers were busy with examining the military's latest achievements. In one day they had been shown two designs for new ships which could carry the massive howitzers, and seen the final touches put on their new submarine which was to be given a mission to test just how far it could go as soon as the Kaiser returned. At the same time, they had been shown a design of for a new airship that could also carry a howitzer. It didn't receive much praise though, for it seemed to expensive to produce something capable of what a a few guards carrying bombs could. Now at the end of the day they watched as the newest innovation was presented. An armored gear operated vehicle, that could travel across smooth battlefields, while firing a miniature mountain gun. The generals were very impressed especially with how cheap it would be to manufacture. They were told that it had a few issues that would be needed to be taken care of but that this could change the pace of warfare forever. It was given approval to continue work on it and that it would soon be seen in service. (Will post schematics when I get the chance.)

[Gloomfury 243]

 

 

        Quinacta

 

     Council room

 

 

 Each of the heads of the five families were sitting at the round conference table. Cigar smoke filled the air along with the smell of strong scotch. They have just got done with their third meeting this week. One or two of them were still irritated over the decision they finally came to concerning if they should seek outside help for their food shortage problem. Don Gazzadie and  Don Cannoli didn't like the idea. They felt like they could handle things on their own. But the others felt like it would be best to look for aid and maybe start trading again.

 

If that would to happen they would make more allies along with a steady stream of bits for them and Quinacta. 

 

While the Dons were stewing over the decision, they were all staring at the back of the head Dons Blood red chair. After a few minutes it spun around. Sitting in it was a grayish blue stallion with a strong build. His mane was light  brown and slicked back in a professional style. He was wearing a black dress shirt with a red vest, black coat and pants with red pinstripes and a black tie. 

 

He took one more drink from a glass he was holding in his hoof, before setting it down on the table.  He looked at each of the Dons with both his red and normal colored eyes. "Now that we have come to a conclusion, I think we should send out an invitation to each leader of the known nations. Hopefully they feel "generous" enough to grace us with their presence. If not, Thin I guess one of us should extend the first hoof. " 

 

The Dons sighed while some groaned. Most of them didn't care for sucking up to others. Don Ganbeni flat out hated it. He was always straightforward. If he didn't like someone he would just tell them. Not just grin and bare it. 

 

Malachi nods. "I know, I know. We'd all rather have them on our playing filled. But, that's how these other nations feel as well. That's why we play their game but make up our own rules along the way." He smirked. "Now, Have each of your fastest  flyers bring an invitation to the leaders. After that, we wait and see who responds.  Meeting adjourned." Malachi said before grabbing his over coating leaving the room.

 

After he left the building he took a walk down the street towards home, watching the beings of his nation enjoy their daily lives.

 

@@Lordav, @@SharpWit, @,

Edited March 24, 2015 by Gloomfury

[Derplight Sperkle 1,013]

@@Lordav

The train slowed to a crawl as it approached the station. The empty passenger cars soon opened to allow the ponies in. "Come comrades, Stalliongrad beckons."

 

The captain ushered his guests into the train. Before he entered, he turned to the pegasus captain, "Your escort is no longer needed captain, I can take it from here." The pegasus saluted and flew off with the rest of his troops as they returned to base.

 

"Make yourselves at home here, our ride is going to be awhile. Have any other questions about our great country captain?"

 

@

 

"Ah yes of course. I'm sure the Supreme Leader will discuss such things with you all, please please, come this way. We have prepared a suite for you in our grandest tavern while you wait for our glorious leader," Silvermane said to the diplomats as he ushered them off. 

 

As they exited the train station, the sites and sounds of the upper class quarter greeted them as high class ponies trotted around. In the distance a fortress with high walls came into view and a darkness seemed to be emanating from it. "Right this way, the tavern is close to the Great Leader so you won't have much distance to cover to see him."

[Lordav 3,427]

@@Derplight Sperkle

 

"I do indeed" the captain answered as he sat down on a seat.

 

"I was wondering... How strong is your agriculture? And do you think that you would be willing to trade some... Getting a bountyful sum in exchange of course." He took out a pistol. " Silver plated... Accurate from 50m... More than almost any othe field weapon out there."

[SharpWit 2,614]

@@Gloomfury, (I'm the only one you can reach without taking a boat out of those you mentioned)

 

A hot air balloon on Abendstern's new south east sea border scanned the horizons for any activity, while a large group of bat ponies below were digging a large hole to place the foundation that would be used to build a new sea fort. One of the four snipers inside of the hot air balloon saw a dot approaching from the south. he watched it for a few seconds, confirming that it was a pegasus. He placed two flags in holders on the side of the balloon's basket. Off a ways, was a small airship on patrol. A bat pony guard who scanned with his eyeglass soon saw the flags on the side of the balloon. "Pegasus incoming, starboard bound!" He yelled. The Nearby captain took out his own eyeglass and looked out. "So there is." He said. "Turn to starboard, check your rifles!" he ordered. "Maybe the pegasi nation brings news of our Kaiser?" The guard said. "I don't think so," said the captain. "Wrong direction. He must have something urgent to say though if he's flying that fast." The airship and its crew floated out towards the pegasus and waited till they came into clear view before calling out.

[Gloomfury 243]

@@SharpWit, ((I didn't know.)) 

 

Flits was a brown pegasus with a dark green mane. He wore the flying messengers outfit of Quinacta. Which was a dark blue long sleeved jacket with gold trim. He also wore a flat cap and a green and dark red plead kilt, he had a cigar clinched in his teeth while he had a big eager grin on his face. He's one of the fastest flyers they have. 

 

As he flew though the sky like a speed demon he could see a hot air balloon in the distance. Glad to finally see someone after three days of travel he couldn't help it when his grin got bigger. He picked up the pace a little so he could reach it faster. 

 

When he was near hearing range he slowed down but kept flying towards then. "Good day, gents! Damn fine to meet someone up hear. By any chance do ya know if I'm any closer to Abendstern? I have a letter for the Kaiser from the council of five Dons of Quinacta."  He said with big friendly grin so he wouldn't seem like a spy or anything.