An Overheard Plot

"Baron, we are seriously less than pleased by the lack of results from 'Operation Lobster Claw'."

"It did look so promising, Your Majesty."

"Perhaps we need to take a more decisive role. Contact the Electorate of Zichenau; see if they would be willing to hire some of our troops."

"I'm sure that they would, Your Majesty . . . but could they afford them?"

"Baron, isn't it your job to make sure that they can? See to it. Oh, get what you can for them, but be sure that they hire our 'frei corps'."

"Of course, Your Majesty."


(conversation overheard from outside a door in the palace of that vilest of nations.)

Another Day, Another Plot

"Your Vileness . . . we've received word. Operation Regime Change looks to be moving forward along with the harvest."

"Which one is that? I forget . . . after all, there are so many lovely schemes in the works."

"Well, it really isn't one of ours. Not directly. One of our agents fell in with a group of dissidents in the Banat of Togaras . . . and dropped a little encouragement along with a suggestion or two."

"Ah, yes. I remember now . . . the gullible son. Good, good. Alert the special battalion to be prepared."