SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Second

[RogueIce]

Communication from the Shinra Republic Navy to the Kingdom of the Vineyards

Sale of six former SRN Argus-class guided missile frigates is hereby accepted and confirmed. Vinish naval personnel are welcome to arrive at Naval Base Junon to take possession of the designated ships. Please coordinate your travel plans with this office.
--
Office of Foreign Military Sales
Shinra Republic Navy

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

FTO accepts Constantinople Shipyard's offer of an enlarged Charles de Gaulle carrier

The FTO has accepted Constantinople Shipyards' offer a 50,000 tonne Charles de Gaulle carrier. The carrier will come equipped with systems similar to those on the CVN-77, and also come with anti-torpedo systems such as RBS-6000/12000 launchers, gun CIWS and RAM systems. Details of the carrier will be revealed later, though it is also believed that the ship possesses an Aegis system to service 32 MK41 VLS launchers.

Byzantium ratifies the CCCP treaty

Byzantium has decided to ratify the CCCP treaty. However, a foreign ministry spokesman indicated that while Byzantium is willing to help Shroomania with various projects, data from joint projects with the CSR may not be revealed.

[RogueIce]

New Ambassador to Shroomania Assumes Post


File Photo of Ambassador Reginald "Red" Foreman

The Department of State has announced today the Shinra Republic's newest ambassador to the Sovereignty of Shroomania. Ambassador Reginald Albert Foreman, known more widely by his nickname "Red" is a retired Chief Petty Officer of the Shinra Republic Navy. A member of Navy special forces before he retired and entered the foreign service, he brings a wealth of wisdom and strength to his new position.

Known for fairly conservative views, when asked to comment on the decidedly "open" nature of Shroomanian society, he replied that he expected the Shroomanians would behave in a dignified manner befitting their positions as national representitives. And then with a small smile, he added, "And if they don't, they're gonna get my foot up their ass."

[Shroom Man 777]

LIVE on ShroomStratTV
The Sovereign Shroomanian Sentinel
RUNAWAY REBUKE


The Prime Minister addresses the Parliament.


"We cannot let alarmism jeopardize our economy or our way of life. The sudden upsurge of our defense budget has shocked our economy and threatens to do that.

"Times are tough. The One Week War, the events leading to it and the events after it, has shown us the tenuous state of world affairs - and we must take measures to protect ourselves. Military measures and economic ones as well.

"While the need to defend ourselves from foreign aggression is high, we must not forget the need to protect our own countrymen from fluctuations in the economy that will harm all of us before even a single shot has been fired.

"As Prime Minister of the Sovereignty of Shroomania, I am regulating the budget of the Mushroom Military from 5% of the annual GDP down to 3.5% in the best interest of the Sovereignty and the Shroomanian people. The budget will be increased, gradually, in the next years so that our military will be strengthened without unduly affecting the other segments of the government. All procurement plans will be carried through as is, and will be paid for through incremental payment plans...



*click*

Expo City, Shroomania
MacMillan Megacorporation McMansion


"Son of a bitch," Michelangelo MacMillan muttered. He stormed out of the room, his bedroom, and left his whores high and dry. As he left, he got a bottle of tequila - Banner Spicks - and took a swag off it.

Grumbling and mumbling and trying not to get drunk, the CEO of Shroomania's largest corporation ended up in some corner of his obscenely oversized home, a corner that happened to be his finely furnished office. He picked up a ivory-handled phone and dialed a number.

"Hello... I need to make a collect call. Yes, San Dorado. The Power Tower, please."

"Oh shit, wrong number. Give me the Goddamn Paragon, goddamn it!"

After a few seconds' waiting, the person on the other side answered.

"This is Michelangelo. Hey, are you guys still going with the deal? Oh, great. Goddamn Byzantines - totally stealing our goddamn thunder. Is there nothing they're not trying to ruin for us? Goddamn it...

"Okay, okay. So... you want a big one, huh? How big? Yeah... okay. How much are you willing to pay, huh? Oh... right. Right. I'll try to see what I can do. You better not back off from that. You still owe us a super-sized backhoe, remember?"

Feeling slightly better and drunker, MacMillan returned to his whore-room and turned on the telescreen.



*click*

MILITARY MATTERS MONTHLY



"The Royal Canissian Air Force has finished standardizing its Reserve forces with Shroomanian-made F-16XLs. Manufactured by the MacMillan Megacorporation, the XL is a mature development of the Fighting Falcon and boasts..."



*click*


SHROOMANTA SMITH RETURNS FROM CSR



The Little Ambassador.... CSR.... friendship... peace.... love... summer camp... Premier Stanislav... just like grandpa... furry hats...


*click*


CCCP RATIFIED

The Combined Continental Consortium Partnership, a deal that allows Old Continental defense companies to work together under a cohesive framework, has been ratified by Byzantium and PeZookia. The CCCP is aimed to ease the development of mutual defense systems in Old Continental allies - from close friends as PeZookia and Canissia, to former Cold War foes like Shroomania and the CSR...


*click*


"YES!"

[Siege]

State Business

"Decius did have a talk with Zorin trying to get a feel of the CSR's intentions. Zorin.. is quite the hard bastard who pushes to the limit as far as he can go. But the CSR can be reasonable and.. with the proper persuasion, they will be more relenting.

"So I've noticed. I just hope our attempts to buddy up with the CSR won't come back to bite us in the form of soured relations with the A.F.S.R. Though frankly, I suspect they'll have more important matters to attend to right now."

Regarding the future of the FTO, I think my Exarch has made it clear; you have to coordinate yourselves better and everyone does their part of the alliance at least in proportion to their capabilities. As I see it, the FTO are having the trials and tribulations of a ... fast accelerated birth, with many trials by fire to come. As I see it, in the short term, you have to be particularly forceful with Coilerburg. Military men have their... ways of tasting forbidden fruit and want a lot more. I foresee them presenting you a bit of trouble in the near future.

For starters, a joint strategic force and a common defence plan will be a good start for the FTO. For an organisation such as this, common consensus must really be needed to give the FTO direction. But with common consensus you will inevitably have bickering. But if you descend into bickering, then other powers will seek to take advantage of division. "

"I agree. We do need better coordination on almost all fronts, but I'm left to wonder how we'll achieve that right now. Baerne, Indhopal and San Dorado usually find themselves of one mind on most matters, but the Vineyards are far more pacifistic than we are - not that I blame them, all things considered...

And then there is Coilerburg. The junta has claimed they will relinquish power shortly and reinstate civilian rule... But at this stage, I frankly no longer trust them. They are far too flippant to be to my liking. Did you know they were drawing up plans to blockade our ports 'in case of war'? Coilerburg! The nation whose collective asses we saved no more than a few months ago!

Anyway, we somehow have to get all members on one line, but I'm hard-pressed to think of a way to do that. A joint strategic force though, I think we can do that on a fairly short term. We managed to organize the Joint Naval and Air Command in fairly short order."

Indeed not. Insisting on isolation at all cost makes you actually look silly. Not to mention, bad for a nation which prospers on trade. You need a firm backbone to stand up against others, while being capable of indulging in some give and take. I think the FTO can be successful, but you need to establish rapport with other nations beyond the FTO. I do not see the SNC becoming a threat in any way to the FTO and I believe Comrade Stas will be a man of his word, though admittedly, he's a bit rash at times."

"Quite so. Now that we have established a diplomatic mission in Stasograd though, hopefully we'll have no more misunderstandings. Speaking of which - can I interest you for a San Doradan consulate in Constantinople?"

"The immediate goal of the Old Continent is achieve a certain detente with Japanistan. We keep the Japanistanis at arms length. While allowing them to use our spaceport in Jerusalem, we view their intentions with suspicion, not least because of his association with Shepistan. While the Japanistanis are content to mind their own borders and build a wall of secrecy around themselves, for the moment, the goal of the SNC is to build up our military capability so that we can at least meet the Japanistanis as equals on the battlefield and not routed like frightened headless chickens. That of course requires money and I am indulging in heavy spending over the next few years. The current 5 year plan is to build a credible littoral defence and air defence, while maintaining a credible deterrence and the ability to retaliate.

"That sounds like the proper way to go about it. I don't like the seemingly total radio silence maintained by Japanistan, I don't like it one bit. Whereas other nations seem eager enough to engage in trade and the mutual exchange of ideas, they shroud themselves in secrecy and isolation. The only reason I can think of to do something like that is because you either don't trust the outside world, or because you have... plans, for that outside world. I see no reason to assume the former, given the Japanistani's preposterously huge army, so one is left to wonder what plans they are crafting. Hell, even Shepistan, not exactly the most upstanding member of the international community, seems more open than they are..."

As for the CSR's actions against Astaria, the way I see it is that so long as the Astarians indulge in slavery, the rest of the world will regard them with disdain. Though personally, I would have preferred that the CSR avoided using munitions against the Astarians. It won't do much good in my opinion beyond sending a strong message which may or may not be heeded. However, to me, the more pressing issue is not Astaria's slavery, but rather Astaria's decision to sign a friendship treaty with Japanistan. Whether or not that treaty will develop into an alliance concerns me greatly.

"I have no sympathy whatsoever for Astaria, so whatever the CSR did to them - insofar as I'm concerned it's not enough as long as they maintain their disgusting slavery. As for the Japanistani involvement - my guess would be they are simply after protection of their own holdings in Velaria. Given the lack of a credible navy, I sincerely doubt that the Emperor would come to the rescue of Astaria should someone mount a foolhardy assault on the island.

Of course, given how bloody the invasion of Shepistan turned out to be, I doubt anyone will be much willing to actually invade Astaria in the short term."

The MESS on the other hand, is evolving into a passive alliance rather than a strictly defensive one. I think the recent war and the losses involved has resulted in some.. misgivings. However, the MESS will continue its goal of mutual cooperation in scientific, trade and defence technologies, and Byzantium sees value in such an alliance."

"Ye-es, the MESS, there's an interesting paradox. Easily the most powerful alliance in the world, and yet they seem so hell-bent on isolation it's hard to get much of anything out of them. For a nation like us, that exists by the grace of international trade, it's hard to imagine why a whole block of such powerful nations would be so insular. They are practically our neighbors, but apart from the unfortunate Tian Xia involvement in the southern regions, we barely hear anything of them. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer things to stay that way but I have to wonder what their plans are... If indeed they have any plans, and if not, why that is so. For so many nations to be so apathetic... Even Cascadia, a neutral nation, is more involved in international affairs than the MESS.

Anyway, speaking of scientific technology... My people at DEPICOR have arranged for me to visit Shroomania in a month or so. Since I'll be in the area anyway I dearly would like to stop by Jerusalem to see our investment at work... That is to say, I really would like to see how FASTA conducts its space launches there. Would that be at all possible?"

[PeZook]

PeZookian auto manufacturers pick up the Byzantine Gauntlet

With artistocratic stoicism, the PeZookian Panstwowa Fabryka Samochodow (National Automobile Factory) picked up the gauntlet thrown by Byzantine automakers - and threw it right back at them.


The PFS "Zbik" high performance car

A producer of specialised automobiles, mainly trucks and heavy construction equipment, PFS also dabbles in the fielf of custom hi-performance cars. The "Zbik" and "Lexus" series have both earned a good reputation amongst the world's race driver community for their quality workmanship, high power engines and extreme customizability. Already competing yearly against San Doradan gas-guzzlers, Shinra supercars and Shroomanian Asstons, the factory has jumped at the opportunity to create a racing team for the most extreme automotive sports event ever: where requirements put on cars approach those desired of airplanes, and the biggest challenge is forcing the automobiles to stay on the ground.

"We're gonna give those Greeks the show of a lifetime", promises PFS's director Marian Kowalski.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

State Business"So I've noticed. I just hope our attempts to buddy up with the CSR won't come back to bite us in the form of soured relations with the A.F.S.R. Though frankly, I suspect they'll have more important matters to attend to right now."

"From my point of view, it take 2 to tango, and I doubt it is in CSR's interest to get into too many tiffs with Tian Xia. It's one thing to... have two small nations bickering with each other, it's another thing to have two big powers slugging out with each other. Not pretty."

"I agree. We do need better coordination on almost all fronts, but I'm left to wonder how we'll achieve that right now. Baerne, Indhopal and San Dorado usually find themselves of one mind on most matters, but the Vineyards are far more pacifistic than we are - not that I blame them, all things considered...

And then there is Coilerburg. The junta has claimed they will relinquish power shortly and reinstate civilian rule... But at this stage, I frankly no longer trust them. They are far too flippant to be to my liking. Did you know they were drawing up plans to blockade our ports 'in case of war'? Coilerburg! The nation whose collective asses we saved no more than a few months ago!

Anyway, we somehow have to get all members on one line, but I'm hard-pressed to think of a way to do that. A joint strategic force though, I think we can do that on a fairly short term. We managed to organize the Joint Naval and Air Command in fairly short order."

"Every alliance has a certain diverse set of views and attitudes. It boils down to whether or not everyone is willing to stand together when it comes to the crunch. You have to be forceful with Coilerburg. The last thing also you might want to avoid is having Coilerburg joining a very bad crowd. I think you understand what I mean." The Emperor could have sworn he heard Q laughing.

"Quite so. Now that we have established a diplomatic mission in Stasograd though, hopefully we'll have no more misunderstandings. Speaking of which - can I interest you for a San Doradan consulate in Constantinople?"

"I think I am more than happy to facilitate not just a consulate but a full embassy. Bring along some trade representatives to facilitate some trade." The Emperor winked.

"That sounds like the proper way to go about it. I don't like the seemingly total radio silence maintained by Japanistan, I don't like it one bit. Whereas other nations seem eager enough to engage in trade and the mutual exchange of ideas, they shroud themselves in secrecy and isolation. The only reason I can think of to do something like that is because you either don't trust the outside world, or because you have... plans, for that outside world. I see no reason to assume the former, given the Japanistani's preposterously huge army, so one is left to wonder what plans they are crafting. Hell, even Shepistan, not exactly the most upstanding member of the international community, seems more open than they are..."

"No one can be certain what Japanistan or Shepistan are planning. All we can do is to plan as far ahead as we possibly can, and hopefully erect a strong enough defence against their silver bullets. Their obvious persecution of Christians and Muslims in their territory is irritating enough, with the Ecumenical Patriarch breathing down my neck from time to time but I can't do anything about it."

"I have no sympathy whatsoever for Astaria, so whatever the CSR did to them - insofar as I'm concerned it's not enough as long as they maintain their disgusting slavery. As for the Japanistani involvement - my guess would be they are simply after protection of their own holdings in Velaria. Given the lack of a credible navy, I sincerely doubt that the Emperor would come to the rescue of Astaria should someone mount a foolhardy assault on the island.

Of course, given how bloody the invasion of Shepistan turned out to be, I doubt anyone will be much willing to actually invade Astaria in the short term."

"No one has the will, or energy, to stage an invasion of Astaria, nor do they care. Astaria will only be a really serious threat to peace if they upgrade their current treaty to an alliance. Astaria ... well, is just a damn island people would like to forget. Byzantium has neither the energy nor the time to waste on them."

"Ye-es, the MESS, there's an interesting paradox. Easily the most powerful alliance in the world, and yet they seem so hell-bent on isolation it's hard to get much of anything out of them. For a nation like us, that exists by the grace of international trade, it's hard to imagine why a whole block of such powerful nations would be so insular. They are practically our neighbors, but apart from the unfortunate Tian Xia involvement in the southern regions, we barely hear anything of them. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer things to stay that way but I have to wonder what their plans are... If indeed they have any plans, and if not, why that is so. For so many nations to be so apathetic... Even Cascadia, a neutral nation, is more involved in international affairs than the MESS.

"Not all MESS members are that insular. Some like Shinra and Cannissia are quite open to diplomacy, but I am guessing that practical problems are keeping him from getting too engaged with the rest of the world. My recent visit to Shinra Republic and Wilkonia indicated to me as much, that the MESS seeks to be more passive, but they will work to negate Shepistani and Japanistani influence as much as possible. However, I think with the recent war, everyone is trying to get out as much new weapon systems as possible. I'm blowing my damn budget as it is, with the Prime Minister complaining that I am spending too much. A lot of projects have to be dragged out as a result."

Anyway, speaking of scientific technology... My people at DEPICOR have arranged for me to visit Shroomania in a month or so. Since I'll be in the area anyway I dearly would like to stop by Jerusalem to see our investment at work... That is to say, I really would like to see how FASTA conducts its space launches there. Would that be at all possible?"

"By all means. We more than welcome you to Constantinople for a tour and also of the surrounding cities, such as Ephesus. All very old, I can assure you," smiled the Emperor.

[DarthShady]

Location: PeZookia, Orena

"He did what?", Karic shouted at nobody in particular, "Fucking Idiot can't keep his own people under control. Goddamn it."

"The warehouse incident will bring unwanted attention to us.", Ana said calmly, "Perhaps we should accelerate our timetable."

Karic was now pacing around the room, going faster by the minute.

"Contact the Commissioner, tell him to slow down the investigation as much as he can.", Karic said in a calm voice, "Meanwhile I will make our friend understand the price of failure."
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Police Station, Orena, PeZookia

"This whole thing stinks up to high heaven." the Police Captain shouted, "Why were they making explosives, and for who?"

"I don't know and I don't like it.", The SWAT Captain said, "This will mean trouble, especially if they sold some already."

"If it gets on the streets, we will have a shit storm on our hands.", the female detective said.

"I want every available detective working on this case.", the Police Captain said, "I have a bad feeling about this one, now go out there and don't come back untill you have something."

"Yes, Sir."

The group of detectives left the room and went straight to their desks, they started making calls and sending emails. The investigation had begun. Unknown to them, it was also a race.

The Detectives phone rang and she answered it, a few moments later she hang up. "Goddamn it.", she said. "What's wrong?, her partner asked. "They just found one of the more influential local gangsters dead, someone thought it would be funny to cut of his head and attach it to his groin.", she said with an expression of disgust. "Fuck. This day just keeps getting worse", her partner growled.

[DarthShady]

Shady News

F1 Mania rocks world



The finest sports drivers of the Shadow Union have announced plans to drive in the Great Byzantium Race at the end of the year.

Premier Shady Prepares for PeZookian Visit

Premier Shady will be leaving for PeZookia in a few days, where he will met with the PeZookian King and hold a television interview on the PeZookian News Network.

OOC: Let's race.

[Grand Moff Yenchin]

Tachibana and Blue Sun Compete in F1

The automobile branches of Tachibana Heavy Industries (Takao Motors) and the Blue Sun Corporation (Qing Yang Automobiles) have announced that they will participate in the F1 Tournament held in Byzantine. Both have mentioned their high enthusiasm to compete with the world leading car manufacturers.


Titan Two Thousand model Y (TiTT-Y) of Takao Motors


Concept car of Qing Yang Automobiles

[RogueIce]

Shinra Republic and Kingdom of Serenity announce joint training mission in Akori Republic

Representitives from the Shinra Republic and Kingdom of Serenity have today announced a joint training mission with the Akori Republic military. This mission is designed to increase the professionalism and capability of the Akorian forces and contribute to general stability in the region. This follows similar efforts being undertaken by the Republic of Cascadia in neighboring Adabani. Sources indicate that there is the possibility of surplus military equipment being given to the Akori Defense Force to increase their capabilities, and the construction of two air bases lends credence to these rumors. It is unknown however if they will follow the Canissian model of providing propeller training aircraft or if more modern equipment will be given or sold.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Just outside the Shepistani Embassy
Ashford City
Unreal Time



While everyone else was trying to flee the scene of the Shepistani Embassy bombing, Detective Hanna and his comrades were among those trying to get in; while the cavalry would be along any moment now, they would have to help the Shepistani embassy guards hold their own against the Shroompeace terrorists. While Bosko, Casal, and Drucker advanced to get into better firing positions, Hanna took the first shot he could get and managed to nail Shroomgro in the back, severing his spine.

On McCauley's side, things were already starting to go bad for him. Trejo was dead after taking a double tap to the abdomen and a single shot directly to the heart from a Shepistani guard's own Kalashnikov, while Shroomgro had his brains splattered against the pavement by a Shepistani sniper moments after Hanna shot him in the back. Sensing that his plan was now fucked, McCauley called a retreat, ordering Shiherlis and Cheritto to get back to the Prius and keep firing as they went. Ince they were all in the car, Breen gunned the accelerator and drove out as fast as he could.



Unfortunately, the Shroompeace terrorists were too preoccupied with taking potshots at the Shepistanis to even notice the approach of the four LNP officers. Drucker and Casal ambushed the Prius and fired off their guns directly at Breen, killing him instantly; several more shots shattered the Prius' engine block, causing it to crawl to a halt. Stranded and now under attack by the Langley National Police, McCauley and his surviving men had no choice but to make their retreat on foot, firing as they went.



Hanna, Drucker, and Casal all took cover as the Shroompeace terrorists exited their car and started firing; Bosko was caught out in the open and took three rounds to the shoulder from Shiherlis' Colt Commando. While Hanna went out and dragged Bosko to safety, Casal popped up and fired off a three-round burst directly at Shiherlis' throat, ripping it to shreds; he made a gurgling noise as he fell to the ground and bled out. Chris Shiherlis finally died a few seconds afterwards.

"You okay, Bosko?" Hanna asked his comrade.

"Yeah, I'll be fine," Bosko groaned. "Go on. Get those Shroompeace sons of bitches."

"Sergeant Drucker, go attend to Detective Bosko and wait for the SWAT units to arrive!" Hanna ordered. "Detective Casal, you're with me!"

"Right!" Casal and Drucker simultaneously replied; while Drucker went off to attend to Bosko and wait for backup, Casal followed Hanna in chasing after McCauley and Cheritto. The Shroompeace terrorists would pay in blood for what they had wrought that day.

[Master_Baerne]

Baernish News Service
File BNS-9-08

Ministerial Muck Mostly Managed!

The fiasco caused by the Subministry of Procurement's inability to read the fine print of contracts is nearly over, according to Captain Elizabeth Seagrace, of His Grace's Ship Isabella, the aircraft carrier SubMinProc forgot to obtain spare parts for when they arranged for her purchase from Byzantium earlier this year.
"[The BDN] has been talking to the Imperial Byzantine Navy, and we've arranged to buy the parts separately. While I'd have preferred to be finished working up by now, at least we know where the replacement propeller shafts we need are coming from!" Captain Seagrace stated in an interview on Monday.

Would You Like To Know More?

[Karmic Knight]

Vinish News in Brief

GrapVine’s Sci-Fi is a Success


The Vineyards are already benefiting from the deal with Macmillan and FreeCom, Vinish Television Company GrapVine’s pride, the Science Fiction Channel (SciFi) has been a major hit, broadcasting Mystery Science Theater Shroom-Thousand to the entire continent of Frequesue.

the King has Left Shroomainia

King Brandon has continued his journey through the Old World today, after spending roughly a month in Shroomainia. Much has happened to Frequesue during the month, causing the King to give Prime Minister Black broader powers in relation to matters on the Continent. On Shroomainia, a deal was worked out for some subs, and the Vineyards purchased some Frigates.

The next stop is Byzantine, where the King hopes to be able to stay for a FASTA Mercury 2 launch, as the Vineyards provides 50Mn Dollars annually to the program.

‘Halo Pit’ gets overhauled

‘Halo Pit’ may be a course only in the minds of the drivers who traverse it daily, but with racing now in everyone’s minds, its abilities as a race track need to be evaluated. The road itself is in disarray, with widespread use of both riverboats and trains the road was a second concern. With race fever heating up, the Vineyards announced a plan to convert the former road into a racetrack.


The Red Ring Road, ‘Halo Pit’

[Steve]

Smith-Hall Defense Quarterly

Sales Reported From Food-for-Tankers Program


The modified An-22s that Shepistan has sold in bulk to Cascadia as part of the Food-for-Tankers Program are now being placed on the open market according to Defense Department sources. As final negotiations are completed with the Treasury and senior Congressional leaders to confirm the final tally of "KC-22s" to be kept by the Cascadian military, fifty of the aircraft are now officially on the open market with another thirty having been confirmed as purchases by the Republic of Tonkin, in some cases leading to the KC-22s landing in Cascadia just long enough for the paperwork to be finalized and markings changed before their flights to Tonkin.

According to a Defense Department source the military will not exceed eighty of the airlift planes, and may get as few as fifty, though RCAF spokesman Maj. Arnold Tallman has told Congress that keeping sixty would "provide the Air Force with a tremendous airlift capability to support our policies in Veleria and reduce the strain on our current airlift fleet".

The deliveries from Shepistan are expected to be completed by the end of the year. Completed safety and quality inspections should be finished by the end of the first quarter of 2010.

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

Ashford City
Unreal Time



Cheritto and McCauley had gotten separated from each other as they fled from the Langley National Police after Shiherlis' death. While Casal kept pursuing McCauley, Hanna had decided to look for Cheritto instead.

When the two men finally met in a park near the Shepistani Embassy, the resulting confrontation was brief and brutal. Cheritto had just grabbed a little girl hostage and was trying to use her as a human shield to help cover his own escape; however, he underestimated Hanna's aim. The LNP detective simply brought up his FNC, looked through the iron sights, and said a few simple words.

"Say hello to my little friend."



Michael Cheritto got a 5.56 mm present right between the eyes; almost mercifully, he never knew what hit him. The little girl was unharmed, of course; grateful, she ran towards Hanna and tightly hugged his leg.

[PeZook]

Orena Voyvodship Police Command

"These two cases are definitely connected.", Anna Grochowska stated matter-of-factly, "The victim was involved in human trafficking and drug manufacture, and the warehouse belonged to one of his daughter companies. I think he was comissioned by someone to mix those explosives in preparation for something big."

Anna was a senior comissar in the Orena Voyvodship Police, and was leading the "Big Bang" case, as it was jokingly called amongst her colleagues. She was giving a briefing before the Orena Police Comissioner, Damian Skalski.

"And who might've comissioned the job, comissar?"

"We don't know yet, but I suggest we inform other emergency services of a possible major terrorist attack. The amount of AMFO we found there was enough to blow up a large apartment building, and other evidence suggests this was not the only such operation."

"Very well. You and your partner will continue to work the case."

"Sir, I'd like to request some more manpower for this. We need to check all wholesalers who sell diesel fuel and fertilizer for unusually large purchases, and..."

"We need the manpower elsewhere. We're preparing for Premier Shady's visit - I'm sorry,comissar, but I can't spare anybody right now."

"Sir, with all due respect..."

"Meeting adjourned"

Site of the explosion, Newport District, Orena

Forensics teams were crawling all over the destroyed warehouse. While the comissioner made sure the investigation was delayed just enough to make the assassination possible, he was no fool - whatever Karic thought - and knew he'd need to double-cross the former president of Sjenska eventually. Otherwise, he would not live more han a few months after the deed was done, being a very...unwanted accomplice.

So he didn't interfere with forensics at all, choosing instead to obstruct analysis of the gathered evidence. And boy, was there a lot of it.

The chemicals used in production were simple ones - diesel fuel and nitrate fertilizers - but they could be easily identified based on special additions producers used to stay ahead of the competition. The detonator, despite being in the centre of the explosion, left enough parts to identify the producer as well. There were lots of partial fingerprints which managed to survive the explosion, and the bodies themselves delivered much data as well - already the police knew of Sjenska connections that were showing up everywhere in the case, and some young comissar with too much time on his hands managed to acquire information about a large weapon shipment which apparently was smuggled into PeZookia, but didn't end up on the streets. Skalski would have tomake sure it wasn't intercepted before The Day happened.

In this three-way private war between Skalski, Karic and king Paul, it paid to be prepared.

The comissioner was told all that by a young cop as they walked around the crime scene, always staying outside the perimeter designated by yellow tape.

[PeZook]

Somewhere in northern CSR, airbase of Mig-31 "Agressor" squadron



Barely a day had passed since memorial services ended ; Most of the base's personnel were still in solemn moods. Airmen continued their duties, of course, but the usually cheerful corridors were quiet, and it would be weeks before the banter and jokes returned.

Swetlana was no exception ; Especially since today, her training flight was abruptly cancelled and she was told to report to the base commander's office. The waiting room had photographs of all pilots from the Agressor Squadron who died in service to the Motherland, which didn't exactly help.

Mercifully, she didn't have to wait long. The Colonel's adjutant asked her to come in, and so she put on her cap, straightened out her uniform's tunic, saluted her dead comrades and followed him.

She was surprised to see two civilians inside the office. One was wearing glasses, while the other was completely bald. They both got up when she entered, and smiled pleasantly. Confused somewhat, Swetlana looked at her commander.

"Major Sawitskaya, these fine gentlemen have a matter to discuss with you."

Both men wore jackets, ties and jeans - a combination suggesting this was their work uniform, and that they worked in an environment where fully tailored suits were not appropriate. This still didn't help Swetlana much.

"Major", the bald one began, speaking in accented Russian, "Allow me to introduce ourselves...I'm Karol Marciniak, and this is my Shroomanian colleague, Friedrick Frodsen."

"A pleasure", Swetlana answered, "May I ask why you are here?"

"Naturally! Major, we are here to inform you that along with twenty seven others, you've been selected out of a pool of nearly seven thousand candidates to form Class 2009 of the FASTA astronaut corps."

Briefly, silence fell in the Colonel's office.

"If your commanding officer doesn't object, we'd like you to fly over to Comona Island Space City next month, to begin your orientation.", Marciniak continued.

Swetlana looked at the colonel again.

"Well, we'll certainly miss our best pilot...but it's a great honor to send one of our own to participate in such a great undertaking."

[Siege]

State Business

"From my point of view, it take 2 to tango, and I doubt it is in CSR's interest to get into too many tiffs with Tian Xia. It's one thing to... have two small nations bickering with each other, it's another thing to have two big powers slugging out with each other. Not pretty."

"No... No, indeed not. Especially after the blood-letting they received during the recent dust-up with Shepistan, I think we ought'n't expect too much trouble from Tian Xia. All things considered the continent seems to be in the clear for now, in regards to Great Power meddling at least."

"Every alliance has a certain diverse set of views and attitudes. It boils down to whether or not everyone is willing to stand together when it comes to the crunch. You have to be forceful with Coilerburg. The last thing also you might want to avoid is having Coilerburg joining a very bad crowd. I think you understand what I mean." The Emperor could have sworn he heard Q laughing.

"Ah, yes. The Shroomanian PM filled me in on some of the, ah, previous peculiarities", the skin crawled on the President's back. Even the normally flippant and easy-going prime minister had sounded cold and distant when he'd talked of the postnuclear horror. President Hank wasn't at all keen to experience the same. "I can assure you that we're keeping a close eye on Coilerburg. A very close eye indeed."

"I think I am more than happy to facilitate not just a consulate but a full embassy. Bring along some trade representatives to facilitate some trade." The Emperor winked.

"We'll be most happy to oblige", the President grinned. "Diplomacy is good for business!"

"No one can be certain what Japanistan or Shepistan are planning. All we can do is to plan as far ahead as we possibly can, and hopefully erect a strong enough defence against their silver bullets. Their obvious persecution of Christians and Muslims in their territory is irritating enough, with the Ecumenical Patriarch breathing down my neck from time to time but I can't do anything about it."

"I'm honestly mystified by their motives, really. It's one thing to run an oppressive dictatorship - more than enough people do that these days - but it's quite another to actively remove yourself from the international community. Too bad, really. I can only imagine the business opportunities the opening of a market of a couple hundred million Japanistani's would bring."

"No one has the will, or energy, to stage an invasion of Astaria, nor do they care. Astaria will only be a really serious threat to peace if they upgrade their current treaty to an alliance. Astaria ... well, is just a damn island people would like to forget. Byzantium has neither the energy nor the time to waste on them."

"Agreed. It's better to simply ignore them for now."

"Not all MESS members are that insular. Some like Shinra and Cannissia are quite open to diplomacy, but I am guessing that practical problems are keeping him from getting too engaged with the rest of the world. My recent visit to Shinra Republic and Wilkonia indicated to me as much, that the MESS seeks to be more passive, but they will work to negate Shepistani and Japanistani influence as much as possible. However, I think with the recent war, everyone is trying to get out as much new weapon systems as possible. I'm blowing my damn budget as it is, with the Prime Minister complaining that I am spending too much. A lot of projects have to be dragged out as a result."

"True, true, and very unfortunate. I would rather see the money spent on scientific progress, but it seems it's inevitable we should blow our money on military buildup. Fortune knows I'm doing much the same thing - and with the expansion of the Navy and Air Force it's hard to find the funds to run a half-decent space program. Luckily we've found some investors abroad and within the FTO, otherwise we'd be running deep in the red by now. There's a lot of money to be made off space, and it's simply infuriating that we can't get to it as fast as I'd like because... Well, if I knew that I'd be a wiser man."

"By all means. We more than welcome you to Constantinople for a tour and also of the surrounding cities, such as Ephesus. All very old, I can assure you," smiled the Emperor.

"Ah, that sounds exciting. We don't have much of a history around here, so we've compensated by building big", the President winked. "I'll gladly take the time to see the sights. Glass and steel and concrete can get a bit boring after a while, after all. Besides, with all the recent dust-ups I could do with a vacation."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

State Business
"Ah, yes. The Shroomanian PM filled me in on some of the, ah, previous peculiarities", the skin crawled on the President's back. Even the normally flippant and easy-going prime minister had sounded cold and distant when he'd talked of the postnuclear horror. President Hank wasn't at all keen to experience the same. "I can assure you that we're keeping a close eye on Coilerburg. A very close eye indeed."

"Yes Coilerburg wasn't a very good citizen in the past... world. I am not particularly trusting of them."

"We'll be most happy to oblige", the President grinned. "Diplomacy is good for business!"

"Indeed sir. Diplomacy is good for business, and trade. More money, means more taxes for us," smiled the Emperor.

"I'm honestly mystified by their motives, really. It's one thing to run an oppressive dictatorship - more than enough people do that these days - but it's quite another to actively remove yourself from the international community. Too bad, really. I can only imagine the business opportunities the opening of a market of a couple hundred million Japanistani's would bring."

"Shroomania's attempts to penetrate the Japanistani market has been marked by numerous ... problems. So far as I am concerned, because of their lack of transparency, it makes it hard to sell certain products to them. No doubt they can get everything from IRT, which means that they will always have a steady access to high tech products. Byzantium is rather cautious with exporting certain .. technologies that might end up in weapons."

"True, true, and very unfortunate. I would rather see the money spent on scientific progress, but it seems it's inevitable we should blow our money on military buildup. Fortune knows I'm doing much the same thing - and with the expansion of the Navy and Air Force it's hard to find the funds to run a half-decent space program. Luckily we've found some investors abroad and within the FTO, otherwise we'd be running deep in the red by now. There's a lot of money to be made off space, and it's simply infuriating that we can't get to it as fast as I'd like because... Well, if I knew that I'd be a wiser man."

"Indophal had to forfeit its own particle collider. I am still pursuing my own particle collider, albeit now spread over 3-4 years, instead of the original 2. I am still actively funding space projects, only because there are military technologies that I wish to have. Of course, there is much money to be made off space projects, not least the need for weather and communication satellites. Shroomania is also quite interested in some projects, and I have engaged in conversations on the subject. Of course, that hinges on getting rocket technololgy off the ground."

"Ah, that sounds exciting. We don't have much of a history around here, so we've compensated by building big", the President winked. "I'll gladly take the time to see the sights. Glass and steel and concrete can get a bit boring after a while, after all. Besides, with all the recent dust-ups I could do with a vacation."

"Byzantium is more than happy to welcome you to our grand old cities," smiled the Emperor. "In fact, I am due to return in a few days to entertain the King of the Vineyards who is keen to visit Jerusalem. Actually, there's lots of concrete and glass and steel in the financial and shopping district which is outside the Old City. The Old City is largely turned into a massive administration center, with lots of museums and parks. The old trade quarter has largely been taken over by the government. Though the Forum still functions as a marketplace for crafts, art pieces etc. Government bureacracy just expanded over the last few centuries."

[Siege]

State Business

"Indeed sir. Diplomacy is good for business, and trade. More money, means more taxes for us," smiled the Emperor.

"One man's taxes are another man's profits, as the saying goes 'round these parts..." the President was in a good mood. "Can I get you something more to drink?"

"Shroomania's attempts to penetrate the Japanistani market has been marked by numerous ... problems. So far as I am concerned, because of their lack of transparency, it makes it hard to sell certain products to them. No doubt they can get everything from IRT, which means that they will always have a steady access to high tech products. Byzantium is rather cautious with exporting certain .. technologies that might end up in weapons."

"So we've noticed", the President grinned. "Last I heard Sam Ralson was still miffed 'cause you torpedoed his license of Shroomanian anti-ship missiles. It's an understandable sentiment though, and I only wish Japanistan would treat the trade of weapons with Shepistan with the same kind of caution."

"Indophal had to forfeit its own particle collider. I am still pursuing my own particle collider, albeit now spread over 3-4 years, instead of the original 2. I am still actively funding space projects, only because there are military technologies that I wish to have. Of course, there is much money to be made off space projects, not least the need for weather and communication satellites. Shroomania is also quite interested in some projects, and I have engaged in conversations on the subject. Of course, that hinges on getting rocket technololgy off the ground."

"We're not doing a half-bad job 'round these parts insofar as rocket technology is concerned... Current expectations are that the worldwide telecommunications network we're building with the Vineyards and Shroomania to go live before the end of the year. If for some reason you need anything up there that you can't for some reason launch out of Jerusalem, we'd be more than happy to oblige", the President grinned. "There's no pesky Japanistani inspectors at Camp Kittyhawk!"

"Byzantium is more than happy to welcome you to our grand old cities," smiled the Emperor. "In fact, I am due to return in a few days to entertain the King of the Vineyards who is keen to visit Jerusalem. Actually, there's lots of concrete and glass and steel in the financial and shopping district which is outside the Old City. The Old City is largely turned into a massive administration center, with lots of museums and parks. The old trade quarter has largely been taken over by the government. Though the Forum still functions as a marketplace for crafts, art pieces etc. Government bureacracy just expanded over the last few centuries."

"We've existed for slightly less than 150 years, and even then we pride ourselves for every year we've managed to survive", the President shook his head. "Sometimes I forget just how old some other nations out there are. It's certainly an interesting experience to visit places that were old before the first stone of the first building of San Dorado was even laid - before Sir Siegfried set sail, even. Which makes me wonder how we'll do over the next 150 years... But I guess that's up to the Lady Fortune to decide. Still, I have to say that over the last few weeks I've grown quite a bit more optimistic about the chances of our fair city-state, and indeed of the world itself. We're not there yet, but all things considered we could be in considerably worse shape."

[DarthShady]

Orena Voyvodship, PeZookia

Karic had a big grin on his face, the grin of a winner. His plans had worked perfectly and now everything was ready. The Old Continent would soon tremble in fear of his name, and weep for the loss of two great leaders. His men were ready, armed with high powered rifles and AMFO explosives. Soon he would have his revenge. He was sure that with the death of Premier Shady the Shadow Union would fall apart as quickly as it came to be, and he would be there to pick up the pieces and rise from the Chaos to rule Sjenska once more. Perhaps he would rule even more than Sjenska. The thought made him smile. Karic remembered that this would have been a lot harder had he not had the help of Orena's Police Comissioner, Damian Skalski. Skalski had his own reasons for helping and quite a high price, the price was the life of King Paul. Karic knew that to underestimate the Commissioner would be a fatal mistake, so he made arrangements for him and Ana to leave the country before the attack.

As one plane took off carrying Karic and Ana to safety, another was approaching PeZookia carrying Premier Shady to his death.

Results: I think the Introduction has lasted long enough, now it begins.

(By now I mean tonight, or tomorrow. When I find time to write.)

[K. A. Pital]

OGONEK: CSR Trans-Siberia Rally will be held this winter

The Trans-Siberia Rally of the CSR is an extreme-endurance trip for all automobiles involved. It starts in late Autmn - calendar Autmn, because you'd have a hard time convincing a foreigner that this is not deep winter.



The CSR's "UAZ" jeeps - slightly modified military machines sold on the civilian market - will take it to the road as the already twice-winners of the race.

What is important about this race? Well, according to the commitee, it's rules ensure the survival of the strongest only. On-the-fly repairs are only allowed as far as they do not require spare parts to be brought to the car. Everything should be already in the machine. If it can, alone, pass over 2000 km of snowy Crimson roads in West, Deep North and East, it would be the prime evidence of it's toughness.

Many say that this competition has a sinister side - for example, there have been reports of casualties once, when a team decided to cross over an icy river... they could not be saved in time even as a helicopter was observing the track constantly.

Another dark side is rumored to be the military nature of the competition - by forcing those machines to become tougher and tougher, the CSR military is receiving positive feedback for almost zero cost - the whole race is paid by the contractor and sponsor enterprises like GAZ, KAMAZ and MAZ.

It is known that some companies are going to present special "Transsyberian" modifications of their machines, like this one:

The "darks horses" of the race will show their quality very soon.

[Siege]

Off-Road Rage

Somewhere in Antarctica



The obscenely powerful engine roared like a prehistoric predatory beast as the car smashed its way through the boulder field. Shards of ice sliced through the air like fragments of exploding grenades, but the Universal Motors Rhinoceros was undeterred and continued to thrash its way through the icy wastes with all the subtlety of a battering ram.

“Hee-haw”, grinned driver Clark Jeremies at his co-pilot when the car finally reached a more-or-less flat ice plateau. “That’s how you do it! Pour me a Gin-and-Tonic, will you?”

That was the best thing about driving on Antarctica – they were technically in international waters, so no drunk driving laws applied.



“This is brilliant!”

In the other front seat, James Hammond was too busy trying not to crash his head through the roof to counter with a witty retort. “Just… Try and not get us all killed will you?”

“We won’t bloody well win the race if we’re holding back now will we?” muttered Jeremies.

The entire Universal Motors rally team had come to remote Antarctica to practice for the Trans-Siberia Rally that would be held in a few months. Considering San Dorado's tropical environment, the southern arctic was the best approximation of Siberian conditions available to the team, barring actually going to Siberia, which wouldn't happen for some time yet.



The sight of the car carving a valley of destruction through the pristine arctic ice-floes would be enough to give any Shroompeace activist seizures. But there were no Shroompeace activists here – and even if there were, they ought to be happy Universal Motors had restrained itself when it came to outfitting the Rhinoceros. The demented boffins at Special Development had initially wanted to fit their newfangled rally car with rocket launchers and flame throwers, extras that could be found on some of Universal Motors' limousines. The team leader had decided against it though, arguing that missiles behind the headlights might very well land the rally team in trouble with CSR customs.

Besides, having a rally team blow some CSR drivers off the road with missiles in the midst of Siberia couldn’t be good for diplomatic relations – diplomatic relations which were just returning to normal.

The car came to the edge of another boulder field, and Jeremies opened the throttle again.



“Those commies won’t know what hit them!”

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

State Business"One man's taxes are another man's profits, as the saying goes 'round these parts..." the President was in a good mood. "Can I get you something more to drink?"

"Certainly. The local beverages and alcohol have been quite refreshing," smiled the Emperor. Making a mental note to get his personal chef to do a check on the local beverages and alcohol and procure some cartons of it.

"So we've noticed", the President grinned. "Last I heard Sam Ralson was still miffed 'cause you torpedoed his license of Shroomanian anti-ship missiles. It's an understandable sentiment though, and I only wish Japanistan would treat the trade of weapons with Shepistan with the same kind of caution."

"I think Japanistan's relationship with Shepistan is more or less close to an alliance, even though they did not state it explicitly. The last war was almost practically a proxy war.

As for Shroomania, I have cleared up my misunderstandings with my Shroomanian counterpart, and I believe Shroomania will have no problem exporting missiles to you. Byzantine defence companies are more than welcome to conduct arms trade with you, though hypersonic missiles is a touchy subject with my CSR counterpart."

"We're not doing a half-bad job 'round these parts insofar as rocket technology is concerned... Current expectations are that the worldwide telecommunications network we're building with the Vineyards and Shroomania to go live before the end of the year. If for some reason you need anything up there that you can't for some reason launch out of Jerusalem, we'd be more than happy to oblige", the President grinned. "There's no pesky Japanistani inspectors at Camp Kittyhawk!"

"That option is under consideration as well, though there will be some logistical difficulties. I have had commissioned some scientists at the Space Science Institute in Byzantium to design a floating sea platform, or a rigid sea platform firmly perched on the seabed, where one might launch spacecraft from the platform. But that is only under consideration. Budget difficulties make it unrealistic to build one in the near term."

"We've existed for slightly less than 150 years, and even then we pride ourselves for every year we've managed to survive", the President shook his head. "Sometimes I forget just how old some other nations out there are. It's certainly an interesting experience to visit places that were old before the first stone of the first building of San Dorado was even laid - before Sir Siegfried set sail, even. Which makes me wonder how we'll do over the next 150 years... But I guess that's up to the Lady Fortune to decide. Still, I have to say that over the last few weeks I've grown quite a bit more optimistic about the chances of our fair city-state, and indeed of the world itself. We're not there yet, but all things considered we could be in considerably worse shape."

"Indeed. As fate would have it, the Emperor of the oldest surviving power on the continent is now on one of the youngest nations on Nova Terra." Raising his glass. "A toast to San Dorado and Byzantium. May we always be friends, unless the world should break beneath us, at the end of times."