SDNWorld Redux: Story Thread the Fourth

[Coyote]

"You're right about that," Arik said. "Hell, in my frustration, I'd forgotten about ISCA and INTERPOL, too," the Canissian King said with a wan smile. "I guess a lot of unimpressive nuts-and-bolts agreements got hammered down, but with all the drama-Queen stuff..."

"People are frustrated," Garrett said. "There's acrtual dying and tension and consequences here."
"Yeah," Arik agreed, "It's not like the first time around," he said, his voice low, even though they were the only ones there. The bar staff was government contracted and instructed --and paid-- to leave the area when world leaders started talking in low tones.

"First time around," Arik said, "Didn't feel as real. Life and death felt cheap, if you know what I mean. But yeah, this time, there's a sense of reality. It's getting to us. And as for a United Nations, well..." he gave a chuckle, "Let's just say that it doesn't have to be like the original. You know, all those times we used to sit around and disparage world leaders and talk smack... this is hard."

"Yes," Garrett said, "Yes it is," his own memories going back to a brief time in his life when he felt death was certain, and the angry hornet buzz of bullets flying by made sure he understood that. Now it seemed, paradoxically, to be both centuries ago, and yet at the same time, maybe like it was just last week.

"Well, anyhow," Arik said, "Here's to us who tried, eh?" he said with a smile.

[Steve]

"Indeed."

After a pause, Stephen decided to shift gears a bit. "You know, after you so kindly hosted me and my family several years back during my Old Continent tour, I'd feel rather bad if I didn't get to give you the same courtesy. Before you leave, how would you and your family likely to spend a couple days at my new family home? It's a nice, cozy place up in the Cascades that's not even an hour's drive outside the city. Sophia's been wanting to wind down there for awhile now that we have little Adrian running around and I'm sure your kids might enjoy the chance to have more room for playing around." (OOC: Yeah, I kinda forgot that when we finished up the Hank/Garrett Frequesue Adventure plot, I revealed that my avatar's wife was pregnant with child #4.)

[Beowulf]

"Well...", President Shady began, "This is quite a surprise."

He leaned back in his chair, with a smile on his face.

"Let's get straight down to business.", Shady said, "Beowulf, you want the UCSR out of Livorno. Fine, that can happen, but in return we want your forces, all of them, out of Port Nike. We want you to close that base as a military installation, perhaps it can be converted to civilian use, we also want your assurances that you will not station forces there again. Also, we want Tian Xia to stop interfering in the Costa situation, that matter is best resolved by the peacekeeping forces currently present there. I believe this will be enough to calm the NFT and the rest of CATO's Freguese members, and our withdrawal from LIvorno will make you happy."

Shady paused for a moment before continuing.

"I will make one thing clear; the AFSR has been a longtime ally of the UCSR, as such we will not allow others to take advantage of our departure from it's lands. We will withdraw our forces, but we still remain friends to the people of the AFSR.", he said and smiled, "That, should sum things up quite nicely. Is this solution, satisfactory to you?"

"Glad someone could take a hint from that mess that was the summit. I find all of the preceeding acceptable. There's already a plan drawn up for the transfer of Port Nike to the Department of Public Security. They'll provide security and maintain the base. Any military forces that arrive will be due only for distress reasons, such as aircraft needing to land immediately, or ships needing a port. Such forces would be limited by their very nature. I insist that that an observer from CATO be stationed there, because, after all, if something isn't verified, someone doesn't care. Someone not from the NFT, I think. There may be bad blood between us, but that isn't the location to heal that.

"I became convinced that the Costa situation would resolve itself, and the carrier strike group has already been redirected to its normal patrols. They've actually been gone since the day that Canissian peacekeepers put boots on the ground.

"I wouldn't imagine that you wouldn't remain friends of the AFSR. You've been there too long for that to be otherwise. I propose that all this be implemented by, say, 8 months from now. I imagine it'll take you a while to close down your base, and I know it'll take a while for Port Nike to be fully ready for a civilian caretaking force."

ooc: Given the time differential between the summit (which this immediately follows) and current game time, this would be effective immediately. And what happened to wanting me to assist in getting rid of the Costa gas weapons?

[Coyote]

"Indeed."

After a pause, Stephen decided to shift gears a bit. "You know, after you so kindly hosted me and my family several years back during my Old Continent tour, I'd feel rather bad if I didn't get to give you the same courtesy. Before you leave, how would you and your family likely to spend a couple days at my new family home? It's a nice, cozy place up in the Cascades that's not even an hour's drive outside the city. Sophia's been wanting to wind down there for awhile now that we have little Adrian running around and I'm sure your kids might enjoy the chance to have more room for playing around." (OOC: Yeah, I kinda forgot that when we finished up the Hank/Garrett Frequesue Adventure plot, I revealed that my avatar's wife was pregnant with child #4.)

"I like that idea," Arik said, brightening. "I'll call up the ladies. I need to see how Sophia's doing and give he rmy best now that you've had number four. You know," Arik said, laughing, "I find it easier to have one kid per wife, actually, than to have the one wife produce the whole basketball team. But that's just me," he laughed as President Garrett shook his head in mock dismay.

"Hey," Garret said, "Rufus Shinra is still hanging out here. Mind if I call him over?"
"Good by me..."

[RogueIce]

"Hey," Garret said, "Rufus Shinra is still hanging out here. Mind if I call him over?"
"Good by me..."

Rufus Shinra had been debating going into the lounge when President Garrett waved him over. Smiling, he walked up to the table.

"Is this table reserved for those with diplomatic cred left, or can any old bum join in?" he asked with a smile.

[Steve]

"No, not at all. This is a meeting for those of us above the age of 10 when it comes to international politics."

[DarthShady]

"Glad someone could take a hint from that mess that was the summit. I find all of the preceeding acceptable. There's already a plan drawn up for the transfer of Port Nike to the Department of Public Security. They'll provide security and maintain the base. Any military forces that arrive will be due only for distress reasons, such as aircraft needing to land immediately, or ships needing a port. Such forces would be limited by their very nature. I insist that that an observer from CATO be stationed there, because, after all, if something isn't verified, someone doesn't care. Someone not from the NFT, I think. There may be bad blood between us, but that isn't the location to heal that.

"I became convinced that the Costa situation would resolve itself, and the carrier strike group has already been redirected to its normal patrols. They've actually been gone since the day that Canissian peacekeepers put boots on the ground.

"I wouldn't imagine that you wouldn't remain friends of the AFSR. You've been there too long for that to be otherwise. I propose that all this be implemented by, say, 8 months from now. I imagine it'll take you a while to close down your base, and I know it'll take a while for Port Nike to be fully ready for a civilian caretaking force."

"I am quite pleased that we have been able to agree on this.", Shady smiled, "It proves that there is still hope for us."

"As for Costa thing, now that there are peacekeepers in the Costa, and there is some sense of order restored to the country. I believe an election can be held to give the Costa people the chance for a new and better future. One that they would chose for themselves. We will of course allow the peacekeeping trio to handle the matter."

"As for the observer...", Shady paused for a moment, "I would suggest the PeZookians. They have not involved themselves with the bickering on the summit, so it is my opinion that they would be best suited for the task."

"8 months is agreeable. It will as you say take some time to get things done.", Shady smiled, "Now Gentlemen, shall we have a toast to celebrate our new found understanding?"

[Siege]

Narrative
The fall-out from the failure of the world summit was appalling. Worldwide One filled the airwaves with pundits and talking heads who placed the blame for the failure squarely at the feet of the MESS. Newspapers ran inflammatory headlines. Police presence on the streets of the Central Districts almost tripled. Even then, riots erupted in front of the embassies of Wilkonia, the Shinra Republic, even Canissia and Byzantium. It didn’t take an astute observer to notice that in the latter two cases the riot police arrived far quicker to relieve the besieged diplomats.

Six days after the return of Commissioner Duquesne the Syndicate almost unanimously approved the largest order of military hardware in years: hundreds SAM batteries, air defense radars, stealth cruise missiles based on leased UCSR designs. Retail chains began removing Messican products from their shelves, to be replaced with local or OC alternatives. Whether it was Shinran candy bars or Wilkonian guitars, whole ranges of products suddenly fell out of consumer favor. On the SDSE and C-Next the share prices of several corporations with major holdings on Messica went into freefall, whilst stock in defense companies soared.

And there were rumors floating around the backrooms of NFT power: the Syndicate had voted to impose a comprehensive trade ban with Tian Xia, but the President had personally vetoed it; the SSGN fleet had sortied in the depth of night; the Special Arsenal had been opened. No-one knew to which extent the rumors were true, and no-one in the Paragon was talking.

What was all too plain to see even from the Sprawl of San Dorado City however was that the number of launches from Camp Kittyhawk AFB had increased almost geometrically. These were so-called ‘black launches’, as any cab driver could tell you. No-one was supposed to know what was going on, but everyone knew: orbiters in gunmetal grey of the Rocket Forces were coming and going, their flights simulating nuclear strikes on targets the world over.

On the prairies of Coilerburg airborne forces were seen practicing in full NBC gear. When approached by local media about the fact that the exercises seemed to revolve mainly around rapid deployment in a post-nuclear combat zone, the NFA had ‘no comment’ to share.

The days dragged on, and it became increasingly clear that the NFT was preparing for a colder war. The whole of northern Frequesue seemed to hold its breath as tensions grew, and grew, and grew, from summer all through the late-year monsoons.

And then, as the new year approached, there was the sudden news of the December Accord. There was an understanding, the media said. A gentleman’s agreement had been signed, the media said. They said a whole bunch of other things that no-one really understood, but what was universally comprehended was that somehow, the worst of the cold had suddenly dissipated.

Tensions deflated like a leaky balloon. It was as if the collective populace of the NFT released a breath it hadn’t known it’d been holding. The onset of winter brought a new lease on life. The frayed nerves of a people on the edge finally found time to unwind a little. The stock market, depressed for months, suddenly sprain back into action.

But after mere days the euphoria drained away, to be replaced with a single question that resonated through the halls of power: What now? An accord had been reached... But old ill will had not nearly been buried deep enough to have been forgotten. So what was next, for CATO, for the MESS, for the world?

[Raj Ahten]

“That is an excellent question”, the President nodded and sipped his wine, a Chardonnay from Indhopal’s Salandar province. “I believe a good start would be to formulate a series of first principles that both of us can agree and adhere to. Matters such as continued and increased stability in the CFR, non-aggression, binational consultation on military and territorial matters, perhaps some low-key joint exercises or officer exchange programs- all this to get us used to one another and avoid future misunderstandings.”

"I don't believe cooperation on such maters would be a problem. Indhopal's military and especially intelligence communities have always seen San Dorado as good partner in certain matters. These days border security programs and developing the capabilities of the Occidental security services would be the most logical places for cooperation. On that front Indhopal will be retiring its harrier jump jets from service. Some are slated to go to the Yorkshire Militia's; Indhopal would be willing to give the Occidental a number of them as well. As far as exchanging officers go, I recommend a liaison program at a high level so that no one misinterprets a test launch or the like."

Sidney frowned slightly. “I have to admit, the antipathy harboured by such an apparently large part of the Indhopali populace against the NFT simply for its membership in CATO is a source of concern for me. We’d like to rectify this issue, and the best way to do so is through continued cooperation- although maybe an advertising campaign or two might contribute as well.”

"If your going to do a PR blitz I recommend making it as public and high profile as possible. That would deflect any criticism of it being a secret move by intelligence agencies or any other such nonsense. Perhaps we could co sponsor a fair of some sort showcasing the fruits of our economic cooperation as well?"

“But yes, luckily there is a lot to talk about, cooperation-wise.” Sidney smiled. “Jenny Ralson asked me to tell you she appreciates you not cancelling her contracts over the Occidental issue. I believe that the way we managed to settle that matter is proof that Indhopal and the NFT can build a mutually beneficial working relationship even without the FTO.”

“As far as MESS-CATO tensions are concerned… They are an unfortunate reality, though I don’t personally see them so much as tensions between the two alliances, rather than as between CATO and select members of the MESS.” Sidney looked the Indhopali President straight in the eye. “We both know who and what I’m talking of. Unfortunately the rest of the MESS appears content to sit back and let their allies ruin their image as a collective, thus making it their collective problem.” He shrugged. “Frankly there isn’t much I can do about that.”

"On the matter of the contracts and Indhopal's concerns over the Occidental, I believe an apology is in order from Indhopal. That could have been handled much better on our end. You hear nothing from us for years while the NFT has been assisting the Occidental. Then suddenly hear we come with our concerns, out of the blue.

Well I have another move Indhopal is considering and I don't want it to be a surprise to you this time. I'll just come out and say it; Indhopal is considering forging a Defensive pact with Japanistan. Myself and the Indhopoli people are sick of the power politcs often played between some members of the MESS and CATO. Joining either MESS or CATO isn't an option. No one messes with Japanistan. With them in my corner I would have the strategic weight to give Tian Xia pause if they were ever to move against Indhopal."

[RogueIce]

"No, not at all. This is a meeting for those of us above the age of 10 when it comes to international politics."

"Well, I do my best," Rufus said as he sat down. "I had a chat with Minister Berman, during that break. Telling him to tone it down. Would've done the same with Doyle, if I could've found him. But it was apparently too late. My attempts to try and settle things didn't work out, since people decided to take that as an insult for some reason. I guess because I wasn't specifically calling names, but trying to remind everyone we could be more civil." Rufus shook his head. "Maybe that was a mistake? But then, I've generally believed that you praise in public, reprimand in private." Arik and Stephen nodded. Through some combination of real lives, the past lives of the persons they became, or both, all three of them had had military experience. So that old adage was familiar to them. "I didn't want to start a round of finger pointing at who started what, when my intent was to stop said finger pointing in general. But I suppose everyone had already gotten their backs up and it was too late for that."

[PeZook]

Virtue Of Courage, p.4



The huge pirate crawled over the hammocks and threw a hand grenade onto the ship's deck. The hot shrapnel scattered around, wounding several cadets. The pirate himself howled like a wild animal and shot the nearest man with a pistol he was holding in his other hand.

Jumping onto the deck, he pulled another hand grenade from his belt and rushed towards the bridge. It took several precious seconds before the ship's defenders realized he managed to get through, and by that time, he managed to run over to the bridge and throw the grenade up, where it landed near the steering wheel.

He laughed, watching the explosion. As he turned around looking for more targets, his erupted in agonizing pain. He fell on the deck, blood gushing through a nasty wound on the back of his head. Commander Bosak pulled her firefighting axe out of the body and ran up the stairs.

The steerman was horribly wounded by shrapnel, and an orderly was trying to administer CPR. The captain took the wheel himself, his uniform tattered and torn, his cap lost somewhere.

"Good job, commander!", he said calmly upon seeing the commander, "Has the fire been taken care of?"

"Yes, sir!", she replied instinctively, amazed at the image she was seeing. The captain stood there, amongst smoke and whizzing bullets, with a bullet-ridden PeZookian naval jack flying proudly in the background.

"Excellent! Get first watch to the deck and have them join the defence!"

Just then something screamed through the air across the bow and splashed into the sea, throwing up a huge fountain of water. A dull thud of a gun firing followed, catching up with the round after a split-second.

"Jesus christ!", a watchman screamed in terror. He looked in the direction the shot came from and froze.

"What is it, son?!", the captain demanded

"There's a gun on that ship out there, sir!"

Dębkowski didn't comment. He turned the wheel instead, crushing a third speedboat under the bow. The forceful moves betrayed frustration and anger, yet he tried not to show them.

"Let them come!", he finally snarled, "If they want this ship, they will have to take it piece by piece!"

"Captain, we have no chance!", Kraft yelled, running up from the lower deck, "They can easily sink us!"

"Duly noted, Mr. Kraft! Now return to your post!"

Somehow, the sheer stubborness of their captain bolstered the crew's determination. They redoubled their efforts, tending to the wounded, blasting pirate speedboats with jets of water and raking the ones further away with accurate rifle fire. The naval jack flew proudly above the ship's masts, even when it seemed that any further resistance would be futile.

Suddendly, the pirate mothership was bracketed by artillery fire. A second salvo soon followed, and an excited watchman yelled, "Sir! Smoke, seven o'clock! NFT colors!"

A mighty cry echoed from the decks, repeated after the third salvo smashed straight into the pirate mothership. The Varuna moved towards the battle at flank speed, firing salvo after salvo in a magnificient display of punitive firepower.

Minutes later, when the mothership started listing and taking on water, a pair of Canissian-marked F-18s screamed overhead. The remaining pirates scattered in confused chaos, as their mothership belched a cloud of smoke and fire. The fighters turned and performed another overflight, to excited cheers of the Virtue Of Courage's crew.

"Sir, it's the Varuna!", the watchman duly reported, watching the ancient cruiser as it drew closer, "They're signalling...", he paused, watching the flags, "And asking if we need assistance."

"Mrs. Bosak, please signal the Varuna back that we require medical assistance. Mr. Kraft, please go down to the infirmary and request that the doctor reports on the number and state of the wounded. Engines all stop."

The signals were sent, and soon the cruiser pulled alongside the Virtue Of Courage. It heaved to and lowered a small motor launch, which immediately shuttled several orderlies and medical supplies over.

As NFT cadets from the Veruna clambered aboard, a young man approached commander Kraft and saluted.

"Ensign-cadet Mahendra Singh, acting first officer,sir! I bring a message to captain Dębkowski!"

"He's on the flying bridge, ensign.", Kraft pointed the young man in the right direction and went back to supervising his men, who were moving the wounded onto the main deck. The butcher's bill wasn't all that severe, especially in light of how agressive the attack was: ten wounded, two of whom heavily, and two dead. No members of the ship's crew has seen battle before, though, and they were all quite visibly shocked, now that the adrenaline has dropped.

Captain Dębkowski surveyed the scene solemnly from his station at the flying bridge, as Mahendra Singh approached and saluted again. It took a few seconds for the PeZookian commander to grant him attention.

"Captain, commodore Tahilani instructed me to invite you aboard the Varuna in his name at your earliest convenience."

"Thank you, ensign. Please inform your captain that I shall visit him as soon as my crew and ship are secure. And be sure to thank him for his timely assistance."

"Certainly, sir!"



Later that evening

The sun was coming down already, illuminating the gruesome battle scene and the two ships floating side by side. The Royal Jones didn't sink yet, but burned instead, casting an eerie glow on the entire scene. A Canissian frigate was circling around the area, picking up survivors, and motorboats still ferried people to and fro all three vessels. The frigate's helicopter has already evacuated the wounded to a hospital in downtown San Dorado, and all that was left was the mopping up.

Captain Dębkowski boarded the Virtue Of Courage's launch and was ferried over to the Varuna in the early hours of the evening, eager to thank commodore Tahilani in person. He gazed at the ancient gun cruiser, which reminded him of his old ship so much - especially the cadets, dressed in full ceremonial uniforms, manning the rails. A bosun's whistle announced his launch's arrival.

"Captain Dębkowski from the Virtue Of Courage, requesting permission to come aboard!", he uttered the ceremonial phrase to the bosun's mate manning the ramp.

"Permission granted! Welcome on the Varuna, sir!"

"Attention! Officer on board!", another bosun called.

Dębkowski straightened out his uniform jacket, saluted the flag and finally shook hands with the cruiser's commander.

"Commodore! I'm glad to finally meet you."

[Lonestar]

Dominion Defense

Hard working ODN returns to port
With the fall of the Cortes Junta and the mass surrender of the remaining Sirnothi units in the field, the ODN has begun to return to it's homeports for much needed yardwork. The war saw the most naval gunfire support missions since WW2, with several thousand shells being fired upon enemy positions during the war.

The Amphibious units have also been worked hard in supporting the war effort, and will continue to do so as The Shinra X Corps and Dominion II Corps prepare to exit. The Augustine II Guards Division and Dominion VII Corps will remain to help with security. The PCA has already determined that surviving Sirnothi army personnel will remained employed to aid in the reconstruction while war crimes investigations are pending. A PCA spokeswoman said "our goal is to get a free Sirnoth on it's feet as fast as possible…"[More]

[Siege]

"I don't believe cooperation on such maters would be a problem. Indhopal's military and especially intelligence communities have always seen San Dorado as good partner in certain matters. These days border security programs and developing the capabilities of the Occidental security services would be the most logical places for cooperation. On that front Indhopal will be retiring its harrier jump jets from service. Some are slated to go to the Yorkshire Militia's; Indhopal would be willing to give the Occidental a number of them as well. As far as exchanging officers go, I recommend a liaison program at a high level so that no one misinterprets a test launch or the like."

Sidney scratched his chin. “On one hand Harriers would be excellent tools for Occidental, which has preciously few paved runways. On the other hand, those are by no means easy craft to fly or maintain. But with the proper training I’m sure they will come in handy. And yes, I think a liaison program such as you propose would be a good idea. And of course we’ll be happy to work with you on guaranteeing the security of Eastern Occidental- might I also suggest a joint law enforcement task force concerning itself with the CFR? Its task would be to combat human trafficking, apprehend war criminals and other activities associated with the continued instability in the central CFR territories.”

"If your going to do a PR blitz I recommend making it as public and high profile as possible. That would deflect any criticism of it being a secret move by intelligence agencies or any other such nonsense. Perhaps we could co sponsor a fair of some sort showcasing the fruits of our economic cooperation as well?"

“A continental, or possibly even world, fair sounds like an excellent idea”, the President beamed. “As for advertisements, we’ll launch a public image campaign then. Show off the tropic beaches, burgeoning industry, happy people, that kind of thing.” Sidney grinned. “We’ll be sure to make it sugar sweet, for easy consumption.”

"On the matter of the contracts and Indhopal's concerns over the Occidental, I believe an apology is in order from Indhopal. That could have been handled much better on our end. You hear nothing from us for years while the NFT has been assisting the Occidental. Then suddenly hear we come with our concerns, out of the blue.”

“Oh, there’s really no need for apologies”, the President waved it away. “No-one got hurt and we all came out ahead in the end, so it’s water under the bridge as far as I’m concerned.”

Well I have another move Indhopal is considering and I don't want it to be a surprise to you this time. I'll just come out and say it; Indhopal is considering forging a Defensive pact with Japanistan. Myself and the Indhopoli people are sick of the power politcs often played between some members of the MESS and CATO. Joining either MESS or CATO isn't an option. No one messes with Japanistan. With them in my corner I would have the strategic weight to give Tian Xia pause if they were ever to move against Indhopal."

A slight frown crossed the face of the President. Then he shrugged “That’s… not entirely unexpected: we heard about the visits of that Japanistani delegation. The Byzantines probably won’t like it, but I’m sure you know what you’re getting yourself into and I can’t honestly say that Japanistan has given me much cause for concern recently.” He paused briefly. “Still, I can’t help but think that such a pact comes with a price, which may be steeper than it initially appears to be. Look at where entanglement with Japanistan got the Sheppos.” Sidney shrugged again and smiled. “Then again you’re probably thinking similar things about us and CATO, so who am I kidding. I understand your position, and if Indhopal profits from this deal then it’s a fair bet we’ll profit as well, in one way or another.”

[Ryan Thunder]

Note to the Supreme Leader

Successful launch of GGM-15.0A Mourning Star rocket component with dummy warhead and guidance occurred at 815 hours. GGM-15.1 guidance system to be tested next week. Construction of the warhead has been delayed by mechanical issues at the refinery complex.

[Beowulf]

Ares Blog

Construction work at Cape Race

Construction has been spied taking place at Cape Race. This is possibly related to the classified MS-1A. No further information is yet available.

JASSM-XR reaches service

The AGM-158K AKA JASSM-XR has reached service. It is known to be an extended range variant of the ER, produced by lengthening the airframe. Released information shows a 1200 nm range.

T-7 advanced trainer starts entering service
The T-7 advanced trainer is a replacement for the aging T-38 and T-45 trainer designs. ...

[RogueIce]

Amphibious Squadron Five Returns Home!

After supporting coalition efforts to overthrow the Cortes Regime in war-torn Sirnoth, the Shinra Republic Navy's Amphibious Squadron Five (PHIBRON-5) is returning home following its extended deployment. After a period of yard work and well deserved leave, PHIBRON-5 will rejoin its parent Battlegroup.

In other Navy news, several Gorgon-class frigates, which saw service in the Sirnoth Conflict, are expected to be decomimissioned and transferred to the Old Dominion, who will distribute them among the Organization of Impact Crater Archipelago States...

((OOC: PHIBRON-5 comes home, and I get to unload some of my Halifax type frigates. Yay!))

[Raj Ahten]

A slight frown crossed the face of the President. Then he shrugged “That’s… not entirely unexpected: we heard about the visits of that Japanistani delegation. The Byzantines probably won’t like it, but I’m sure you know what you’re getting yourself into and I can’t honestly say that Japanistan has given me much cause for concern recently.” He paused briefly. “Still, I can’t help but think that such a pact comes with a price, which may be steeper than it initially appears to be. Look at where entanglement with Japanistan got the Sheppos.” Sidney shrugged again and smiled. “Then again you’re probably thinking similar things about us and CATO, so who am I kidding. I understand your position, and if Indhopal profits from this deal then it’s a fair bet we’ll profit as well, in one way or another.”

President Ahten had been paying very close attention to President Hank's response on this matter. If San Dorado had raised serious concerns on the mater, any deal with Japanistan would have had to be considered even more carefully. Plus San Dorado was likely to mention this to its allies further gauging world reaction to a possible pact with Japanistan.

"I'm glad we understand each other in these matters. Believe me when I say that any arrangement with Japanistan would be very carefully considered indeed. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss before we turn to working out the details to our new programs?"

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Down by the naval base in the north side of Stasograd

The MiG LFI had gone for tests for many years and after much work, it was finally ready for acceptance. Many of the parts and electronics and design were subcontracted out to various CATO members. The fighter rolled out of the hanger, to be applause of many dignitaries and company officials, and a few CATO generals.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming. The MiG LFI is again an accumulation of much joint efforts within CATO. A number of wing parts for example are fabricated by BAM, while the avionics and integration a joint work between Kontos Munitions and MiG, the landing gear produced by Royal PeZookian Aeronautics, a number of support structures by Blue Brothers of San Dorado, and some work also accorded to the Duchy of Bearne.

So after many years, we have finally produced an aircraft, the MiG LFI. To be dubbed CF/CFN-01, the LFI will be the initial model of the aircraft and it will be powered by the RD-33M and will strictly for air to air. It will be subsequently upgraded with a new engine in the LFMS, the RD-33M-X, that will allow it to carry more weapons in its internal bay, from 6 to 8. The LFMS is a full multi-role craft.

Byzantium and the UCSR have indicated that they will purchase the aircraft in large numbers, and many of these aircraft will subsequently be upgraded to the LFMS model."

A test pilot came out and boarded the aircraft and then flew the aircraft into the air. Pulling some very sleek maneuvers, testament to the BAM and MiG engineers who worked hard to design the aircraft. The pilot then proceeded to a weapon test. A S-500-F drone flew in the sky at high speed (MACH 2). The pilot targeted the aircraft, and then fired a R-77M2 missile, which struck the target with ease and to the applause of the audience.

[Siege]

"I'm glad we understand each other in these matters. Believe me when I say that any arrangement with Japanistan would be very carefully considered indeed. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss before we turn to working out the details to our new programs?"

"I believe we've handled all our most pressing concerns. I do wonder though if perchance you know what the status is of the h-bomb project?"

[Beowulf]

semi-unreal time
Port Nike
North Frequesque

It had taken a month of further diplomatic negotiations after the initial agreement had been reached between between President Shady of the UCSR and the Huang-Di of Tian Xia. Today was the day that the agreement would actually be signed. It had been arranged for Shady and Beowulf to fly in, along with other interested parties, as they wished.

Following the signing ceremony, the TXN would be turning over command of the base to the DPS. This wasn't because the troops were leaving immediately, but was the beginning of the spin down of military control of the base. The current timeline had a TXAF RED HORSE squadron remaining until days before the deadline. That squadron was to be the last military unit to leave, with the TXMC troops being replaced months before by DPS officers.

---

YPB-1F testing

"What have you done to my poor Bone?!"

"As you can see, we eliminated the forward bomb bay. We'd have preferred the aft bomb bay, but turns out that we'd end up just losing both. Doors are still there for the forward bomb bay, so if necessary, we could remove the equipment in the aft half of the forward bay and get a bay large enough to fit an AGM-156K in. Takes a hour to do so though.

"Forward half of the bay contains your new crew members. Unfortunately, that's a permanent modification. We'd have the saw the plane in half, again, to remove it. The new crew members are your sonar operators. They control the sonobouy launchers and monitor them after deployment.

"Other bits of new equipment, besides the obvious sonobouy launchers in the front of the air craft, are the Defensive Anti-Missile System. We're not sure if it'll reach the production birds or not. Nestled between the sonobouy launchers are the defensive missile launchers. The missile design itself has been worked on since the early 60s, but never actually reached production until now."

"That looks like a UFO!"

"Yes. The shape provides for identical drag in any orientation, allowing it to be launched in the direction of the incoming missile, instead of being launched forward and then turning to meet it. But that's not all!"

"I was wondering why the tail cone's reshaped and I had less fuel."

"That's the laser CIWS. We borrowed it from the Navy. Unlimited shots in the rear hemisphere. Unfortunately, it's a power hog. We needed to seriously upgrade the generators to provide power. Also, if it's in use, you'll slow down slightly."

"So how is the DSO supposed to know where and when to use them?"

"There are two new sensors installed. The first goes into the spike between the H-stabs. It's a small AESA radar. Additionally, we stole a page from the F-35, and have included a Distributed Aperature Sensor. Basically, it's a bunch IIR sensors allowing you to see in any direction. The computer is capable of classifying and giving warning on inbound threats for acknowledgement. In conjunction with a blue force tracker system, in full automatic mode, it should be capable of identifying friend from foe, and automatically engage the foes without any user intervention. However, we currently still have that disabled.

"I'd hope so. I don't want to get melted by my wingman."

"Offensive weapons-wise, we've mounted two AMRAAMs to the forward weapons-bay doors. Other weapons to be cleared include the Mk-50 with Longshot wing kit. We're looking at two options for how to carry them. One is to use the CRL, which means we can load 8 in a bomb-bay. But there's more flexibility in carriage. We can put Mk-50s and AGM-156Js on for example. Or put two depth charges in tandem on a position. The other option is to reuse the 1klb bomb rack. Gives us 10 per bay, but less flexibility."

[DarthShady]

Semi Unreal Time
Livorno, AFSR

An agreement was made between the Huang-Di of Tian Xia and President Shady of the UCSR. According to that agreement the UCSR's forces in Livorno would be relocated elsewhere. One destroyer 21956 would move to the NFT, to form a NFT Expeditionary Destroyer Squadron consisting of itself and 2 Udaloy-II type destroyers. Other three destroyers 21956, Yasen SSN and others, including all aerial assets are to be relocated to The Duchy of Baerne. This relocation would begin as soon as the official signing ceremony is finished in Port Nike.

OOC:[[As Stas suggested, so shall it be done. ]]

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Constantinople Times

100KW FEL laser demonstrated for the first time

Years of work has paid off at the laser laboratories at the Thessaloniki Technical University, with the first 100KW FEL laser demonstrated. The FEL laser in question is however pretty large compared to their solid state laser counterpart; about the size of a five storey building. Work has started on a Megawatt class laser, and another research group will work with Kontos Munitions to shrink the current 100KW setup. The laser was constructed underground facility to conduct studies on nuclear matter.

(OOC: Essentially a larger version of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility)

[DarthShady]

Pravda: The Langley Deal

Moskva class helicarrier, en route to Langley


With the undergoing modernization of the UCSR Navy and construction of new ships, more and more older Navy ships are being sold or gifted to fellow CATO allies and friendly nations, with the intent of bolstering their own Naval capabilities. The first of such deals was made with the Duchy of Langley. Two Moskva class helicarriers of the UCSR Navy have undergone the service life extension programme (SLEP) and will now be delivered to the Duchy of Langley. This ships are expected to serve the Langley Navy for many more years. These ships also come with a compliment of UCSR's Yak-141M planes.

Yak-141M in flight

[CmdrWilkens]

Unreal Time
Q1 2016

/OOC Back before I lost my files /OOC

MSA Announces crew listings for Daedalus Program

Earlier today the MESS Space Agency, in a conference held at Johnson Space Center, Shinra Republic, announced the crew listings for the first eight missions of the Daedalus program which represents the agency's attempts to catch FASTA in the effort to be the first to place a perosn on the surface of Selene, our closest natural satellite. In the midst of the competitive atmosphere the announcement was notable in that it included a listing for a FASTA cosmonaut, Colonel Lev Titov of the USCR, who is participating in the program as part of an astronaut exchange which sent Lieutenant Commander Raquel Luna of Canissia to FASTA to participate in their moon shot.

Planners and administrators were also glad to point out the continued support of Cascadian authorities who, though they remain only associated with and not fully integrated within the MSA, have been able to submit three additional officers to the MSA training program. With the total contingent of non-MESS members numbering an even half dozen the planned moon shot, on either the 6th or 7th mission, will represent a huge cross-section by having MESS, CATO, and unaligned astronauts onboard all at the same time working together. The full listing is below...

Daedalus 1:

• None, automated systems test

Daedalus 2:

• Pilot: CDR Boyd Gordon (WKIN)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Megan Fox (SRAF)

Daedalus 3:

• Pilot: LTC Theodore White (WKAS)
  Co-Pilot: CDR Nathan Fellows (SRN)
  Mission Cdr: COL Hayate Yagami (TXAF)
  Flight Eng: MAJ Heather Lee (ODAF)

Daedalus 4:

• Pilot: CDR José Jiménez (ODN)
  Co-Pilot: LTC John Perry (SRMC)
  Mission Cdr: MAJ John Meadow (WKMC)
  Flight Eng: LTC James Blunt (CAF) [Canissia]

Daedalus 5:

• Pilot: LTC Bai Kong-Rui (TXAF)
  Co-Pilot: MAJ Jessica Youman (ODMC)
  Mission Cdr: COL Kyle Kano (CA) [Canissia]
  Flight Eng: COL Brent Johnson (WKAS)
  Mission Spec: LT Peter Rodgers (RCN) [Cascadia]
  Mission Spec: MAJ Roger Cuthbert (SRA)

Daedalus 6:

• Pilot: LTC Megan Fox (SRAF)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Sagara Sanosuke (TXAF)
  Mission Cdr: CDR Boyd Gordon (WKIN)
  Flight Eng: LT Luo Xiao-Li (RCN) [Cascadia]
  Mission Spec: CDR Willow Rosen (CN) [Canissia]
  Mission Spec: COL Harold Winston (ODMC)

Daedalus 7:

• Pilot: LCDR Michael Nylander (ODN)
  Co-Pilot: MAJ William Culling (RCAF) [Cascadia]
  Mission Cdr: MAJ John Meadow (WKMC)
  Flight Eng: COL Lev Titov (USCR)
  Mission Spec: LCDR Xiao Aolun (TXAFN)
  Mission Spec: LTC Jullian Davies (SRA)

Daedalus 8:

• Pilot: LTC Theodore White (WKAS)
  Co-Pilot: LTC Michael Neuvirth (CA) [Canissia]
  Mission Cdr: CDR Nathan Fellows (SRN)
  Flight Eng: COL Edwin Aldrin (TXAF)
  Mission Spec: CPT Harold Mackensen (RCAF) [Cascadia]
  Mission Spec: MAJ Heather Lee (ODAF)

[CmdrWilkens]

Regular Time
MSA Using Daedalus 6 Astronauts to help promote Icarus Program

Today the MSA began an ambitious program to help sell its costly Icarus program to legislators from various MESS member states as well as the legislatures of several closely associated space programs. The program itself represents the MSA's "blueprint" for getting to Mars, the planet nearest our own. While considered both feasible and of huge potential for furthering our understanding of the solar system many have been skeptical of the nearly trillion ROB committment that the MSA is asking for over the next decade and a half.

Intent on seeing the program fully authorized now that they have a sapcecraft capable of the lift requirements administrators at MSA's main operations center in the Shirna Republic have begun using its most storied astronauts in testimony to legislators promoting both the huge gains in scientific understanding made as well as the less tangible benefits of going beyond our own planet.

Major John Meadow, of Wilkonia, has testified before both the Wilkonian Parliament and the Canissian House of Commons. His now famous response to Heitor Garcia y Lanteron (MP-Guatemala City) is being used in a series of public information spots: "Why this, because it's Next. Because we came out of the cave, and we looked over the hill and we saw fire; and we crossed the ocean and we pioneered the west, and we took to the sky. The history of man is on a timeline of explorations and this is What's Next.[see notes]"

The agency is hoping the advertising along with the broad cross-coaltion nature of the testimony will help fund the program completely with its ambitious goal of landing a person on Mars before 2030. Given that the next few months may see the first person to set foot on Selene, our moon, the program is very ambitious.


[OOC note]For sake of full disclosure the quote is 99% taken from the "West Wing" episode 2.9 "Galileo" but I think it fits perfectly.[/note]